Reinstalling Vinyl Tiles Over Older Ones

One of the least expensive techniques of giving the floor the perfect facelift is to fix self-adhesive vinyl tiles. Vinyl tiles come in 2 forms. One of the types of vinyl tiles require adhesive, like ceramic tiles. The other is referred to as “peel and stick” which comes with self adhesive backing. Both of these types of flooring are simple and inexpensive choices for redoing the floor, particularly when it is impossible to remove existing vinyl flooring as a result of safety issues.

From 1930s to mid 1970s, vinyl floors contained asbestos, which is unsafe for you to remove if you are working by yourself. Fortunately, installing vinyl tiles over the existing vinyl flooring is not difficult. The secret is to prepare the existing flooring properly.

Underlayment

Laying down an underlayment is perhaps one of the simplest methods to prepare existing vinyl floors for vinyl tiles. The underlayment is very thin plywood that can be purchased from home improvement and floor stores. Remove the baseboards and doors, and then cover the entire flooring with underlayment sheets to give the vinyl tiles a smooth surface that they can adhere to. After this, roll on adhesive for over plain vinyl tiles and place “peel and stick” tiles directly on the underlayment.

Cleaning

There is no adhesive that will stick on grease and dirt. Even small pieces of debris or dust can compromise the way the vinyl tiles adhere to the existing flooring. Sweep the flooring thoroughly because the smallest bit of debris or clump of dust can compromise how the tiles adhere to the floor. Mop the flooring thoroughly to get rid of any traces of floor wax. Make sure to rinse the flooring thoroughly and wipe with shop cloths or dry towel. Allow the floor to air dry overnight or for 8 hours to make sure that it is dry completely.

Measurements

Measure one side of the wall and mark it with chalk at its center. Measure the opposite side of the wall and mark the center as well. Stretch some twine between these two marks and then draw chalk lines along the twine. The job can be made easier if you have the assistance of two helpers, although a painter’s tape can be used to hold the strings at each wall. Draw chalk marks halfway points of the other remaining facing walls. You will end up with a floor that has four sections. The chalk lines will help guide the best place to place the first tile, making sure they are straight.

Installation

Place the very first tiles at the angles of the 2 chalk marks – be careful to line it up. Consider the directions the arrows are pointing on the papers back. Peel the backing off from the first tile. Place it at the center of the flooring where the 2 chalk marks meet. Check the arrows pointing on the paper back of the second tile. Place it with one edge against the chalk mark and the other edge against the tile placed at the center. Also, place the tiles by filling ¼ of the room at a time. If you need more advice regarding the installation of vinyl tiles or any other types of flooring, do give us a call today!

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