Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - countertop woes

I completed a kitchen remodel about a month agoInstalled were new cabinets, countertop, and dishwasher. Today I noticed that the laminate is starting to swell just above the dishwasher. It looks like the steam? vents from the dishwasher and has caused a moisture problem.

I installed both dishwasher and countertop per manufactures specs. I know what the fix is...new countertop.

What could have gone wrong here? What can I do to prevent this from happening again?

The countertop is not laminated on the underside, nor is it laminated on the underside of the edge/lip that the dishwasher sits under.
Any suggestions???

Thanks for the help.

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Thank you.

Doug Aleshire
Super Moderator 2

Dishwashers, to a greater or lesser degree, will expel steam through the door gasket near the top.
Increasingly, DW mfg's are recommending waterproofing that appliance cavity.
The recommended method is through the use of oil base paint or polyurethane. In some cases a vinyl tape is either included or recommended to be applied to the underside of the countertop to cover the edge of the material or rough top.

I have the same problem with my Laminate Countertop as described below. What can I do to fix this problem? any ideas greatly appreciated.


"I completed a kitchen remodel about a month ago Installed were new cabinets, countertop, and dishwasher. Today I noticed that the laminate is starting to swell just above the dishwasher.

The countertop is not laminated on the underside, nor is it laminated on the underside of the edge/lip that the dishwasher sits under."

**found this question within for forum**

Plastic laminate is applied to particleboard slabs. Once particleboard swells from moisture or steam, there is nothing that can be done. It is helpful to seal exposed edges of particleboard before installing plastic laminate tops to prevent moisture and steam preparation. In the meantime, check your dishwasher seal to make sure steam does not escape, and avoid opening dishwasher during cycle to prevent steam from escaping.

Oh great... I just posted a previous thread about trouble with my laminate countertop and now I read this one about the dishwasher and I am SURE they did nothing special to prevent the particle board from swelling! When I see my Contractor next- is there something they can still do even though the countertop's already ON? (don't dishwashers slide out for repair???) I don't know a thing about construction and never thought to ask about this. I assume the professionals know what they're doing!
deb

Sliding the DW out and applying a preventative sealer should not be a large job. It won't be fun, but is very doable.

Agree with JPicasso on sliding the dishwasher out. The frame of the dishwasher (not the door) should be flush with the rails and stiles of your cabinetry. This will allow the venting to go out past the edge of your laminate and not cause harm.
I punched out a retirement home recently, and had to adjust all 32 dishwashers prior to occupancy. Not sure about the plumber, but I am sure an inexperienced helper did the installation.

Thank you guys... He's still kind of blowing me off~ but we've had a stint of really HOT weather here in NewEngland (as I know a lot of the country's had) so I'm sure they're behind.
I will SHOW him this thread if he doesn't understand what I'm talking about!
deb