Replacing Old Vinyl Flooring with New Glue-less vinyl Flooring
After a while the old glued vinyl flooring will wear out and need to be replaced. This is not as daunting of a task as you might think. It is actually quite easy, when using glue-less vinyl. Usually the floor will wear anywhere there are chairs or a washing machine first. These areas have the most pressure associated with the friction on the floor’s wear layer.
First thing you will need to do is measure the area you will need to cover. Length x Width = the total square footage needed. Your best bet is to look for a remnant that will fit, that will usually save you about 25% off the sale price, and otherwise you will need to buy it in twelve foot widths. I only needed 8x13 but had to buy 12x13.
The second thing you will want to do is prep the floor you will be covering. There is no need to remove the old flooring; the new vinyl will go right over it with no problems. Remove all the old baseboard trim. Look for any nails coming through or any cracks, rips, tears, or holes and repair them. To repair the holes it is recommended that floor leveler be used, but I have found that quick setting drywall compound is a quarter of the price and does the same thing with less shrinkage. I just mix it up so it is the consistency of toothpaste and spread it on level with the surface to fill any imperfections that might wear through the new floor. Let it set the recommended amount of time.
The third thing you will want to do is cut it close to the desired size before bringing it into the house. This will minimize errors and make it easier to handle. After you get the flooring into the house and positioned close to how you want it, make your first cut. Always start on a short wall and work your way around. To cut properly, push down into the corner of the floor and wall with one hand and follow along in the groove with the knife in the other, leaving about ¼ inch space all the way around the edge. Pulling the knife towards you gently, very little pressure is needed, this stuff cuts easily. The gap is for expansion and will ensure that your floor will never bunch up or buckle in any way from being too tight between the walls. The trim will cover the expansion gaps around the edges.
If there is a need to seam the floor, there is seam tape, a rubber cement compound, and a rubber roller that you can buy for seaming the floor. All you need to do is put one side of the floor over the other side of the floor and cut both pieces at the same time. Line up the pattern or grout lines so it looks seamless. This will ensure that the two halves will match perfectly together. Roll back the two halves and apply the tape to one half, now apply the other half carefully by working your way down the seam. Now roll the seam with a lot of pressure. Apply the rubber cement seam filler as directed on the tube.
The last thing you will need to do is put all the trim back on and your done, very easy huh? No glue No mess…
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