Installing new flooring in your home can be an exciting prospect. New floors can improve aesthetics, enhance safety, and add value to your home. Luxury vinyl flooring, in particular, is known for being resilient. This flooring option is durable, water-resistant, easy to install, and low maintenance.
However, new floor installation can be an expensive and time-consuming project. As such, you want to ensure the job gets done correctly the first time around. To avoid cost and schedule overruns, emphasize professionalism and quality of flooring. Also, acknowledge the challenges you may face during installation and learn how to overcome them. Fortunately, working with qualified flooring installers will help to ensure a smooth installation process and provide value for money.
Read on to learn more.
Common Challenges in Flooring Installation
Regardless of the material you choose, a few things could go wrong with flooring installations. If not addressed in good time, such problems may lead to bigger issues further down the road. To ensure your new flooring is installed correctly, you need to be aware of the issues that may occur and know how to fix them. Below are some common challenges that arise when installing flooring in Chesapeake, VA.
Ensuring Subfloor Flatness
For a smooth and long-lasting flooring installation, you must ensure the subfloor is flat. As the name suggests, the subfloor makes for a stable surface and a strong foundation for your new flooring. Roughness or unevenness of the subfloor can lead to premature wear and tear or even complete failure of your new floor.
Even when there are no visible irregularities in your existing flooring, the subfloor might be uneven. As such, the flooring installers will begin by inspecting the entire subfloor for imperfections. In case of dips or humps in this layer, the experts will have to expose it and even it out before installing the new flooring material.
Managing Moisture Levels
Before laying out your new floor, the subfloor must be clean and dry. Sometimes, moisture can get trapped under the floorboards and hide in areas you cannot see. If the issue is not addressed, it can lead to serious problems. This includes mold growth, warping, buckling, and overall damage to your new flooring.
Flooring installers have the right tools to test moisture. If there is extensive water damage that has compromised the integrity of your subfloor, the moisture will have to be thoroughly removed and a new subfloor installed before laying out the new floors.
Matching Floor Heights
Sometimes, the height of your existing flooring and new flooring may vary. The difference in floor levels is typically more noticeable where two adjoining rooms meet. This problem can be a trip or fall hazard, making it difficult to move between the connecting rooms.
To avoid this installation problem, hire a professional team to handle your flooring project. The experts will measure your existing floors and determine if your preferred option will be the correct height. Ensuring the heights of the two floors are as close as possible will help to create a seamless transition.
If your new floors are lower, applying an underlayment will help compensate for the floor-level discrepancy. If the new floors are higher than the existing flooring, flooring transitions can be used to hide the height gap.
Special Considerations for Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Each of the flooring types available on the market has different installation aspects. When it comes to luxury vinyl installation, there are several factors to keep in mind if you are to overcome installation challenges and achieve the desired results. Here are the special considerations for this material.
Preparing the Subfloor for Vinyl
Adequate subfloor preparation ensures high-quality floor finishes. Before installing your new vinyl floor, thoroughly inspect and prepare the existing floor. That way, you will avoid problems later in the process and ensure your new flooring lasts long.
The preparation method may vary depending on the type of subfloor you have. However, if you are looking to install luxury vinyl tiles, be sure to:
- Conduct a visual inspection of the subfloor to ensure it is stable and firmly fixed
- Repair any cracks, holes, dents, pits, and uneven patches that may make your vinyl feel rough
- Sand down all protrusions to ensure the surface is as flat as possible
- Clean the subfloor before installing your vinyl floor
Addressing Moisture Concerns Specific to Vinyl
While vinyl is waterproof, the quality of installation has a huge impact on its resistance to water. Excessive moisture can affect the adhesive and cause damage to the new tiles. This may result in bubbling, warping, and cupping of the flooring material. In some instances, it may cause damage to the subfloor.
Before installing vinyl flooring, address all moisture concerns. Take time to:
- Test the floor for moisture
- Assess the subfloor for damage
- If the subfloor is wet, allow it enough time to dry out properly
- Apply a damp-proof membrane to the subfloor to protect against moisture issues in the future
Achieving Seamless Transitions with Vinyl
When updating your floors, you want to achieve safe and stylish transitions between different flooring types. Seamless transitions will improve the appearance of your space, enhance safety, and protect the edges from damage.
Luxury vinyl flooring is ideal for a wide range of rooms in your home. As such, it may meet other flooring types. For a cohesive look:
- Make sure vinyl is the right flooring option for your space
- Ensure proper installation for professional-looking results
- Consider using transition pieces for effortless flow
- Utilize a professional flooring installer
Yates Flooring VA: Luxury Vinyl Installation Experts
Choosing a top-notch flooring contractor can be a game-changer in your next floor installation project. Here at Yates Flooring VA, we are a premier flooring installation and repair company. You can count on us to meet all your flooring needs. We guide our clients in selecting the best flooring options for their homes and provide expert flooring installation in Chesapeake, VA. Feel free to contact us or call 757-717-9955 and our experts will then take care of everything else.
