Intro - Checklist - Prep - Floor Preparation - Template - Cut - Install
What You Will Be Doing
In this chapter I discuss the variety of vinyl flooring materials on the market today and the techniques used to install them. There are now more patterns, colors, styles, and installation choices than ever before, and vinyl floors are an easy, affordable way to customize your floors.
I will detail and illustrate floor preparation, template use, cutting, and installing sheet vinyl flooring; as well as application of perimeter bond materials. I discuss the application of vinyl flooring over concrete.
Safety
- Provide adequate ventilation with window fans when using adhesives, as some are toxic.
- Extinguish pilot lights and any open flames when applying adhesives which can be flammable.
- The proper respirator should be worn when using substances with toxic fumes.
- Wear rubber gloves when working with solvents.
- Keep blades sharp. A dull blade requires excessive force, can slip, and cause accidents.
- Goggles or safety glasses should be worn whenever hammering, prying, or cutting materials.
- Many older existing floor materials may contain asbestos fibers. Avoid sanding or dry scraping them, because inhaling asbestos fibers or dust may cause asbestosis or other bodily harm.
- Use the proper protection, take precautions, and plan ahead. Never bypass safety to save money or rush a project.
Useful Terms
- Full-spread adhesive. Requires trowel and application of adhesive under the entire vinyl floor.
- Ledging. A condition where one side of seam overlaps another.
- Parameter bond. Attached only at walls and seams where flooring shrinks after installation to tighten over the floor.
- Template. A paper pattern used to assure accurate error-free installation.
- Underlayment. A layer of plywood applied under the vinyl to level and flash, or even out a deteriorated floor.
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Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be submitted to our
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