Laminate Flooring - Repairing Locking Laminate
Installation \ Laminate\Laminate Flooring - Repairing Locking Laminate
The entire laminate installation system (Chapter XVI of the 2009/2010 F-5061) is available for download online at http://www.armstrong.com/common/c2002/content/files/15948.pdf

M. REPAIRING LOCKING LAMINATE

Minor Repairs
Minor chips or scratches can easily be repaired using a color-matched Laminate Flooring Touch-Up Kit or Filler Kit.

Major Repairs - Close to a Parallel Wall
  1. In case of a major problem with the locking system, it is possible to replace an entire piece of the flooring. In most cases, just remove the moulding from the walls nearest the damaged board (Fig. 41).
  2. Remove the boards by unlocking them Fig. 42). You can work in either direction, carefully working back to the damaged piece.
  3. Replace the damaged board with a new one. Reassemble the floor (Fig. 43).


Major Repairs - In Center of Room (Repair is Permanent)
  1. Check replacement board for damage, size and fit.
  2. Mark damaged board 1-1/2" (3.81 cm) from ends and sides. Drill 3/16" (4.76 mm) holes in corners and at relief cuts (Fig 44).
    Fig. 44
  3. Set saw depth to board thickness. Cut along lines and remove center section. Make relief cuts using drilled holes as visible stop.
  4. Carefully lift and pull center length cut first, then work into corners to remove end pieces last.
  5. If the floor was installed with Armstrong Laminate Glue, clean factory edges using a sharp chisel. Remove glue from top of groove using a tongue and groove cleaner tool or a small piece of laminate with tongue edge.
  6. Prepare replacement board by removing bottom of groove on end of side (Fig. 45).
    Fig. 45
  7. Carefully remove tongue from end of the board with a sharp utility knife.
  8. Clean area thoroughly and test fit. Check for high edges and adjust fit using 120-grit sandpaper.
  9. Apply Armstrong Laminate Glue to top of tongue and bottom of groove.
  10. Carefully place the new piece into the opening. Press firmly.
  11. Remove all residual glue on the surface with a clean, damp cloth.
  12. Make sure all edges are even on either side of the joints. Apply heavy pressure for at least 24 hours. Use heavy weights.
  13. Make sure that the weight is evenly distributed across the new piece.


N. REPAIRING GLUED LAMINATE

Minor Repairs
Minor chips or scratches can easily be repaired using a color-matched Laminate Flooring Touch-Up Kit or Filler Kit.

Major Repairs
  1. Acclimate the replacement boards.
  2. Check replacement board for size and damage.
  3. Mark damaged board 1-1/2" (3.81 cm) from ends and sides. Drill 3/16" (4.76 mm) holes in corners and at relief cuts (Fig. 46).
    Fig. 46
  4. Set drill and saw depths to board thickness. Cut along lines and remove center section. Make relief cuts using drilled holes as visible stop.
  5. Using a pry bar, lift floor and place 1/2" (12.7 mm) dowel or pipe under factory joint. Using pliers or available laminate floor repair tools, remove middle piece of long joint first, then work into the corners with end pieces removed last (Fig. 47).
  6. Use a piece of countertop laminate or similar material to protect underlayment. Clean factory edges using a sharp chisel (Fig. 48). Remove glue using a tongue and groove cleaner tool or a small piece of laminate with a factory tongue and groove.
  7. Clean factory groove using router and Armstrong router bit (Fig. 49). Any damaged factory tongue should be routed. Make sure router depth is set exactly. Place Armstrong spline into grooved end joint and any areas of damaged factory tongue.
  8. Prepare replacement board by routing off factory tongue short end (Fig. 50). Remove bottom lip of groove on three sides, leaving long edge factory tongue. When removing bottom of groove, cut the thickness of a saw blade into the board.
  9. Thoroughly clean area and dry fit board. Check for right fit and make any necessary adjustments.
  10. Repair the existing underlayment with polyethylene tape, or remove and replace it with new underlayment. Do not overlap onto existing underlayment.
  11. Remove splines, and fill the newly milled grooves in the opening with Armstrong Laminate Flooring Glue. Use a small piece of spline to force the glue into the grooves (Fig. 51). Insert the spline into position from left to right so as not to trap glue in the groove.
  12. Apply glue under the notches of the replacement piece (Fig. 52).
  13. Carefully place the new piece into the opening. Press firmly.
  14. Remove all residual glue on the surface with a clean, damp cloth.
  15. Make sure all the edges are even on either side of the joints. Apply heavy pressure for at least 24 hours. Use heavy weights (Fig. 53).
  16. Make sure that the weight is evenly distributed across the new piece.