What to know before the installers arrive.

Most shoppers already have their vinyl floors envisioned in their minds and can imagine them beautifully installed in their home.  This will be a beautiful addition to your home and life, which will now come true.

If this hasn’t happened yet, remember not to lose hope or the picture in your head.  Instead, prepare yourself and involve yourself to insure that the installation process is completed efficiently and smoothly.  Hopefully this will eliminate expressions of “I wish I’d known that.”
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Knowing what to expect will be a lot less stressful on you, your family and your home.

To help you reach this point, we’ve based this section for the many things you should plan for, be aware of and carefully consider before your new vinyl flooring arrives.

First of all, we’d like to start with an installation tip.  If you’re wondering if you can install your vinyl floor by yourself, we recommend no. This is because the installation of vinyl is labor intensive, difficult, and overall a process, which requires full knowledge of substrates.

We highly recommend that you hire a reliable, seasoned and dedicate professional for the installation of your vinyl flooring.  We can help you with this matter, please ask us.

This way, rest assured, you will have an efficient and beautiful installation of your vinyl flooring.

Though the installation of vinyl flooring is a skill developed over years of experience, your understanding of the basics of installation will help you with the process and enhance your confidence in the professionals that are working in your home.

To begin, the installers get to the bottom of things.   The first step is to prepare the substrate; this is the surface on which the vinyl flooring will be laid on top of.

If installation is over a wood substrate, an underlayment will most likely be necessary.

If installation is over a concrete substrate, an underlayment will not be necessary, but will require some floor preparation.

Pay attention to the height of your counters, cabinets and appliances.  You may need an underlayment. 

If installing vinyl over concrete, manufacturers require moisture testing.  Remember this when your installers perform this test. 

Can you install new vinyl flooring over existing vinyl flooring?  In most cases, the answer is yes; however, this is where hiring qualified professionals really pays off.

Professionals can determine if your existing vinyl floor is acceptable or if it needs to be removed.

Three methods are used to install vinyl flooring depending on manufacturer and style: Full Spread, Perimeter Adhered or Floating.

FULL SPREAD is where adhesive is trowled over the entire substrate.

PERIMETER ADHERED is where adhesive is only applied to the perimeter of the flooring and also at the seams.

FLOATINGis where the vinyl flooring is not bonded to the substrate by any adhesive.

One of these installation methods will be used to install your beautiful new vinyl floor.
What to know and do before installation day

Your furniture is the first priority.  It is important to remove all furniture and other objects from the areas where installation will take place.  Some installers will do this for you; however, they will most likely charge you for it.

Also, know that the area of installation must be climate controlled, which means heated or air-conditioned.  Indoor humidity should be maintained between 45-65%.
   
Make a decision on your old floor covering.   Take into consideration of how you want your old flooring to be removed and disposed of.  This can amount to a very time consuming task and we recommend that you check with us about the best method and cost of disposal.

If you would like to remove your old flooring yourself, we recommend that you do it at least one day before the arrival of your new vinyl.  You need to leave enough time to allow for floor cleanup and preparation.  If you are removing old carpet, please leave tack strips, but remove staples from the floor.

What’s to be done with the trim? In many cases, moldings and baseboards need to be removed for vinyl installation. Your installer may do this but at an additional charge and they will probably not be responsible for damage or breakage due to dry or brittle wood.

After installation, it is most likely that some woodwork and painted baseboards will need to be retouched.  If this is the case, it will be your responsibility.

Next area is the subflooring.  Some subfloors will need to be prepared to receive vinyl flooring.  It is possible that you may need a completely new subfloor.  This is something that we suggest you discuss with us, and if you do need a new subfloor, it is important that qualified professionals install it.
Get in the know about the clean-up. Installing new vinyl will produce waste.  Usually these materials are collected by your installer and left at your trash collection site. Check with us before the day of installation so you’re clear about the clean up, if there are added costs to do so, and ask about the plan for vinyl remnants.
What to know and do during installation day

Be home on the big day. It is important that you are prepared to stay at home the day of installation.  You need to be available in case there are questions from the installation crew, to make sure the correct vinyl is being installed in the correct areas, etc.  It is sometimes difficult to estimate the length and circumstances of each individual job. We will keep you updated on the installer’s schedule.

Keep safety on the top of mind. Installers use a wide variety of tools and techniques that may make the work area hazardous.  Please make sure to keep you, your children and pets out of the work area unless requested by the installers.

Walk through and ask questions. It is highly recommended that prior to installation, a walk through with you and our installation chief take place.  This gives you and us the opportunity to ask questions and make sure we are clear on the entire process.
What to know and do after installation day

Time and temp are key. For a minimum of 24 hours after your new vinyl floor is installed, protect all the seamed areas, don't walk on them or the seam sealer.

Keep the room at 68° F or greater for at least 2 days after installation to allow the adhesives to setup properly.

If you are sensitive to dust and odors, good ventilation should be established for 48-72 hours after installation.

If your vinyl floor was installed using the Full Spread method, no appliances should be moved in for a minimum of 24-72 hours after installation. Light foot traffic is acceptable after 24 hours.

If the Perimeter Adhered installation method was used, no appliances should be moved in for a minimum of 24-72 hours after installation. Light foot traffic is acceptable after 24 hours.

If the installers used the Floating method, appliances can be moved in immediately and foot traffic is OK immediately following installation.

When it is time to move your appliances and furniture back into the room, we recommend that an underlayment type of product such as plywood or particleboard at least 3/8” is placed on the new vinyl prior to moving.  This will reduce any mishaps.

Allow 5 days before you thoroughly wash your floor. This will give time for the adhesive to cure.

When it comes to preparing for your vinyl flooring installation, we want you to know. Know all about those things that will make the installation as smooth and efficient as possible. So that the picture of the vinyl flooring you have in your mind today will come true, and stay true for many years.