Can you fix vinyl plank flooring separating?

Author: Sally Rohan V  |  Last update: Saturday, August 23, 2025

Side Plank Separation Choose a vinyl flooring putty matching your floor color. Clean and vacuum the gap, allowing it to dry overnight. Apply putty using the nozzle, remove excess with a plastic putty knife, and wipe clean with a damp sponge. Follow putty drying instructions for a seamless finish.

Is it normal for vinyl plank flooring to separate?

Yes it's normal but isn't supposed to happen. This type of flooring has an interlocking feature that degrades over time with traffic and wear. None of the LVP is worth using in my opinion. I would recommend the glue down flooring or hardwood if it was me.

Can you fix vinyl plank flooring that is lifting?

1 Answer 1 The proper way is to replace the piece, but this is either laborious if you have to replace planks until you get to the damaged one, or it is very difficult and risks damaging the rest of the flooring, especially if you attempt lifting it out by lifting and wiggling the whole floor.

Why are my floor planks separating?

Separating floor planks may occur due to various factors such as humidity, temperature changes, improper installation, or subfloor issues. Addressing these issues ensures structural integrity, prevents further damage, and maintains the aesthetics of your flooring.

How do you fix separated vinyl flooring?

Side Plank Separation
  1. Choose a vinyl flooring putty matching your floor color.
  2. Clean and vacuum the gap, allowing it to dry overnight.
  3. Apply putty using the nozzle, remove excess with a plastic putty knife, and wipe clean with a damp sponge.
  4. Follow putty drying instructions for a seamless finish.

Fixing gaps in your vinyl tile or vinyl plank flooring.

Can a piece of vinyl plank flooring be removed and reinstalled?

Vinyl plank flooring is versatile and durable, and with the right care, it can be removed and reinstalled effectively. Whether you have click-lock or glue-down vinyl planks, understanding the removal and reinstallation process is key to maintaining the integrity of your flooring.

Why is my vinyl floor coming apart?

Vinyl flooring can come up due to adhesive failure, moisture problems, temperature fluctuations, improper installation, or wear and tear over time.

Can you glue vinyl plank flooring together?

Gluing your LVP is also more permanent so if you are not planning to continuously redo your floors, this is a great choice. It is also less of a hassle to replace planks if they get damaged. You just take out a plank and seal a new one in.

Is there a way to repair vinyl plank flooring?

Minor damage to LVP floors can often be repaired with a simple touch-up kit. These kits typically come with a putty that can be used to fill in scratches, as well as a sealant to protect the area from further damage. If the damage is more severe, you may need to replace one or more individual planks.

How much does it cost to offset vinyl plank flooring?

The most popular pattern chosen when installing vinyl flooring is the subway tile offset pattern, in which the tiles of each row are offset by half the width of the plank or tile.

What is the best adhesive for vinyl plank flooring?

Epoxy-based adhesives are particularly useful in areas with high levels of moisture or humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. The benefits of using epoxy-based adhesives for vinyl flooring include: Excellent bond strength. Moisture and humidity resistance.

How to fix a vinyl floor that is lifting?

Hair Dryer Method: Gently warm the lifted area with a hairdryer to soften the adhesive. Press and Secure: Press the plank back down firmly and apply weight (e.g., heavy books) for a few hours. Seam Sealer: If needed, apply a small amount of seam sealer under the edge to re-secure it.

What is an acceptable gap in vinyl plank flooring?

The pass level for ASTM F 2199 is such that shrinkage of up to 0.024” / linear foot is considered a “pass”. This equates to a maximum allowable gap of 0.072” for a typical three foot plank, which is more than double the thickness of a credit card.

Can one vinyl plank be replaced?

Yes, it is possible to replace just one vinyl plank; you can replace a damaged vinyl plank floor in a specific manner, regardless of whether it's glue-down, click, or lay-down flooring. Understanding how to replace a single vinyl plank is crucial, as it can save you time and money in the long run.

What keeps vinyl plank flooring from moving?

The glue down method involves two distinct types of adhesives: hard set and pressure sensitive. Hard Set — Similar to a broadloom carpet adhesive, a hard set adhesive spreads along the subfloor — which in turn holds the vinyl flooring firmly in place.

What is the problem with vinyl plank flooring?

Firstly, it can be difficult to install and may require professional help. Secondly, vinyl plank flooring is not as durable as other types of flooring such as hardwood or tile. It is also prone to scratching and denting from heavy furniture or objects being dragged across the surface.

What happens if water gets under luxury vinyl plank flooring?

Excess moisture and water under the flooring can deteriorate and soften vinyl planks. It can also lead to mold growth, setting up a potentially unhealthy indoor environment. Addressing surface-level moisture as well as any water damage under vinyl floors is essential to avoiding a worsening situation.

Why are my vinyl floor planks separating?

Moisture and humidity can significantly impact the stability of vinyl plank flooring. Proper subfloor preparation is crucial to prevent separation issues. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause the vinyl planks to expand and contract, leading to separation.

How to fix floating laminate floor that is coming up?

How to Fix Laminate Flooring that Is Lifting
  1. Identify the Cause of Lifting. ...
  2. Fix Subfloor Issues. ...
  3. Replace Damaged Planks. ...
  4. Use adhesive to reattach lifting planks. ...
  5. Use a Weighted Object to Hold Down Lifting Planks.

Why is my vinyl plank flooring popping up?

Although it's low-maintenance and resilient, there are times when it can lift and buckle. If your flooring was improperly installed or exposed to temperature fluctuations and moisture, the panels may eventually shift or pop up.

Can you Reglue vinyl plank flooring?

If you're LVP is installed with glue, repairs should be relatively painless. Peel up your affected plank using a scraper or other tool with a thin edge. Try not to damage the corners or the surface because if lifting is your problem, you can simply glue it back down.

Why is my vinyl plank flooring not laying flat?

Vinyl plank flooring might not lay flat during installation due to a variety of reasons. These could include an uneven subfloor, improper acclimation of the planks to the room's temperature and humidity, or even the lack of an expansion gap around the room's perimeter.

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