Installing LVT Floors
Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or you’re having your LVT floors installed by professionals, it’s important to know what to expect from the installation process. While LVT floors are easier to install than most other flooring options, the process is not exactly a walk in the park. You should know how to prepare for your new floors, install them correctly, and care for them after installation in order to make the most of your flooring investment. Read the following guidelines to ensure that your luxury vinyl tile floors are properly installed, but remember that these guidelines may vary depending on the manufacturer.
Before You Install
Control the Temperature
The floor covering, adhesive, and room temperature must be kept within a temperature range of 65°F to 100°F for at least 48 hours before and 48 hours after installation. In certain cases where epoxy adhesive is used, the temperature should not exceed 85°F. When using radiant heat flooring, the substrate should not exceed 85°F. The flooring material should be allowed to acclimate to the temperature of the area in which it will be installed for at least 48 hours in advance.
Prep the Site
Clean up the job site, prep the subfloor, and remove any items that may damage a finished installation. Substrates must be dry, clean, smooth and free from paint, varnish, wax, oils, solvents, adhesive from former flooring and other foreign matter. A properly prepared subfloor is important because any imperfections can show through the newly installed vinyl. This will not only be unattractive, but it will cause uneven wearing. Underlayment panels are intended to provide a smooth working surface, but are not designed to correct or properly cover structural deficiencies.
Use Non-staining Fasteners
Some types of nails, such as common steel nails, cement coated or some resin or rosin coated nails, may cause a discoloration of the vinyl floor covering. If the nail can rust, don’t use it! Use only non-staining fasteners with underlayment panels.
Check the Boxes
There’s not point installing a floor if you don’t have the right flooring to begin with. Before you start, check each box to make sure it is the right style, color and pattern number. Then, check and make sure the dye lot numbers match on all boxes. The sooner you catch an error, the better. It will give you time to order a replacement. Once you have checked all of the cartons, mix tiles or planks from each carton to minimize shade variation.
Check Your Subfloor
Read the manufacturers installation instructions to see if you can install LVT over your current subfloor. Often, resilient products should never be installed over existing resilient, residual asphalt type, or cut back adhesive floors, as it can bleed through onto the new flooring. All adhesive needs to be removed or properly covered before proceeding with the installation. The manufacturer’s recommended adhesive should always be used in order to maintain the manufacturer’s warranty.
Plan Before You Start
When installing, take precise measurements during tile layout. Lay all tiles in the same direction, with all directional arrows pointing in the same direction. With plank layout, it is also important to balance the layout of the plank format. Proper planning and layout will prevent narrow plank widths at wall junctures. Accurately measure the room to determine the center line, adjust this established line to accommodate a balanced layout, and then transpose this line to a comfortable width away from the starting wall (approximately 2’ to 3’ wide). Apply the adhesive in this area and begin installing planks.
When mixing tile and planks for custom installations, you should consider the overall pattern and concept before getting started. The pattern should be carefully calculated and laid out for a successful installation.
When the installation is complete, most floors must be rolled with a minimum 100 pound three-section floor roller immediately after installation. Roll the flooring in both directions to firmly seat the tile into the adhesive.
After Installation
Don’t Walk on Them for At Least a Day
After installation, furniture and foot traffic should not be on your new luxury vinyl tile floors for at least 24 hours. This allows the adhesive to dry completely and your floors to set properly.
Carefully Clean and Protect from Stains
Your LVT floors should not be washed for 48 hours. When they are ready for a cleaning, any adhesive residue on the floors can be removed with mineral spirits. Be careful not to spill oil or petroleum based products on your floors as it can result in surface staining. Use entrance mats to avoid tracking asphalt driveway sealer or automobile oil drips onto the floor.
Regulate Temperature and Light
Floor covering subjected to excessive heat and light exposure is subject to thermal degradation and fading. Use appropriate precautions like window treatments to minimize potential affects on the floor covering. Also, during the life of the floor, the temperature should never drop below 55°F.