Achieving Perfect LVT Installation: Essential Steps and Expert Advice

Hello flooring professionals.?

At Aura Flooring, we’re dedicated to helping flooring professionals elevate their business. We offer the full product range from over 140 trusted manufacturers, our sales office provides expert product selection advice, and we ensure reliable nationwide delivery services—all backed by our in-depth industry knowledge.?

This week, we’re diving into essential tips and expert advice on preparing the perfect LVT installation, whether for commercial or domestic projects. We will dissect the critical components that flooring fitters and contractors need to be aware of before LVT installation, helping you improve efficiency, reduce setbacks, and build stronger customer relationships.??

Assessing the Subfloor: The First Step to a Successful Flooring Installation??

A solid subfloor is the key to a flawless flooring installation. Whether you're working with sand/cement screed, gypsum, or timber, each type of subfloor demands specific preparation and treatment. Understanding the unique characteristics of each substrate is crucial in choosing the right products and techniques for a successful installation. Get it right, and you'll set the foundation for long-lasting, high-quality results.?

Make Sure to Test for Moisture?

Moisture testing is a critical step in preparing your subfloor for luxury vinyl tile (LVT) installation. High moisture levels can lead to several issues with the flooring, including:?

• Mould Growth: Moisture can encourage mould development beneath the flooring.?

• Adhesive Failure: Excess moisture can cause adhesives to lose their bond, leading to tiles lifting.?

• Warping and Cupping: High moisture can cause LVT to warp, ripple, blister, or sag.?

To avoid these problems, it's essential to test the subfloor's moisture levels before installation using a hygrometer. Here are the key guidelines:?

• Moisture Content:?

Cement screed subfloor: below 2.5%?

Anhydrite subfloor: below 0.5%?

Wooden subfloor: below 10%?

• Relative Humidity: Should be below 75% RH.?

If moisture levels are too high, take corrective action:?

• Allow the subfloor to dry completely.?

• Use a self-levelling compound to smooth out uneven surfaces.?

• Install a damp-proof membrane or a moisture vapour suppressant between the subfloor and LVT tiles when there are relative humidity levels between 75%-98%. As well as this, you might need to use specialised solutions such as epoxy primers, repair products, or flooring-grade plywood.?

Taking these steps will ensure a smooth, lasting LVT installation, free from moisture-related issues.?

Selecting the Ideal Levelling and Smoothing Compound?

For a successful LVT installation, it’s vital to have a smooth and level subfloor. Choosing the right levelling and smoothing compound is key to achieving the required SR1 (Surface Regularity) standard. Ultra Floor Level IT Two is a versatile, two-part smoothing underlayment designed for both commercial and domestic flooring projects. Its superior flow characteristics make it easy to apply to various subfloors, ensuring a smooth, even surface. This high-performance compound is moisture tolerant, low odour, and bonds with floor coverings in just 8 hours. With a coverage of approximately 6m2 at 2mm thickness, it is suitable for thicknesses ranging from 2-12mm. It offers a quick opening time of 20-30 minutes and a set time of just 2.5 hours, making it an efficient solution for internal floors. Available in a 20kg bag and 4ltr bottle. A properly selected compound will create an even surface, ensuring optimal adhesion and the long-term durability of your LVT flooring.?

Treat the LVT manufacturers guide as your installation bible.??

When considering adhesives and the LVT acclimatisation to the installation environment, it's important to adhere to the manufacturers' guide. This will boost efficiency during installation and product longevity, ensuring good customer relationships. J2 Flooring’s Glue Down LVT should be acclimatised for at least 24 to 48 hours before installation. Additionally, the room temperature must be maintained consistently (ideally between 18-20°C) during installation and for 24 hours afterwards. Temperature fluctuations of more than +/- 2°C can affect the dimensional stability of the floor covering. If the guidelines are not followed particularly when installing over underfloor heating, it can also lead to warranties being voided as explained in one of our previous articles!?

Final thoughts from Aura Flooring??

In conclusion, achieving a flawless LVT installation requires thorough preparation, attention to detail, and adherence to best practices. By assessing the condition of the subfloor, testing moisture levels, selecting the right levelling compounds, and following manufacturer guidelines, you’ll create a solid foundation for a long-lasting and high-quality flooring solution. Whether you're working on commercial or domestic projects, these essential tips will guide you in delivering excellent results that will leave your clients satisfied. At Aura Flooring, we’re committed to providing you with the knowledge and resources to elevate your installations.?

Our trade counter is back open on January 6th! To order your Ultra Floor and J2 flooring products, call Aura Flooring’s sales office on 01908 803339. We are offering free nationwide delivery on all J2 flooring products!