Struggling with vinyl seam failure? Homeowners and business owners choose vinyl flooring more than almost any other flooring material today. That’s because it is affordable and easy to maintain, and it comes in such a range of patterns, colors, and styles. However, one of the biggest complaints about new vinyl flooring is that the seams can sometimes fail.
Causes of Vinyl Seam Failure
A loose seam in a vinyl floor can be the introduction to a much bigger issue. That’s because foot traffic can pull apart the seam and permanently damage the vinyl, making any seam repairs impossible. Also, water or other liquids could seep into the seam and damage the flooring and vinyl from underneath. Finally, dirt and debris can get underneath the vinyl and cause the vinyl to rest unevenly on the subfloor. Failed seams should be repaired as soon as possible.
When flooring contractors install vinyl, they must be very careful to align the seams properly and make sure that there is enough adhesive to keep those edges set firmly. Unfortunately, there are a few things that can happen that might affect the glue and release the vinyl flooring from the base.
The most common causes of vinyl seam failure are:
- Uneven adhesive application
- Improperly mixed adhesive that doesn’t create a strong bond
- Moisture infiltration
The good news is that seam repairs are fairly easy, and when done right away, there is often minimal to no damage done.
How to Repair a Vinyl Seam Failure
When it comes to repairing a seam that has opened in a vinyl floor, there are 5 steps that a flooring installer, homeowner, or business owner can follow:
- Carefully pull the vinyl apart without bending it, and remove grit and debris from under the vinyl using a vacuum.
- Spread a multipurpose vinyl adhesive under the vinyl in an even layer.
- Press the vinyl together and wipe up any adhesive from the seam using a wet rag
- Set wax paper over the seam and put weights (like a board, books, or other heavy objects) over the seam for 24 hours.
- When the adhesive has dried, apply a clear seam sealant.
Once the causes and solutions for vinyl seam failure are understood, businesses and homes can have the finest and safest vinyl floors once again.
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