Can I install Quick-Step vinyl on top of an existing floor?
The type of subfloor, its quality and its preparation have a big influence on the final installation result. If the subfloor is not appropriate for the installation of Quick-Step vinyl then necessary actions should be taken.
Glued-down installation
In case of gluing, the existing floor covering must be entirely removed. No signs of mould and/or insect infestations should be present. Make sure the subfloor is level and nail down any loose or floating parts. Apply a level floor or levelling compound on top for a perfect smooth and porous subfloor preparation. The subfloor must be porous to have a strong adhesion between the glue and subfloor.
In case of installation on a wooden subfloor the moisture content of the wood must not exceed 10%. Moreover, underneath the wooden subfloor it must be completely dry. In case of a crawl space under the plank floor it must be ventilated. Remove any obstacles and make sure there is sufficient ventilation (minimum 4 cm² total ventilation openings per m² of floor). A minimum of 6 mm plywood must be used to cover the floorboards. Make sure to remove any obstacle. Nailing should be done using ring shank nails in grid format, 75 mm around perimeter and 150 mm in the center.
Floating installation
For floating floors, the subfloor should be stable and firmly fixed. Furthermore it cannot be soft, damaged or loose laid.
- The following floor coverings have to be removed: Carpet, needle felt, cushion vinyl, floating laminate and parquet, etc.
- Does not have to be removed: ceramic tiles, PVC, VCT, glued laminate and parquet, fixed wood boards, etc.
- Does not have to be removed, but use of PE foil is mandatory to avoid migration: glued PVC, glued linoleum and glued oiled parquet
In case of installation on a wooden subfloor, please remove any existing floor covering first. No signs of mould and/or insect infestations should be present. Make sure the subfloor is level and nail down any loose parts. Apply an appropriate wooden levelling board level floor or levelling compound on top for a perfect subfloor preparation. The levelling boards must be fixed every 30 cm with screws. The crawl space under the plank floor must be sufficiently ventilated. Remove any obstacles and make sure there is sufficient ventilation (minimum 4 cm² total ventilation openings per m² of floor). The moisture content of the wood must not exceed 10%.
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