Updated at: 12-09-2022 - By: cnbusinessnews

Understanding how to fix water damage to vinyl flooring in the bathroom is almost as vital as knowing how to do anything else if you own a home. Vinyl flooring is a common substitute for more expensive materials like tile or hardwood in bathrooms.

It may be the best flooring option because of its low moisture absorption and low care requirements. However, vinyl is susceptible to water damage.

Many people have complained about the bathroom flooring being ruined by this substance. Today, we’ll talk about how to tell whether your vinyl siding has water damage and what you can do about it.

Can Water Damage Vinyl Flooring

Most vinyl, and certainly the more expensive kind, can withstand substantial amounts of moisture without becoming ruined. They function best in damp areas, such as those next to a body of water.

If the material is placed on top of the concrete, moisture may leak into the foundation and cause issues. On humid days, sweat produces a lot of alkali, which can damage vinyl.

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Before installing vinyl, it is necessary to do a moisture test. Also, make sure to properly seal the floor joints and perimeter in the kitchen, bathroom, and utility room. This is done so that moisture won’t seep down into the subfloor and destroy the vinyl.

What Happens When Water Gets Under The Bathroom Floor

Vinyl flooring is water-resistant and can be wet on a regular basis. Simply mopping up the spill is all that’s required to clean them up.

This substance is more resistant to water than others. On the other hand, if there is an issue, it is probably because of the sub-grade concrete. Standing water poses risks for a number of reasons.

Short circuit

If water gets into the wiring in the floor, it can cause a short and perhaps start a fire. However, even the slightest contact might cause an electric shock. If you think this might be the case on your bathroom floor, you should get in touch with a professional electrician right away.

Mold

A moldy environment is one where there is a sufficient amount of moisture. People with asthma and other respiratory conditions should avoid this.

As a general rule, mold remediation is not covered by standard homeowner’s policies. If the damage was caused by a natural disaster like flooding, storms, etc., then insurance would pay for it.

In addition, if the mold is not removed quickly, it might spread through the wall and cause deterioration. If you rent a home and discover mold, you can sue the landlord. You need to consult a lawyer about this matter.

How To Recognize Water Damage On Vinyl Flooring

Water damage to vinyl flooring can usually be seen quite quickly. The sooner you take steps to fix the issue, the better off you’ll be in the long run. The following are reasons why vinyl flooring can be damaged by water:

  • loss of adhesiveness
  • Fraying the threads of cloth
  • Discoloration
  • Bubbling

Fixing Water Damaged Vinyl Flooring

In the event that your vinyl bathroom flooring has been damaged by water, you can try a few different methods.

First, the main water valve must be turned off to stop any more water from entering the subfloor.

Step #2: Before doing any work in the area, make sure you’re dressed appropriately. A dust mask, leather gloves, and goggles are supplied.

Shelving, cabinets, and broken floors are all potential obstacles to your productivity. So get rid of them first before you start working!

The fourth step is to take up the old vinyl flooring. Take care of any protruding baseboard nails as a last step. If the entire room has been soaked, it will be essential to remove the flooring entirely.

Wait for the area to dry completely before moving on to the next step if it is still wet. A vacuum and dehumidifier can be used to speed up the drying process. Ventilate the space properly by opening all the windows and doors.

Determine if the joists and hardware are also harmed. Mold, rot, and other problems that aren’t always visible at first glance can be found with this method.

The seventh step is to start laying the new vinyl planks after the area has been sealed off to prevent further water damage. If you want to keep your home or company dry, you should have any leaks in the pipes, plumbing, and other water supply systems repaired.

Verify the absence of mold in the bathroom and then proceed with the floor restoration. Use a solution of vinegar and bleach in water to clean it. Professional assistance can be sought out as a last resort.

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How To Prevent Moisture And Mold Under LVP Flooring?

We can all agree that avoiding an issue is better than fixing one after it arises. We’ve posted some guidelines to follow so that you don’t have to go through the arduous process of drying your vinyl flooring if it ever becomes damaged. Let’s examine each of these points in turn.

1. Low Water-Cement Ratio

When preparing the concrete flooring, it is important to keep the water-to-cement ratio low. In this way, any moisture problems in the future can be avoided and the slab can dry rapidly.

2. Prevent Continuous Water Exposure

Take care of a persistent overflowing washing machine or dishwasher before it becomes a major problem. Eventually, the glue or nails holding the planks together will give up because water will seep in between them.

3. Let Concrete Slab Dry Well

You shouldn’t put vinyl flooring down on a freshly poured concrete subfloor until the concrete has fully cured and dried.

Moisture detecting kits can be used to determine the amount of moisture present in a subfloor. The CM content of the cement subfloor must be lower than 2.5% before vinyl flooring can be installed.

You can test the concrete subfloor for moisture issues by placing a mat on it. For best results, leave the mat on the pavement for two days before checking underneath. Vinyl flooring installation must be completed when the subfloor is dry.

If you have a concrete flooring and are concerned about moisture, you can test the surface using a mat. The underside of the mat should be checked after it has been placed on the concrete for a couple of days. Vinyl flooring installation is not possible on a damp subfloor.

4. Consider Using Moisture Barrier

To determine whether or not your concrete subfloor is vulnerable to moisture issues, you can test it with a mat. For best results, leave the mat on the pavement for two days before checking underneath. Installing vinyl flooring on a damp subfloor is not recommended.

If you have a concrete subfloor, you can check its resistance to moisture by using a moisture-detecting mat. Put a mat down on top of the concrete for a couple of days and then check out the bottom of the mat to see if it will hold up. If you find any moisture in the subfloor, it is not appropriate for vinyl flooring.

Cost to install vinyl flooring per square foot

Typically, you may expect to pay $3 to $7 per square foot to have vinyl flooring installed. There are a variety of factors that can affect the final price tag. The current floors must be removed and smoothed out, and all furniture must be moved out of the way before the new floors can be laid.

There are other factors to think about besides the room’s dimensions, the vinyl design, and the existing molding or trim. All of these factors will add time and expense to the cost of your flooring project.

Vinyl sheet flooring

According to a survey of multiple home improvement merchants and flooring providers, the cost to install sheet vinyl flooring, including materials, can range from $2 to $6 per square foot.

Flooring selection, floor preparation time, and geographic location can all affect final costs.

Vinyl planks

Vinyl planks can be purchased and installed for a price of $2 to $7 per square foot, according to various websites that provide information on home improvement projects.

Several types of planks, including glue-down, click-and-lock, and waterproof, are on the market. Each has its own set of benefits, costs, and set-up times.

Vinyl tiles

Installation and materials for vinyl tile can run anywhere from $1.50 to $5 per square foot. The cost of installing tile depends on factors including its complexity and the material used.

If the tile has a complicated pattern, for example, it may take more time and effort to line up the joints.

Luxury vinyl tile

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is priced between $2 and $5 per square foot.

Luxury vinyl plank

Costs range from $2 to $6 per square foot for installing luxury vinyl plank (LVP).

How to estimate your costs

There are many factors that might impact the final cost of installing vinyl plank flooring in your home. If you stick to these guidelines, you should be able to generate a reasonable price estimate:

Step 1: Choose your material.

Depending on the desired aesthetic and the expected foot traffic, a variety of vinyl flooring alternatives are available, including sheet vinyl, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), vinyl planks, and solid vinyl tile. Vinyl flooring can mimic the appearance of other materials such as travertine, hardwood, or porcelain tile. In other words, you should weigh all of your options carefully before settling on one.

Step 2: Calculate your square footage.

Take some measurements of the room’s dimensions. Then, multiply by 100 to get the area in square feet.

Step 3: Check out your old floor.

Take the measurements of the room’s length and width. Simply multiply the total by the square footage.

Step 4: Contact a local professional.

Find out how much local flooring experts charge for their services. Get the supplies, square footage, and condition of the existing flooring ready to get an exact estimate of the time and money needed to install new flooring.

Cost factors

When determining the final cost of an installation, consider the following factors:

Size and configuration of space

The larger the room, the lower the cost per square foot. If the space is very small, a flat set-up fee may be added to the per-square-foot pricing. If the product needs a lot of seams and edges, the price might go up.

Possible removal of old flooring

If you don’t have experience tearing up floors, you should probably hire a pro. Before new flooring can be installed, it may be necessary to remove the old carpeting or tiles first. Vinyl plank flooring can sometimes be installed directly over an existing floor.

Condition of subfloor

The subfloor might be damaged, and that would be discovered once the old flooring is removed. In the event that your floor is buckling, squeaking, or uneven, your contractor may need to perform additional sanding or repair work.

Underlayment installation

Your contractor may suggest putting down underlayment to help with noise abatement, water resistance, and surface smoothness. The cost of underlayment per square foot is approximately $0.50. Many vinyl flooring options have an underlayment already embedded in them, eliminating the need for an additional layer of subflooring.

Material used

How much time and effort a contractor has to put into your job depends on factors like the flooring you choose. The vinyl’s pattern may dictate whether or not the seams are seamless. What is it? Can it be glued down or does it have its own adhesive properties?

All of these flooring options take different amounts of time and effort to complete, but the end result is always worth it.

How to clean and maintain your vinyl floors

The following advice will help you keep your vinyl plank flooring in pristine condition:

  • Maintaining your vinyl plank flooring is as simple as damp mopping it with a light detergent on a regular basis.
  • Cleaning floors is as easy as using vinegar and hot water, or apple cider vinegar.
  • You should spray the area with a nonabrasive cleaner and wait a few seconds before scrubbing. Use a buffer solution on a nylon or polyester pad to clean the floor.
  • Rugs and doormats can help keep dirt and debris off the floor.

How to hire a professional

If you are going to invest in something as visible as new flooring, you want the job done right. If you follow these easy steps, you’ll be able to find the best person or company to carry out your project.

  • Find out what others think of them by reading their reviews. It’s possible to do this by consulting their online profile or by inquiring with a reliable friend or former coworker. Pay great attention to the quality and skill displayed in the photos of their work.
  • Learn from the wisdom of others by inquiring about their experiences. See how long they’ve been in business and how many similar jobs they’ve completed. The other option is to inquire about references from previous employers.
  • Can you tell me about their qualifications? Inquire as to whether or not they have up-to-date certifications and learn more about the local licensing requirements.
  • Determine the project’s cost. Customers can typically acquire a free quote from a specialist. Get free estimates from at least three flooring providers in your area to evaluate whether their pricing are competitive.

If you need more information on how to hire a contractor, I recommend checking out Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring guide.

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FAQs

In regards to vinyl plank flooring, what are the most frequently asked questions?

How durable is LVT flooring?

Consumer Reports states that vinyl flooring is “especially good at fending against wear, dent, scrape, discoloration from sunshine, and stain.”

Does vinyl plank flooring decrease home value?

There is zero proof that installing vinyl plank flooring decreases property value. Nonetheless, it is always suggested that you keep your property in the finest shape possible, particularly the flooring. If you plan on selling your home, you should replace any damaged boards as soon as possible.

Which is better vinyl or laminate?

Vinyl flooring is the best alternative for wet, high-traffic areas. Laminate is a great option because it doesn’t require water to maintain its appearance.

When comparing waterproof vinyl with laminate, there are notable distinctions. Vinyl is generally preferred over laminate for Do It Yourself projects due to its ease of installation and variety of design options. Vinyl is easily dented, and laminate is prone to chips.

Is vinyl flooring cheaper than laminate flooring?

The price per square foot for a quality vinyl ranges from $1 to $4, making it competitive with other materials. The type of vinyl or laminate being used, the square footage of the room, and the amount of additional preparation work all factor into the final cost.

Is vinyl flooring cheaper than carpet?

Carpet installation can cost as little as $1 per square foot in materials, whereas vinyl installation can cost as much as $7 per square foot. The final price will depend on the carpet style selected and the square footage to be covered.

What are the disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring?

Vinyl, commonly known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is made from a substance that emits toxic compounds during manufacturing. The floor may contain harmful substances that could cause serious injury if you step on it.

Can you put heavy furniture on vinyl plank flooring?

Yes, however you should protect your floor from scratches and dents by placing felt furniture pads underneath each piece of furniture. Anything placed on the floor within the first 24 hours after installation may cause damage.

How long does vinyl plank flooring last?

The average lifespan of a vinyl floor is 10–20 years with regular cleaning and sealing.

Does vinyl plank flooring scratch easily?

Vinyl floors can be scratched, although not as easily as some other flooring options. Scratches can be concealed by vinyl’s protective coating.

Is vinyl plank flooring waterproof?

Vinyl flooring is impervious to moisture, so it may be used in even the dampest of basements.

Conclusion

Having the know-how to fix vinyl flooring that has been damaged by water is a valuable skill to have in any home. After all, it’s far easier to get your hands on than many other materials. Now that you have more money, you can afford to hire a professional even if they charge more.

Make it a habit to check your floors for signs of water damage on a frequent basis to avoid ending up in the same predicament. Keep an eye out for warning signs to prevent the need for a costly and time-consuming repair.