Sheet flooring is undergoing a major transformation in terms of public perception. Linoleum and vinyl floor coverings are no longer boring and dingy-looking; instead, they are available in bright modern patterns for a fresh new appearance. Avoid these 12 common linoleum and vinyl flooring installation blunders to ensure a proper installation of these materials.
12 Linoleum and Vinyl Flooring Installation Mistakes:
- Thoughts of linoleum being the only sheet flooring:
While linoleum is manufactured from renewable resources like linseed oil and cork, vinyl flooring is made from synthetic resources like hydrocarbon ethylene (found in crude oil) and chlorine (from salt).
The Correct Way to Do it:
The two types of flooring, linoleum and sheet vinyl, have distinct properties. ‘Linoleum’ is an all-natural substance created from linseed (flaxseed) oil and other fillers, such as wood flour and rosin. Linoleum must be waterproofed before it can be laid. Vinyl is a petroleum-based flooring material that has excellent moisture resistance.
- Failing to measure and cut accurately:
In spite of the fact that sheet vinyl or linoleum flooring is both visually appealing and inexpensive, it doesn’t provide nearly as much room for error as pieced flooring.
The correct way to do it:
Preparation is key before placing an order for vinyl flooring. Afterward, measure once more before making any cuts in your material.
- Installing your new flooring as soon as it arrives:
It could take anything between 24 and 72 hours(depending on the product) before laminate flooring can be installed since it needs to adapt to the humidity and temperature of the installation environment.
The correct way to do it:
Allow sensitive vinyl and linoleum floor materials to adapt to the temperature of your house for 24 hours after delivery.
- Making an attempt to save time by not creating a floor template:
By limiting the amount of information, you might forget, document templates save you time and effort. You are spending less time trying to remember what to add and more time filling in the template with the information you have collected.
The correct way to do it:
Make a whole-room template out of durable felt paper by taping parts together and then cutting it out.
- Getting rid of the old floor tiles:
Removing floor tiles can be a tough and time-consuming project, and the difficulties are typically disguised until the project is underway..The tile can be mounted to bare concrete, plywood, mason board, or even to a previously placed floor, depending on the structure.
The correct way to do it:
As long as the floor is clean, dry, and level, you can install linoleum or a vinyl floor right on top of the old one. Trim the bottom of the door if you need a bit more clearance because the increased thickness will be minimal.
- The baseboard moldings were left in place during the installation:
When ripping up carpet or installing hardwood floors, those small pieces of carpentry can become a major stumbling block. Fortunately, removing and reinstalling baseboards are simple projects. Simple tools, gentle handling, and a little elbow grease are all you’ll need.
The correct way to do it:
Before laying the sheet flooring, remove the moldings and the threshold of the door.
- ignoring the manufacturer’s instructions on the adhesive for your sheet floor:
The adhesive is needed when installing a new vinyl floor. Adhesive will be put to the whole floor surface in a full-bond installation. Only the perimeter of the space will need to be secured with a perimeter-bond floor.
The correct way to do it:
Make sure you understand the procedure. If the instructions state that you should do so, you may need to use a breathing mask or respirator.
- Being careless when it comes to putting the glue on:
linoleum tends to display the subfloor’s dents and ridges below because of its thinness and solidity. Those who don’t want to use adhesive but still want to ensure that the floor is flat and level before putting the linoleum: fill up any indentations with putty and smooth out any high spots.
The correct way to do it:
Make certain that a thin, even layer of adhesive is applied to the whole surface of the sticky.
- Not Allowing Enough Time:
Lack of time between applying glue and laying down the sheet flooring material (also known as “open time”). Give open time to for laying down the sheet flooring material.
The correct way to do it:
To prevent the adhesive from bubbling, follow the instructions.
- Neglecting to Use Roller:
A common mistake is not smoothing the floor once you’ve glued the linoleum or vinyl down.It’s also possible to utilize a J-roller, a roller made of plastic laminate linked to an extensible handle.
The correct way to do it:
Using a hired floor roller or, for smaller spaces, a kitchen rolling pin, roll the floor from the center outwards.
- Putting off the cleanup of glue that has hardened:
Putting off the task of removing the leftover adhesive. A solvent is needed to remove sheet flooring adhesive that has been allowed to dry.
The correct way to do it:
Rent a floor roller or use a kitchen rolling pin for tiny areas to roll the floor from the center outward.
- Roughly using vinyl and linoleum in the future:
You are refusing to take proper care of your newly installed vinyl or linoleum flooring in the future.
The correct way to do it: Underneath the legs of your chairs, place furniture pads and tables to prevent dents and scratches on your newly installed flooring.
