Vinyl flooring provides a versatile, affordable, and easy-to-maintain flooring solution for many households. However, trapped moisture can cause the vinyl flooring to lift and separate, forming bubbles. Even a properly installed vinyl floor can develop annoying air bubbles over time. Fortunately, repairing vinyl floor bubbles is a relatively straightforward DIY home improvement project for handy homeowners. Here’s how to do it.
What Causes Bubbling in Vinyl Floors?
Bubbles in vinyl flooring form when moisture gets trapped between the vinyl and the subfloor. Even the best vinyl floors can form bubbles due to moisture. This moisture can come from the following:
- High indoor humidity or dampness
- Spills, leaks, or flooding
- Improper installation without adequate moisture barriers
- Condensation under the vinyl when installed over a cold concrete subfloor
As the moisture evaporates, it turns to vapor and gets caught under the vinyl flooring. This vapor accumulation causes the flooring to lift and bubble. Bubbles may appear within days of installation or several years later.
Removing Bubbles in Vinyl Flooring
You can fix vinyl bubbles by releasing the trapped air and sticking the vinyl back down. The steps depend on bubble size, so here’s what to do for small bubbles and large bubbles.
For small bubbles an inch or less wide, pierce the bubble with a large sewing needle. This releases the trapped air. Next, use a hot iron and towel to gently warm and flatten the area. This melts the adhesive, re-bonding the flooring. Place heavy books or objects on top until the vinyl cools and sets.
Larger bubbles may need more work. First, warm the vinyl with an iron and towel. Carefully cut an X over the bubble using a sharp utility knife. Pull back the four flaps created to access the subfloor below.
Apply vinyl flooring adhesive to the subfloor. Neatly press the flaps back into place. To avoid sticking, place wax paper under weights like books or other heavy objects. Let the adhesive fully cure overnight before removing the weights.
Preventing Vinyl Floor Bubbles
When it comes to bubbles, moisture is sheet vinyl flooring’s worst enemy. Once you’ve fixed existing bubbles, take these proactive steps to avoid more in the future:
- Keep floors dry and maintain proper indoor humidity.
- Immediately address any leaks or flooding.
- Routinely mop up spills and wet areas.
- Use area rugs to limit moisture exposure in high-traffic kitchens and bathrooms.
Getting a professional to repair bubbles offers the perfect chance to identify and eliminate their underlying cause. We recommend asking your installer about added moisture barriers, ventilation improvements, or subfloor repairs. These measures can ensure you have a long, bubble-free lifetime of enjoying the benefits of your vinyl flooring.
Should You Fix Vinyl Floor Bubbles Yourself?
You have two options for repairing those annoying bubbles: DIY or hire a pro. Which is the better choice?
While DIY bubble fixes are straightforward, professionals have distinct advantages for extensive bubbling. They use specialized tools to seamlessly cut and patch vinyl floors. Pros also have commercial-grade adhesives and can diagnose what’s causing bubbles in your home. This provides the best long-term solution and can prevent future headaches.
So, Is Vinyl Floor Bubbling Easy to Fix?
While vinyl floor bubbles can be frustrating, repairing them is fairly simple in most cases. With some basic tools and materials, handy homeowners can easily fix small bubbles themselves as a DIY project. For more extensive bubbling issues, calling in a professional may be the best choice, but it comes at a higher cost. Being proactive about moisture control offers the best prevention against vinyl floor bubbles recurring.
FAQs About Fixing Vinyl Floor Bubbles
What’s the cost of fixing vinyl floor bubbles?
DIY costs are minimal, just adhesive and tools like a putty knife and iron. Hiring a professional typically runs $200 to $600, depending on the number of bubbles and square footage affected.
What adhesive works best for vinyl floor bubbles?
Use a compatible vinyl flooring adhesive made for your specific flooring type. Two-part epoxy adhesives offer strong, long-lasting bonds.
Can you use super glue to fix vinyl bubbles?
No. Super glue lacks flexibility. It can quickly crack again, further damaging the floor. Always use an adhesive formulated for resilient vinyl floors.
What causes bubbling with vinyl plank floors?
Vinyl plank floor bubbles arise for the same reasons as sheet vinyl. Excess moisture gets trapped underneath, forcing the planks to lift. Proper installation and moisture control prevent bubbles.
Why do some vinyl floor spots feel mushy?
Soft, mushy areas likely indicate moisture damage beneath that section of vinyl. Have a professional inspector identify and fix the cause before it worsens.
