Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring has become the most sought-after type of flooring in recent times. It’s classy, cost-effective, and highly durable. It’s equally adaptable for use in kitchens, bathrooms, or other living rooms, where it may face heavy traffic or spills more commonly than with other options. Of course, like everything, luxury vinyl plank isn’t invincible – over time, it can incur damage through daily wear and tear and, sometimes, accidents or moisture.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you step by step with helpful tips and tricks to repair or replace your damaged LVP flooring. We’ll also know when it’s best to repair a section of your floor and when it’s time to replace it. No matter where you come from, keeping your luxury vinyl plank floors looking their best is simpler than you might think.
Common Causes of LVP Flooring Damage
While LVP is tough, it’s not indestructible. Here are the most common causes of damage:
- High Traffic: Constant foot traffic can wear and tear the material over time. Areas with high traffic like hallways, kitchens, and living rooms might experience more scuffs, scratches, or fading.
- Spills and Stains: While LVP is water-resistant, prolonged exposure to liquids or certain chemicals can stain the surface or cause it to swell.
- Improper Installation: If luxury vinyl plank is installed inadequately, then it will shift, create gaps, or even warp along with time. Installation mistakes are typically easier to correct in smaller sections but may demand full replacement in some cases.
- Impact Damage: Dropping heavy objects or dragging furniture can cause scratches, cracks, or chips on planks.
- Moisture Issues: Although luxury vinyl plank is waterproof, high moisture-content areas like the bathroom and basement may cause warping if the subfloor isn’t prepared correctly.
Indicators of Damaged luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Recognizing damage is how one solves it. Here are some indicators one should look for:
- Scratches and Scuffs: Minor scratches are fine, but deeper scuffs or gouges may require touch-up. These scratches are caused by pets, furniture, or shoes with hard heels.
- Cupping or Warping: The planks get affected by moisture, causing it to expand or contract. These might not seem like a problem at all, but notice how the edges of the planks curl up.
- Gaps Between Planks: If this space is present between the planks, it may be a sign that your floor has shifted or because of high humidity in your home.
- Discoloration or Fading: With the use of UV or chemicals, parts of your floor may fade or discolor. You could clean and refinish the floor to rebuild its look, but sometimes, damage would be too severe.
- Cracking or Chipping: Cracks or chips are generally caused by impact damage and may be an indication that the plank is too far gone to fix.
When to Repair vs. When to Replace LVP Flooring
Knowing whether it’s time to repair your luxury vinyl plank flooring or time for a full replacement involves understanding when to tend to your floor.
When to Repair LVP Flooring:
- Minimal Surface Damage: If you have only a few light scratches or scuff marks, restoring the floor might be possible with just a cleaning and buffing. Even deep gouges can sometimes be restored with a vinyl floor repair kit.
- Localized Water Damage: In cases where only one or two planks are buckled or otherwise warped from water exposure, you can often replace those individual planks without having to redo the entire floor.
- Fixing Gaps: Small gaps between planks can often be filled or adjusted without replacing the planks, especially if the issue is minor.
When to Replace LVP Flooring:
- Major Water Damage: If moisture has caused widespread warping or mold to form, replacing the affected sections is a must.
- Severe Impact Damage: Cracked or chipped planks that affect the floor’s integrity may need to be replaced to ensure safety and structural stability.
- Large Surface-Level Damage: Should large sections of planks become irreparably damaged, it might become cheaper in the long run to replace the entire section or room instead of patching it.
- Poor Installation: Should the installation have been bad with the floor being misaligned or uneven, replacing the damaged sections might be necessary.
Can Damaged LVP Be Repaired?
Absolutely! Minor damage can almost always be repaired without needing to replace the entire floor.
Some typical repairs are as follows:
- Minor Scratches and Scuffs: A vinyl repair kit can fill minor scratches or chips. Surface scratches can be buffed out with a soft cloth to restore the floor.
- Cupping and Warping: if some planks become warped due to moisture, it may be better to remove them, allowing them to dry. Replacing them is usually the best option in that scenario.
- Short-term Solutions: For minor moisture problems or small gaps, a filler could be used to fill it in or even realign the planks. However, monitor the floor to determine if the problem recurs as that may indicate it needs professional attention in the long run.
Replacing Damaged LVP Flooring
Replacing a damaged plank can be easier than you think. Here’s a step-by-step process to do so.
- Measure the Damage: First determine which planks need replacement. If the damage is bad enough then you might have to replace an entire section.
- Gather Your Tools:
- Utility knife or saw
- Replacement LVP planks
- Pry bar or pull bar
- Measuring tape
- LVP adhesive if necessary
- Remove the Damaged Plank: Cut the damaged planks along the seams with a utility knife. If it’s a click-lock plank system, gently pry the plank up using a pull bar.
- Preparing the Subfloor: The subfloor must be clean and dry. Debris and moisture may hinder correct installation.
- Installing the New Plank: Replace the plank by pushing or sliding it into the intended location where the edges will snap into place, or the adhesive will harden.
- Secure and Seal: Press the plank so that it’s securely fit. After the plank has been installed, clean the area up and apply a sealant as needed to prevent future damage.
Replace vs Repair Opinion in Charlotte, Greensboro, Salisbury, and Winston-Salem
There are times when you may question whether to repair or replace your LVP floors. This mostly depends on your location. Here’s how the repair versus replacement might play out in different towns:
Charlotte, NC:
Charlotte’s mix of hot summers and mild winters means that while luxury vinyl flooring in Charlotte can withstand moisture, fluctuations in temperature and humidity might cause expansion or contraction of the planks. If you experience minor water damage or small cracks, you can likely repair the planks. However, if several planks are warped or damaged due to humidity over time, full replacement may be a more cost-effective solution in the long run.
Greensboro, NC:
Moisture issues due to higher humidity and irregularly heavy rainfall in Greensboro may cause problems for your flooring. Damage from water or minor warping of only one or two planks of a floor can be repaired and restore their appearance. But in more severe instances, especially if it goes beyond surface damage-it would be best to replace those sections to avoid any future problems with mold or further warping. With Vinyl flooring in Greensboro, managing the humidity is important to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Salisbury, NC:
In Salisbury, houses built within older constructions tend to experience problems in controlling moisture and uneven temperatures. Smaller damaged areas, like scratches or chips in LVP, can be repaired by that alone. However, given the extent of moisture exposure, big sections or issues with the subfloor require the entire plank to be replaced. Owners of homes in Salisbury should address issues related to warping or swelling right away, as these conditions can get worse over time which will definitely impact the durability and appearance of Vinyl flooring in Salisbury.
Winston-Salem, NC:
Seasonal temperature changes characterizing Winston-Salem could result in expansion and contraction of the luxury vinyl plank floors, leaving possible gaps or cracked surfaces. In that case, if only a few planks are damaged, it is advisable to repair them. However, if damage involves numerous sections or the planks become misaligned due to temperature changes, then replacement of the damaged sections may be inevitable. High-moisture areas can benefit from proactive measures, such as dehumidifiers, to extend the life expectancy of your Vinyl flooring in Winston-Salem and limit the necessity for major replacements.
When to Call in a Professional for Assistance
Not all repairs can be handled by a DIYer. If the damage is significant or will require subfloor repair, you need to call in the pros. If there’s major warping or obvious mold, that type of damage requires professional attention to prevent further damage from occurring.
Conclusion
The damage repair or replacement of LVP flooring is pretty easy with the right tools and knowledge. Whether it be a small scratch or larger problem, there is usually a suitable solution that does not involve a complete renovation. Minor damages would call for a minor repair, while more extensive damage requires the replacement of a few boards to guarantee your floor has integrity again.
Looking for help with your luxury vinyl plank flooring repair or replacement? Contact us today to get expert assistance and restore your floors to their original beauty.
