With the colder weather soon to be behind us and warmer days on the horizon, you may wonder if your luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is suited to the change in climate. LVT is a product made from synthetic materials such as fibreglass, PVC vinyl and a plasticizer, a mixture that makes them incredibly durable. The multiple layers and the thick core keeps the comfort underfoot, and suitable for all temperatures.
Customers of Galloway Flooring in Manchester choose vinyl flooring to improve their interior spaces with something stylish and cost-effective - but cheaper dows not mean your product integrity is more at risk. It is easy to install and perfectly replicates wood and stone flooring styles through either a glue-down or loose lay method.
However, when your flooring is not properly maintained or is not installed professionally, you may experience instances of shrinkage.
Here at Galloway Flooring in Denton, we strive to make our customers aware of any potential risks with domestic and commercial vinyl flooring, and we have composed some warning guidelines around potential heat and LVT shrinkage issues when not professionally installed.
Direct Sun and Heat
The main concern around shrinkage falls within expansion and contraction of the material. If vinyl gets warmer, it will slightly expand and that can result in the floor buckling. When it gets colder, the opposite occurs and it contracts - causing small gaps between the planks or tiles.
If LVT is glued-down or self-stick, exposure to the sun could release the glue bond and the tiles could shift underfoot. It is a common issue, especially in self-installation cases where the homeowner has not taken it into account whe laying the floor.
LVT is less likely to shrink or buckle than other tile floorings, but we recommend a professional installation if the room chosen for LVT faces direct sunlight throughout the day.
Moisture
Water that seeps underneath the flooring from unsealed borders or wet concrete subfloors will cause glue to weaken, causing potential buckling or shrinkage of the floor tiles.
At Galloway Flooring, we recommend vapour barriers running under the LVT during the installation which will prevent any shrinkage. With higher-quality luxury vinyl flooring brands, it will have a less likely shrinkage problem as a result of moisture, thanks to its 100% waterproof safeguards. Even so, we would recommend you take the requisite precautions.
Heavy Objects
Not all people prefer a glue-down method with LVT adhesive. Many customers prefer a loose lay method for an easier installation.
The only issue is that it can result in buckling whenever any heavy furniture would be dragged across the floor. Avoid this by lifting your furniture or installing felt pads on the feet or sharp edges. That will help to limit any deep scratches that heavier furniture feet would impose on your LVT design layer.
At Galloway Flooring in Denton, our team are experts in ensuring your LVT installation is futureproof forall kinds of weather, including the English heatwave. If you require any further information or adressing of concerns around the choice of LVT for your home, drop by our Galloway Flooring showroom and ask the experts.
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