Vinyl floor are becoming increasingly popular

It is due to their durability, water resistance and modern design. Unlike laminated flooring, LVT can be simply glued as an alternative to classic assembly as a floating flooring. This type is known as dryback vinyl panels.

When choosing a vinyl floor, pay attention to the following. How it is installed, the condition of the surface, whether there are any heating systems installed in the foundation. Also how much of the floor is used, the layout of the room, and its exposure to sunlight.

Floating vinyl floor:

Installing LVT panels as a floating flooring is similar to assembling laminated panels. It starts by selecting a suitable underlay, chosen to suit the floor manufacturer’s requirements. Some manufacturers recommend using an underlay with an anti-slip coating. Others strongly advise against it. Always read the floor assembly manual to make sure that the warranty conditions are observed. Panels of this type are joined in a classic way. Using special joint mechanisms.

There are two types of joints available:

– traditional joint mechanisms, known as ‘angle angle’ or sometimes ‘2G‘. These use solid fasteners to first connect the short sides, and then to attach the longer edges of the previous row. Some force should be applied to make sure that the short sides fit perfectly. Make sure if there are no gaps between them. This joint mechanism is not convenient for large board size. It can be difficult to precisely fit a large and heavy board to the short sides. It is also not easy to use with flexible LVT floors, as it is difficult to fasten the long side.

– next generation locking mechanisms, known as ‘5G‘ or ‘fold down’. This is a much faster and easier solution. The boards are fitted into the joint profile on the long side and then lowered to lock the joint on the short side. When done correctly, the flexible inserts will snap with their characteristic “click” sound. Such a mechanism is very easy to use, but it has one disadvantage – you have to be very careful when installing or disconnecting/adjusting the short side, as it is easy to break the joint system.

Adhesive vinyl flooring:

Vinyl floors are also available in dryback versions. As adhesive boards or tiles. Despite a very low thickness (2.5-3 mm), the quality of the top layer is as good as for click floors. Dryback is gaining popularity partly thanks to its very attractive price and excellent acoustic properties.
Installing using a glue requires time, experience, accuracy and high preparation of the surface. Even a millimetre high bump on the floor will protrude, and even the smallest detail (such as an unevenly smoothed joint) will be visible. For good results the surface should be as even as a table. After spreading a thin layer of the glue on the floor, wait a few minutes, lay 2 or 3 rows of boards and then repeat the entire process. The floor can be used after 24h.

Alternatively, you can use an assembly mat with a self-adhesive layer. The mat can compensate for small point irregularities on the surface. It will also speed up and facilitate installation, and, unlike the adhesive, allows the floor to be used as soon as it is installed.

See how easy it is: https://youtu.be/YGmLcNXC5PE