Fixing a raised vinyl floor requires a few basic supplies and some time and patience. First, you’ll need to gather a few tools and supplies: flat-head screwdriver, rubber mallet, mini-pry bar, hammer, level, 3/16 plywood, RV or marine sealant, and self-leveling cement.
Next, inspect the raised vinyl floor for any loose or missing floor tiles or vinyl planks. The loose tiles should be removed and replaced with a similar stone or tile, or a compatible vinyl material.
Use the screwdriver and flat-head hammer if needed, to pry the tiles up.
Once the loose tiles are replaced, use the mini-pry bar and a hammer to chip away any areas where the vinyl planks have shifted or cracked. This will take some time, so be patient and take your time.
Once the area is clean and ready for repair, use the level to ensure the surrounding area is level. If it’s not, then use the self-leveling cement to level it out.
Next, lay down a thin layer of 3/16-thick plywood to create a flat surface, and secure it with RV or marine sealant. Finally, use the rubber mallet to tap each part of the plywood into place and make sure all of the edges are flat and level.
Allow the repair to dry before walking on the area. Once dry, the vinyl floor should look and feel like new.
Why is my vinyl plank flooring popping up?
There could be several reasons why your vinyl plank flooring is popping up. One possible reason is that it was installed over an uneven or unprepared subfloor. If the subfloor was not adequately prepped prior to installation, any gaps or irregularities could cause the vinyl planks to bulge.
Additionally, if you didn’t account for proper expansion and contraction when planning the installation, that could be a factor. Generally, it’s recommended to leave a gap of at least 2mm and no greater than 6mm between planks, and 10mm between walls or other obstructions.
If the gap you’ve left for expansion and contraction is not sufficient, this can also cause your planks to pop up.
It’s also possible that there’s an issue with the adhesive underneath the planks. If not enough adhesive was used in the installation, that could cause the planks to come loose. This can occur if the installer didn’t use the recommended amount of adhesive, or if the adhesive wasn’t allowed to fully dry before installing the next plank.
In either situation, the flooring would have trouble adhering to the subfloor and may begin to pull away.
Finally, it’s possible that the planks are not of good quality. If the planks have been damaged in some way, such as through exposure to excessive levels of moisture, or if the planks are warped, that could cause them to come up.
Additionally, if the planks were not made from a durable material, they may be too weak to withstand regular foot traffic.
It’s important to identify the underlying cause of your flooring problem so that you can solve it appropriately. If you’re unsure of the cause, it’s best to consult a professional who can diagnose and repair the issue.
What causes vinyl flooring to lift?
Vinyl flooring can lift for a variety of reasons, but the most common causes are:
1. Improper Installation – If vinyl planks or tiles have not been installed correctly, resulting in an uneven surface, they may start to come up at the edges or buckle in the middle. This can be caused by an incorrect adhesive being used, tiles not being correctly spaced, or a lack of subfloor preparation.
2. Moisture – Moisture is one of the most common causes of lifting flooring. When areas of the subfloor or adhesive become too wet, it can cause the vinyl to break down and start lifting. To reduce this issue, make sure that any areas that are exposed to water are well sealed or waterproofed, and use a high-quality adhesive.
3. Sunlight – Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will eventually cause any type of flooring to wear down, and vinyl is no exception. Over time, the heat from the sun can cause the planks or tiles to start curling or lifting up at the edges.
To help avoid this issue, make sure that any windows are adequately covered with shades or curtains to keep out direct sunlight.
4. Excessive Weight – Too much weight can cause vinyl floors to sag or buckle, and this can eventually lead to lifting. To reduce the risk, make sure not to overload a room with too much furniture, and avoid heavy objects, like pianos and large pieces of furniture, in areas with vinyl flooring.
Why is my floating floor lifting?
Floating floors can lift when they are not installed properly or when they are placed over a problem floor. One possible cause of lifting is improper installation. This can be because they were nailed down, glued down, or not properly adhered to the subfloor.
Additionally, the subfloor may have too much moisture content which caused the adhesive and boards to swell and lift. Improper acclimation of the flooring prior to installation can also cause lifting.
For example, if the flooring has been in a humid environment prior to installation and has not been given sufficient time to adjust to the temperature and humidity conditions in the space, this can cause the boards to warp and lift.
Other causes of lifting could include uneven flooring, inadequate or missing expansion gaps, and poor quality materials. In some cases, floating floors can react to subflooring imperfections and settle into depressions which can create lifting or telegraphing issues.
Finally, the lifestyle of the occupant can also contribute to the lifting. Objects like furniture and heavy appliances sitting on top of the floor can cause the boards to lift due to the amount of weight and pressure that is being placed on them over time.
Will buckled floors go back down?
Yes, buckled floors can go back down, depending on the cause and type of buckling. In cases of water damage, the flooring may need to be dried and replaced, however if the buckling is caused by changes in temperature or humidity, then simply adding moisture, drying out the area, or adjusting the climate in the space can help the floor settle back down.
If the buckling is structural, then more structural repairs may be necessary. In cases like these, professional help should be sought to properly diagnose and remedy the issue.
Can I Reglue vinyl flooring?
Yes, you can reglue vinyl flooring depending on the condition of the existing adhesive and substrate. You will need to remove old adhesive, clean the surface, remove any loose or damaged vinyl, and apply a new adhesive.
To remove old adhesive, you may need to use a combination of scraping or grinding as well as a chemical adhesive remover. Once the surface has been prepared, you should use a standard flooring adhesive appropriate for the vinyl you are using.
Make sure to read the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the adhesive is suitable for the surface you will be attaching the vinyl flooring to. Be sure to use a proper backer board when installing vinyl flooring over concrete.
If you plan to install over a wood subfloor, use plywood as the underlayment and make sure it is sanded and clean before you begin. When in doubt, it is always best to seek help from a professional flooring installer.
Can you glue down loose lay vinyl?
Yes, you can glue down loose lay vinyl. Doing so makes the vinyl more stable and secure compared to when it is laid as a floating floor. This is because the adhesive helps to prevent it from shifting around and separating.
To glue down loose lay vinyl, you’ll need to buy or rent a vinyl floor adhesive. Follow the directions on the adhesive container, which will likely mean scraping away any existing glue or dirt, and then spreading an even layer of adhesive over the subfloor.
You need to let the adhesive dry before you lay down the vinyl planks. Start at one wall and work your way across the room, making sure to keep the edges of the planks together tightly and to leave no gaps.
Finally, use a rolling pin to press each plank down firmly to ensure the adhesive fully adheres.
Can vinyl flooring be lifted and relaid?
Yes, vinyl flooring can be lifted and relaid. Vinyl flooring is a highly adaptable material that can be easily removed and reinstalled in a different location. Before doing this, however, it is important to make sure that the existing flooring is clean and ready to be lifted up safely.
This will allow for easier removal and a better fit when placing the vinyl flooring back down in its new position. Additionally, only reuse adhesives that can be specifically used with vinyl flooring, and make sure to properly measure out the new space so the flooring fits correctly.
After this is done, the vinyl can be expertly fitted into place, and pressure from furniture can help set the flooring in place.
Will cupped floors flatten out?
Cupped floors can flatten out, but it depends on the material and the severity of the cupping. Hardwood floors, for instance, may have mild cupping due to seasonal changes in humidity levels. The cupping may be minor and should even out over time.
On the other hand, cupping caused by plumbing leaks or excessive moisture can cause more severe cupping. In these cases, you may need to adjust the humidity levels or reinforce the subfloor in order to prevent further cupping or to flatten out the already-cupped area.
Sanding or refinishing the floors can also help flatten them and improve their appearance.