Laminate countertops are a better option compared to vinyl and granite countertops. There are many reasons to prefer laminate over other materials. But, the laminate countertops will be damaged if they are exposed to water and moisture. This is a common problem seen in homes. The water gets trapped beneath the laminate and causes damage to the surrounding area. Here is the Proper Procedure for how you can repair your laminate countertops.
Common Causes Of Laminate Countertop Water Damage
It’s very important to try and find the source of water leakage, as the problem needs to be taken care of at its root before any attempts to fix it. If problems persist after doing so, there may not have been enough time put into trying to resolve the issue, or it might just not have been handled correctly.
Leaking Faucets
Within mid-range priced faucets, there are compression washers that retain the water-tight seal within the pipes and joints. These are often above the level of the sink surface. This means water dripping slowly down from the tap can leak directly onto countertops over time without realizing it.
The countertop may instantly swell when made contact with water. Additionally, a hole will be drilled through the first water-tight layer of laminate, which exposes the porous core making it all that more susceptible to swelling from any moisture that comes into contact with it.
Broken Seal Between Sink And Counter
A sink with a broken seal is more of an annoyance than a serious problem, but if the water starts to cause damage to the flooring around it and you’re forced to remove the offending sink, you’ll also have to replace the damaged sheet below. This can be very expensive, so when was the last time you checked to see whether or not your sinks have that all-important sealant?
Damage Or Deep Scratches on Laminate Surface
Laminate kitchen worktops are designed so that base materials such as chipboard, plywood, and MDF can be used. These types of softwood are extremely porous and expand when wet, making them unfit for a counter or tabletop. Apparently, hidden away in these woods are millions of air-filled pores which let water, bacteria, and other contaminants through. In this way, laminated kitchen worktops create a water-proof clean surface to be applied to these woods that don’t have the quality finish required for use as an actual solid kitchen worktop.
Allowing you to use cheaper components by fitting them with a quality finished product from one reputable supplier. Water can be destructive to hardwood flooring. If the laminate is damaged and water managed to seep into the wood below, it will rapidly absorb water and start to bubble or manifest other signs of damage. This can happen from any small puncture or scratch on top that allowed water to slip underneath.
The Proper Procedure For Repairing Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops are a good option for budget-oriented people. Laminate countertops are easily available and cost much less than granite and other natural stones. The look and feel of the countertops seem like a natural stone, but it is quite less in cost. Laminate countertops are getting popular because of their low price and easy maintenance. It is made of pressed layers of recycled paper and plastic laminate. The laminate countertop is available in a wide range of colors, textures, and patterns.
Your laminate countertop is one of the best additions you have made to your kitchen. The reason for that is that laminate countertops are long-lasting, beautiful & stylish. However, you may have to face a new problem that you might not have thought about, that is the water damage. If you are in a situation like this, then you need to find out a way to fix that damage.
That is why we brought this blog which will help you to find your way out of the water damage problem. You can fix the water damage problem in the laminate countertop by using adhesive. You need to replace it entirely if the water damage issue can’t be fixed.
Step By Step Procedure
The water that is splashed on countertops during cooking, the water that is dripped from wet dishes, and the water that falls from wet utensils. All of these can damage your countertops, especially your sink’s countertop. Even just a little water can cause a lot of damage to your kitchen’s countertops, but all is not lost. Here are the steps you can do to repair your water-damaged countertops.
Step #1. Remove Your Sink
If you have ever had a large amount of water spilled on your laminate countertop, you probably ended up with bubbling and swelling under the laminate. If the swelling due to the water damage occurred near the sink, you have to remove the sink first. Carefully remove the sink so as not to damage the laminate of the countertop any further.
Step #2. Use Grease Pencil
Mark the swollen portions of your countertop with a grease pencil after removing the sink. Feel through the swelling areas and make a note of both ends. A straightedge may be used to double-check that you drew on the correct location. Transfer the mark to the inner side of the countertop (where the sink used to be) after double-checking it with a straight edge.
Step #3. Measure And Cut
To cut across the designated part of the countertop, use your oscillating tool and a wood cutting blade. Do not remove the entire piece and leave a hole in your countertop. Simply make ¼-inch in height parallel to the damaged surface. When cutting, use caution and try to maintain it as straight as possible. Do not cut through the top of the countertop by tilting the blade upwards. Cut as deep as the bulge’s edge.
Step #4. Straight Edge
Place a straight edge over the swelling region. Several clamps may be required depending on the breadth of the enlarged area. Also, double-check that the clamps you’re using on your straightedge are compatible. Then, using the clamp and the straightedge, make a dry fit and feel around the edges.
Step #5. Painter’s Tape And Glue
After clamping it down and clearing out the bulging area with a few swipes of your scissors, place some painter’s tape in the bulge to prevent any accidents while you get your gorilla glue together. Once you have smoothed out the glue with a little water, put a little of it into the space you slit open using a putty knife, and take care of that bottom area! Then use your straight edge and the clamp to squeeze your slot into shape.
Remove all the excess glue by wiping it away with the cloths. Leave the straight edge and clamp in place for a couple of hours to ensure they adhere properly, then remove them when you’re done. You should notice that this affects the sink significantly less than before, so you’ll be able to fit your new one back in as desired without any issues.
Is It Possible To Repair Water-Damaged Laminate Countertops?
Countertops can be costly, but they may also break. If this happens to a countertop you own or know of, there are ways that the countertop may be repaired rather than having to buy and replace the whole thing. The sections below will explain how and when it is possible to repair countertops.
When Countertops Can Be Repaired:
If you have minor damage to your countertop, such as dark spots caused by spills or light bubbling or delaminating, these can sometimes be repaired easily and cost-effectively. It will depend on the type of damage sustained and the length of time this issue has been going on for, along with what type of counter was used. Some types of laminate cannot be fixed without completely replacing the laminate material, but others may be able to be sanded back down to just below where the damage occurred.
When You Need To Replace The Countertop:
If the top layer of the countertop has seen significant shrinkage, delamination, or swelling, it is usually time to tear it out and replace it. Even if the problems are slight but broad, such as throughout the entire counter, attempting a repair may be too much labour. If the problems remain and a repair is tried, the result may never be satisfied or completed.
Also Read : Sealed Vs. Unsealed Granite: How To Know When To Seal Your Countertops?
Getting Water Stains Out Of Laminate Countertops?
Water damage on your counters might take the shape of bulges or streaks. There are two types of stains you should be aware of. Deep stains and surface stains. Deep stains differ from surface stains. Surface stains are white spots on your hardwood surfaces. It’s possible they’re deep stains if they’re a dark brown or even black tone. Surface stains can be removed by rubbing the affected area with a pad of extremely fine wire wool and lemon oil.
Here are the steps to remove deeper stains:
Step #1. Sand
Sand your countertop surface in the direction of the grain. Do this gently.
Step #2. Bleach
Blot some bleach on it after sand the stained surface. Do this repeatedly until the stain is removed. If the stain does not wash away with blotting, apply some bleach overnight and leave it for at least a few hours. If regular bleach doesn’t work, you can try industrial bleach. Remember to read and follow the directions on the commercial bleach.
Step #3. Clean
Clean the discolored area of your countertop after using bleach. Rinse thoroughly and dry. After your kitchen countertop is completely dry, use a food-safe oil on the surface to bring back the color. Start by rubbing a small amount of oil into the surface – make sure you get into all of the grooves and crevices of your marble tile if you’re looking for maximum results. Work in small circles to spread the product around evenly and repeat until you’ve reached the desired level of shine.
Is Water Damage A Part Of My Insurance Coverage?
The good news is that if you have house insurance, kitchen damage is covered. Repair costs, on the other hand, might be quite stringent. Insurance adjusters may employ contractors on your behalf, which might be beneficial or detrimental to you. You won’t have to seek for contractors yourself, which is good.
That would be bad since you wouldn’t be able to vet contractors as you see fit. The best course of action is to advise with an attorney about what to do about insurance adjusters and the expense of water damage restoration.
Final Verdict:
It’s no secret that repairing and restoring laminate countertops is a major headache. They can be dented, scratched, chipped, and are often water damaged. The information provided in this blog post should help you with some of the minor damages you may have to your laminate countertops.
The damage may be caused by any number of things, but the solution is simple. We hope this post will help you restore your laminate countertops and make them appear brand new! If you have any questions or concerns, don’t forget to tell us your valuable feedback in the comment section.
FAQS:
What is the best way to fix a swollen laminate countertop?
After you’ve exposed the swelling section of the substrate, sand it flat and apply a strong coat of cyanoacrylate glue to fix it (and lock all those loose fibres together). Check the flatness with a bit extra sanding. Keep in mind that this isn’t a wedding cake or even a brand-new countertop, so perfection isn’t required.
Can laminate countertops be recovered?
Simple approaches and, in certain situations, basic home materials can be used to restore your chipped and deteriorating laminate countertops. You can fully convert your countertops for less than $400 if you want to give them a new appearance but are on a budget.
