One of the most enticing benefits of this flooring product is the fact that it can easily be installed as a home project and does not require a costly professional installation process. Vinyl plank flooring is typically offered as either a floating or glue-down product.
One of the most well-known ways of placing these floors is gluing them down. This method uses an adhesive tape or liquid glue to bond it to the subfloor. For higher traffic areas this is generally the better option because you don't risk planks shifting in the slightest.
If the subfloor isn't suitable for use of adhesives, then a floating floor might be the best option. If the room or environment is subjected to inconsistent temperatures or the substrate is uneven, a direct glue installation will be the best.
Click flooring will be more comfortable, due to the extra thickness and underlay. However, gluedown is less likely to move and feel the effects of increased foot traffic if it's firmly attached to the subfloor. For this reason, we'd recommend using gluedown LVT in these areas that see heavy footfall.
In general, you can rely on vinyl flooring to last anywhere between 10 and 25 years. A lot of it comes down to how well you look after the flooring, but there are some other factors.
Water can seep into the seams and “washout” the adhesive. If this does happen it can be fairly easily remedied, if only a few planks are affected.
Acceptable Subfloors for Vinyl Plank Flooring
When you glue down vinyl plank flooring over a wood subfloor, a double layer construction of the wood subfloor is required. If the plywood is porous, prep the subfloor by applying a primer that fills the pores and makes the floor ready to accept the adhesive.
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) and LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) are two different types of luxury vinyl flooring. LVT is vinyl flooring designed in a tile shape, whereas LVP is vinyl flooring designed in planks to resemble traditional hardwood floor planks.
Because vinyl is susceptible to changing temperatures, the floor will slightly shrink or contract when temperatures drop, and then expand when temperatures rise. This is slightly less common in sheet vinyl that is glued down, but it can be a challenge for vinyl tiles with a floating installation.
Yes, you can use LVP in bathroom, but don't let the water sit on it for too long or get under it. It may cause mold growth or bad smell and you won't know where it's coming from. So protect the edges and make sure to install it properly. If you decide on a floating floor, tell the contractor about this.
Floating vinyl plank floors are a great choice for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and bedrooms. If you are laying floors in a large and expansive area, a glue down flooring application can provide more durability. Of course, glue-down applications are appropriate for smaller rooms as well.
Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause the vinyl planks to expand and contract, leading to separation.
While it is possible to remove and reinstall vinyl plank flooring, there are challenges you may encounter: Damage During Removal: The edges of vinyl planks can be easily damaged during removal, especially with glue-down flooring. Damaged planks may need to be replaced rather than reinstalled.
The good news is that, depending on the flooring you choose, you essentially have two choices on how to install your luxury vinyl flooring: glue down vs. floating.
¼” plywood works well as a subfloor for vinyl, and you can install vinyl directly over wood.
If unprotected, moisture can build up underneath your laminate flooring and cause warping of the planks.
Avoid using detergents, soaps, abrasive cleaners or products intended to add shine to your floors. These can cause product buildup that may leave a film on your floors and will generally dull their shine over time. Don't use wax or solvent-based polishes. Don't use ammonia or ammonia-based cleaning solutions.
Since most furniture will not go under just one plank, it is perfectly safe for bulky furniture and refrigerators to go on vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank flooring will not be damaged or cracked by home appliances' weight due to its strong durability.
Mold Growth: Mold can thrive under vinyl plank flooring due to moisture. Health Risks: Exposure to mold can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and more serious health conditions. Vinyl Plank Flooring: While durable and versatile, can be a breeding ground for mold if not properly maintained.
To dry out vinyl surfaces, you can use fans, a heater, towels, or a mop. If the water gets under the flooring coming from an area below the floors (like a pipe leak), then you need to fix that first. Then you should follow up with a shop vac and/or dehumidifier to eliminate excess moisture.
Typically, you can expect it to last anywhere from 10 to 25 years. The estimated lifespan varies because the vinyl flooring's durability truly depends on the type, brand, and quality you choose to install. Additionally, how well the floor is maintained can significantly impact its lifespan.
Vinyl will expand when exposed to heat and contract when the ambient temperatures are cooler. The expansion and contraction cause the flooring to shift and buckle. Planks that are closer to windows and exposed to constant fluctuation of heat and cold are more prone to buckling.