The Preparation for Overlayment of Vinyl Floors

Inspection

• Before beginning any flooring project, especially in the kitchen or the bathroom, it is important to properly inspect the space. Begin by looking for leaking pipes, as leaks can damage subflooring and in turn cause damage to the vinyl. Also check for any loose or damaged floor joists. Damaged joists will cause the subflooring and vinyl to become uneven. These problems can compromise the home’s structural integrity and may cause injury. Contact a professional plumber and a contractor to repair any severe damage.

Choosing the Correct Subflooring

• Choosing the correct subflooring helps you create a solid, smooth surface for laying down sheet vinyl. Before beginning your preparation project, it is important to read the flooring manufacturer’s recommendations. For most types of sheet vinyl, plywood subflooring is recommended. Choose a plywood subflooring that is rated as an underlayment product and recommended for use with vinyl. Applying sheet vinyl over a surface other than underlayment-grade plywood may cause it to roll up, requiring you to lay down the vinyl more than once.

Preventing Stains

• Purchasing the correct underlayment plywood also helps block stains from bleeding through to the vinyl flooring. Choose a piece of plywood that is free from printed logos, stains and inked manufacturer’s markings. These ink-based markings are sometimes visible beneath vinyl flooring. Even when the marks or stains are not initially visible when the vinyl is placed, they may bleed through eventually.

Preparing the Subfloor

• After inspecting your space and choosing the correct plywood subfloor, it is important to prepare the existing surface. If a concrete subflooring exists, use a paint scraper to remove any finishes previously applied to the concrete. Use a concrete grinding tool to apply sheets of vapor barrier over the concrete flooring. On wooden subflooring, use a wide-bladed tool to scrape off and remove any construction adhesive on the floor. Cut your plywood to the proper size. Apply construction adhesive to one side of the plywood. Press the plywood in place over the vapor barrier or the wooding subflooring. Secure it to wooden floor joists using a few wood screws in the corner of each piece of plywood.