Floors take a lot of abuse. Here are common repairs to vinyl flooring -- both tiles and sheet vinyl -- to do yourself.
BLISTERS:
Blisters form in vinyl flooring when a small section pulls away from the adhesive on the subfloor. To fix, use a utility knife to cut a slit through the blister. Cover the area with aluminum foil and heat it with a warm iron. This will soften the vinyl and the adhesive beneath.
Use a putty knife to insert new adhesive through the slit, then press the blister flat. Wipe away with mineral spirits any excess adhesive that seeps through the slit. Place a weight over the area and allow at least 24 hours for adhesive to set.
SCRATCHES AND TEARS:
It is not difficult to repair deep scratches or tears in vinyl floor covering if you have a spare piece of the material to make a patch. You might have some scraps left from the original installation. You might also be able to buy a small piece from a floor-covering supplier. Or you can remove a small section of the floor covering from a hidden area in a closet or under a large appliance.
Cut a patch larger than the damaged area. Place it directly over the damaged section in the floor and adjust it so the patterns match. Tape the patch in place. Using a metal straightedge as a guide, cut a new piece over the damaged area, slicing through the patch and the vinyl underneath with a utility knife. Remove the patch and lay it aside. Pry out the damaged section with a putty knife.
A stubborn piece of vinyl floor can usually be loosened by softening the adhesive underneath with a warm iron (cover the area with aluminum foil first). Clean the subfloor by dissolving the adhesive with mineral spirits, then scrape it with a putty knife or a single-edged razor blade.
Apply adhesive to the patch and press in place. Use a roller (or a kitchen rolling pin covered with plastic wrap) to flatten the patch and assure a good bond. Remove excess glue with mineral spirits. Place a weight over the patch and allow adhesive to set.
TO REPLACE A DAMAGED VINYL TILE:
Use a warm iron to soften the adhesive, then pry up the damaged tile. Coat the back of the replacement tile with adhesive, then press it into place. Weight it down until the adhesive sets.
-- Homes & Gardens staff
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