There is no difference there. With floating planks, it is possible that a plank could come loose if heavy furniture is moved across it frequently. Glue down vinyl flooring holds up wonderfully in heavy traffic, and in instances where furniture may be moved frequently across it.
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.
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.
Click vinyl comes in styles with and without attached underpad. Altogether, this is another fine choice for homes. GLUE-DOWN is the most durable of the three and ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic. It's a bit harder and pricier to install, though the planks themselves sell for less.
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.
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.
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.
To get the most out of your LVP you will want to consider what is underneath the flooring. An underlayment provides the proper support to make sure your LVP makes it the long haul.
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.
The lower cost to install vinyl flooring is one of its many advantages, but there are also several problems that can occur if it's not cared for. Scratches can happen easily that will make the floor look dull. The corners of the floor can also start to peel with age.
For residential spaces, 4-6mm vinyl planks are ideal for balancing comfort and durability. These are perfect for living rooms and kitchens where you spend most of your time. In commercial settings, go for 6-12mm to handle the heavy foot traffic of places like restaurants or retail stores.
If you are trying to decide between the two, then for engineered wood flooring floating is usually the best option as you can install it quickly and don't have to worry about which glue to use and how long to wait for it to dry. If you are installing hardwood flooring then using glue may give you a more stable result.
Adhesive failure
When an adhesive doesn't bond properly to the substrate, the problem is often due to dampness in the subfloor, a curing compound on the surface, or weak material or dust on the surface.
Unfortunately, adding insulating underlayment under vinyl flooring will cause the flooring to be unstable. Because vinyl flooring isn't made from wood products, it does not have the same structure that laminate flooring does.
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.
Vinyl plank is very durable, and scratch and water-resistant. It can stand up to the steam and water produced in a bathroom. HOWEVER, it is essential that you seal around the edges of your floating LVP with silicone caulking. You do not want water getting underneath your flooring.
Like wood and concrete, vinyl planks can expand and contract when the temperature changes. Moisture can also loosen adhesive or make planks warp and shift under strain. When buying your flooring, it's a good idea to purchase extra planks or click panels to have ready for the inevitable repairs.
While vinyl usually durable and low maintenance, it can be damaged by certain materials found in many rug pads. Rubber, both the natural and synthetic, is not safe to use with vinyl floors because it reacts with the chemicals found in vinyl and causes staining.
Vinyl flooring can come up due to adhesive failure, moisture problems, temperature fluctuations, improper installation, or wear and tear over time.
Many vinyl plank floors require a glue-down installation process.
Challenging installation
The biggest drawback to glue-down vinyl flooring is the complexity of the installation process. This method requires more skill, precision, and time compared to floating vinyl flooring. Most homeowners choose to hire a professional for glue-down installation, which increases labor costs.
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.