Vinyl is a type of flooring that is made out of synthetic materials such as fiberglass, PVC vinyl, and a plasticizer. It’s especially durable because it’s made from multiple layers and has a thick core to keep you comfortable when you’re walking. Vinyl flooring helps in updating your interior, providing freshness and style. This affordable flooring option is easy to install and comes in a wide range of different styles to select from. The installation process of Vinyl usually requires a loose lay, click-together, or glue-down process. If the flooring is not properly maintained or installed, it may experience shrinkage. Read on to know why your Vinyl Flooring shrinks.

1. Sunlight and Heat :

One of the main causes of the shrinking of vinyl flooring is the expansion and contraction of its material. If the material becomes warmer, it causes slight expansion resulting in the flooring buckling. In colder climates, the opposite happens and the flooring contracts, causing gaps between the tiles or planks. If the vinyl flooring is self-stick or glued down, exposure to heat from the sun can release the bond of the glue, causing the tiles to shift. This condition is particularly common in vinyl flooring with a fiberglass inner layer. Luxury vinyl flooring is less likely to shrink or buckle in comparison with less expensive tile flooring.

2. Moisture

If there is water seepage under the flooring due to the extremely moist concrete subfloor, the glue can get weakened, causing shrinkage or buckling in the floor. Make sure to run a vapor barrier under the vinyl plank flooring during installation as it will prevent shrinking due to moisture. If you use high-quality vinyl flooring, it is less likely to shrink due to moisture. If you are going to lay kitchen vinyl flooring or bathroom vinyl flooring, go for the waterproof versions.

3. Dragging Heavy Objects Over Loosely Laid Flooring :

All vinyl plank flooring does not require a glue-down installation procedure. Loose Lay Vinyl Flooring has become exceptionally popular as it provides easy installation and durability. The only drawback is that the flooring gets buckled up if heavy furniture is dragged across the flooring. To avoid this problem, when moving furniture make sure to lift it up or get the help of movers to limit the damage caused to the floor. You can also use felt pads under furniture to protect your floor from daily scratches.

4. Not Allowing For a Perimeter :

A vinyl floor has the tendency to naturally expand and contract under heat and cold conditions. To allow this natural expansion, make sure to stop the floor a quarter-inch and a half-inch shy of the wall. If you install your vinyl floor flush with the wall and provide no room for growth in the hot months, the loosely-lay floor can buckle and shrink during cold months.