Is sheet vinyl flooring on concrete a good idea, you ask? If you’re interested in finding out the answer to this question, you are in luck, as we have the answers you’re looking for and some additional information you’ll need when taking on this task!
Installing sheet vinyl flooring on concrete is possible as long as the surface is smooth and dry. In addition, ensure that the concrete’s surface is also free of holes, cracks and bumps that might interrupt the installation process.
In this article we’ve curated all the answers to the questions you might have on whether or not you can install sheet vinyl flooring on concrete. You will also be getting our two cents on whether using sheet vinyl flooring is the right move and how to install it.
Can You Put Sheet Vinyl Flooring on Concrete?
You can install sheet vinyl flooring on concrete. Before you begin, ensure that the subfloor passes the moisture test. The test should confirm if the concrete is dry enough to proceed with the sheet vinyl flooring installation; if there is too much moisture, the vinyl sheets will not stick to the floor.
So what is this moisture test you ask? Testing for moisture on a concrete floor means to measure the percentage of water on the concrete floor. This will help you determine if the concrete is dry enough to proceed with installation because if it is not, the sheet will not stick to the floor.
There are three common ways to conduct this test, this include;
- The basic plastic sheet test method
- The calcium chloride method
- The relative humidity method
You can consider placing an underlayment, before the vinyl, for a softer feel underfoot. To install, measure and cut the sheets before layering them on the floor and using adhesives to hold it in place. Make sure to clean up any spills so the room has a neat and tidy finish.
Should You Put Sheet Vinyl Flooring on Concrete?
Ensure the surface is spotless, even, and dry before putting sheet vinyl directly on the concrete. Remember that failure to account for repairs can lead to problems that will force you to remove the sheets and go through another installation process.
Some of these problems include the following:
Problem 1: Creaks
It can be annoying when every time you step into a room, the sound of pressure applied on the floor announces your presence. This can be a major disturbance in the future, making it a wise move to prepare your floors before installing the sheet vinyl.
Problem 2: Separations
An uneven concrete floor will leave space for gaps between the floor and the sheets. This gap will expand over time, allowing the sheets to pull off quickly. Preventing the sheets from separating, will allow for long-lasting flooring.
Problem 3: Failed Aesthetics
The beauty of the vinyl floors lies in their designs and smooth finishing. An uneven concrete floor is bound to displace these designs, which will lead to uneven flooring in the room while disrupting the aesthetics of the flooring.
What Tools Do You Need to Put Sheet Vinyl Flooring on Concrete?
To complete the clean look, you hope to achieve with the sheet vinyl floors, you need to assess whether you have all the necessary tools to make your installation process easy.
Below is a list showing some of these required tools:
- Measuring tape
- Roller
- Utility knife
- Trowel
- Adhesive
- Prybar
- White distilled vinegar
- Vinyl sheet flooring
- Underlayment
- Floor leveling compound
What Preparations Do You Need to Install Sheet Vinyl Flooring on Concrete?
Preparation is key when it comes to installing sheet vinyl. The preparations you make before the installation helps the flooring stick and last longer while making the process easier for you.
Step 1: Clear the Room
To cover the relevant areas, you should remove all furniture and appliances in the room. This helps to give full coverage and makes it way easier to access all the areas in a room without having to cut the sheet into little bits.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
Concrete subfloors will likely have holes and several cracks, which you must fix before installation. A good floor-leveling compound is bound to work to this end.
The surface of the concrete has to be as smooth as possible, and concrete bumps have to be completely evened out for installation to commence. After fixing all the necessary issues, you should clean the floor and let it air before installation.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on November 28, 2022.
Step 3: Perform a Moisture Test
You must limit the moisture in the concrete to the barest minimum before installation of the sheet vinyl. View a simple DIY approach to testing for moisture below.
- Take a sample sheet of vinyl and glue it to the floor, making sure it is perfectly flat
- Leave the sheet for three days to settle
- Try pulling the sheet after the third day; if it comes off without effort, the moisture test has failed, and you should dehumidify the room
This simple test helps you confirm if the concrete is ready for the vinyl installation or needs more time.
Step 4: Place an Underlayment
Placing underlayment before the final installation is advisable because it helps to create a mist barrier between your subfloor and sheet vinyl. Depending on the underlayment choice, it also makes the floor softer and more comfortable to walk on.
How to Install Sheet Vinyl Flooring on Concrete
Once you have completed the groundwork by preparing the concrete floor for installation, all that is left to do is place the sheet vinyl flooring correctly, by following these easy steps:
Step 1: Measurement and Cuts Placement
Sheet vinyl will sell as a large spread, making it necessary for measurements and cuts to be perfect. The first step is to measure the sheet against the room you want to install and make the appropriate cuts using the utility knife.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on November 28, 2022.
A simple cut can remove any extras that the sheet will not cover without affecting the flooring as a whole. You can make provisions for an extra inch during measurement to ensure it fits and you can easily trim any excess.
Step 2: Laying the Flooring
This is as simple as carefully placing the cut-to-size sheet on the prepared subfloor. You can now proceed to trim off any extra sheet that bounces off the floor.
Note that if you are laying the sheets without glue, your installation ends here, but the most common method involves using glue.
Step 3: Spreading Adhesive
Apply the adhesive to the corner of the room by rolling up the sheet vinyl a little to the side to expose the underlayment. Using a trowel, take a decent amount of adhesive, spread it close to the walls, and then press the sheet down. Repeat this for every corner of the room.
If you have a floor roller, you can use this to even out the sheets and press it against the adhesive so it can stick better.
Step 4: Clean Up
Remove excess adhesive or spills on the sheet with a home remedy using vinegar. This helps you keep the floors looking neat after installation.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on November 28, 2022.