Does Vinyl Flooring Expand And Contract?

Vinyl expands and contracts like a symphony! Expanding and contracting of vinyl flooring is a common occurrence due to its sensitivity to temperature fluctuations.

How much does a vinyl floor expand and contract?

Every time the temperature or weather changes, vinyl plank flooring expands and contracts. Planks are able to expand and contract by a fraction of an inch, but when the effects are multiplied across multiple planks, large gaps are common.

How much do vinyl planks expand?

Make sure to leave about a 14-inch expansion gap around the perimeter of your floor because of vinyl flooring’s climate sensitivity.

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Does vinyl plank floor expand?

When it gets hot or cold, vinyl flooring expands and contracts naturally. Allow for this natural expansion by stopping the floor between a quarter and a half inch shy of the wall. Loose-lay flooring can easily buckle if installed flush with the wall because there is no room for growth during the hot months.

Will vinyl plank flooring settle?

As time goes on, the vinyl plank flooring will settle. It’s best to leave the planks on the floor for a few days so they can get used to the humidity and temperature of the room before moving them in.

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Does vinyl flooring increase home value?

It all comes down to your market when it comes to finding the best flooring to increase the value of your home. The most money you’ll make will probably come from hardwood, but there are also plenty of advantages to buying laminate or luxury vinyl plank flooring.

Do vinyl planks need expansion gap?

Leave a 14-inch space between the baseboard and the flooring if you want to leave them in place. Quarter-round pieces in a matching color may be necessary to fill this gap.