Question for those who have knowledge of sheet vinyls and installation

[Shawn Prentice]

I have a bath remodel coming up and the existing floor is a sheet vinyl over concrete. It is about 60SF and the existing vinyl was installed around the vanity and is coming loose in that area. The room is not what I would consider cut-up.

The client wants to put vinyl back in and I may just do it myself. I presume it would be best to pull up the old vinyl with the adhesive and I have done it many times to redo floors with tile. Does the floor need to be as clean for re-applying the vinyl as it would for tile? Any tips, tricks, or recommendations? Any better brands out there than others? What am I looking for in a good quality sheet product? Thanks for the help.

[davenorthup]

Test the slab to see how much moisture is coming out or it. Most do not put vinyl directly over a slab b/c of comfort and height issues. That is why we see particle board under it; which makes it softer and warmer; but I do not like the idea of particle board in a bath.

Up sell!! Up selll!!!! :)

[Shawn Prentice]

The existing is directly over the concrete. They had a hack remodel job done 10 or so years ago. They are customers I have done a lot of work for and will do whatever I recommend, except tiling it since it's the husband's bathroom and he wants what he wants. The adjoining hall has laminate flooring, and adding height won't be a major concern. Though, what to use for the underlayment is since I agree about the particle board.

[davenorthup]

You'll have to work backwards from the manufacturer of the sheet vinyl. Typically it is particle board.

[Shawn Prentice]

Thanks for the input, Dave. What vinyls are you using, do you like?

[davenorthup]

None... :)

Like you I try to go to tile for many reasons. I do not like vinyls, and especially in bathrooms. If I do use them it is Armstrong b/c that is what they have here in town (in stock) for lower budget remodels.

FWIW - I have seen some much nicer commercial vinyls in residential; but I have not spec'd them nor installed them...

For a bath - it is critical that the perimeter is sealed to keep any water from getting to the underlayment.

For a basement bath here - I laid particle board and water proofed it with Redguard. I have no idea if that is a legitimate installation; but since it was mine I did it b/c I thought it was a better idea. So far the adhesive has stayed attached - I do not recommend this unless it is OK'd by the manufacturer; but seems to be holding fine here.

[S.Joisey]

My general rule of thumb is same as anything else- steer customers away from the cheap stuff- because it is really cheap. It's thinner, doesn't wear well, tears easily.

I've used Armstrong with good results. I tend to prefer name brands with a track record, web site, customer support and thorough online installation instructions

You might want to call the local flooring supplier and talk shop with them to see what brands they carry and recommend (hopefully you've got something better than box stores near you).

I'm wondering what they would recommend for installation over concrete. Any water that gets underneath is going to stay there and make a mess - esp if you have wood underlayment.

[Shawn Prentice]

He really doesn't want the tile due to it being laid over a below grade concrete floor (the cold tiles.) And I don't think he'll spring for a heated floor. I did make the suggestion, but said the bathroom I remodeled last year for his wife would now be his if we added the heat to this one :)

[Shawn Prentice]

Yes Scott, there are some flooring suppliers/distributors, including those selling Armstrong. I will do some checking on the vinyl underlayments over concrete and maybe see if I can't sell a heated floor, as well. I'd much rather set tile myself.

[Ed Michnick]

What about using a laminate flooring with a tile like pattern?

[Shawn Prentice]

What about using a laminate flooring with a tile like pattern?

Another option to consider. How well does it hold up in bathrooms?

[Happy Home]

Shawn,

I had a similar project a few years ago going back with Armstong 12 x 12 sq's. Had a compatibility problem after installing 1/4 of the room. Stopped right there.

I called the Armstrong tech support number. I believe they're in PA. My experience was that they're not a bunch of flip chart girls but people that have several years of product experience. They're going to recommend using (their) primers, adhesives, sheet goods. Just get some input as I did and it worked out.

Your problem will be adhesive compatibility with the existing remains of the previous adhesive. Incompatibility means the new adhesive never dries and the sheet goods don't set. Why take that chance Henry adhesive + Armsrtong sheet goods when Armstrong will back it up ?

[davenorthup]

Same as any laminate - most companies have install variations for baths. I like to glue the seams and seal the perimeter when allowed.

Laminates do not do well with standing water so with a house of kids; it is not recommended. I have never like the spot where a laminate hits a tub. You gotta use some type of trim and looks bad IMO, as well as catching every form of dirt and water from a bath.

A properly installed vinyl floor has a better long term durability than a properly installed laminate floor in real world conditions, IMO. Of course tile trumps all... :)

[Shawn Prentice]

Steve, I'm all for following manufacturer's recommendations. When I clean up adhesive before my tile jobs, it is completely removed. I guess it was a stupid question to think I wouldn't have to do similar. Thanks for the input.

And thanks to all so far, Dave, Scott, Ed.

[Shawn Prentice]

Kind of what I thought would be said about the laminate. Only a shower and no kids.

Might just be back to vinyl with a chance of tile and a heated floor. I think it'll just be the vinyl though.

Any tips, tricks on install? Special tooling, i.e. do most need a roller to squash it or is that only on full coverage installs?