Effects of Moisture

• When water spills from the laminated surface of the boards into the unlaminated spaces between them, it eventually can saturate the fiberboard cores. The fiberboard swells as it absorbs the water and distorts the top and bottom layers, thereby warping the boards.
  
  

Preventing Water Damage

• Install laminate floors in areas of your home where spills and humidity are unlikely to occur -- living room, dining room and bedrooms, for example. When spills do happen, wipe them up immediately. And when mopping the floors, use the least amount of water necessary and wipe up any standing water.
  
  

Repairing Water Damage

• Should moisture damage a laminate board, it can be replaced in one of two ways. If the board is near the perimeter of the room, uninstall the flooring to that point, replace the bad board, and then reinstall the rest of the floor. If the damaged board is in the center of the room, contact your retailer. The process of cutting out the damaged board and measuring, cutting and fitting the replacement is best left to a professional.