Can Water Damage Make Laminate Flooring Swell?

The answer

Yes. Pergo states that moisture entering laminate joints and layers can cause swelling and curling, and that humidity changes can make laminate boards swell or shrink.

Why

Pergo states that moisture forced into laminate joints and layers can cause swelling or curling. Its rising-floor guidance separately says humidity fluctuations can make boards swell or shrink, so a raised floor should be distinguished from one that is simply constrained by inadequate expansion space.

When it is usually OK

• Moisture reached the laminate joints or layers and swelling or curling followed.
• Humidity changes coincided with visible board expansion.

When you should not

• Do not assume every raised floor is direct water damage; Pergo also identifies inadequate expansion space as a cause of a rising floor.
• Do not use repeated wet cleaning when the manufacturer recommends lower-moisture care.

Risks and exceptions

• Repeated moisture penetration can cause swelling, curling, discoloration, or laminate failure.
• A rising floor can also result from insufficient expansion space rather than direct water damage.

Best practice

Stop adding moisture, follow the flooring manufacturer's care guidance, and determine whether the problem is direct swelling/curling or a rising floor caused by inadequate expansion space.

Alternatives

• Use vacuuming and damp mopping where Pergo recommends those lower-moisture methods.
• Follow the exact laminate product's care and repair instructions.

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