Anxious to decorate your new living space you decide to hang some pictures in the kitchen when you accidentally drop the hammer. You look down and there in you nice shiny new kitchen floor is a deep dent.
The longer you look at the dent, which you can see is actually a cut, the larger it looks as you envision having to replace an entire sheet of expensive flooring. You think to yourself, if only I had gone with tile instead of vinyl flooring than just one tile would have to be replaced instead of entire floor.
Such is the dilemma faced by many homeowners. A vinyl floor can be comfortable to walk on and easy to keep clean without the joint lines that come with using individual floor tiles. But when faced with the prospect of repairing a damaged area in the floor, the choice may be a little more complicated than most of us would like. As in the hammer story, if the flooring was tile, even ceramic, the task of making a repair would not be as daunting and could handled by the average weekend home improvement buff. Choosing to use vinyl flooring comes with certain risks and your lifestyle goes a long way in helping to determine which flooring option is right for you.
First a few facts about modern vinyl sheet flooring. Often referred to as resilient flooring, vinyl sheet flooring construction has improved since its predecessor linoleum was introduced over 100 years ago. Linoleum sheet flooring was made of linseed oil backed with burlap or similar material and though wear resistant it was not very durable, chipping and cracking with age. Modern vinyl sheet flooring is made from polyvinyl chloride and is designed with multiple plies consisting of a backing layer, cushion layer and a pattern layer topped by a wear layer. Unlike vinyl tile flooring, multi layer vinyl sheet flooring can be more comfortable to walk on because of the padding layer and the wear layer protects the pattern layer.
One of the disadvantages found in using modern vinyl sheet flooring is that the load placed on the flooring may damage it. Dents from chair legs may not readily spring back, leaving a dent as in the hammer story. Manufacturers provide information on the load limit of their flooring and this is information can be important when considering the load of appliances like refrigerators and stoves.
Repairing damage to vinyl sheet flooring may require the help of flooring professional. If you choose to do the repair yourself, remember that any decorative pattern on the floor must be matched. Repair kits are available that can give you step by step instructions on how to make the repair.
The repair usually requires a piece of matching flooring which can sometime be a scrap piece left over from the original installation or cut from under a large appliance like the refrigerator. The size and location of the damage will usually determine how big an area you need to replace. It is important to remember that the scrap piece of flooring will need to be larger then the area of damaged you remove.
Working with vinyl flooring requires the use of a very sharp cutting tool like a utility knife. You must be sure to exercise extreme caution when cutting vinyl flooring and if you have any doubts about the repair may be better left to a professional. Your local flooring retailer or home improvement store is a great source of information on how to make the repair yourself or find a qualified repair professional.
Wipe up all spills as soon as possible. Regular mopping should be done with a no-rinse floor cleaner. Use a floor stripper and cleaner for heavy duty cleaning and a no-wax shine keeper if it begins to dull over time.
Our handyman advises that you do not use detergents or abrasive cleaners. Certain mop and shine products may leave a dull film on the floor. Do not use paste wax or solvent-based polishes. Do not vacuum with a beater bar because it can visibly damage the floor surface and do not use highly abrasive scrubbing tools.
There are preventative measures you can take to prevent damage to your vinyl floor. When moving heavy furniture or appliances, lay plywood and “walk” the item across it to avoid scuffing and tearing the vinyl. Use floor protectors on furniture to reduce indentation. The heavier the item, the wider the floor protector you need. Furniture with metal protectors can leave deep indentations and leave rust stains. Some rolling casters can also do damage. If you must use casters, the double-wheel type is your best option.
Place a mat at the entrance to reduce the amount of dirt that is tracked into the house. Rubber or latex- backed mats are not recommended because the chemical used to keep the backing from becoming brittle can permanently stain the floor. Use a non-staining vinyl-backed mat or a colorfast rug. Armstrong floor care products are specifically designed for Armstrong floors and can be purchased at your local flooring store.
The handyman says there are preventative measures you can take immediately after installing your new vinyl floor. Be sure to protect sealed seams for at least 8 hours after installation to protect them and ensure a proper seam bond. If seams not protected until they’re dry, permanent damage can result.
Maintain room temperature of at least 65 degrees for 48 hours after installation to assure proper curing, setting and bonding of products. Take care to avoid spills and dirt for at least five days after installing as mopping is not recommended on a new vinyl floor because the adhesive needs time to dry thoroughly.
Vinyl flooring is quite durable, but it is not stain-proof. Many stains are removable, but some are not. Be careful when using stain removal products, testing them first in inconspicuous places to be sure they do not dull or damage the finish. Wipe spills quickly, as soon as the happen to reduce staining.
Read labels on floor stain removal products to be sure they are appropriate for vinyl floors. Many stains can be removed with alcohol, mineral spirits or turpentine. Scrub the area with floor stripper and cleaner, using a nonabrasive scrubbing pad. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Nail polish remover can also be used for some stains, sparingly and carefully, washing thoroughly after using.
Your vinyl floor requires very little maintenance besides regular cleaning. Be careful when using new products and be sure to pre-test in places that are not noticeable to avoid permanent damage to your floor. Use care when moving furniture and appliances. Read all labels on cleaning products to be sure they are specifically designed for vinyl floors.
This article was written by Carl Ravey of HandyPro Handyman Services. HandyPro specializes in home repairs and seasonal home maintenance projects. They can handle small repairs or do large remodeling jobs. Our pre-screened contractors are licensed and bonded, experienced and customer friendly. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction in doing quality work and cleaning up when the job is complete. services Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Port Allen, Addis, East Baton Rouge Parish, Zachary, Baker, Ascension Parish, Gonzales, Sorrento, Donaldsonville, Livingston Parish, Denham Springs, Walker, and neighboring cities and communities.
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