DIY Tips for Fixing Gaps in Your Floor

Floor gaps are one of the most common occurrences in laminate floors. A few can appear and in no time more develop between the planks. Luckily, there are some easy DIY solutions to repair those problem areas. Browse through our selection of Fix-A-Floor products to see which one is best for your floor. By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to fix laminate floor gaps with ease.

Understanding why gaps occur

Floor gaps slowly happen over time, but how? And why do they seemingly get worse over time?

1. Temperature changes and moisture create gaps in flooring.
2. Floating floors, which are neither nailed nor glued, are prone to gaps due to lack of secure attachment.
3. Expansion and contraction of laminate flooring happens naturally with incremental changes to the weather.

Before you know it, you’re faced with several flooring issues that need fixing. So, what do you do?

DIY solutions for fixing gaps in laminate flooring

For anyone with laminate flooring, what starts as a common household problem can develop into a major issue if not treated early. The good news is an innovative DIY solution is just the tool you need.   

Step-by-step instructions for using a Fix-A-Floor  

1. Inspect the gaps: Tap your floorboards with a wooden dowel or broom handle to locate the gaps. Mark the boards with chalk or tape.
2. Apply the adhesive: Slowly fill the gap using the Fix-A-Floor tube tip manually or loaded into a caulking gun. Once filled the adhesive will overflow out of the drilled holes. Wipe away any excess to prevent stains.
3. Reposition the plank: Push the laminate plank back into position and hold for 30 seconds to a minute.
4. Apply weight: Place a weighted object, such as a half-filled bucket of water, over the area for at least 24 hours to allow the adhesive to cure.
5. Final inspection: After the 24-hour curing period, remove the weight and check your floors for any gaps or shifting.

Tips for laminate floor gaps

All flooring shifts a little, with noticeable gaps needing to be fixed promptly. If minor shifts and gaps in your laminate floor persist, it’s time to use the Fix-A-Floor extra strength adhesive with the precision injector kit. This allows for easy and affordable repair on laminate flooring with thin grout lines, as well as areas with underfloor heating, making it highly versatile.

Squeaky and creaky floor solutions

Addressing squeaky floors with Fix-A-Floor

Squeaky floors are another issue you could face over time. If unaddressed, they won’t just squeak, you’ll also be left with a safety hazard. Locate the squeaky floorboards and use the Fix-A-Floor adhesive which works on various floor types.

Maintaining your laminate floors

1. Regularly clean your floors
2. Avoid excess moisture
3. Perform frequent inspections

Simply taking good, general care of your laminate flooring will preserve its integrity.

Summary

Noticing issues like gaps and squeaks in your home can be overwhelming, but there are cost-effective solutions to help tackle these at the core. Doing the repairs yourself can save you the stress and money that comes with outsourcing home repairs. Anybody who can operate a drill can fix their own floors.

Everything from a caulking gun to a reusable syringe to inject the adhesive is available from Fix-A-Floor. Whether you need a laminate, marble, wood or porcelain floor gap fixer, we have everything you need to act now.

FAQs

What causes repair issues in floors?

Repair issues, such as gaps, occur in floors are generally caused by changes in humidity and temperature in your home, causing the wood or laminate to expand and contract. This leads to separation between floorboards. Improper installation, the settling of the building and general wear and tear can also contribute to gaps and wider problems.

Can I use Fix-A-Floor adhesive on floors with underfloor heating?

Yes, the Fix-A-Floor adhesive can even fix floor gaps with underfloor heating, making it one of the most versatile, innovative and accessible DIY solutions.

How do I apply Fix-A-Floor adhesive?

Our motto is to simply drill and fill! Drill holes in either end of your floorboards or the grout lines of your tiles and manually fill or use a caulk gun and apply the adhesive into the holes until it overfills. Place a weighted object on the area you’ve filled and allow to cure for 24-48 hours. Check to see if you need to apply more adhesive or just regrout the holes and you’re finished.

What tools do I need to for repairing gaps with Fix-A-Floor?

You will need a drill, the Fix-A-Floor adhesive, matching grout and a weighted object for the curing process. To make things even easier, use a caulk gun or our syringe kit for even more precise application.

Can I remove floor gaps myself, or do I need professional help?

With the help of Fix-A-Floor, you can remove gaps all by yourself. Our products are extremely user-friendly and work on a host of flooring materials. They’ll save you time and money compared to hiring a professional.

Will fixing floor gaps prevent them from reoccurring?

While fixing floor gaps with our adhesive will provide a long-lasting solution, this doesn’t mean floor gaps won’t reoccur. As with everything, taking good care of your floors and providing adequate maintenance will help prevent issues from coming back. But if they do, you’ll have the Fix-A-Floor adhesive to save the day!