You thought everything was perfectly tight.Until suddenly you notice bubbling spots, seams opening up, or planks coming loose. What’s going on? In this blog, you’ll discover why a glued vinyl floor can start to come loose, how moisture plays a role, and how to prevent it.
What causes a vinyl floor to come loose?
A vinyl floor rarely comes loose without a reason. Usually, something’s going on with the subfloor, the adhesive, or the indoor climate. These are the most common causes:
1. Moisture beneath the floor
Moisture might be the biggest enemy of glued vinyl. Sometimes it’s caused by a leak, for example from underfloor heating or a water pipe that got a little too enthusiastic. Other times, it happens due to condensation, simply because the room isn’t ventilated properly. And then there’s the classic pitfall: a subfloor that wasn’t dry enough during installation. This is especially common in new-build homes.
Important to know:
Vinyl floors are water-resistant by nature. So you don’t need to worry about a spilled glass of water or a wet mop. The real problem lies in moisture beneath the floor, which damages the adhesive.
2. Incorrect or unevenly applied adhesive
The right adhesive literally makes or breaks your floor. If you use an adhesive that isn’t suitable for vinyl, it will eventually fail. And even if the adhesive is good, things can still go wrong if it’s not applied evenly. Think of spots with too little glue or floors laid too quickly before the adhesive had enough grip. Simply put: gluing is not a quick job—it requires precision, patience, and expertise.
3. Moving or unstable subfloor
Your floor ‘breathes,’ which is usually a good thing. But if the subfloor literally moves underneath, that’s a problem. Wooden floors that shrink or expand due to temperature changes, or cement screeds with small cracks, can quickly cause issues. Your vinyl planks then don’t have a stable base and come loose. That’s why it’s important to properly level the floor beforehand and give the subfloor enough time to cure. Good preparation is, once again, half the joy of living.
How to recognize a vinyl floor coming loose?
It often starts innocently. You hear a slight sticky sound when walking. Then suddenly you see a plank lifting at one side. Before you know it, visible waves appear—like your floor has its own dance routine. As soon as you see seams opening or planks shifting, it’s time to act. The sooner you address it, the smaller the damage.
What can you do if your vinyl floor comes loose?
Don’t keep hoping it will fix itself—rarely does. In some cases, loose sections can be repaired locally. A professional will remove the loose planks, apply new adhesive, and lay them down tightly again. If the damage is bigger or moisture is the culprit, (partial) replacement is often unavoidable. But always have a proper inspection first to find out what’s really going on. Especially with moisture problems, this helps avoid having to start all over again later.
How to prevent your vinyl floor from coming loose?
Prevention is better than repair. And luckily, it’s very doable. Make sure the subfloor is dry, choose an adhesive that fits both the vinyl type and the room, and have your floor installed by someone who knows what they’re doing—not just a handy cousin. And don’t forget about the room itself: good ventilation ensures moisture has no chance. This is especially crucial in bathrooms, kitchens, and new-build homes. That way, your floor stays tight and beautiful year after year.
In conclusion: choose peace of mind
A floor coming loose is frustrating but usually preventable. With the right preparation, a reliable subfloor, and quality vinyl flooring, you’re set for years to come. No stress, no loose planks—just a floor you can count on.
