Why Is My Vinyl Plank Floor Buckling (Here's What You Can Do)

Vinyl flooring can take any room in your home to the next level, bringing a chic and modern look of real wood floors without the hefty price tag. Vinyl planks come in a variety of different colors and finishes to fit anyone’s aesthetic. However, if your vinyl plank floor is buckling, it can become an eyesore.

The main reason for vinyl plank floor buckling is expanding and contracting in response to overexposure to heat or cold. Vinyl flooring can also buckle from exposure to moisture, too much weight, or not having a proper perimiter. To prevent buckling, use shades or curtains to block heat, use proper adhesive to install the floors, and roll the floor after installation.

If you’ve had the flooring installed by a professional, they can come over and assess the situation. They might take photos and contact the plank manufacturer. While installing it yourself is cheaper, you might have a more challenging time getting help from the vendor.

One of the main reasons for vinyl plank floor buckling is a poor installation job. If the installers didn’t take proper care to install the floor correctly, it will increase the likelihood of buckling down the road.

Some issues with installation could be using a poor-quality adhesive or not creating tight enough seams between the planks. When this happens, moisture can seep through and collect underneath the flooring, soaking into your subfloor.

One big component of poor installation brings us to our next reason for buckling floors.

One of the main culprits with vinyl flooring that buckles are due to the expansion of the material. When it becomes warmer, it can ever-so-slightly expand. This can easily cause the floor to buckle.

When vinyl planks are exposed to temperatures that are too cold, the opposite can happen. The flooring will contract, which will leave you with gaps between the tiles or planks. The main reason for buckling to happen is overexposure to sunlight.

If you notice the damage has happened in front of a sliding glass door or large bay window, this could definitely be the cause. This is especially true when using glue-on materials or vinyl flooring with fiberglass.

Another common cause behind flooring buckling could be due to moisture. If there is an excessive amount of it on the subfloor, it can weaken the adhesive. Something you can do to avoid this if working with concrete is running a vapor barrier under the planks.

If you’re installing or have already installed vinyl planks in the kitchen, entryway, or bathroom, it’s essential to get the waterproof version. These areas are prone to more water, and spending the extra money will save you hassle down the road.

Since there are multiple types of vinyl floor installation, there are different qualities to each style. For example, a loose-lay vinyl floor can easily buckle under heavy furniture. On the other hand, glue-down flooring doesn’t.

When it comes to heavy furniture, it’s essential to lift it when moving it. Dragging large objects on top of loose-lay planks can cause buckling. You can go the extra mile and attach felt pads on the furniture’s feet to prevent daily wear and tear.

If you’re working with planks that require glue, it’s essential to have the correct adhesive type. There are incredibly cheap options that will save you money but will deliver a low-quality result.

Inexpensive adhesives are more likely to loosen over time and cause floors to buckle. Not only should you be using premium glue, but it should also be appropriately applied. Something you’ll notice on the packaging is designated working time.

During this time frame, it forms a secure bond. If you’re working it after that time has gone by, it won’t work as it’s designed to. Follow the directions on the packaging closely and do not deviate.

If you’ve found yourself already dealing with buckling vinyl plank floors, don’t worry. There are a handful of repair methods that can help remedy the issue. Depending on how bad the problem is, you may just need to replace a small section of the flooring.

If your click-and-lock vinyl flooring is buckling, here’s how you can repair it. If you need to replace the entire floor, there are other options as well.

If the floors you’re working with are just slightly uneven, vinyl planks can be used for full coverage. If you have extremely uneven floors, consider opting for laminate sheets or tile instead.

Because vinyl flooring is incredibly durable, it can last up to 20 years. It’s an excellent choice for homes with a lot of foot traffic thanks to the built-in wear layer on the surface. This layer helps to prevent scratches and blemishes from daily use.

In general, floating floors tend to have a small amount of movement with them. This is especially true when they’re installed over a pad. The pad compresses when weight is applied, causing the floor to move slightly.