Everything you need to know about Vinyl.

Before you buy.

Everyone knows how important it is to investigate all of the flooring options before making a purchase. The floor covering in your home impacts interior beauty, décor, comfort, liveability and upkeep. Any floor can make, or break, a home. Take your time and learn all you can before buying vinyl flooring.

Choosing the best vinyl flooring is really about knowing the right combination of characteristics, aesthetics, performance and budget that best meet the needs of your lifestyle.

• Products that are both durable and affordable offered
• Patterns today are inspired by nature
• Some imitate the look of natural stone
• New methods of texturing the surface
• Very realistic vinyl available
• Constructed of several different layers: the wear layer, the printed or decorative layer, an inner core consisting of a foam and vinyl layer, and a backing
• Thicker is not always better
• Density of the inner core resist rips, tears, gouges and indentations
• Urethane wearlayer will help with stain resistance
• Consider the room’s foot traffic and the types of activities extended warranties are often available with upgraded products

Seams

• Most vinyl comes in 6’ and 12’ widths
• Seaming may be necessary depending on the area to be covered
• Certain patterns will hide seams better
• Tile patterns with grout lines are better able to mask seams
• Seam sealers may be visible in contrast with different vinyl textures and finishes
• Your responsibility to maintain caulking in heavy water use areas

Cost of ownership

Potential additional expenses:

• Furniture removal/replacement
• Demolition/disposal of old floor covering
• Subfloor preparation
• Product delivery
• Vinyl installation

Vinyl Installation

Owning a home, it seems, is all about being prepared. Preparing your home for seasonal changes, preparing for guests and now preparing for the arrival of new vinyl flooring. Being ready for the installation of your new vinyl flooring will make the entire process go faster, more efficiently, and hopefully eliminate any “surprises.”

Use a professional

• This type of floor is heavy, difficult work
• It’s labor intensive and extremely exacting
• Not for the do-it-yourselfer
• Installing vinyl flooring is a skill that is developed through years of experience

Subfloor preparation

• Installing over a wood substrate, an underlayment will generally be necessary
• Installing over a concrete substrate will not require an underlayment but will require some floor preparation
• Pay attention to the height of your appliances to counters and cabinets if an underlayment is required
• Strongly recommended that existing flooring be removed, to ensure a proper high quality installation before installing new
• Professionals determine if your existing vinyl flooring is acceptable or if it will need to be removed

Install Methods

Full Spread

• The adhesive is trowled over the entire substrate

Perimeter Adhered

• Installation method in which adhesive is only applied to the perimeter of the flooring and also at the seams

Floating

• Type of installation in which the vinyl flooring is not bonded to the substrate by any adhesive

Before installation day

• Relocate furniture
• Empty china cabinets and closets
• Consider removal and disposal of old floorcovering
• Remove it yourself and leave 1 day before install
• Moldings and baseboards need to be removed for stone installation
• Installers not responsible for damage or breakage due to dry or brittle wood
• Painted baseboards, woodwork and paint may need retouching ( this is your responsibility)
• Existing sub floor may need to be prepared to receive the stone

Door plan

• Possibility that doors may not clear the new floor and swing free
• Installers may remove doors and re-hang for an additional cost.
• For clearance issues, arrange for a qualified carpenter to shave or cut down

Clean-up

• Waste will be produced
• Waste collected and disposed of by installers at an additional cost

Installation day

• Be home and available
• Be prepared for questions
• Presence insures the right wood is installed in the right areas
• Exact time of arrival cannot be guaranteed, only a time frame

Safety

• Installers use tools and techniques that can be hazardous
• Make sure that children and pets are out of the work area
• Follow through with a walk-thru
• Prior to completion-walk thru to ask questions and be clear on any final details

After installation day

• Establish good ventilation for 48 to 72 hours

Vinyl Maintenance

Flooring, no matter how new or beautiful, is meant to be walked upon. Vinyl flooring is no exception. Time and the onslaught of foot traffic will most certainly take its toll. But take heart, keeping your vinyl flooring as beautiful and inviting as the day it was installed just requires a little knowledge. So, check out the following advice and be a little smarter about smart and stylish vinyl flooring.

New vinyl floors are extremely durable and long lasting, but like any floor covering they still need regular maintenance to stay looking like new. Follow these general guidelines for vinyl flooring. For more detailed information always refer to the manufacturer’s written floor care procedures. You can’t avoid wear on your vinyl flooring, but knowing how to care for and maintain it can keep you floor in beautiful condition and make it a source of pride for years to come.

• For the first 24 hours after your new vinyl floor is installed, protect all the seamed areas.
• Keep the room at 68° F or greater for at least 2 days after installation.
• Do not roll heavy objects directly on to a newly installed vinyl floor for at least 5 days.
• Allow 5 days before thoroughly washing your floor.
• Lay plywood down before moving heavy objects.
• Check the condition of rollers and casters before use.
• Protect your vinyl floor by covering the legs of furniture with felt protectors.
• Remove dust, sand and grit particles.
• Don’t use a vacuum with a beater bar.
• Rinse the floor thoroughly with fresh water after cleaning
• Place non-staining, walk-off mats or rugs at every outside entry to your room.
• Be sure to avoid using rubber-backed mats or rugs.
• Use rugs specially designed for vinyl floors.
• For spots or spills, wipe them up immediately.
• Make sure the floor’s manufacturer recommends the cleaner you are using.
• Avoid using abrasive scrubbing tools.
• Never use abrasive cleaners, soaps, paste waxes, or solvents on your vinyl floor.
• If you purchased a PVC vinyl floor you should consider placing 2-3 coats of the manufacturer’s recommended floor polish on the floor immediately.
• Cover open seams immediately.
• If your floor gets a cut or gouge in it, cover the area immediately and call your flooring professional.
• Urethane floors finish can darken over time.
• For more maintenance information specific to your vinyl flooring, remember to consult the manufacturers’ recommendations.