Rob Mitchell provides advice on installing LVT in winter
INSTALLING LVT flooring remains a popular choice for homeowners and contractors thanks to its durability, practicality, and endless array of patterns and designs. At any time of year, achieving a successful LVT installation involves managing several different factors and a useful approach is to treat your project as a minimum, five-day process, made up of three key stages: acclimatise/install/control.
Each changing season has its own challenge during each phase. Here are key tips to keep in mind during the approaching winter months.
Acclimatise the flooring to the environment
At any time of year, acclimatisation of the product and environment is important, but with the onset of colder temperatures it becomes even more essential to prevent material becoming less flexible and more difficult to handle and install. To avoid issues, store the LVT in the room where it will be installed for at least 48 hours before installation. The room should be kept at a consistent temperature of between 18deg C to 27deg C throughout all installation phases to allow the flooring to adjust to the room environment.
Maintain optimal room temperatures
Throughout the installation process and for 72 hours after, maintaining a steady room temperature between 18deg C to 27deg C is key. The most important aspect of this temperature control is to prevent sudden temperature fluctuations (even in the 18deg C to 27deg C collar) as they create rapid movements in the LVT with sufficient force to disrupt the adhesive before it has cured enough to hold tiles firmly in place. The results can be gapping (a rapidly cooling tile) or buckling (a colder that rapidly warms up).
Prepare the subfloor
The requirement for the subfloor to be dry, flat, stable, free of contaminants and swept/vacuumed clean, is widely understood, and rudimentary tests will usually be sufficient to highlight any deficiencies.
Moisture presence on the other hand is usually much less obvious, and excess levels are one of the more common causes of installation failure, especially in colder months. This may be caused by condensation or inadequate moisture barriers and can cause the adhesive to fail and flooring to lift. Ensuring the subfloor moisture levels are in the manufacturer’s recommended range prevents these problems, preserving the floor’s appearance and integrity.
Investing in professional moisture testing equipment (eg. Protimeter) capable of producing readings from within the subfloor as well as the surface is essential to assess subfloor humidity and moisture levels.
Subfloor temperature
With so much focus on product and room temperature, it’s easy to overlook the importance of subfloor surface temperature. If not managed correctly, floor surface temperatures in colder months can drop considerably and impact the adhesive effectiveness and stability of the LVT. Always take appropriate precautions (space heaters, shading etc.) to control the room and subfloor temperature throughout all the phases of the installation.
Underfloor heating
Even though it’s tempting to leave it on, especially when it’s cold, underfloor heating must be off 48 hours before installing your LVT flooring and remain off for a further 48 hours after the final tiles have been installed. This is to allow the adhesive to cure properly and fix the planks or tiles firmly in place. Gradually bring the room up to temperature in small increments over the next seven days.
Use the right adhesive
When installing glue-down LVT, the choice of adhesive is important. Be sure to select an adhesive that’s suitable for the year-round temperature conditions and follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. Additionally, since the adhesive may take longer to set in colder temperatures, give yourself extra time to complete the installation and allow for proper curing. If the adhesive is stored in a cold environment, allow it to come up to recommended temperature before use.
Be mindful of installation timing
Winter days are shorter, meaning there’s less natural light to work with. Plan your installation during the day when there’s enough light, or ensure you have adequate artificial lighting. When using artificial light be careful to ensure the floors’ good appearance in natural lighting conditions which may show up previously unseen product or fitting imperfections.
In winter months, be particularly aware of checking the floor temperature is above 15deg C at the beginning of the day. For optimum efficiency, take measures to maintain a constant environment through all the installation phases to prevent frustrating delays and unwanted complications.
Handle the flooring with care
Cold temperatures can make LVT more brittle and prone to cracking. Handle tiles carefully, especially when cutting or snapping them into place. Use sharp tools to make precise cuts and avoid forcing the planks into position, which could cause damage.
Inspect the finished installation
After completing the installation, thoroughly inspect the flooring for any issues such as gaps, lifting edges, or uneven areas. Address any problems immediately to prevent long-term damage. Keep the room at a consistent temperature for at least 72 hours after installation to allow the adhesive to fully cure and the flooring to settle.
Installing LVT flooring in colder months can require extra attention to detail and careful preparation. By acclimatising the flooring, maintaining optimal temperature (product, room and floor surface) and using the right equipment and materials, you can achieve a professional-looking installation that will last for years. Following these key tips will help ensure your LVT flooring is properly installed, even in the deepest mid-winter conditions.
03303 301231
info@harveymaria.com
www.harveymaria.com
Rob Mitchell is technical support and logistics manager at Harvey Maria
