How To Fix Floor Gaps- DIY Tips

Floor gaps are one of the most common occurrences in laminate floors. A few can appear and in no time more gaps develop between the planks. Floor gaps can look like anything from a creaky wood floor to an outright eyesore. Luckily there is a solution to repair those problem areas with a floor gap fixer that provides solutions to creaking floors and loose tiles. If you are ready to tackle the problem, browse through our selection of all Fix-A-Floor products to see which one is best for your floor.  

Understanding Floor Gaps

Floor Gaps slowly happen over time, but how? And why do they seemingly get worse over time? Well, temperature changes and moisture play a role in the creation of floor gaps and if not monitored closely can increase over time. The problem with floor gaps is relatable across most homes. Regardless of the type of floor, gaps can start to happen and if not taken care of early could get worse. 

Floating floors especially tend to have problems with gaps as there’s nothing holding them into place causing a great deal of shift. Since floating floors don’t require the use of nails or glue there is nothing to secure them from moving over time.  

The expansion and contraction of laminate floors is something that naturally happens with incremental changes to the weather. Before you know it, you’re faced with several floor gaps, so what do you do? 

DIY Solutions for Floor Gap Fixing

For anybody with laminate flooring, what starts as a common household problem can develop into a major issue if not treated early. The good news is a floor gap fixer can be just the tool that fixes your floors.  

Solutions for Floor Gap Fixing:

Step-by-Step Instructions:  

1. Inspect the gaps. Locate your problem areas first by tapping with a wooden dowel or broom handle, paying close attention to where the gaps are located and proceed to mark them with chalk or tape. Chances are you know the areas but take a close inspection to not miss any gaps.
2. Apply the adhesive. Slowly fill the gap using the Fix-A-Floor tube tip manually or loaded into a caulking gun. It’s important to go slowly to avoid spillage. Once you’ve filled the holes wipe down any excess adhesive that has spilled out to not stain your tiles. 
3. Push the laminate plank back into position and hold it in place for 30 seconds to a minute.
4. Apply weight, placing a ½ way-filled 5-gallon bucket of water or something of similar weight to apply the necessary pressure needed to cure. Provide a minimum of 24 hours to allow it to cure.
5. After the 24-hour curing period, remove the weight and witness your laminate floor now free of any gaps or shifting. 

Tips for Laminate Floor Gaps

First, observe the situation. All flooring shifts a little, but if there start to be noticeable gaps it's because they didn’t properly lock or shifted too much over time. It could be a light shift that might not require immediate attention. If the gap persists, then it should be time to use a laminate floor gap fixer. 

Tailoring the Fix for Laminate Floors 

Laminate floors that have endured gaps can be easy to fix with the right floor gap fixer and repair kit. Typically, laminate flooring starts to separate due to over-expansion. It’d be worth your time to repair those parts of the floor rather than replace them.  

Choosing the Right Filler: When repairing laminate floors, it’s best to use the extra strength Fix-A-Floor with the precision injector kit. The adhesive in this laminate floor gap fixer is suitable for laminate floors and is also compatible with underfloor heating. 

When sealing laminate floors with Fix-A-Floor be sure not to drill into the subfloor and slowly inject the adhesive into the void underneath. 

Squeaky & Creaky Floor Solutions

Squeaky floors are another issue you could face over time. Not addressing what might seem like an annoying hindrance can end up becoming a safety hazard. Make sure to locate the creaky areas, typically they’re the areas with the most wear and tear.  

The Fix-A-Floor adhesive is versatile for floors of all types, so it’s not just limited to laminate floors. It can provide long-term solutions for creaky floors.  

Special Considerations for Squeaky Floors

The key to maintaining long-term floor health can be done through regular cleaning and inspections, as well as avoiding excess moisture to preserve the floor's integrity. 

Summary

Noticing floor gaps in your home can be overwhelming, but there are cost-effective solutions to help solve your flooring problem. 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 Fix-A-Floor adhesive into your floor is available to help fix your floors. Whether you need a wood or laminate floor gap fixer, we have everything you need to act now. Fix your floors yourself today!