Glue Down Vinyl Plank Flooring: Reddit Summary

Black Mastic Glue

• Black mastic was used for linoleum and can contain asbestos, caution advised when removing.
• Remover available, but covering it up is an option unless necessary to work with it.
• Pros: Effective adhesive, can be covered up.
• Cons: Can contain asbestos, challenging to remove.

Removing Black Mastic

• Various methods used for removing mastic include hand sanders, fabric softener, wallpaper scrapers, or floor sanders.
• Testing for asbestos advised before removal.
• Heat gun and scraper recommended for slow removal.
• Cement board can be placed over plywood instead of removing mastic.
• Pros: Multiple removal methods available.
• Cons: Labor-intensive, testing required for asbestos.

Flooring Installation

• Recommendations to use a hot trowel, crack suppression mats, SBR bonding, or uncoupling membrane when laying tiles.
• Cement board and uncoupling membrane suggested as alternatives to grinding off mastic.
• Pros: Alternative solutions available, potential cost-saving.
• Cons: Labor-intensive processes.

LVP Flooring Issues

• Separation of LVP planks indicates moisture or uneven subfloor, advised to lift, flatten, and install new LVP.
• Floors separating due to gaps underneath may not be fixable, requiring new flooring.
• Gluing affected areas and ensuring subfloor flatness recommended.
• Cons: Flooring may need replacement, potential product flaws.

Glue Down vs. Floating Floors

• Glue down flooring recommended for high-traffic commercial spaces, while floating floors suitable for homes.
• Manufacturer should be consulted for issues, potentially sending third-party investigators for assessment.
• Use of sealers/primers, adherence to manufacturer guidelines critical for warranty coverage and proper installation.
• Pros: Durable for commercial use, manufacturer support available.
• Cons: Moisture and installation errors can lead to warranty issues.

Moisture Mitigation and Installation Errors

• Proper order of operations outlined for installation, including demolition, grinding, moisture mitigation, and new LVT installation.
• Potential issues with moisture levels affecting adhesives and vinyl, installation errors like lack of rolling with a 100-pound roller highlighted.
• Pros: Clear installation guidelines provided.
• Cons: Installation errors can lead to flooring issues.

Handling Flooring Gaps

• Suggestions for addressing gaps with baseboard, quarter round, or adding thin flooring rips covered by shoe molding.
• Pros: Practical solutions for addressing flooring gaps.
• Cons: Aesthetic compromises may be needed.

This comprehensive summary offers insights from Reddit on Black Mastic Glue removal, flooring installation techniques, issues with LVP flooring, and recommendations for addressing flooring gaps.