411homerepair.com

Repairing Floor Coverings after a Flood

by Michigan State University on Apr 28, 2012

Subfloor

Water coming up from below will cause most damage to subfloor material. If a linoleum or vinyl floor covering is not under water many days, the floor covering may partially protect the subfloor material. Long submersion, however, will loosen adhesives and warp subflooring. If a plywood or hardwood subfloor is wet, you should probably remove the linoleum or vinyl and replace the subfloor material.

Removing loosened floor coverings

Some floor coverings may crack or break when you try to loosen them. Contact a reputable dealer to find out what solvent will loosen adhesives with minimal damage to linoleum or vinyl. Heating with a heat lamp or propane torch may make the covering less brittle. How easily the covering can be lifted depends on the material and adhesive. If the adhesive is waterproof, it may be difficult, if not impossible, to remove the floor covering without considerable damage.

Tiles

If the floor has not been badly soaked, you may not need to replace the subfloor. It is possible to re-cement loosened tiles of any type. Be sure the floor is thoroughly dry before trying to re-cement.

 

Blisters may be left in linoleum tiles after warped wooden flooring has dried. Carefully puncture each blister with a nail. With a hand syringe (from store, force diluted linoleum paste through the hole, and weight the linoleum bricks).

Sheet Linoleum or Vinyl

Water may have seeped under a loose section of vinyl or sheet linoleum. Carefully remove the entire sheet. Allow the floor to dry thoroughly before trying to re-cement the linoleum. Thorough drying may take as long as 6 weeks or more. Use a new sheet or lining felt before re-cementing the floor covering.

Latest Articles

How Much Does It Cost To Take A Bath​?

Plumbers know that a bath may seem like a relaxing luxury, but the real cost extends far beyond your water bill. The average soak uses 35 to 50...

on Apr 8, 2025

10 Concrete Patio Ideas on a Budget

A concrete patio can be a game-changer for your outdoor space. It is durable, versatile, and can be customized to fit your style. But what if you...

on Mar 25, 2025

Tips for Creating a Stunning Personalized Photo on Canvas

Order the unique beauty of a personalized photo on canvas and bring your memories to life. With a customized photo on canvas, you can transform...

on Mar 7, 2025

Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth

Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...

on Feb 18, 2025

Troubleshooting Excess Water in Your HVAC Secondary Condensate Drain Pan

When maintaining your air conditioning system, it is easy to overlook the condensate drain pan - until excess water starts pooling in places where...

on Jan 12, 2025

Sponsored Articles

Actions

More DIY Articles

Custom Kitchen Cabinets Instead of Cabinet Refacing

Remodeling a kitchen is quite an interesting project, one that will forever change your home. There are thousands of homeowners that are eager to...

Kitchen / Bathrooms

What Makes Garage Doors Safe?

Sometimes, it helps to change your perspective to understand clearly a problem. This is true for garage doors and safety issues as well. When you...

Doors / Garages

How to Protect Your Home from Burglars

Burglary is one of the most common crimes in the world. It is also the easiest to prevent. In the US, statistics show that a burglary is committed...

Safety / Security

Creating the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen

When you look out at your backyard what do you see? If there’s an open space that seems to be calling your name, begging for a little creativity,...

Kitchen / Bathrooms

How to Align Garage Door Tracks

What happens when garage door tracks fall out of alignment? Is this an easy DIY? And what do you need to consider before you try to align tracks...

Doors / Garages

Contact Us | Submit Article | 411homerepair © 2025