Even though loose lay vinyl is a very stable product, it is made of materials that possess a coefficient of thermal expansion. This means the planks will slightly grow or shrink when exposed to drastic temperature changes. If the flooring is installed tightly against walls or heavy cabinetry without room to 'breathe,' it can push against the perimeter and buckle in the middle. Always follow the manufacturer's specified expansion gap requirements—typically a small gap around the entire perimeter covered by baseboards or quarter-round. Acclimation is equally important. Always store your planks in the room where they will be installed for at least 48 hours. This allows the vinyl to adjust to the home's ambient temperature and humidity. Installing cold planks in a warm room can lead to later gaps as the material expands, while installing warm planks in a cool room can lead to buckling. By letting the materials stabilize first, you ensure that the floor will remain beautiful and flat throughout the changing seasons.
Key considerations
- loose lay LVP
- expansion
- acclimation
- vinyl flooring temperature
- vinyl expansion
- loose lay LVP properties