While it seems that this flooring type of flooring is relatively easy to install yourself there are several things that needed to be considered:
The substrate (underlying surface) preparation is crucial before installing luxury vinyl planks or tiles, as they can buckle if the substrate is uneven. Laying the substrate flat without any bumps or dents is a challenge.
Controlling the humidity level of the room where lvp flooring is installed is another very important part. It should be at the moderate level. High humidity can lead to curling, cupping, dimensional instabilities and lifting of the flooring. Which can ruin the aesthetics of the floor and diminish it’s longevity.
Vinyl flooring is affected by temperature changes, so where it’s installed is important. LVT is especially reactive to heat and cold and expands and contracts accordingly. While it’s versatile and can be used in different rooms, care should be taken to prevent moisture from seeping underneath the tiles.
Vinyl is a flexible material which is softer than other materials, so choosing the right subfloor is important. A soft subfloor can cause problems underneath vinyl, as it tends to dent more under foot traffic.
Peaking and Warping
When two vinyl tiles or planks press against each other and get lifted at the joints, it is called peaking. This can be caused by the lack of space left for its expansion and contraction during installation, moisture, sunlight or water seeping into the joints.
The easiest way to address peaking is by trimming the planks or tiles along the wall or removing some of the moldings to create more space. This won’t solve the problem instantly, but planks can be somewhat flattened by laying weights on top of the lifted area overnight or for a couple of days.
Sunlight is the main cause of warping in vinyl. It causes the planks to expand.
Water spillage can cause a problem when using glue-down tiles and planks, if the water was not cleaned immediately and has seeped under the flooring through the seams. This trouble can be avoided through basic vinyl flooring maintenance.
Mold and mildew
Another problem that can occur with plank flooring installation due to high humidity and water leakage is mold and mildew. The first step is to locate the source of humidity and act. If it is the substrate, sealing it with a proper moisture barrier is the best solution. Determining whether your substrate is dry enough is not easy; the best solution is to ask the flooring installation contractors to check it professionally. You can also use moisture meters to help you estimate whether the humidity level is within a right limit.