How to Fix Vinyl Plank Flooring That Is Lifting in a Rental Property

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From flooring to RTA cabinets, you need everything in your rental property to be durable and attractive. Vinyl plank flooring is a popular, long-lasting and attractive floor covering choice for modern rental properties. Although it's low-maintenance and resilient, there are times when it can lift and buckle. If your flooring was improperly installed or exposed to temperature fluctuations and moisture, the panels may eventually shift or pop up. Fortunately, you can easily restore your flooring to its original condition. With the right materials, careful repair and a little know-how from Wholesale Cabinet Supply, you can fix the floor yourself and prevent future issues.

Vinyl Plank Flooring Repairs

Vinyl flooring planks are available in glued-down and adhesive-free click-together styles that provide a reliably durable surface. Like wood and concrete, vinyl planks can expand and contract when the temperature changes. Moisture can also loosen adhesive or make planks warp and shift under strain.

When buying your flooring, it's a good idea to purchase extra planks or click panels to have ready for the inevitable repairs. While highly durable, the planks can get damaged. Rental owners who get a free kitchen design from Wholesale Cabinet Supply can see exactly how much flooring they need and get a little extra.

Glued Vinyl Plank Repair

You'll want to follow these steps for vinyl plank flooring glued to the subfloor. First, slide a scraper, trowel or other thin tool under the edge of the flooring to lift up the planks. If the planks are dry and undamaged, you can salvage them by cleaning the underside of each panel. Scrape the subfloor clean to create a smooth surface. Be sure to thoroughly vacuum up all residue and debris.

Before you lay down the flooring, check the manufacturer's instructions and determine if the adhesive requires time to set. To reinstall salvaged and new planks, use a brush, roller or trowel to apply a thin, even layer of adhesive on the underside of each affected floor panel. When your adhesive is ready, lay down the floorboards. Secure the planks by pressing down firmly on the center, edges and corners with a clean, dry roller. If any adhesive seeps out of the seams, wipe it away with a damp cloth.

As the adhesive dries, weigh down the planks with a heavy object. Let the adhesive dry for at least eight hours. Afterward, you can remove any remaining glue residue with mineral spirits.

Click Flooring Repair

SPC click flooring is easy to install without messy adhesive. However, you may need to trim your panels for the best results. Here are the steps to repair click flooring panels.

To repair the problematic panels, pry up the outermost edge of the plank nearest the wall, a few sections away from the damaged panel. Gently disconnect and pull up one plank at a time as you move toward the damaged section. Continue removing panels until you reach the buckled plank. You can use the sections you pulled up as guides for cutting replacement panels.

To reinstall the flooring you pulled up, reverse the process. Replace the damaged panel and salvaged panels and tap them down with a rubber mallet. Place a heavy object on the repaired boards to help them settle into place, and then remove it after one full day.

Add Value to Your Rental by Maintaining Your Vinyl Plank Flooring

Follow these easy steps to repair the vinyl plank in your rental property. When vinyl flooring is installed correctly and maintained, it's a beautiful and practical floor surface. Keeping your vinyl flooring in top shape will add value to your rental. Your tenants expect the best, and if you follow our tips, your vinyl plank flooring will wear well and look great.