Updated at: 16-09-2022 - By: cnbusinessnews

Replace any damaged tiles with identically sized new ones. Here’s how to fix a luxury vinyl tile that’s been damaged by water.

Whether you have a floating or glued floor, the specifics will vary, but the procedure is quite easy. Because of the widespread use of these floors, it’s critical that you get familiar with these hints.

What Is Luxury Vinyl?

Customers adore vinyl flooring, which is made of synthetic materials. It’s long-lasting, cost-effective, and one of the simplest floors to put down.

Luxury vinyl is the most common style of this material, however there are other others. Luxury vinyl planks mimic the look and feel of real wood or stone, making you believe you’re walking on the real thing. It adds a rustic feel to the house without costing a fortune.

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12 Things You Should Know About Luxury Vinyl Tile

In short, it’s a Chameleon.

It’s Versatile

It doesn’t require a lot of upkeep.

Soft and Comfortable

It’s Getting a little chilly out there (Er)

For the most part, it is watertight.

It’s a Stain-Burning Agent

It’s Long-Lasting

It’s adaptable

It’s Good Enough.

It Allows You to Make a Decision.

To put it simply, it’s inexpensive

The Benefits Of Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for a variety of reasons, including its versatility and value.

1. It’s comfortable

Even while luxury vinyl mimics the appearance of natural wood, it is more softer and more comfortable underfoot. In addition, because it is a sound-insulating substance, you won’t be bothered by its footsteps.

2. It’s mostly water-resistant

In the event of flooding or big leaks, your floor will be ruined, but tiny spills aren’t worth worrying about. Since the synthetic material is water-resistant and easy to clean, it’s perfect for outdoor use.

3. It’s economical

When it comes to applying vinyl, you won’t need to hire an expert. It’s also long-lasting, so you won’t have to spend much money on repairs.

Step-By-Step Process On How To Fix Water Damaged Vinyl

Floods and leaks can still damage luxury vinyl, despite the fact that it is strong and waterproof in most cases. It’s easy to fix the flooring if you know what kind it is.

Subfloor leaks are the most common source of water damage, and as a result, your tiles will swell. Testing the ground’s moisture content is a must before applying the pieces.

Method #1. Floating vinyl floors

Floating vinyl floors can be installed directly on the subfloor without the use of glue. This type of flooring is preferred by homeowners because it is thicker and heavier than glue-down.

Step #1. Determine which part of the wall is closest to the damaged tiles

It will save you time and effort if you use the wall as a reference instead of removing pieces one at a time until you find the broken ones.

Step #2. Remove the molding

The “baseboard” is the molding that surrounds the wall’s perimeter. Now that the planks have been removed, you can begin removing them.

Step #3. Remove the damaged tiles

To get to the damaged tiles, you may have to work your way through the other tiles that are still in fine condition.

Step #4. Apply the new tiles

Make sure the new tiles are the same size as the old ones, and then return the rest of the tiles to their original position.

Step #5. Return the baseboard

Returning the molding will make your flooring seem flawless after you’re done!

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Method #2. Glue-down vinyl floors

Adhesive is used to attach this vinyl tile to the ground. For the most part the floor will not move much, and the structure itself is quite stable.

Step #1. Remove the damaged tiles

Remove the bulging tiles with a sharp knife or other instrument.

Step #2. Clean the vacant area

A scraper is all that is needed to remove the old adhesive.

Step #3. Apply new adhesive

New adhesive can be applied with a brush or a paint roller. It will get sticky after a while if you wait long enough.

Step #4. Put the new tile and clean up

Press the new component firmly into place before wiping the area surrounding it clean with a towel.

Before making any repairs, it’s critical to inspect your subfloor. Keep the area dry and there won’t be any further leaks.

Tips For Vinyl Floor Care

This resilient flooring can withstand any spill, and it’s easy to fix if something goes wrong. To minimize further damage, you must, however, use caution when cleaning your tiles.

Dry cleaning

When it comes to dry cleaning your tiles, a dust mop is your best bet. Remove the buildup of dust and debris with this cleaning. To avoid scratching the floor, use a gentle cleaning agent.

Wet cleaning

For a homemade cleaning agent, you can use apple cider vinegar. There are several options for floor cleaning. Even if your flooring is water-resistant, make sure to wring out the mop thoroughly.

Things to avoid

While luxury vinyl floors are long-lasting, certain cleaning products should be avoided while using them.

  • Products containing ammonia — This abrasive cleaner can leave unsightly stains that are difficult to remove.
  • Rubber pads – Rubber pads are the ideal option for vinyl floor cleaning. Damage to the floor and friction can result from the rubber. Rubber’s compounds can also discolor your tiles.

Will Insurance Cover Your Damaged Luxury Vinyl?

Even a do-it-yourself project can’t always fix major damage. You’ll need to replace the entire floor if it was severely damaged by floods.

Costly and time-consuming issues may arise from this issue. You have insurance. Do you think it can help you?

Vinyl floors, fortunately, are covered by the building’s insurance. Every part of your house is covered under this coverage.

Flooding and burst pipes are covered by the insurance. Glue-down vinyl flooring has a better possibility of being approved by the company, so stay with that option. If you have any concerns, make sure to go over your policy with your lawyer.

5 Tips For Maintaining Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

Use Luxury Vinyl Cleaner

Product selection is critical. Cleaners that are too harsh may remove the vinyl’s protective layer and fade the color. Avoid ammonia, abrasive chemicals, or detergents in your cleaning products. Vinyl floor cleaners that are made specifically for this purpose will perform the job and prolong the life of your floors. It’s a good idea to clean your floors using a light cloth and a gentle touch. With LVT, you don’t need to use an abrasive brush, and it will scratch the floor.

Wipe up water, quick!

If you don’t wipe up a large accident quickly, the liquid could seep into the floor’s microscopic grooves and damage its glue. A damp cloth, not a wet mop, should be used to clean the floor. The longer you let a spill sit, the more difficult it will be to clean up when it has dried.

Sweep up the dirt

When you keep up the habit of raking up the soil every few days, it becomes a cinch. Allowing debris to accumulate on your floors not only makes them appear dingy, but it can also shorten their lifespan. Microscratches in the flooring can be exacerbated by dirt and foot wear. Vacuuming the floors is also an option, but remove the “beater bar” first because it can harm (scratch) the vinyl’s surface. Place a doormat outside your front door for added security. The dirt and toxins that people’s feet carry into your home can be captured by a simple doormat. Outside the home, use a rough, outdoor mat, while inside, use a soft, fluffy, dirt-grabbing mat.

Protect your floors from furniture

It’s also possible to scratch your LVT flooring by moving heavy furniture across it. Invest in furniture foot protectors for your chairs – small felt stickers that act as cushions between your floor and the contact areas on your furniture – to protect the bottoms of your chairs. Consider utilizing vinyl coasters for large, heavy furniture to avoid permanent indentations in your vinyl flooring. Put a rug or a plywood sheet under heavy furniture while remodeling or rearranging your home’s layout. Lift it instead of dragging or pushing it.

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Avoid too much sun

If you’re looking for a long-lasting, low-maintenance flooring option, vinyl is an excellent choice. Make it a habit to close your blinds or curtains when you leave the house. To protect the floor underneath a particularly exposed spot, use a beautiful area rug.

Conclusion

Although high-quality flooring is a wise purchase for your home, accidents sometimes happen. If you know how to fix water-damaged luxury vinyl tile, you can save your house. It won’t take long for your lovely floor to return to normal.