Steps To Install Floating Vinyl Floor
Floating Installation refers to an installation type in which no or less adhesive is required. In the floating installation, the user installs the flooring directly over the subfloor or by using a vapor barrier system or a cushion. The steps to follow in order to install floating vinyl flooring are as follows:
- Let The Vinyl Flooring Acclimate:
Before starting the procedure, it is necessary to let the vinyl flooring acclimate to the humidity & temperature of the room where it has to be installed. The user needs to leave the flooring in a room having both ends of the cartons open for at least 24 - 48 hours. - Sub Floor Preparation:
The most important step in every flooring installation is to prepare the subfloor. If the subfloor doesn't meet the requirements, the vinyl flooring will show signs of it due to its flexible nature. The recommended surfaces on which vinyl flooring can be installed are Concrete, Plywood, Ceramic Tile, Sheet Vinyl, OSB, and Radiant Heat Systems. For the installation of vinyl, the subfloor needs the following requirements: - The subfloor must be completely clean.
- It must be flat to 3/16? per 10' radius.
- High spots need to be knocked down.
- Low spots should be filled with a self-leveling compound.
- Screws, nails, and staples should either be removed or driven below the surface.
- Underlayment:
Vinyl flooring is waterproof but over time it can get affected by moisture intrusions that can cause mildew & mold under the flooring. Before installing vinyl flooring over a crawlspace or a concrete floor, the user needs to place a moisture barrier underneath and while installing vinyl flooring over a plywood subfloor, the user needs to place a vapor barrier underneath. It has been recommended by the experts to use Cali Complete because that provides a barrier from moisture as well as vapor. Apart from that, insulation makes the flooring feel warmer and reduces noise. - Install Vinyl Flooring:
Before beginning the installation process, the user needs to decide the direction of the flooring and make necessary measurements. After that, he needs to start installing the first row as per the decided direction. The flooring can be cut according to the size of the room with a utility knife. - Continue Installation:
After installing the first row, the user needs to continue installing other rows as per the directions and measurements. It is important to check each piece of flooring carefully and look for damages before installation. - Molding & Transitions:
Once the entire floor is covered with vinyl flooring, the user needs to conceal gaps around the walls with baseboard. the gaps around the cabinetry, door threshold, and stairs need to be filled with quarter round. Once each and every gap on the flooring is covered, the vinyl flooring is ready to use.