Commercial sheet vinyl is one of the toughest flooring solutions on the market. Unlike other flooring, it needs to be installed using specialist techniques.
Each floor will come with full installation instructions. It is also recommended you use a professional installer where possible. However, below you will find general guidelines on how to fit commercial sheet vinyl.
Acclimatising The Floor
It is recommended you acclimatise the floor prior to installation. This helps to bring the vinyl to room temperature, making it easier to install. It should be acclimatised for a minimum of 24 hours.
You will also find it easier to black out windows to limit natural sunlight before installation. This will help you to ensure continuity across the area that is to be laid. Cutting the vinyl into blocks can also help with the acclimatisation period, while making the install easier.
After installing the floor, you should also keep the room at roughly the same temperature for 24 hours. Make sure it doesn’t drop below 18 Degrees Celsius.
Preparing The Subfloor
Prior to installing your commercial sheet vinyl, you will need to take steps to prepare the subfloor. The sheeting will need to be placed over an even, clean and dry surface. To ensure no irregularities show through, you should also use an underlay or levelling compound.
Make sure you follow manufacturer instructions relating to proprietary materials you should use. This will also tell you the correct humidity levels that should be adhered to. Check the humidity level of the subfloor prior to installing the vinyl. If there is a lot of moisture, you will need to install an underlay with a moisture membrane.
Installing The Floor
Installing commercial sheet vinyl is a complex process. Therefore, it should only be undertaken by a professional or a knowledgeable DIY enthusiast.
You will need to use a solvent-free, hard set adhesive to stick it down. When you are ready to install the floor, generally you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Place the vinyl sheets into position, then use the double-cut method to cut the seams and accurately trim them to size.
- Fold over half of the sheet and apply the adhesive, making sure it is spread evenly. Allow it to partially dry before you stick the vinyl back down over it.
- Check that the seam junctions of the vinyl are tight together and remove any bubbles by rubbing from the inside outwards. You can also use a suitable roller before the adhesive has dried. Repeat these steps for the other half of the sheet.
- After installing the sheet, you can weld the seam junctions together. This should be done 24 hours after the floor has been laid.
Your commercial sheet vinyl floor will come with its own specific instructions. However, this is a general guide of what you can expect from the process. If in doubt, hire a professional floor fitter to install it for you.
