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Installation Options
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Rating (on a scale of 1 to 5: 1 is easiest)
4: Felt traditional full spread or perimeter bond method
4: Fiberglass full spread method
3: Fiberglass loose-lay or modified loose-lay method
The biggest installation challenge is cutting the vinyl sheet to size. Vinyl is bulky, heavy and awkward to work with. If this is a DIY project, look for kits that will help you create a pattern and cut the vinyl properly.
Subfloors must be smooth, flat and dry prior to the floor's installation. Vinyl can install over concrete, hardwood, plywood, or an existing resilient floor, as long as the subfloor surface is prepped. You may need to use an embossing leveler to smooth textured surfaces, fill in grooves or patch irregularities.
Installation methods vary with floor construction.
Felt: These floors install with full spread (adhesive spread under the entire floor), or, perimeter adhesive (adhesive around the outside edges) methods.
Fiberglass: These floors can be adhered via loose lay (no adhesive), modified loose lay (adhered to the subfloor in a few strategic spots such as under heavy appliances with double-sided tape or adhesive), or, they can be adhered via full spread (adhesive spread under the entire floor) methods.
Get detailed installation instructions
Keep In Mind:
- Full-spread or perimeter installation (felt or fiberglass ) is more durable than loose lay or modified loose lay (fiberglass). However, this method is more permanent and is difficult to remove if you decide to remove the floor at some point in time.
- Fiberglass floors are more flexible and can be more "forgiving" to minor subfloor imperfections than felt construction.
- Fiberglass loose laid floors can buckle with temperature and humidity fluctuations if not installed correctly. Leave a 3/16" to 1/4" space around the perimeter to allow for subfloor movement.
- Always use the brand of adhesive recommended by the manufacturer. Otherwise, you may nullify the warranty.
- An experienced DIYer can successfully seal a vinyl floor seam. If in doubt, this is best left to a professional.
Floor Score™ is a trademark of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute. |