Concrete Floor Prep For Vinyl Tile

Install an uncoupling membrane between concrete and tile.

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. Leave the vinyl in place for 72 hours. Skip this step and we guarantee your new tile will crack right over the cracks in the concrete. 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.

However some people prefer to add another thin layer of subflooring between the concrete and vinyl. Please note new concrete floors must be left to cure for at least 60 days before you can install vinyl planks over them. Then prime the concrete see photo 2 with the recommended solution consult the membrane manufacturer s literature. As with a wooden subfloor a concrete subfloor must be level for successful tile installation.

Typically the floor must be level and uniform within 3 16 inch every 10 feet. Fill cracks and depressions in concrete floors with a trowel and the type of gap filler recommended by the vinyl tile manufacturer. Use a long level and tape measure to check that the floor is level. Concrete subfloor test the floor for moisture.

Additionally a steps must be taken to ensure that a concrete floor will create a solid bond. Level the floor and repair any damage. This additional layer can improve insulation and should make your vinyl plank flooring warmer and less resonant. Tape a 3 foot square piece of scrap vinyl to the concrete with duct tape sealing the edges tight.

After vacuuming use a dust mop to remove any remaining dust. 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. Use concrete filler or a similar floor patching compound to repair the damage. In many cases you can lay tile directly on the concrete surface which is naturally hard and durable.

Also vacuum and sweep the floor to remove any loose dirt and dust. Check your wood flooring manufacturer s recommendations and sand any high spots with a concrete grinder. Before applying the vinyl tile make sure the concrete floor is completely dry. So technically if you are installing vinyl plank flooring onto concrete you already have a subfloor.

Cut the membrane so it s 1 1 2 times the width of your tiles. Let the primer dry and then apply the membrane photos 3 and 4. Test by sprinkling water on various areas of the subfloor.