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How to Flatten Warped Linoleum Flooring on Top of a Concrete Subfloor

Bubbles and blisters sometimes occur in linoleum flooring, often many years after the flooring is installed. If you have linoleum over a concrete subfloor, air bubbles might develop and make the floor appear warped. You concrete subfloor did not warp under the flooring; rather, the air bubble has stretched horizontally under the flooring. Flattening warped linoleum flooring on top of a concrete subfloor is possible; however, it requires removing the air from under the flooring.

Things You'll Need

  • Straight edge
  • Utility knife
  • Heat gun
  • Putty knife
  • Rag
  • Vinyl flooring adhesive
  • Weight (stack of books; full paint can)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a straight edge in the center of the warped area. Position the side of the utility knife blade against the side of the straight edge and cut a slit in the linoleum through the warp area.

    • 2

      Reposition the straight edge across the first slit to form a cross pattern. Cut another slit into the linoleum flooring.

    • 3

      Heat the area that has separated from the subfloor with a heat gun. Sweep the heat gun across the area, instead of concentrating on one spot. Fold the linoleum flooring back as it softens from the heat.

    • 4

      Scrape away as much old adhesive from the concrete subfloor as possible with a putty knife. Clean the top of the subfloor with a rag to remove dirt and debris. Fold the linoleum back into place to ensure that there is no overlapping and the seams of the cut are flush against each other. Refold the linoleum away from the subfloor.

    • 5

      Apply vinyl flooring adhesive to the subfloor as indicated on the instructions of the container. Heat the linoleum floor once again with the heat gun, and fold the flooring over the subfloor. Ensure that the edges of the cuts are flush against each other. Once the flooring is back in place, place a heavy object such as books or a paint can on top of the area.

    • 6

      Allow the adhesive to cure for 24 hours before removing the weight from the floor. Once 24 hours pass, remove the weight from the floor and inspect your seamless repair.