--- title: Water Damage on Your Vinyl Flooring - LVT Solutions for your Home description: Here are five things you can do if you spot water damage on your vinyl flooring. Plus, enquire about our vinyl flooring solutions here! image: https://get.topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/hubfs/2022-03-vinyl-flooring.jpg --- [![Top Carpets and Floors](https://get.topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TopCarpetsAndFloors_November_2020/images/header-logo.png?width=1903&height=538&name=header-logo.png "Top Carpets and Floors")](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/) Submit ![Members](https://get.topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/hubfs/Images/130stores_nationwide.svg "Members") MENU MENU - [HOME](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/) - [DESIGNER COLLECTION](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/shop/?brand=designer-collection) - FLOORING - [Carpets](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/product-category/carpets/) - [Carpet Tiles](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/product-category/carpet-tiles/) - [Wood Laminates](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/product-category/wood-laminates/) - [WOOD LOOK VINYL (LVTs)](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/product-category/luxury-wood-vinyl/) - [Luxury SPC | Rigid Board](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/product-category/luxury-spc-rigid-board/) - [Engineered Wood](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/product-category/engineered-wood/) - [Vinyl Tiles](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/product-category/vinyl-tiles/) - [Vinyl Sheeting](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/product-category/vinyl-sheeting/) - [Cushion Vinyl](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/product-category/cushion-vinyl/) - [Artificial Grass](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/product-category/artificial-grass/) - [RUGS](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/product-category/rugs/) - [BLINDS](https://designerblindsandflooring.co.za/?__hstc=101393054.13aecb1fd171ed145e9dd8a8ba5d3ff9.1656414150055.1659012407195.1659449841672.10&__hssc=101393054.1.1659449841672&__hsfp=1439430048) - [GRASS](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/product-category/artificial-grass/) - [PROMOTIONS](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/promotions) - [WIN A CAR](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/win-a-car-competition/) - [PROMOTIONS](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/promotions/) - ROOM VISUALIZER - [FLOOR VISUALIZER](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/?roomvoStartVisualizer=true&product_type=floor) - [RUG VISUALIZER](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/?roomvoStartVisualizer=true&product_type=rug) - [HOW IT WORKS](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/visualizer-how-to/) - Flooring guides - [PRICING GUIDE](https://get.topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/en/carpet-laminate-and-lvt-pricing-a-complete-guide-landing-page) - [PRODUCT GUIDE](https://get.topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/carpets-vs-tiles-vs-laminates-vs-vinyl-the-ultimate-buyers-guide-typ) - [DIY GUIDE](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/why-choose-top-carpets/) - [101 FLOORING FAQ'S](https://get.topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/en/101-flooring-faqs-landing-page) - [RESOURCE CENTRE](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/resource-centre/) - [HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR FLOOR](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/flooring-maintenance/) - [WHICH PRODUCT SUITS YOU BEST?](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/which-product-suits-you-best/) - [FAQ](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/faq/) - [REQUEST A QUOTE](https://get.topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/en/request-a-quote-top-carpets-and-floors) ![](https://get.topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/hubfs/2022-03-vinyl-flooring.jpg) # 5 Things You Should Do if You Spot Water Damage on Your Vinyl Flooring February 08, 2022 ## 5 Things You Should Do if You Spot Water Damage on Your Vinyl Flooring The number one enemy that most floors cannot withstand is moisture. Water can cause endless problems for certain kinds of floors – especially those that contain wood. Wood is porous and absorbent and will draw in moisture, which can cause it to swell and warp out of shape. [Luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs)](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/product-category/luxury-wood-vinyl/) are a popular [flooring solution](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/shop/) as many of these options are completely waterproof. This makes them an excellent addition to areas of the home where more moisture and humidity is found, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and sculleries. Unfortunately, most water damage on vinyl flooring comes from beneath the floor and spotting the signs almost always happens too late. ### 1. Know the Signs and Assess the Severity LVTs are synthetic floors that are not made with any real wood, and they, therefore, do not draw moisture in the same way wood does. It is possible to soak LVT planks in a liquid for days without seeing any real change to the actual planks. Moisture can still seep up from beneath the planks, unfortunately, and this may lead to issues. There are a few signs of water damage to vinyl flooring to watch out for, and these include: - Deterioration of the adhesives used in LVTs that are glued down when installed. When these adhesives stop working, the planks themselves may move, start lifting at the edges or splitting at the seams. - Bumps, bubbling, or ridges may form underneath the planks, indicating water damage on your vinyl flooring. These are not always easily visible, especially with a wood grain print that hides these flaws. If you suspect water damage, try running your hands over the planks to feel for any changes in the surface area. - Staining and discolouration as a result of moisture. Vinyl flooring is incredibly stain-resistant, and small stains usually clean up quite easily – so spotting larger stains that are difficult to remove makes it likely that water damage has occurred from beneath the plank. - The formation of mould or mildew. Dark and damp areas make it easy for mould to grow and spread, and the presence of mould on your floors is a key indicator that moisture exposure has occurred over time. Sometimes this mould is still under the planks, and the only sign of its presence is a musty, earthy smell in the room. Certain dark spots and stains can also be an indication of mould. ### 2. Get to the Root of the Issue Often, moisture that damages vinyl flooring comes from concrete slabs that are not properly cured before installation. Many property owners, however, ensure to properly prepare their substrate before an LVT installation. This preparation entails damp-proofing and adding moisture barriers that keep water damage at bay. Several issues may still contribute to a future issue, such as: - Problems within the home’s plumbing, such as a leaking pipe or blocked drain that overflows. - Washing machines and dishwashers may have a slow leak that causes moisture build-up over time. - Moisture that comes up from the crawlspace underneath the floors. Once you discover water damage on your vinyl flooring, your top priority will be to call a plumber and assess whether you have any leaks or plumbing issues. Your next step will be to consider the substrate floor and whether this was properly prepared before installation occurred. ![Vinyl Flooring](https://get.topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/2022-04-vinyl-flooring.jpg?width=900&name=2022-04-vinyl-flooring.jpg) ### 3. Remove the Planks and Dry the Area To prevent the formation and spread of mould, you will need to get the area as dry as possible. If the planks are not glued down, it should be easy to remove them and assess where the most moisture is located. You can also set up fans and dehumidifiers in the area to dry out the room as much as possible and draw the moisture out of the substrate floor. If you are afraid of damaging your installation because it is glued down, then it is best to call in a professional as soon as possible. ### 4. Call Your Preferred Installer Contacting your original installer, or an installer familiar with water damage on vinyl flooring is always a better idea than handling the issue on your own. They will not only know how to possibly salvage your installation, but they can test the substrate floor’s moisture levels too. If the water damage on the vinyl flooring is too severe to keep most of the planks, you may need a new installation, with which your installer and preferred LVT supplier will assist you. ### 5. Never Ignore the Signs Water damage rarely resolves on its own; there is generally a cause that will result in more damage the longer it is left. Failure to find this cause might harm more than your vinyl flooring too – it can affect furniture and result in rising dampness that damages walls and skirtings. Furthermore, mould and mildew that spread can also be dangerous for one’s health. In the end, it is better for both one’s wallet and well-being to sort the issue out as soon as possible. At Top Carpets and Floors, our installation services will ensure a moisture-free substrate and a [top-tier LVT solution](https://topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/product-category/luxury-wood-vinyl/) perfectly suited to your needs. For advice on any of our products or your current flooring solution, be sure to [contact us](https://get.topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/en/request-a-quote-top-carpets-and-floors) today. 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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... [Read More](https://get.topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/resource-centre/8-common-problems-with-installing-vinyl-flooring-in-your-bathroom) [Luxury Wood Vinyl](https://get.topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/resource-centre/tag/luxury-wood-vinyl) | [FAQs](https://get.topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/resource-centre/tag/faqs) | [Water Resistant Flooring](https://get.topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/resource-centre/tag/water-resistant-flooring) ## [12 Luxury Vinyl Flooring FAQs (Answered)](https://get.topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/resource-centre/faqs-about-luxury-vinyl-flooring) We Answer 12 FAQs About Luxury Vinyl Flooring Is your home in need of a flooring overhaul? Are you looking for something affordable, versatile, stylish and on-trend? Luxury vinyl tiles and planks (LVTs and LVPs) may be just what you are seeking. [Read More](https://get.topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/resource-centre/faqs-about-luxury-vinyl-flooring) [Luxury Wood Vinyl](https://get.topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/resource-centre/tag/luxury-wood-vinyl) ## [Luxury Vinyl Flooring: Everything You Need to Know](https://get.topcarpetsandfloors.co.za/resource-centre/luxury-vinyl-flooring-top-carpets-and-floors-flooring-solutions) With luxury vinyl flooring being the new buzz phrase in interior remodelling, you may wonder “what exactly is the deal”? 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