How to Flatten Warped Linoleum Flooring

Lay a straightedge across the center of the warped linoleum flooring and cover the entire warped area. Hold the straightedge down firmly and draw a utility knife along its edge, cutting through the warped flooring to the subfloor beneath.

Place the straightedge at the center of the cut just made, crossing the cut 90 degees to form a cross. Make a second cut along the straightedge, using the utility knife to cut through the warped linoleum to the subfloor.

Put on heat-resistant work gloves. Heat the entire warped linoleum area with the heat gun, covering the flooring evenly to loosen it. Peel back the four points of flooring from the subfloor until you reach the ends of the cuts.

Heat the subfloor with the heat gun to loosen any remaining adhesive, then scrape the adhesive from the floor, using the putty knife. Use the same process to scrape away any adhesive from the bottom of the flooring.

Cover the subfloor with a layer of linoleum adhesive, using a brush to apply the adhesive evenly. Use the heat gun to heat the linoleum enough to make the material soft and easy to move. Roll the linoleum back into place onto the floor over the adhesive. Press it firmly against the floor to make certain the seams meet at the cuts. Use paper towels to wipe off any escaping adhesive from the tops of the flooring.

Fill the seams with liquid seam sealer to make the seams waterproof. Brush the sealer into place with the paintbrush. Roll over the linoleum with a seam roller to remove any air from under the flooring. Cover the seams with a sheet of wax paper, then weigh them down with rows of heavy books. Wait 24 hours before removing the books and wax paper.