How to Prepare a Concrete Floor for Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl sheets, luxury vinyl planks, and vinyl planks are the three types of vinyl flooring from which to pick. Each choice differs in terms of its special qualities and flooring installation technique. No matter if the subfloor of your workspace is made of concrete or hardwood, it is imperative to ensure that it is level and clean before laying your vinyl flooring. The preparation needed to install vinyl flooring on concrete is slightly more extensive.
Repair Cracks and Holes
Repair any holes, pits, cracks, or any uneven sections on the floor after inspecting it. To fix the damage, use concrete filler or a related floor patching material. The best course of action is to remove the bulk of the slab and replace it with a new one if the subfloor has significant fissures. Please note that new concrete floors must cure for at least 60 days before vinyl planks can be laid on top of them.
Grind Imperfections
Moreover, the surface ought to be as flat and smooth as possible. Make sure to use sandpaper or an electric sander with a grit of 40 or 60 to smooth out any uneven spots, such as bumps, humps, or bulges. After finishing, grab a moist rag and wipe away any leftover dust.
Wash the Floor
Using water and degreaser home detergent, thoroughly clean the concrete floor. Before allowing the floor to finish drying, make sure there are no greasy stains or accumulated grime.
Conduct a Moisture Test
The moisture levels in the concrete subfloor should be as low as possible before installing vinyl flooring. Here is a simple guide to testing the moisture level yourself:
- Tape a small piece of scrap vinyl to your floor.
- Make sure the edges are properly sealed to prevent air from escaping. Leave the tape for exactly 3 days.
- After 3 days, try pulling the tape off the floor.
- If it comes off too easily, it means the moisture level may be too high for the application of vinyl. In such a case, the room should be dehumidified.
Apply Underlayment
An additional vapor barrier can be created above your flooring with underlayment. It will also add additional cushioning, making the floor more comfortable to walk on.
For flooring installation services in Tucson, AZ, contact Leon Carpet LLC for the job. Call (520) 376-7136 for quality flooring services!