Laminate flooring will feel bouncy if there’s a gap between the plank and the subfloor. When you step on it or add weight to it, the planks will move downwards, creating a bouncy feeling.
It produces an annoying squeaky sound as it moves up and down. If you don’t fix this problem as soon as possible, your laminate planks will break with time.
What is the Cause of my Laminate Flooring Bouncing?
- The subfloor might be uneven. Bumps on the underlying subfloor will make the floor bounce or bend when you walk on it. It is important to make sure your subfloor is even before installation.
- The laminate flooring has lifted and created a gap. This could be because of using low-quality adhesives for installation. It is good to hire professionals if you’re not in a position to install it by yourself.
- Improper acclimation of laminate planks before installation. With changes in humidity and temperature, the floor will tend to expand and contract. If it is not properly acclimated and lacks expansion gaps, the floor will lift and tend to cause this bouncy feel.
- Water damage. This is mostly if you have installed your laminate on a wooden subfloor. Too much exposure to water will cause this bounciness.
How to fix Bouncy/Squeaky Laminate Flooring
To fix your bouncy laminate flooring, any of these methods will work. I have fixed this problem before, and I am sure this will work for you.
You can hire a professional if you find it difficult to do it yourself.
Inspect for any installation errors
The first thing to do is to check if there are expansion gaps. If these gaps are there and the floor is still bouncy, then the problem has to be on the subfloor.
Rip off the area that is bouncing and fix the problem. You can use an extra underlayment on the area with the hole or the bump.
You could cut a piece of plywood and place it in the area.
If the problem is a lack of an expansion gap, cut down a small piece at the corners, around the walls to create room for expansion and contraction.
Fix any water leakages
High moisture levels could damage your subfloor. Check for any water-leaking appliances and fix them immediately.
Also, check if the roof leaks and fix it. In the future, always wipe off any water spills on your floor. You don’t want to risk having moisture sit for too long on your laminate flooring
Replace the boards
Having made the above corrections, if possible, replace the affected planks with new ones if they are damaged by water. Make sure you use a high-quality underlayment with a water barrier.
This time round acclimate the planks in the room you’re installing for not less than 48 hours. Trim the planks along the wall to allow room for expansion.
How to Prevent Bouncy Laminate Flooring
You can prevent this problem before it occurs If you keenly do the following before installation and after installation.
- Make sure the subfloor is even before installation. Fill in any holes and bumps in the subfloor because an uneven subfloor is a call for disaster.
- Acclimate the planks before installation. Usually for about 48 hours.
- Make sure you leave expansion gaps in areas around the wall. About ½ to ¼ inches wide.
- Make sure you use a good quality underlayment, Preferably an underlayment with a water barrier.
- Wipe off any water spills immediately after they occur. I highly advise against wet mopping your laminate flooring.
- Regularly check and fix any leakages in plumbing, kitchen appliances, and the roof.
