While you can’t install luxury vinyl flooring on all types of flooring materials, there are still plenty that don’t require you to tear them up before installation. If you are curious about whether it is ok to install luxury vinyl flooring on your current floors, here is what you need to know.
Solid concrete is an ideal subfloor for luxury vinyl flooring, but there are a few different factors that can affect how well it may work out. Cracks, holes, and general unevenness, for example, can make it much more difficult to install your flooring on top of concrete. Any uneven areas will be noticeable even after laying vinyl on top, so if your concrete floor has any imperfections, you’ll need to address those issues before you install.
Moisture is also a big issue that can damage luxury vinyl flooring over time, so if your basement floor is susceptible to water intrusion, you shouldn’t install your new flooring until you are able to fix the issue.
Wood is one of the most common flooring materials in homes all over the Boyertown area, and it also makes an ideal subfloor to install luxury vinyl flooring on top of. You’ll just need to make sure that the floorboards don’t have any loose nails or warping due to water damage. If your wooden flooring is uneven or has some other type of damage, you will need to either tear it up or repair it before you install your new flooring.
In many cases you can install luxury vinyl over existing vinyl flooring. Again, you’ll need to make sure that the vinyl flooring you currently have is completely even and without damage, but if this is the case, you shouldn’t have any problem installing your new vinyl flooring on top of it.
Although luxury vinyl can technically be installed over tile, it’s not usually recommended. Tiles often create an uneven surface due to grout lines and wear over time, which can affect the durability and appearance of your new floor. Unless your tiles are perfectly flat and stable, it's best to remove them before installation. Tiles have the tendency to become uneven over time due to a variety of factors, and the grout lines between tiles also create more unevenness that can be difficult to deal with. If you are set on installing luxury vinyl flooring on top of tile, you need to make sure that you do it perfectly. Otherwise, you’re almost certainly better off removing them first.
Regardless of the type of subfloor that you plan to install your luxury vinyl on top of, there are still a few different preparation tasks that you need to take care of if you want to ensure the highest quality installation possible. This is what you need to know:
Before you install any type of flooring, you need to ensure that the subfloor is completely clean and clear of any debris. Dirt, dust, and other small particles can prevent proper adhesion and cause the flooring to be uneven or succumb to preventable damage, making thorough cleaning a crucial first step to any flooring installation project.
Leveling the subfloor is another crucial step to take before installing luxury vinyl flooring. The best way to do this is by either sanding the subfloor down or using a floor leveler to even out the surface. If you don’t do this beforehand, you will end up with a subpar installation that isn’t just uneven but will also lead to loose pieces of vinyl with large, unsightly gaps between them.
Many DIYers don’t think to let their luxury vinyl flooring acclimate to the temperature inside their homes, but that doesn’t mean it's any less important. Luxury vinyl, just like all other flooring materials, will expand and contract depending on the temperature, so allowing it to acclimate before installation is the best way to ensure that each piece fits together without leaving too much or too little space between them.
Are you thinking about installing new luxury vinyl flooring in your Boyertown, PA home? Give us a call at 610-385-3833 or contact us on our website, mydadsflooringamerica.com
Here at My Dad’s Flooring America, we’re proud to be southeastern Pennsylvania’s favorite flooring provider and installer. Our team of friendly flooring experts is always here to answer your questions and will happily spend the time to get to know you and your flooring needs so that we can walk you through all your best flooring options. We even offer free samples so that you can get your hands on all your favorites before you decide which is best for you.
Ready to get started on your next flooring project? Contact My Dad’s Flooring America and take the first step to getting your new dream flooring.
