Introduction
Celebrated for its custom finishes and affordability, LVP flooring is a popular choice among homeowners. But, despite the convenience of the installation, it does require meticulous flooring preparation to last. If the subfloors are bumpy or there’s old glue residue left behind, the new LVP flooring won’t last too long. So, experienced flooring contractors clean the area thoroughly and repair moisture issues before laying down the panels. If you want to learn how to make your LVP installation last, you should read the following article by SUNSET HARDWOOD FLOORS & REMODELING.
Beneath The Planks: Subfloor Threats To Your LVP’s Lifespan
Are you updating your home’s floors soon? While luxury vinyl plank flooring is an excellent choice, overlooking the perfect base can lead to cracked planks and damaged locking mechanisms pretty fast. From ignoring low spots to skipping vapor barriers, here are a few common subfloor issues that damage your LVP.
Take note as we list them all.
- Raised Bumps
If the subfloor isn’t evened out prior to the vinyl plank installation, it’s going to be bumpy. When you step on it, the pressure will make the plank pivot and will eventually result in the edges chipping and breaking off.
- Dip Spots
Another common subfloor problem is when there are depressions under the planks. These result in a spongy feeling when you walk on top of the spot, strain the locking mechanism, and cause the click joints to separate and break.
- Unsealed Concrete
If you have a concrete subfloor that you don’t want to seal, think again. That porous material will naturally give way to moisture. As the moisture seeps upward, it will break down the adhesive bonds holding the planks in place, loosening and damaging them.
- Warped Wood
Speaking of moisture issues, a hidden leak and high humidity will cause the wood subfloors to swell, cup, and rot. The result? An uneven subfloor will damage planks on top and you’ll have to replace them much sooner.
- Skipping Vapor Barrier
Even if you don’t live in a humid area, a 6mil vapor barrier is a must. It protects the LVP against moisture that shortens its lifespan and safeguards the warranty it originally came with.
- Floor Joist Problems
Aside from all that, floor joists that are placed too far apart or are undersized won’t be able to support the flooring installation either. So, when you walk on top, the planks will bounce and the locking mechanism will weaken.
- Loose Subfloor
If the subfloor panels aren’t secured properly, they will rub up against the floor joists and cause a squeaking sound. The unsteady base will make the LVP on top prone to shifting and wearing down quickly as well.
- Glue Remnants
If you don’t clean the subfloor thoroughly before adding the new LVP on top, any leftover adhesive from the previous floor will create bumps and react with the new adhesives. This will damage the bond and cause your floors to wear down much faster.
- Leftover Debris
If you had some renovation work done in the house and drywall mud, staples, or dirt was left behind on the subfloor, it’s going to create an imprint on the new installation. This will also lead to an uneven subfloor, which will—you guessed it—shorten the LVP’s life.
Protecting Your Vinyl Planks: How To Make Your Flooring Last
Still with us? Good! So now you know everything that can go wrong with the subfloors that damages your luxury vinyl planks in return, but can anything be done about it? Professional flooring contractors ensure they sand down the subfloors thoroughly and replace moisture-damaged areas, among other things, to make your LVP installation investment last. Here are a few insights:
- Sanding & Grinding: All the high spots should be vigorously sanded to smooth out the base.
- Patching & Levelling: Using a self-levelling compound, all the dips should be eliminated.
- Moisture Repair: If the subfloor is damp or rotted, the material should be swapped out with a dry one.
- Thorough Cleaning: The subfloor should be vacuumed to remove any debris left behind.
Conclusion
In conclusion, neglecting the subfloor is a huge reason why your LVP installation squeaks, cracks, wobbles, and doesn’t last. Things like leftover debris and humps add pressure when you walk, while dips and hollows strain the planks too. Similarly, moisture and old glue mess with the adhesive. Be sure to clean the space thoroughly and level it out to protect the installation. We hope this article was informative. For more queries, please ask us.
FAQS
What is the lifespan of LVP?
With proper installation and maintenance, LVP lasts 15-25 years.
How do I clean my vinyl flooring?
Sweep daily, wipe up spills quickly, and avoid harsh cleaners.
How long does the LVP installation process take?
For an entire house, the process would take 2-3 days.
