When it comes to installing new flooring over an existing concrete floor, you can definitely go for vinyl flooring. Why? Well, mostly because vinyl flooring comes in tons of different options – be it vinyl planks or tiles, vinyl sheets, or even the more premium luxury vinyl planks. In fact, according to many, you can never go wrong with vinyl flooring on concrete. The only thing that you need to keep in mind is that the subfloor should be level and clean. That said, we must confess, laying vinyl flooring/ tiles over concrete does require some preparation. Here’s how we at Floors Blvd handle that and more.
- The first step to it all is to inspect the concrete floor for cracks and holes, and then repairing it meticulously. For this, we either use concrete filler or any similar floor patching compound. If the subfloor has a big crack, we remove a large part of the slab and replace it with a new one.
- The surface of the concrete floor has to be as smooth and flat as possible. So, we sand down the uneven areas – be it with a sandpaper or with an electric sander. Once it’s done, we clean it with a damp rag to remove the dirt/ dust.
- In the next step, we wash the concrete floor using a regular household detergent/ degreaser and water. We make sure that the concrete layer is devoid of any greasy spots or grime, and then we leave it to dry.
- We’ve already told you how to level a concrete floor, and so, in this step we check the moisture level in the concrete subfloor – the lower it is, the better for the vinyl flooring.
- Lastly, opting for an underlayment adds an extra vapor barrier between the subfloor and the top vinyl layer. It also makes the flooring a little softer to walk on.
Carpet glue removal from concrete: Our process at Floors Blvd
Wondering about carpet glue removal from concrete? Well, for those looking to rip up the old carpeting, tiles, or even the sheet vinyl from the concrete subfloor, we at Floors Blvd are available for help. If you are thinking of doing it yourself, you’re in for a shock soon! Removing stubborn tiles and carpet glue from a concrete floor can take up longer than you anticipate and needs professional help, more so, if you plan on renovating the place and need a new flooring.
At Floors Blvd, we are experts on how to remove carpet glue on concrete subfloors. Here’s the process we use.
- We start with a long-handled floor scraper to get rid of any residual glue. This requires quite an effort, but it’s needed nonetheless. The process loosens and removes as much glue as possible without hurting the concrete subfloor below.
- If the glue is water-based, we use a pot of boiling water to soften the glue. This chemical-free method is great and cost-effective. We allow the water to do its magic and then, after a few minutes, scrub the softened glue off.
- However, not all types of glue are so easy to clean, and that’s when we rely on eco-friendly removers for glue. These are safe for indoor use and are quite effective. We spread the solution on the glue and then wait for the glue to loosen. It is then scraped off.
- Lastly, there are mechanical methods – such as a floor sander or a buffer fitted with a sanding disk. While this is used for the main floor area, for the sides or harder to reach areas, we use a handheld grinder.
Functional home renovation: How to install tile on concrete floor?
- The process starts with making sure that the concrete floor is clean, dry, and level all through. Any cracks and bumps that we do notice, are immediately repaired with a concrete filler.
- In the next step we apply a primer atop the concrete subfloor. This improves adhesion, and hence, is needed for a strong bond between the concreteand the tiles, no matter what type you choose.
- Here’s another crucial step for those wondering how to install tile on concrete floor. Once we’ve applied the primer, we measure the area and mark guidelines for precise tile placement. This helps us avoid alignment issues.
- The next step is to spread some tile adhesive and carefully place each tile. We use spacers to maintain consistent gaps between the tiles for grout.
- For the edges and any odd angles, we use a tile cutter to cut the tiles perfectly, ensuring a perfect fit all the time.
- Once the adhesive and the tiles are set, we remove the spacers and apply the grout, wiping away the excess grout with a damp sponge. We then clean the tiles thoroughly and then apply a coat of a special sealant to protect the grout and tiles.
Frequently asked questions
How durable is vinyl on concrete compared to tile?
We’ve already discussed vinyl on concrete and how to level a concrete floor, but for those still skeptical about it, let us assure you that vinyl on concrete is highly durable and resistant to stains, scratches, and moisture, making it a great option for areas with heavy foot traffic. That said, while vinyl offers more comfort, tiles are known for their superior strength and longevity.
Can you install tile directly on a concrete floor?
Yes, tiles can be directly installed on a concrete floor. However, for a successful installation, the concrete surface must be clean, free of cracks, and even level. We’ve listed the steps above on how to install tile on concrete floor to achieve a professional look. It should give you some idea of our process.
Do I need an underlayment for vinyl flooring on concrete?
At Floors Blvd, we recommend using an underlayment for laying a vinyl floor over concrete. The underlayment provides a much needed moisture barrier, thereby reducing the risk of mold and mildew. That’s not all! It acts as an extra layer of insulation, making the vinyl floor much warmer and comfortable to walk on. It also smooths out the minor imperfections of concrete and heightens the longevity of the vinyl flooring.