Can you install new vinyl flooring over existing vinyl flooring?
In some cases, yes. However, it is strongly recommended that existing flooring be
removed, to ensure a proper high quality installation This is where employing our
experienced flooring professionals really pays off.
We can determine if your existing vinyl flooring is acceptable or if it will need
to be removed.
There are three methods used to install vinyl flooring depending on manufacturer
and style: Full Spread, Perimeter Adhered or Floating.
Full Spread means the adhesive is trowled over the entire substrate.
Perimeter Adhered is an installation method in which adhesive is only applied
to the perimeter of the flooring and also at the seams.
Floating is a type of installation in which the vinyl flooring is not bonded
to the substrate by any adhesive.
Your beautiful new vinyl floor will be professionally installed using one of those
three methods.
What to know and do before installation day
Relocate your furniture.
Remove all furniture and other objects and materials from the areas to be floored.
Before moving, you’ll also need to empty the contents of china cabinets, closets
and the like.
Be aware that the area of installation must be climate controlled (heated or air
conditioned). Vinyl flooring manufacturers recommend indoor humidity to be maintained
between 40% to 50%, and the temperature not to fall below 65 or rise above 100 degrees.
What’s to be done with your present floor covering?
Please consider how your old floor covering will be taken up and disposed of. This
can be a time consuming and messy task. We will be happy to discuss removal options
with you.
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, please leave tack strips in place and pull the staples out of the floor
from the original pad.
Now turn your attention to the trim.
You should know that, in many cases, moldings and baseboards need to be removed
for vinyl flooring installation. Our installers will do this for an additional charge
but will not be responsible for damage or breakage due to dry or brittle wood.
Painted baseboards, woodwork and paint may need retouching after the installation
is complete. If necessary, this is your responsibility.
Get expert council on your sub flooring.
Your existing sub floor may need to be prepared to receive the vinyl, or a new subfloor
may be required. This is a job best left to the professionals and, again, we can
help you with these decisions.
It is important that the subfloor be as clean and level. That helps insure your
new vinyl flooring will be as beautiful and well supported as possible and ultimately
covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Include a door plan in your preparation.
When vinyl flooring is installed, there’s always the possibility that the
doors, especially closet doors, basement and bedroom doors, may not clear the new
floor and swing free.
Our installers may remove doors in order to install the vinyl and re-hang them at
an additional cost. If there is a clearance issue you may want to arrange for a
qualified carpenter to shave or cut down your door(s) after the installation of
your new vinyl floor.
Don’t let clean-up be a toss-up.
Installing new vinyl flooring will produce waste. These materials will be collected
and disposed of by our installers at an additional cost.
What to know and do during installation day
On installation day be home and handy.
Be prepared to be at home the day of installation and be available in case our installation
crew has questions. Your presence will insure that the correct vinyl is installed
in the right areas. Because it is difficult to estimate the length and circumstances
of each job, we may not be able to give you an exact time of arrival but we will
provide a time frame.
Your family is our concern.
Our installers will use a variety of tools and techniques that can make the work
area hazardous. Please make sure that your children and pets are kept out of the
work area on installation day.
Follow through with a walk-thru.
We recommend that, prior to the completion of the installation; you walk thru the
job with our installation team. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions
and be clear on any final details.
What to do after installation
Time and temp are important.
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 at a temperature not less than 68° F or greater than 100°
F for at least 2 days after installation to allow the adhesives to setup properly.
If you are sensitive to dust and odors, good ventilation should be established for
48 to 72 hours after installation.
If your vinyl floor was installed using the Full Spread method, no appliances
should be moved for a minimum of 24-72 hours after installation. Light foot traffic
is allowed after 24 hours.
If the Perimeter Adhered installation method was utilized, no appliances
should be moved for a minimum of 24-72 hours after installation. Light foot traffic
is allowed after 24 hours.
If our installers used the Floating method, appliances can be moved in
immediately and foot traffic is OK immediately following installation.
When you are ready to move appliances back into the room, an underlayment type of
product such as plywood or particleboard with a minimum thickness of 3/8,”
placed on the new flooring prior to moving the appliances, will greatly reduce any
mishaps.
Do not rely on the wheels that may be attached to the refrigerator to move the appliance
back in -- they can cause damage to the new floor.
Allow 5 days before thoroughly washing your floor. This will give time for the adhesive
to cure.
Being prepared is the result of being informed.
We want you to be as well prepared as possible for the installation of your new
vinyl flooring. To that end we’ve assembled the most knowledgeable sales people
and the most experienced installers to provide you with solid information, reliable
resources and proven solutions.
We hope that the information we’ve featured here leads you to a better understanding
of how to prepare for installation day.