Site preparation is the foundation of a durable vinyl floor. For floating floors, the subfloor must be flat, typically within 3/16 inch over a 10-foot radius, to prevent joint stress. For glue-down installations, the subfloor must be smooth and porous enough to allow proper adhesive bonding. Conduct moisture tests for concrete substrates and ensure wood subfloors are secure. Removing old adhesive residues and ensuring proper acclimatization of the planks to the room's temperature is critical to avoid installation failure.

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