When we think of the flooring in a bathroom, we often envision ceramic or porcelain tiles. The flaw with tiles, though, is that once one or two crack, not much can be done to repair them. The installation also lasts decades and is expensive to redo, so when trends change, one is stuck with the same, dated aesthetic. It is for these reasons that installing vinyl flooring in bathrooms has become so popular. Homeowners that are tempted to tackle a DIY vinyl flooring installation in the bathroom should beware, however, as there is plenty that can go wrong and cause expensive problems.
Vinyl flooring comes in different forms, and popular versions include LVTs (tiles), LVPs (planks), and sheeting. There are several benefits to installing this flooring type in a bathroom, such as:
Because the professionals make installations look so easy, do-it-yourself fanatics often attempt to install it themselves. Unfortunately, improper preparation can lead to problems with installing vinyl flooring in a bathroom, which can be a headache to fix.
When problems arise with LVT or LVP installations, it is very often caused by inadequate subfloor preparation. The first concern is that the substrate floor must be completely level, and screeding is usually required to achieve this. Vinyl flooring materials conform to the surface they are applied on, and unevenness in the subfloor will show in the installation. Even if the pattern or grain on the floor hides obvious distortions, the product’s lifespan will still shorten significantly.
LVTs and LVPs boast waterproof features, but moisture from beneath the product can still seep into it and cause damage. Oftentimes, this comes from a subfloor, such as concrete, that contains moisture. This moisture can cause several issues such as mould and mildew growth, discolouration of the product, deterioration of the adhesives and warping of the product’s shape. Professionals can test the subfloor’s moisture levels and introduce a moisture barrier to prevent this.
LVTs and LVPs are susceptible to damage from abatement chemicals. One must ensure that the subfloor is free from any chemicals, adhesives or any other contaminant that may give rise to problems.
With LVT and LVP floors, you will need to choose an installation method before installing it. Each method may present its problems in the long run if not properly installed. Many have click or lock systems that simply snap into place, while it is also possible to glue them down with an adhesive.
Heat and cold can cause problems for vinyl flooring, which may expand and contract as temperatures change. This means that while installing the product, one must carefully control the environment to ensure a seamless installation. It is also essential to leave enough space between the planks or tiles to account for this expansion and contracting.
Many homeowners who opt for installing their LVT or LVP floors at home forget about the importance of the right kind of underlayment. Some products have a layer of underlayment already built-in, while others will require one. Using an underlayment that is too soft, for example, may cause major problems with the structure of the plank or tile.
Installing vinyl flooring in your bathroom alone is seldom as simple as laying out a few planks in a perfectly rectangular room. There are rounded corners, nooks behind the sink or toilet, pre-fitted cabinets and even pre-tiled floors to get around. Without the right tools, there are plenty of architectural hurdles in a bathroom that can get in the way and cause problems.
A lack of expertise and proper tools and resources could see your project turn into a costly endeavour. Making any mistakes that need redoing will also cost more time and money and going over one’s budget becomes all too easy. Ultimately, getting a professional installer may be much more affordable.
The bottom line is that when it comes to installing vinyl flooring, the best way to avoid issues is to contact professionals. If you are seeking quality LVT or LVP floors or a superb installer, be sure to contact us for a quote.