Concrete Floor Prep For Vinyl Tile

This additional layer can improve insulation and should make your vinyl plank flooring warmer and less resonant.

Concrete floor prep for vinyl tile. If the subfloors have large cracks then the best course of action is to remove the large part of the slab and replace it with a new one. Concrete subfloor test the floor for moisture. Skip this step and we guarantee your new tile will crack right over the cracks in the concrete. After vacuuming use a dust mop to remove any remaining dust.

Also vacuum and sweep the floor to remove any loose dirt and dust. This option works best when the concrete floor is in good condition so take care to follow all of the steps below to repair cracks fill depressions and make sure the floor is level. Preparing a concrete subfloor for vinyl newly poured concrete off gases water vapor and typically needs from 120 to 150 days to dry out before it s ready to accept flooring according to milliken company. So technically if you are installing vinyl plank flooring onto concrete you already have a subfloor.

As with a wooden subfloor a concrete subfloor must be level for successful tile installation. Then prime the concrete see photo 2 with the recommended solution consult the membrane manufacturer s literature. Please note new concrete floors must be left to cure for at least 60 days before you can install vinyl planks over them. To prepare your concrete subfloor make sure that it can accept water penetration.

Typically the floor must be level and uniform within 3 16 inch every 10 feet. Level the floor and repair any damage. Test by sprinkling water on various areas of the subfloor. Install an uncoupling membrane between concrete and tile.

Let the primer dry and then apply the membrane photos 3 and 4. Fill cracks and depressions in concrete floors with a trowel and the type of gap filler recommended by the vinyl tile manufacturer. However some people prefer to add another thin layer of subflooring between the concrete and vinyl. Vinyl plank flooring is water resistant and if it has a wpc core it s waterproof so it won t be damaged by the off gassing.

3 spread a thin layer of leveling compound over the seams over. Tape a 3 foot square piece of scrap vinyl to the concrete with duct tape sealing the edges tight. Cut the membrane so it s 1 1 2 times the width of your tiles. In many cases you can lay tile directly on the concrete surface which is naturally hard and durable.

Before applying the vinyl tile make sure the concrete floor is completely dry. Leave the vinyl in place for 72 hours. Use a long level and tape measure to check that the floor is level.