Check out some similar questions!

mssuezee · Jan 15, 2008, 06:34 AM

:( Is there anything that can be done to repair laminate flooring that was apparently installed improperly? It was installed on cement that had not thoroughly dried. (Cement was used to level the floor) Also, glued the panels down. I have learned since the install that this should have not been done. Help... I am out a lot of money for something that looks terrible...

RickJ · Jan 15, 2008, 07:28 AM

Here's something to check out/try: Pull the baseboards to see if there is a 1/4" gap between the edge of the laminate and the wall.

If there is not, then you can try cutting it (try a Dremel with the cutting wheel) so that it's 1/4" away from the wall. That might allow for expanding to reduce the buckling.

Of course if it's glued down to a surface that has buckled, then you can only remove laminate, correct the floor under it, then replace the laminate pieces.

mssuezee · Jan 15, 2008, 10:27 AM

Thanks for the info. I will try what you have suggested. I sure can't do it any harm:)

ballengerb1 · Jan 15, 2008, 02:16 PM

Whoever did the install should be tracked down if they did the job for you. Laminate manufacturers generally require the floor be installed over a foam pad to absorb sound and make up for variances in the concrete. Gluing direct to a surface that is never perfectly flat just makes no sense. I hate to say this but sometimes there just isn't a big enough band aide to fix some bad installation jobs. If I did this job for you I'd bite the bullet and tear it out. If I did this job in my own home my wife would have a different use for that bullet.

mssuezee · Jan 15, 2008, 02:38 PM

This person who did the install... he said "trust me" I did... and this isn't the only thing he messed up.

ballengerb1 · Jan 15, 2008, 02:40 PM

Do you know where he lives? How long ago did he do this job and is he a tradesman or just someone working out of his trunk?

mssuezee · Jan 15, 2008, 03:07 PM

This work has just recently been done. We had a house remodeled and now live in it.
He usually works for someone else. He is good only at framing, (Now I know this) but absolutely NOT a finish carpenter. Far as I can tell from getting to know him during this, he doesn't have the money to replace the floor for me. So, I have been "taken to the cleaners" and I wasn't even dirty.

ballengerb1 · Jan 15, 2008, 05:58 PM

Sorry to hear that. The correct fix could run hundreds if not a thousand bucks. Apparently he did not like to read direction very much.