What Is Floating LVT Flooring?
Floating floors are those that are installed over the underlayment or subfloor without the need for many adhesives. In the past, floating flooring was the preferred vinyl flooring for residential and commercial structures. Floating flooring comes in two alternatives: click vinyl flooring and loose lay.
- Click Vinyl Flooring: Because it’s simple to install, click vinyl gradually became more common in residential and commercial structures over the years. The click vinyl flooring technique is quite straightforward: simply use the click-locking technology included in the flooring product to snap planks or tiles into position.
- Loose Lay Flooring: Loose lay flooring is laid on top of a subfloor without adhesive. Installation guidelines vary across manufacturers. However, loose-lay flooring is often put in by adhering the LVTs to the room’s walls to support the remainder of the flooring at the center. The outer tiles that have been glued down support the middle-placed tiles, keeping them secure.
Which Is Better – Fixed/Glue-down or Floating LTV flooring?
There are a number of issues with floating LVT installations. As a result, we strongly recommend only considering fixed LVT installations. The issues with floating LVT installations include:
Subfloor Preparation: Floating LVT installations require a smooth and level subfloor for proper installation. If the subfloor has any imperfections or irregularities, such as bumps or depressions, they can affect the integrity of the floating installation. Fixed LVT flooring installations are much more forgiving.
Expansion and Contraction: LVT is susceptible to expansion and contraction due to temperature and humidity changes. When using the LVT floating installation method – this expansion and contraction are difficult to control. This can lead to peaking, buckling, and warping.
Noise and Hollow Feeling: Another issue is that floating LVT floors can have a hollow or tapping sound when you walk on them. This is avoided with glued-down or nail-down installations.
Moisture: While LVT is generally more water-resistant than other flooring materials, moisture can still pose issues. If there are significant moisture issues in the subfloor or the environment, e.g., from high humidity or the water or other liquid spills, moisture can seep through the seams and damage the flooring.
Long-Term Durability: While floating installations can be relatively easier to install, they tend not to be as durable as other installation methods.
Limited Repair Options: While this may seem counterintuitive, if you need to replace a damaged plank, it’s typically more challenging to do this with floating installations. The interlocking mechanism used in floating floors can make it difficult to remove and replace individual planks without affecting the surrounding flooring. This is not the case with fixed-floor installations.
As a result, most times when we encounter issues with floating LVT, the unfortunate reality is that a complete replacement is necessary. And this can be as expensive as the original installation.
Get the Professionals’ Help
Before making any selections, you should speak with us if you still need clarification about the proper flooring installation method. We at Tee’s Flooring are more than simply flooring sellers; we also provide premium flooring solutions.
So, whether you are selecting the best flooring material or seeking guidance on various installation procedures, you can rely on us to lead you every step of the way. Contact us today, let us know about your project. We will be delighted to assist you!
