DIY Network

Repairing Vinyl Flooring Learn how to replace a single vinyl tile. From "Home Made Easy" episode DHME-111

Guest Allegra Bennett joins host Stephanie Lydecker and shares the secret to replacing a single vinyl tile due to damage.

advertisement

	Allegra demonstrates an easy way to replace a damaged vinyl tile.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Repairing Vinyl Flooring

• Vinyl tiles are usually held in place with adhesive, so to repair or replace one tile means you have to understand how the bonding process works--or better yet, how to make it not work.

• If you have one tile that is damaged the easiest way to get the entire tile off the floor is to loosen the glue that is holding it down. Place brown paper bag or brown wrapping paper over the tile. Using an iron set on high, move the iron around the paper bag (figure A). This will loosen the glue and prevent the tile from sticking to your iron.

• Once the glue has melted, take a putty knife or a three-in-one and go underneath the tile and lift off the damaged piece (figure B).

• Before you put down a new piece of tile, you have to clean the area. Just scrap it with a putty knife and get it all clean. Then, wipe it all down with a wet cloth. You can also use a vacuum to make sure you removed all the debris.

• Many vinyl tiles come with adhesive backing. If the tiles do not have the backing, you need to use a vinyl adhesive. Spread the adhesive on the back of the tile, and then lay the tile down. Lay the new tile in place and smooth it down, making sure it is level with the tiles around it. You then need to place something heavy (20 pounds) like books, etc. (figure C) on top of the tile for approximately 30 minutes.

GUESTS :

Allegra Bennett
Editor, Renovating Woman magazine

When a Woman Takes an Ax to a Wall
Allegra Bennett
0965617327
March 2002
LPC Group

How to Hire a Contractor: A Homeowners Guide to Dynamic Contractor Relationships
Allegra Bennett
0965617319
September 2000
Renovating Woman

Website: www.renovatingwoman.com