Problems With Smartcore Vinyl Flooring
The most common issues with Smartcore vinyl floorings are damage from sharp objects and heavy furniture which can scratch, abrade or permanently indent the surface. The flooring can also peel over time as the adhesive wears off. Changes in temperature and humidity causes expansion and contraction which leads to buckling and cracks. Direct sunlight and improper cleaning methods also contribute to warping and dulling of the floors. Proper care and maintenance is required to prevent these problems and extend the lifespan of Smartcore vinyl floors.
Key takeaways
- Susceptible to scratching and indentation
- Can peel over time
- Expands and contracts leading to cracks
- Buckles when exposed to heat
- Sunlight causes warping
- Harsh cleaners dull and damage surface
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Scratching and indentation | Sharp objects, heavy furniture | Use furniture pads, lift heavy furniture when moving |
| Peeling | Adhesive wearing off | Properly prepare subfloor and use recommended adhesive |
| Expansion and contraction | Temperature and humidity changes | Control indoor temperature and humidity |
| Buckling | Exposure to heat | Control heat sources, use curtains and blinds |
| Warping | Exposure to sunlight, water spills | Control sunlight exposure, clean spills immediately |
| Cracking | Excessive weight, temperature swings, subfloor issues | Don't overload floor, control temperature, prepare subfloor correctly |
| Dulling, scratches | Harsh cleaning products | Use recommended vinyl floor cleaners |
Smartcore vinyl flooring provides the look and feel of wood or tile flooring but at a more affordable cost. Its resilience and water-resistance also makes vinyl a practical flooring choice for kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
However, vinyl floors are susceptible to certain issues when not properly cared for. Let's take a closer look at some common Smartcore vinyl flooring problems and their solutions.
Damage from Sharp Objects and Heavy Furniture
One of the disadvantages of Smartcore vinyl flooring is that it is softer than materials like ceramic tile or natural stone. The layer topping the sturdy vinyl base can be prone to scratches, abrasions and indentation when sharp or heavy objects are dragged across it.
Common causes of such damage include:
- Pet claws scratching the surface
- Utensils, cookware or appliances dropping on the floor
- Furniture legs pressing into the vinyl when moved
- Using abrasive scrub pads to clean the floor
To prevent scratching and indentation:
- Attach felt pads to furniture legs
- Lift furniture when moving it instead of sliding
- Keep pets nails trimmed
- Use recommended vinyl cleaners instead of abrasive scrubbers
Peeling Issues
Vinyl flooring is installed using adhesives to bond it to the subfloor surface. As the vinyl ages over 5-10 years, this adhesive can wear out causing the vinyl seams and corners to detach and peel upwards. This peeling tends to happen faster if the subfloor was not properly prepped before installation.
Grime and dirt building up along the edges can also cause vinyl to lift up and peel. To prevent peeling issues:
- Ensure subfloor is smooth, clean and dry before new vinyl is installed
- Use adhesives approved for vinyl flooring installation
- Regularly clean grime buildup especially along edges
Expansion and Contraction
The dimensions of vinyl flooring can expand and contract slightly with changes in temperature and humidity. This is especially noticeable for large vinyl sheets versus tiles or planks.
What causes the expansion and contraction?
- Heating systems warming up a room
- Excessive humidity from cooking, baths, weather
- Lack of climate control causing humidity fluctuations
What kind of issues can occur?
As vinyl expands, it can cause buckling in the center of the floor. As it contracts, gaps can appear between vinyl planks or tiles. The adhesive can also detach leading to further peeling if the subfloor was not appropriately prepped to allow for normal dimension changes.
Solutions to stabilize vinyl dimensions:
- Install vinyl properly by leaving small expansion gaps at edges
- Use climate control systems to maintain stable indoor temps between 65-85°F
- Use dehumidifiers to keep indoor humidity around 45%
Buckling
In addition to expansion triggering buckling, exposure to excessive heat is another culprit. Large windows in sun-exposed rooms can create intense heat on sections of vinyl flooring. Heating vents or appliances like ovens and dishwashers can also damage vinyl over time if heat is not dissipating properly under and around the flooring.
Preventing heat-related buckling:
- Attach reflective window film to large sunny windows
- Use curtains and blinds to control intense sunlight
- Ensure proper ventilation around heat sources
- Add floor vents and underlayment designed for vinyl
Warping
Just as excess heat causes issues for vinyl floors, so can excessive sunlight exposure during installation or afterwards. The heat creates expansion that leads to distortion and warping.
Moisture is equally problematic. Water spills that are not cleaned up immediately can seep under the vinyl and cause warping or bubbles in the surface.
- During install, avoid direct sunlight on laid flooring
- Control indoor temperatures and humidity
- Immediately clean up any spills or overflow
- Ensure crawl spaces have adequate moisture barriers
Cracking
In addition to curling and peeling at the corners or seams, Smartcore vinyl can crack in the middle of floors or tiles. This happens when:
- Heavy appliances, furniture or traffic over-stresses the vinyl
- Subfloor is uneven or unsupportive
- Temperatures swing widely from very hot to cold
- Moisture seeps underneath
To prevent cracks:
- Test subfloors for evenness per manufacture guidelines
- Fill uneven spots with patching compounds
- Use appropriate underlayment
- Avoid extreme temperature shifts
- Do not overload floors with extremely heavy items
Cleaning Product Damage
Harsh cleaning products can damage vinyl floors over time. Abrasive scrubbing pads scratch the protective wear layer exposing the vinyl underneath to staining and indentation.
Strong alkaline detergents strip away the finish gloss leaving a dull film. Steam mops heat the vinyl to unsafe levels causing warping or adhesive breakdown.
Use the following to safely clean Smartcore vinyl floors:
- Mild PH-neutral vinyl cleaners
- Microfiber mops and soft clothes
- Minimal water and immediate drying
- No waxes, oils or harsh solvents
Keeping Smartcore Vinyl Floors Beautiful for Years
You want your new Smartcore vinyl floors to maintain their just-installed look for as long as possible. Vinyl flooring can last upwards of 15-20 years if well cared for. Follow these pro tips for keeping them beautiful year after year:
1. Door Mats and Area Rugs
Placing mats inside and outside exterior doors catches a lot of the daily dirt, grit and moisture that would otherwise get trampled onto your floors. Having area rugs in high-traffic areas provides additional protection. Just be sure mats and rugs have non-slip rubber backing.
2. Furniture Pads and Protectors
Attach felt pads underneath all furniture legs. Lift furniture when moving instead of sliding across the floor to avoid scratches. If using castors or wheels, ensure they are meant for resilient flooring. Replace standard wheels with wider rubber wheels designed for vinyl.
3. Control Climate
Use your central heating and cooling system to maintain indoor temperature between 65-85°F. Run a dehumidifier to keep humidity around 45%. This prevents too much expansion or contraction of the vinyl over time.
4. Clean Regularly
Sweep, mop and vacuum weekly using soft brushes, microfiber pads and PH-neutral vinyl cleaners. Do not use steam mops or harsh chemicals. Immediately wipe up spills. Deep clean every 6 months removing grime along edges and corners.
Following these basics along with the manufacturer’s care guidelines keeps Smartcore vinyl floors looking pristine while avoiding preventable issues. Reach out to a flooring pro for recommended products and any stubborn stain removal.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: Why is my Smartcore vinyl flooring peeling from
the corners? A: Vinyl can start peeling when the adhesive wears down over time. Ensure the subfloor was properly prepped and an appropriate vinyl adhesive was used during original installation. Dirt buildup over years could also cause peeling so clean regularly with vinyl floor cleaner.
Q2: Why are some of my vinyl planks buckling while others are fine?
A: Sections of flooring with buckling planks likely have unstable temperature or moisture issues. This could be from intense sunlight exposure, heat vents, appliance exhaust or water leaks. Inspect the problem areas further and address any contributors found.
Q3: Can I prevent indentation from heavy appliances or furniture?
A: Yes, attach felt floor protectors, pads or special appliance feet underneath all furniture legs and appliances. Lift furniture legs instead of sliding when moving furnishings across the floor. Keep flooring protected from scratches.
Q4: Will using a steam mop help clean my floors better?
A: No, never use a steam mop on vinyl flooring as the heat can damage the protective wear layer leading to warps, discoloration and adhesive breakdown. Always use manufacturer recommended vinyl floor cleaners.
Q5: What causes cracks between vinyl planks?
A: Large fluctuations in temperatures combined with improper subfloor installation or uneven spots can lead to inter-plank cracking. Maintain stable indoor climate, fix low spots in subfloor before installing planks and give flooring adequate expansion room.
Q6: How can I soften hard water stains on the vinyl?
A: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray on stained areas, allowing the solution to soak for 5 minutes before wiping clean with a soft cloth. Rinse afterwards with clean water.
Q7: Will bleach discolor my gray Smartcore vinyl flooring?
A: Yes, avoid using bleach or harsh detergents like ammonia on vinyl flooring as they can strip the protective finish and cause fading or yellowing especially on lighter colors. Always use PH-neutral vinyl cleaners instead.
Q8: Can I install vinyl flooring outside or in a 3 season porch?
A: No, vinyl flooring should only be installed indoors in temperature controlled environments. The fluctuations in temperature and humidity outdoors will damage the floors leading them to warp, expand/contract excessively or fade.
Q9: Should underlayment be used before locking vinyl planks?
A: Proper underlayment helps smooth minor subfloor imperfections, provides sound dampening and adds thermal insulation. Use underlayment recommended by your vinyl manufacturer specifically for resilient sheet, tile or plank systems.
Q10: How long does vinyl flooring last compared to wood or laminate?
A: Properly cared for vinyl lasts 15-20 years on average while wood and laminate last 25+ years. Though vinyl scratches easier, it retains its waterproofness and resiliency longer than wood or laminate in the right environment.
Conclusion
Regular cleaning and protecting vinyl flooring is essential yet easy with some simple maintenance steps. Address any moisture issues quickly. Control indoor climate for stability. Avoid direct intense heat sources. And use proper floor protectants under furniture legs and appliance feet to prevent scratches.
Following the manufacturer’s installation and care guidelines coupled with these vinyl flooring tips will help avoid problems. Reach out to a flooring specialist if issues persist or more details are needed on protecting your new Smartcore vinyl floors.
