Repairing Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl Flooring is a popular choice, if you are looking for a durable and affordable flooring option without compromising on the beauty and elegance of your home. Vinyl floors are available in a range of colors and styles and they are resistant to moisture. Therefore, they can be used for high moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Besides this, continuous improvement in technology has further upgraded the quality of vinyl flooring by improving its surface durability and resistance to staining. However, in spite of all the durability and toughness, vinyl flooring requires proper maintenance and care. Dropping any heavy and sharp object, dragging furniture and even walking on the floor with high heeled shoes, can cause considerable damage. However, repairing vinyl flooring is comparatively easier than other flooring options.

Repairing Vinyl Flooring

Any kind of simple and minor damage to your vinyl floors can be repaired at home. But before repairing the floor, assess the damaged area properly. For any small cut or damage, you can install a patch of vinyl floor instead of replacing the floor. For this, you need to select a patch or scrap of the flooring material that resembles the pattern of the damaged patch of the vinyl floor. Now, cut a small piece of the scrap, a bit wider than the damaged patch. Use duct tape to put the scrap in place and match the pattern of this scrap to that of your floor. Now, cut the vinyl scrap along the lines of the pattern with the help of a utility knife, in such a manner that it exactly fits the damaged part of your floor.

In order to remove the damaged area, you can use a putty knife or scraper. After removing the damaged part, clean the area properly. Now, use your utility knife to trim and level the edges of the new scrap of vinyl to ensure that it completely fits into the gap. Then apply vinyl floor adhesive to the floor using a knife and place the new patch of vinyl floor in the damaged area. After cleaning the area properly, place a heavy and flat object on the patch till the adhesive completely dries out. Once the adhesive has dried, clean the seam of the new patch and apply vinyl seam sealer. This will ensure that the newly installed patch completely blends in and matches the rest of the floor, as it melts the seams together. Thus, repairing vinyl flooring can be quite simple and if properly installed, the new patch will be almost indistinguishable from the rest of the floor.

But if you observe any ring stain or lifting edges, this may indicate that not only the surface of the floor, but also the sub floor is damaged. It can be caused by continuous and excessive exposure to moisture or water. In such a situation you will have to lift the back of the edge of your vinyl floor to see if the sub floor is damaged. Any development of water rings or mold on the sub floor means that along with the surface floor, the sub floor will also have to be repaired. You can replace the damaged part by a patch of plywood of equal thickness. However, for serious damages you need to consult a professional for repairing vinyl as well as the sub floor.

If maintained properly, vinyl flooring can be quite durable and long-lasting without frequent repairs or installations. Follow some simple precautions like proper cleaning with mild cleaners and avoid waxing and harsh or abrasive cleaners. In addition to all these, do not drag heavy furniture and avoid walking on the floor with high heeled shoes to ensure that your vinyl flooring lasts several years without any damage.