There’s a reason why so many homes and businesses have installed vinyl flooring. This flooring material is both durable and attractive. It is easy to care for and works well in both residential and commercial settings. Vinyl flooring also comes in a wide range of styles, colors, and textures, giving customers many design options. It’s no wonder that vinyl flooring is so popular. It’s even easier to install—just use a special vinyl adhesive and glue the flooring material to a properly prepared subfloor. However, there are instances where the adhesive actually could cause problems, such as adhesive staining.
Adhesive staining takes place when the multipurpose adhesive used to affix the vinyl to the flooring reacts negatively with the vinyl itself. This chemical reaction may appear as a small stain in a high-traffic area and grow over several months. Often, an adhesive stain is yellowish and generally appears in the embossed parts of the vinyl floor. This type of bottom-up staining is impossible to repair because it can’t be cleaned away, and the stain appears from the underside as a result of a chemical reaction.
The only real option for treating adhesive staining is to remove and replace the vinyl flooring. Another option is to install a new floor over the existing vinyl surface.
Vinyl can serve as a good underlayment material for many flooring products. In most cases, the old adhesive will not stain the new flooring material. Because of this, covering the existing floor is often the most practical option for homeowners and home buyers dealing with adhesive staining problems.
What is the proper adhesive for vinyl?
And how can I tear the old stained vinyl without damaging the floor?
Always use the adhesive the floor manufacturer recommends. If one is not listed on the installation instructions, contact the manufacturer’s tech department and have them send their recommendation to you in writing.