Laminate flooring has become the go-to choice for many homeowners, and I can’t blame them. It offers the charm of hardwood without the hefty price tag or maintenance headache. But just like every rose has its thorn, laminate flooring isn’t without its quirks—and one of the most frustrating ones is bubbling.
I’ve seen plenty of floors that looked picture-perfect on day one, only to develop those unsightly raised spots a few months down the line. When that happens, it feels like your once-smooth surface has suddenly grown blisters overnight. In most cases, bubbling doesn’t just appear out of thin air—it’s your floor’s way of crying out for help. Whether it’s trapped moisture, poor installation, or even a sneaky subfloor problem, the root cause often lies beneath the surface.
What Does Bubbling in Laminate Flooring Mean?
When laminate flooring starts to bubble, it’s a clear sign that something isn’t quite right beneath the surface. In simple terms, bubbling happens when the top layer of your laminate—also known as the wear layer—begins to lift or separate from the core board underneath. This creates small raised areas, blisters, or soft spots that you can both see and feel underfoot.
Now, many people confuse bubbling with warping or buckling, but they’re not quite the same. Bubbling affects the top layer of the laminate plank, making it look swollen or uneven in patches. Warping, on the other hand, happens when the entire board bends or curls due to excess moisture, while buckling causes the planks to push up against each other and lift off the floor completely.
Think of bubbling as the early warning sign—your floor’s way of saying, “Something’s brewing underneath.” If left unchecked, these small bubbles can spread like wildfire, eventually leading to larger areas of damage or even complete delamination. Catching the issue early not only saves your floor but also saves your wallet from a major headache down the road.
Common Causes of Bubbling in Laminate Flooring
Bubbling might look like a mystery at first glance, but nine times out of ten, there’s a pretty straightforward reason behind it. From moisture sneaking in to poor installation practices, several culprits can make your once-flawless floor start to blister. Let’s dig into the most common causes so you know what’s really going on underfoot.
Moisture Damage
If there’s one villain that laminate flooring fears the most, it’s moisture. Laminate planks are made with a fiberboard core that’s like a sponge—it soaks up water and swells when exposed to moisture. Even a small spill left unattended can seep into the seams and cause bubbling.
Areas like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements are particularly risky. High humidity or water leaks from appliances can easily creep underneath the planks. Once moisture gets trapped and has nowhere to go, the surface starts to lift and bubble, creating that telltale uneven look.
Poor Installation
You could buy the best laminate flooring in town, but if it’s installed poorly, you’ll still run into trouble. Skipping a moisture barrier, forgetting underlayment, or not leaving enough expansion gaps around walls can all spell disaster.
Laminate is a “floating floor,” which means it needs room to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. If it’s jammed too tightly, pressure builds up under the planks—kind of like steam in a sealed pot—eventually causing bubbles to form as the surface layer gives way.
Subfloor Problems
The foundation of any good floor is a solid subfloor. If your subfloor is uneven, damp, or dirty during installation, you’re setting the stage for bubbling later on. A wet concrete subfloor, for example, can release moisture long after the laminate has been installed, leading to swelling and delamination.
Even slight dips or humps in the subfloor can create air pockets under the planks, causing sections of the floor to rise over time. That’s why it’s always worth checking the subfloor’s moisture content and levelness before laying down laminate.
Low-Quality Laminate or Manufacturing Defects
Not all laminates are created equal. Cheaper or poorly made products often lack strong adhesive bonds between layers. Over time, these weak spots can cause the top layer to separate, resulting in bubbling or peeling.
Low-pressure laminate, for instance, tends to be more vulnerable to bubbling compared to high-pressure laminate, which is denser and more resistant to moisture. Spending a little extra on a trusted brand can make a world of difference in how long your floor stays beautiful.
Heat and Sunlight Exposure
Direct sunlight streaming through large windows might make your space look warm and inviting, but it can wreak havoc on laminate flooring. Excessive heat causes the laminate to dry out and expand unevenly, leading to bubbles or lifted edges.
The same goes for areas near heating vents or appliances that give off constant warmth. Without proper ventilation or shading, prolonged heat exposure can make your laminate surface warp or bubble over time.
Common Causes of Bubbling in Laminate Flooring
Bubbling might look like a mystery at first glance, but nine times out of ten, there’s a pretty straightforward reason behind it. From moisture sneaking in to poor installation practices, several culprits can make your once-flawless floor start to blister. Let’s dig into the most common causes so you know what’s really going on underfoot.
Moisture Damage
If there’s one villain that laminate flooring fears the most, it’s moisture. Laminate planks are made with a fiberboard core that’s like a sponge—it soaks up water and swells when exposed to moisture. Even a small spill left unattended can seep into the seams and cause bubbling.
Areas like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements are particularly risky. High humidity or water leaks from appliances can easily creep underneath the planks. Once moisture gets trapped and has nowhere to go, the surface starts to lift and bubble, creating that telltale uneven look.
Poor Installation
You could buy the best laminate flooring in town, but if it’s installed poorly, you’ll still run into trouble. Skipping a moisture barrier, forgetting underlayment, or not leaving enough expansion gaps around walls can all spell disaster.
Laminate is a “floating floor,” which means it needs room to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. If it’s jammed too tightly, pressure builds up under the planks—kind of like steam in a sealed pot—eventually causing bubbles to form as the surface layer gives way.
Subfloor Problems
The foundation of any good floor is a solid subfloor. If your subfloor is uneven, damp, or dirty during installation, you’re setting the stage for bubbling later on. A wet concrete subfloor, for example, can release moisture long after the laminate has been installed, leading to swelling and delamination.
Even slight dips or humps in the subfloor can create air pockets under the planks, causing sections of the floor to rise over time. That’s why it’s always worth checking the subfloor’s moisture content and levelness before laying down laminate.
Low-Quality Laminate or Manufacturing Defects
Not all laminates are created equal. Cheaper or poorly made products often lack strong adhesive bonds between layers. Over time, these weak spots can cause the top layer to separate, resulting in bubbling or peeling.
Low-pressure laminate, for instance, tends to be more vulnerable to bubbling compared to high-pressure laminate, which is denser and more resistant to moisture. Spending a little extra on a trusted brand can make a world of difference in how long your floor stays beautiful.
Heat and Sunlight Exposure
Direct sunlight streaming through large windows might make your space look warm and inviting, but it can wreak havoc on laminate flooring. Excessive heat causes the laminate to dry out and expand unevenly, leading to bubbles or lifted edges.
The same goes for areas near heating vents or appliances that give off constant warmth. Without proper ventilation or shading, prolonged heat exposure can make your laminate surface warp or bubble over time.
How to Fix Bubbles in Laminate Flooring
Bubbling laminate flooring can feel like a punch in the gut after you’ve worked hard to keep your floors looking flawless. But before you panic, it’s important to know that not all bubbles spell disaster. The way you fix them depends on the severity, the cause, and whether the underlying subfloor or moisture issues are still present. Here’s a detailed guide based on what I’ve seen work time and time again.
For Minor Bubbles
Minor bubbles usually appear as small raised spots or blisters that are limited to a single plank or a few planks. If caught early, these can often be repaired without removing the boards entirely.
Step 1: Identify the Cause
Before attempting a fix, make sure the bubble isn’t caused by ongoing moisture. If the problem is still active—like a leak from a dishwasher or high humidity—it will keep coming back. Dry the area completely and control humidity first.
Step 2: Syringe or Injection Method
One of the most effective DIY fixes is using a small syringe and laminate or wood glue:
- Drill a tiny, almost invisible hole in the center of the bubble.
- Inject the adhesive under the raised area, making sure it spreads evenly.
- Gently press down the bubble using a flat block or a roller, ensuring the glue bonds the top layer to the core.
- Wipe away any excess glue immediately to avoid sticky residue.
- Place a heavy object or clamp over the area for 24–48 hours to hold it in place while it dries.
Step 3: Rolling or Pressing
For bubbles caused by trapped air rather than moisture, sometimes just using a rolling pin or a floor roller can flatten the area. Roll from the edges toward the center of the bubble to push air out and smooth the surface.
For Severe Damage
When bubbling is widespread, or planks are severely warped, minor fixes aren’t enough. Severe bubbling usually indicates underlying issues such as persistent moisture, a poorly leveled subfloor, or improper installation.
Step 1: Remove Damaged Planks
Carefully pry up the bubbled planks without damaging the surrounding boards. If the floor is a click-lock system, you may need to remove boards from one side to maintain integrity.
Step 2: Check Subfloor and Underlayment
Inspect the subfloor for damp spots, mold, or uneven areas. Replace any damaged underlayment and level the subfloor if necessary. A smooth, dry foundation is key to preventing bubbles from returning.
Step 3: Address Moisture Sources
Seal any leaks, control indoor humidity, and ensure proper ventilation in high-risk areas. Even the best repair won’t last if water continues to seep under your floor.
Step 4: Install New Planks
Install new planks carefully, leaving proper expansion gaps along walls and ensuring the click-lock mechanism is fully engaged. Double-check that the floor is level and dry before finishing the installation.
Step 5: Prevent Future Issues
After repair, keep an eye on humidity, use rugs in moisture-prone areas, and avoid letting spills sit. Even a small lapse in prevention can bring back the bubbles faster than you’d think.
Fixing laminate bubbles requires a mix of detective work and careful repair. Minor bubbles can often be flattened or glued, but severe cases are a clear sign that the subfloor or moisture environment needs attention. Acting quickly and thoroughly is the difference between a temporary fix and a floor that stands the test of time.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, laminate flooring problems can get out of hand. Bubbling that spreads across multiple planks or keeps returning despite your efforts is usually a red flag that it’s time to bring in a professional.
Signs You Need Expert Help
- Widespread bubbling: If bubbles appear over large areas instead of just a few planks, the problem likely stems from persistent moisture, subfloor issues, or installation errors.
- Recurring issues: If you’ve tried DIY fixes like gluing or pressing down bubbles and they keep coming back, a deeper problem may be at play.
- Hidden moisture: Sometimes leaks or dampness in the subfloor aren’t visible on the surface. Professionals have moisture meters and tools to detect hidden water problems.
- Structural concerns: Uneven subfloors or damaged underlayment can compromise the integrity of the entire floor, which is tricky to fix without proper training.
Benefits of Calling a Professional
Hiring an expert can save you from repeated headaches and additional costs. Professionals can:
- Diagnose the root cause accurately using moisture meters and inspection tools.
- Recommend the right repair method, whether it’s fixing a few planks, replacing sections, or addressing subfloor issues.
- Ensure proper installation when replacing boards, preventing future bubbling.
- Provide advice on moisture control and maintenance, which helps your floor last longer.
When it comes to laminate flooring, sometimes it’s better to spend a little now than to deal with bigger, more expensive problems down the road. A skilled professional can turn a bubbling mess into a smooth, flawless floor—and save you from walking on eggshells in the process.
