In almost every case, yes depending upon the type of subfloor that you have. If the subfloor is concrete, then it is needed to help keep moisture out, making it more comfortable to walk on, and keeping the room warmer in the winter.
The salesperson insisted I’ll need to spend $250 on their foam pad because the vinyl floors (which we’re installing over beaten parquet hardwood floors) will be loud without the pad. But another salesperson (who seemed more handy) at that same place said the padding makes the vinyl move too much and noise isn’t an issue.
You could be asking “Do I need moisture protection under my vinyl flooring?”
Vinyl and PVC do not need moisture protection. And you shouldn’t use padding to even out your subfloor as that will allow the floor seams to move more, you should level mechanically or with a compound. Its not necessary, but i like to do it anyway.
However, you’ll want to use one in every other application including covering existing hardwood floors, vinyl flooring that isn’t cushioned, and concrete floors. You also do not need an underlayment if your vinyl plank flooring has underlayment installed, however, you may need a vapor barrier.
Does vinyl flooring have to acclimate?
The answer to this question is Yes. It is necessary to acclimate vinyl plank floors ! Vinyl board floors are created with a porous, high-density core that seems entirely solid. The small holes in the core allow air to flow in the core, producing significant moisture.
This of course begs the query “Can you put vinyl flooring over existing floors?”
Here, you just need a sound-absorbing underlayment for your vinyl flooring. Again, moisture isn’t likely to be much of a concern here. When placing vinyl planks over existing floors, you’ll most want to focus on comfort and sound. Underlayment can also help to cover some imperfections that the existing floor may have, but can only go so far.
Yes, it’s important to let vinyl sheets acclimate to the temperature and humidity conditions of the room in which they are to be installed. If you install vinyl planks in a room directly after purchase without acclimating them first, the planks will swell and shrink beyond expected levels, leading to buckling and unsightly gaps in the floor.
Is vinyl flooring hard to install?
Without beating around the bush, vinyl flooring is not hard to install. In fact, one of the reasons homeowners go for vinyl floor is because of how easy it is to install. Compared with other types of floor, this kind of flooring is superbly easy.
This begs the inquiry “Is vinyl flooring hard to walk on?”
Vinyl is generally soft beneath your feet . Some vinyl sheets and tiles even have a padded layer, making walking on vinyl more comfortable. Vinyl floors are often referred to as “ resilient” floors. This means that the floors have a certain degree of elasticity when you walk across them.
What is the labor cost to install vinyl flooring?
Most of their floors are installed in a floating style, but some can be glued down. Labor costs to install vinyl plank flooring ranges from $1 to $4 a sq. , and ft. The lowest cost of installation is peel-and-stick, depending on the material thickness.
Will vinyl flooring fade?
Vinyl floors are durable and resilient, but direct sun light can fade sections of the color, leaving one part with a washed out appearance. Unfortunately, once fading occurs, you are left with few choices. Covering up the fade with an area rug will take the damage out of eye sight, but to fix it, you need to replace that section of vinyl.
Unfortunately, most types of flooring are susceptible to damage from the sun. Over time, vinyl flooring can fade in direct sunlight. It’s recommended that you draw the curtains shut to protect your flooring during times of heavy sunlight. As you can see, vinyl flooring makes a great choice for the heavily trafficked rooms in your home.
This of course begs the inquiry “Do vinyl floors emit VOCs?”
Some vinyl floor products may emit gasses called VOCs (volatile organic compounds). To protect yourself, look for products that are Floor, and score certified. May Fade Slightly in Direct Sunlight Over time, many floor types may slightly fade in direct sunlight, including vinyl and wood.
Can vinyl flooring be refinished?
Because vinyl flooring cannot be refinished, once damaged, it needs to be removed and replaced. Unfortunately, most types of flooring are susceptible to damage from the sun. Over time, vinyl flooring can fade in direct sunlight.