Why Attempting DIY Glue-Down LVP Installation Is Risky
DIY or do-it-yourself flooring projects are a great test of creativity and an excellent opportunity to overcome economic constraints. Laying down new flooring can also be a therapeutic or fun leisure activity. However, as the DIY craze catches on and with more information about different technical jobs readily available on the internet, many believe almost any home improvement project can be completed swiftly and economically as a DIY, even the installation of glue-down LVP flooring.
Glue-down (Luxury Vinyl Plank) LVP flooring is an engineered flooring designed to be durable, highly realistic in its appearance and available in various patterns.
If you plan on installing glue-down LVP or even redoing existing flooring, you have a lot to consider before laying down the glue and starting the project. To give you an idea of how bad things could get, the experts at Bert Vis Flooring Inc. have covered the consequences of laying down glue-down LVP flooring on your own without proper training or complete knowledge of the job.
1. Risk of improper surface and subfloor preparation
While glue-down LVP flooring is designed to be relatively straightforward to install, an essential part of the process involves preparing the subfloor. A lack of knowledge and experience of exactly how to prepare the surface for glue-down LVP installation can lead to flooring failures like shortening in length due to an uneven subfloor, lifting at the edges due to substrate irregularity, even buckling due to expansion and contraction of the material.
2. Reduced life-span of the flooring product
Glue-down LVP is designed to be extremely durable and holds its appearance for up to twenty years when installed and maintained correctly. For example, though vinyl flooring is resistant to moisture, mould and mildew can grow if there is standing water around the edges, grooves or under the floor. Mistakes during installation have the potential to significantly reduce the life-span of the flooring system, making the DIY installation of glue-down LVP a somewhat risky idea.
3. Increased costs to repair or rectify
Unlike LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) installation that is click-lock designed for easy use and minimum risk failure, glue-down LVP flooring uses adhesive agents that hold the plank in place. While gluing down glue-down LVP flooring has its undoubted advantages, it is a permanent solution that is extremely hard to repair if initially messed up. In most cases, glue-down LVP flooring, if installed in the wrong manner, will need to be torn up and replaced, adding unnecessary cost to the project.
Do things right - Hire a Professional
Attempting to install luxury vinyl plank flooring on your own without adequate knowledge and expertise is similar to bringing a knife to a gunfight. Without prior experience handling the surface’s preparation, installing the product and understanding what could go wrong, you are left vulnerable to missteps that can end up costing you dearly.
On the other hand, a professional flooring installer specializes in dealing with glue-down LVP flooring products and aware of the steps necessary to complete each job as per the client’s desires. A professional flooring contractor can not only troubleshoot in case of unexpected issues, but they also offer you the most conscientious advice when it comes to maintaining your flooring investment, ensuring it lasts for years to come.
Professional assistance dealing with glue-down LVP flooring is advantageous and, in most situations, necessary. But when looking for professional help with your flooring, it is wise also to remember the cheapest option may not be the best.
If you are concerned about the costs a flooring specialist is sure to incur, We advise you to shop around for a few quotes and estimates as you are sure to find flooring specialists that meet your expectations.
For reliable flooring solutions and expert service in Smithville, Ontario, reach out to Bert Vis Flooring Inc. We have been around since 1978. Our professional installers offer a wide range of flooring options, high-quality workmanship, and complete customer satisfaction. We service all of Niagara, including Grimsby, Beamsville, Lincoln, Vineland, Jordan, St. Catharines, Welland, Pelham, Thorold, and Port Colborne. Our crews can also be found working in Dunnville, Binbrook, Stoney Creek, Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara Falls, Cayuga, Caledonia, and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
To learn more about the products and services offered at Bert Vis Flooring Inc., please click here. If you have questions about flooring installation or maintenance, we would be happy to answer them. To contact us, please click here.