How Much Does it Cost to Repair Vinyl or Linoleum Flooring?

The most common damages to vinyl and linoleum floors are lack of adhesion over time and scratches or scuffs. Most of these repairs are done by patchwork or reapplying adhesive for better adherence to the substrate below. Vinyl flooring can also buckle if it is made of vinyl planks or tile and the flooring wasn't installed correctly at the seams. This requires buying additional matching material and filling in the gaps with better adhesive.

Another highly common problem is a subfloor that is uneven and has bumps or mars in the surface. The subfloor should be level and sanded smooth for the best surface to work with.

Vinyl or linoleum floor repairs will be a common maintenance protocol to follow. Often, a professional can complete the following repairs in a matter of hours.

Cuts and Abrasions

Fixing cuts and scuffs in vinyl or linoleum flooring is a common repair job. Heavier grouted vinyl or linoleum can absorb the impact of small cuts due to the depth of material. However, deeper and wider cuts can be snagged over time. The damage is usually replaced with a small utility knife and matching flooring. The tile is adhered over with a continuous pattern.

Foot Traffic Wear and Tear

Floor wear and tear is common over time. Staining and soiling of vinyl and linoleum is particularly common in bathrooms and kitchens. UV light infiltration is a common culprit to the fading of color in these types of floors. Installing lined curtains or blinds can reduce the impact of UV light. Felt protectors for furniture legs and the application of a floor protection polish can help prevent scuffs and wear. Applying a protective polish can restore glow and prevent excessive buildup of dirt.

Burns and Scorching

Vinyl and linoleum burn marks and scorching down to the substrate happen occasionally and can make replacement more tricky. Light burns are sanded away or removed with the application of a cleaning solution in a circular motion without rubbing too hard. A floor polish is then applied to match the shine of the rest of the flooring. Deeper burns may require cutting out the old vinyl or linoleum and applying a patch. The patch should match the original pattern. Vinyl fillers can be used on neutral areas of the floor without a pattern if the burn or scorched area is small; this is usually finished with an acrylic sealer.

Plank Vinyl Buckling

Plank vinyl is a common type of flooring system for creating a faux wood floor look. The vinyl is often thicker in quality and has a grooved surface that matches wood floor material. The most common issue with this type of floor is the buckling and puckering of vinyl from moisture infiltration and loose adhesive. The most common repair is removing the plank and applying additional adhesive. Subfloors that are subject to moisture and humidity may require insulation below or an entirely new substrate. Some vinyl planks will need to replaced if the material is too warped to provide a proper adhesion to the subfloor.

Tile versus Sheet Replacement

Vinyl and linoleum sheet flooring will usually fuse better than tile to the surface for long-lasting strength and durability. It is also possible to patch in new material. Tile systems can be quicker to install and patched in single tiles to match a pattern. A steam sealer can fix small cuts and scratches. Homeowners should consider consulting with a professional if larger damage is present.

Sheet flooring is also less likely to pucker and warp due to the fact that the continuous material has fewer seams for moisture infiltration. Sheet vinyl can come in a wider range of colors, and replacement is more continuous. However, sheet vinyl should only be installed on a subfloor that is free from nicks and scratches.

Homeowners should consider assessing the benefits of prevention to keep vinyl or linoleum floor looking new. Most floors can be repaired inexpensively during the initial stages of wear and tear. Keeping spare sets of tile or sheet material will allow for a perfect match on repair seams. Consider consulting a flooring professional or contractor for large patches and replacement of an entire floor.