Vinyl flooring is a stylish and economical option for homeowners in search of a high-performance, cost-effective floor for use throughout the home. Today, manufacturers such as Amitco, Karndean and Mannington produce high-quality luxury vinyl floors that are as stunning as they are sturdy. Most makers offer both vinyl tiles and sheet vinyl, and the one thing that both styles have in common, is the adhesive that holds them in place. If you’re planning on a DIY vinyl floor install, here are a few quick adhesive facts and tips could really come in handy.
First, be sure to evaluate the subfloor you intend to glue the vinyl to. If you’re planning to install directly over concrete, keep in mind that concrete is porous, and moisture from the earth below can condense on the concrete surface, potentially causing considerable damage to the floor above. In addition, concrete is typically acidic, and the elevated acid levels can affect the adhesive’s hold. Installing a wood composite underlayment like Lauan Plywood over the concrete is an excellent way to eliminate moisture and acid issues.
Typically, both vinyl tiles and sheet vinyl are available in either adhesive-backed and plain-backed varieties. Installing adhesive-backed vinyl is almost like applying a sticker – just peel and press. Installing plain vinyl, on the other hand requires a supplementary adhesive. Many manufacturers offer adhesives that are ideally suited for the task. Armstrong S-235 Multi-Purpose Adhesive, and Bruce Equalizer are a few of the most common varieties. A urethane-based adhesive is usually the best option for any vinyl flooring install, especially in moisture-prone areas. While urethane adhesives contain no water themselves, they are activated by trace elements of moisture. The bond strength of urethane-based adhesives is incredibly powerful, perfect for both residential and commercial applications. Urethane-based adhesives can be applied over a variety of subfloor materials, including wood, cork, gypsum, ceramic, and even concrete or floors with radiant heating.
When using a urethane-based adhesive, use a trowel to apply only as much adhesive as you can cover within 45 minutes. When the glue dries, it is extremely difficult to remove, and may require abrasive chemicals or solvents. However, as long as you are working within the specified drying time, the adhesive will remain in a viscous state, so it is relatively easy to reposition tiles or sheets during the install process.
If you’d like to talk more about vinyl flooring options for your home or build project, please give us a call at 866-705-1340. We’re happy to help. Of course, as with any DIY project, when in doubt, consult a licensed contractor.
February 11, 2012
Vinyl Flooring