If you’re looking for reliable information on sheet vinyl flooring installation,
you’ve come to the smart place.
Understanding the basics of sheet vinyl installation will add to your knowledge
of the process, and enhance your confidence in the installers or in yourself if
you are doing the installation.
So let’s cover these basics.
The first step is to prepare the substrate, the surface on which the vinyl flooring
will be laid.
If installing over a wood substrate, an underlayment will generally be necessary.
Installing over a concrete substrate will not require an underlayment, but will
require some floor preparation.
There are three methods used to install sheet vinyl flooring, depending
on the manufacturer and style. Full Spread means the adhesive is trowled
over the entire substrate.
With Perimeter Adhered, adhesive is only applied to the perimeter of the
flooring, and at the seams.
Floating is a type of installation in which the vinyl flooring is not bonded
to the substrate by any adhesive.
Now, what you should do before installation day, during and after.
Before installation day, remove all furniture and other objects from the area of
installation.
Some installers will move your furniture, but there may be an added charge. We will
be happy to discuss these services with you.
Also, consider how your old floor covering will be taken up and disposed of.
Check with your retailer about the cost and method of disposal.
If you prefer to remove your present floor covering yourself, do it at least one
day prior to installation, to allow for cleanup and floor preparation.
If removing old carpet, pull out the tack strips and the staples out of the floor
from the original pad.
Moldings and baseboards may need to be removed prior to installation.
If you are using professional installers, they may do this but at an additional
charge, and they will probably not be responsible for damage due to dry or brittle
wood. Please consult with us regarding these services.
Painted baseboards, woodwork and paint may need retouching after the installation
is complete. This is your responsibility.
Your existing subfloor may need to be prepared to receive the sheet vinyl, or a
new subfloor may be required.
If subfloor work is necessary, it should be done by qualified professionals.
When vinyl is installed, some doors may not clear the new floor and swing free.
Doors will need to be removed, shaved down to insure clearance and then re-hung.
Some installers will remove and re-hang at an additional cost but may not cut down
the doors.
You may need to arrange for a qualified carpenter to provide this service.
Be sure you’re clear about the clean up, if there are added costs to do so,
and ask about the plan for sheet vinyl remnants.
On installation day, be at home and available. Because it’s difficult to estimate
the length of each job, we may not give you an exact time of arrival if we are doing
your installation.
Keep children and pets out of the work area on installation day.
Prior to the completion of work, you should walk thru the job with the installer,
so you’re clear on final details.
For a minimum of 24 hours after your new vinyl floor is installed, protect all the
seamed areas, don't walk on them or the seam sealer.
Keep the room temperature at 68 degrees or greater for at least 2 days after installation
to allow the adhesives to setup.
Good ventilation should be established for up to 72 hours after installation.
If the vinyl floor was installed using the Full Spread or Perimeter Adhered
method, no appliances should be moved in for a minimum of 24 to 72 hours after installation.
Light foot traffic is allowed after 24 hours.
If the Floating method was used, appliances can be moved in immediately,
and foot traffic is OK immediately following installation.
When it comes to your sheet vinyl installation, we want you to be as smart and well
prepared as possible.
It will make installation day easier on you and your family, and provide your home
with beautiful, professionally installed vinyl for years to come.