Yes, you can install vinyl plank flooring over subfloor. Before doing so, it is important to consider the subfloor and vinyl flooring that you plan to use. The type of subfloor, such as concrete, plywood, or vinyl, will factor heavily in the type of vinyl flooring you select.
Plywood subfloors are recommended for vinyl plank flooring as they provide a more stable foundation for the planks. However, vinyl flooring can be installed over other types of subfloors, as long as it is a dry, smooth, and even surface.
When installing vinyl plank flooring over a subfloor, it is important to fill any cracks or concave areas in the subfloor with a patching compound. Make sure to use the same material as the subfloor, such as cement or wood filler, so that it adheres properly.
The subfloor also needs to be perfectly level without any major bumps or dips. If the subfloor is too uneven, it can cause the vinyl planks to warp or buckle which can lead to potential damage.
Once the subfloor is ready, you can install the vinyl plank flooring according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically includes laying the planks in a staggered pattern and ensuring that each plank is secured with a fast-drying adhesive.
Depending on the type of planks you have, you may have to start from a specific wall, or the center of the room, to ensure the planks are properly aligned and evenly spaced. Once the installation is complete, use a damp mop to clean the newly installed planks and enjoy your beautiful new floor.
Should I seal my subfloor before installing vinyl plank flooring?
Yes, you should seal your subfloor before installing vinyl plank flooring to ensure a proper installation. Sufficient subfloor preparation and sealing helps ensure that the flooring adheres securely and lasts longer without any vulnerabilities and gaps.
Make sure you use an appropriate sealing material to ensure an adequate seal. Priming the subfloor, preferably with an acrylic latex primer, will also help create a strong bond between the subfloor and the vinyl.
Prior to installing the vinyl, inspect and clean the subfloor thoroughly. Also, ensure the surface is level and even to ensure the planks lay flat. To ensure the Vinyl Planks adhere to the subfloor, it is best to use an appropriate pressure-sensitive adhesive.
Make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe installation.
What should I put between vinyl and subfloor?
When laying down vinyl flooring, it is important to create a solid base for the flooring. To do this, you should install a vapor and sound barrier between the subfloor and the vinyl. Usually this barrier consists of thin layers of plastic, and it acts as a moisture and sound barrier for the flooring and the subfloor.
On top of the vapor and sound barrier, an underlayment should be put down. The underlayment provides extra cushioning and comfort, which helps to protect the vinyl and make it look nicer. Before putting in the underlayment, leveling the subfloor is important.
This helps the vinyl to be properly installed. After these steps are complete, the vinyl flooring can be installed.
Do I need a moisture barrier under vinyl plank flooring?
Yes, a moisture barrier is important when installing vinyl plank flooring. The moisture barrier can help protect against potential moisture damage, whether from a concrete slab, water seepage, or a humid environment.
It can also provide additional sound protection and cushioning under the planks. A proper moisture barrier should be thick enough to prevent groundwater, water vapor, and humidity from getting to the plank flooring.
Depending on the environment, moisture barriers usually range between 6 and 20 mils in thickness. Make sure to purchase the right type of moisture barrier for vinyl plank flooring, as there are multiple options available.
Additionally, the moisture barrier should only be installed after the concrete slab has had 30 days to cure and all water must be fully dried up. Proper installation is key to ensure that the flooring is protected and will last for years to come.
How smooth should subfloor be for vinyl planks?
In order for vinyl planks to lay properly, the subfloor should be as smooth as possible in order for it to seamlessly join together. If the surface of the subfloor has any irregularities or is uneven, it can cause gaps or rocking of the vinyl planks.
To ensure that the floor is even, any high spots should be taken care of and any grooves filled with a high-grade compound. Additionally, the subfloor should be completely clean and free of any dirt, dust, or debris.
After the surface is level, a solvent-based primer should be applied to provide a better bond with the vinyl planks.
Can vinyl flooring be used on uneven floor?
Yes, vinyl flooring can be used on uneven floors. There are various types of vinyl flooring that are designed with flexibility and durability in mind, making them ideal for use on uneven surfaces. For example, luxury vinyl planks (LVPs) are a popular choice due to their interlocking system, which helps to bridge the gaps between sloping surfaces and fill in any dips.
Another great option is loose lay vinyl, which is often used in large spaces and can be floated above an uneven surface to create a seamless finish. Regardless of the vinyl product you choose, it’s important to properly prep the floor before installation by levelling and smoothing out any irregularities.
Properly prepping the floor will ensure that your new vinyl flooring will last for many years to come.
What do you put on floor before vinyl flooring?
Before installing vinyl flooring, you should first prepare the surface of the floor. This process starts with careful cleaning, including removing any existing flooring such as carpet and glue or tacking strips from the subfloor.
Any nails, staples, or other objects should also be removed at this time. After vacuum-cleaning the area, you can use a damp mop or cloth to remove any remaining dust or debris. The surface also needs to be level and even before you can begin installing the vinyl flooring.
High- and low-spots can be leveled out with a self-leveling compound. You also need to make sure there is no remnants of an old moisture barrier from a prior installation, as this can cause issues with the vinyl flooring and the adhesive.
Finally, the subfloor should be dry-vacuumed, and the perimeter of the room should be primed with a sealant before installing the vinyl.
Do you need subfloor under vinyl?
Yes, you typically need to install a subfloor before laying vinyl flooring. In most cases, the subfloor should be a plywood material, ideally at least 1/4” thick. This layer acts as a stable base for the vinyl and helps ensure the flooring lasts for many years.
Additionally, it helps with noise reduction and can even minimize imperfections in the surface the vinyl will be laid out over. The subfloor also reduces the chance of rot or mold due to moisture that can happen with other materials.
Do I need underlayment for vinyl sheet flooring?
Yes, you do need underlayment for vinyl sheet flooring. Underlayment is important for several reasons. First, it provides a smooth, even surface for the vinyl sheet flooring to be laid onto and also allows for easy installation.
It also provides shock absorbency and sound insulation, helping reduce noise and providing comfort. Additionally, underlayment can provide extra protection against mold and mildew if it’s made of a material that is moisture-resistant.
It can also help the vinyl sheet flooring last longer, preventing deterioration and warping. Depending on the type of vinyl sheet flooring you choose, you may need to use a specific type of underlayment, such as an adapted or combined material.
Make sure to contact an expert to get a better understanding of what type of underlayment you require for your project.
How do you prepare a subfloor for LVP?
Preparing the subfloor for LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) starts with a thorough examination of the existing subfloor to ensure that it is clean, dry, structurally sound and level. It is important to correctly identify the subfloor type and condition before installing LVP to ensure the best possible results.
If the subfloor is in good condition, it is not necessary to add a plywood layer. However, if there are any irregularities in the subfloor, such as dips, bumps or excessively soft spots, a plywood layer should be added for additional support and stability.
For a successful LVP installation, the plywood should be at least 3/8” thick and rated for use over the type of subfloor it will be installed on (such as OSB, concrete or tile). Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, the plywood may also need to be fastened with wood screws or ring shank nails.
To ensure that the LVP will adhere properly to the subfloor, a high-quality primer should be applied. A layer of self-leveling underlayment may also be necessary if there are any dips or bumps in the subfloor.
It is also important to check that the room is between 65°F and 90°F, and that the humidity is below 65%, before attempting to install LVP.
Once the subfloor is ready, LVP can be installed using a tapping block and hammer, floating installation or glue-down installation method, as recommended by the product manufacturer.
How smooth does subfloor need to be for LVP?
The subfloor should be as flat and smooth as possible before LVP is installed. Ideally, subfloor smoothness should be within 1/8 inch over a 6-foot radius or approximately 1/16 of an inch over 5’x5’.
If a higher-quality product is desired, preparation to 1/32 of an inch across a 10-foot radius or 5-foot by 5-foot area should be followed. All subfloors should be checked for flatness and levelness prior to the installation of any type of floor covering.
If there are any high spots or low spots, you should use a self-leveler to level the subfloor, taking extra care to feather it out away from the high and low spots into a flat plane. If the subfloor is concrete, check for spalling and fill any holes with a concrete patch.
If there are any larger than normal gaps between boards, fill in with a patch material. Remove any carpet tack strips and smooth out any uneven spots that may have been left behind by strips or nails.
Finally, sweep, vacuum, and clean the subfloor before installing the LVP. Following these steps will ensure the subfloor is ready for the installation of your LVP and will help to extend the life of your flooring.
How do you stop moisture under vinyl flooring?
The most important way to stop moisture from accumulating under vinyl flooring is to make sure the surface beneath the flooring is clean, dry, and level before you install it. It’s essential to check for leaks and plumbing problems, as well as get rid of any dirt, dust, or debris from the subfloor.
If you find any excess moisture, use a dehumidifier to get rid of it. Additionally, check for any humidity or moisture-related issues. If there’s too much moisture in the area, you should invest in a good waterproofing system before applying any vinyl flooring.
It’s also important to install a vapor barrier or moisture barrier between the subfloor and the vinyl flooring. This will help block moisture and help protect the floor. Additionally, make sure the vinyl flooring you choose is moisture-resistant and designed to stand up to moisture.
Finally, maintain the vinyl flooring regularly by cleaning it with a damp mop or gentle cleaners according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This type of care will help protect the flooring from moisture in the future.
How soon can you walk on vinyl plank flooring after installation?
It is recommended to wait four to seven days after installation before walking on your vinyl plank flooring. This is due to the fact that during installation, the adhesive used may still be wet and need some time to fully cure.
Additionally, traffic also affects the curing process, so it is important to ensure that the adhesive has fully dried to ensure the floor’s longevity. If you need to walk on the plank flooring prior to the recommended four to seven days, you can use clean shoes and try to take short steps to avoid putting too much pressure on the floor.
Additionally, you should place blankets or cardboard pieces over the flooring in order to minimize the potential damage done by shoes.
Does plywood subfloor need moisture barrier?
Yes, a plywood subfloor typically should be covered with a moisture barrier. Moisture barriers protect the subfloor from moisture and other liquids that can damage the plywood and eventually lead to rot and deteriorating of the subfloor.
Moisture barriers can be applied as a thin plastic sheeting covering each side of the plywood or as a thin layer of asphalt felt paper covering the top of the plywood. It is most common to use two layers of asphalt felt paper, each overlapping by two inches.
This helps ensure the moisture barrier doesn’t tear or rip and allows for proper ventilation in the space between the subfloor and the top flooring material. A general rule of thumb is to always use a moisture barrier when installing plywood subflooring.
Do I need a vapor barrier between subfloor and underlayment?
Yes, you usually need to install a vapor barrier between the subfloor and the underlayment. A vapor barrier will help prevent moisture from seeping through. It should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions or per local building codes.
Generally, you’ll want to place a 6 mil polyethylene sheet between the subfloor and underlayment. Make sure you overlap the seams by 8 to 12 inches and seal them with tape, then staple the edges at 8 to 12 inch intervals.
If the floor is above grade, you may not need a separate vapor barrier, but it’s always best to double-check with local building regulations if you’re not sure.
Is a moisture barrier necessary?
Yes, a moisture barrier is necessary for several different areas in a home, and it plays an important role in mitigating issues related to excess moisture. Moisture barriers can be employed outdoors in the form of sump pumps or French drains, as well as indoors in the form of vapor barriers placed between a living space and an unfinished space (such as a basement or crawl space), to prevent excess moisture from entering a home and creating problems for the occupants.
Moisture is the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and rot, which can cause expensive damage to your home and harm to your family’s health. Adding a moisture barrier can stop mold and other organisms from growing and spreading in vulnerable areas of your home, reduce the potential for structural damage and wood rot, reduce respiratory issues that come from standing water and moisture, and help prevent structural damage caused by moisture-related swelling or shrinking in certain materials.
With the cost of prevention far lower than the cost of repairing water or mold damage, having a moisture barrier installed in your home is an important decision to make!.