Vinyl Bubble Trouble

No matter how well a vinyl floor is installed, bubbles can appear anytime after installation. Fortunately this problem is easy to fix.

No matter how well a vinyl floor is installed, bubbles can appear days, weeks or even years after installation. That's because moist air rises from below and gets trapped under the surface, causing a bubble. Fortunately it's easy to fix. For small bubbles (an inch or less in diameter), use a large needle to prick the bubble, allowing the trapped air to escape. Then use a towel and a hot iron to heat and flatten the vinyl. Use a stack of books to weight it down -- until it rebonds. For larger bubbles, use a towel and iron first, and carefully cut an X with a sharp razor knife. Pull back the triangle cuts and add floor adhesive. Press the cuts back in place and weight it down. But, be sure to put down a sheet of waxed paper first, so you don't wind up with a stack of books glued in place in the middle of your floor. Finish the job with clear vinyl seam sealer. And that's the On The House tip for today.


See more tips in the Flooring category!