Vinyl flooring is not a newcomer in the world of construction and remodeling. For years this floor tops the list of most people’s options for residential and commercial spaces and rightfully some. Vinyl brings more than its aesthetic properties to the table; it is also affordable, durable, and one of the easiest to install. The latter can be attributed to its availability in glue down and click versions which allow going at the installation without hiring a professional to assist.
Before you jump to the fitting, you need to decide the right vinyl flooring choice for you. Each of the floors has features making them suitable for different spaces in the home or office, so picking one that best matches your needs is the best option. You first need to understand the advantages and disadvantages and what sets them apart. Once you know what to expect from each, opting for one among the two should be easier.
Glue down vinyl flooring
With some handy skills, you can pull off the installation; however, you may need to consider getting a professional to do it.
Benefits
Compared to click, this type of vinyl flooring is cheaper to manufacture, thus making it affordable to purchase.
Because it uses feature strips to create borders, it gives the floor a more appealing aesthetic.
Click vinyl flooring
It is a versatile flooring option where the planks or tiles can be snapped into place with a click-locking system.
Benefits
Click vinyl requires no skills whatsoever because the planks can easily be fitted with a snap or clicking the planks in place on the subfloor.
Because replacing the floor is easy, you will not need a flooring expert’s help, which makes the installation costs cheaper compared to that of gluing down vinyl.
Why choose one over another?
These two vinyl materials each have properties that one would prefer over another. For homeowners to choose, they should consider the factors that make one more preferable than the other.
Subflooring
If you have uneven subflooring and want to hide the imperfections, click vinyl may be a better option since it does not have strict subflooring restrictions. You may, however, have to purchase quality underlay that will prevent moisture from damaging your floors. Glue-down vinyl requires flat, uneven flooring because the tiles are glued on the underneath surface. Your subfloor should also be moisture-free to prevent damage to the floor down the line.
Room temperature
Will the floor be subjected to changes in temperature? Temperature fluctuations can cause your floor to expand and contract, more so when it is click LVT. Because the flooring is not anchored to the subfloor, it is susceptible to temperature changes, unlike glue-down vinyl.
Stability
Because glue down adheres to the subfloor, it does not move with movement on the floor. This quality makes it a more stable option for rooms with high foot traffic as it is less likely to move or feel the effects of floor movement. Click flooring, however, has less joint stability meaning it may lift or show vulnerability at the seams with foot traffic.
Comfort
A comfortable underfoot is not a lot to ask when shopping for a flooring option for your space, more so if you invest in it for the long term. If a soft underfoot is a priority for your floor, click offers more comfort because of its extra thickness and underlay, unlike glue down directly fitted on the underneath surface.
Ease of replacement
With time, floors wear out and may need replacement, with click LVT replacement is easy, cheaper, and less time-consuming compared to glue down. Glue-down vinyl requires precision to install to ensure they are well placed. You may also need to hire a flooring expert to replace it if you need it done right.
Noise
Glue-down vinyl flooring has a quieter underfoot than click, making it more favorable for spaces that need low-level noise like the bedroom or office. Because click vinyl is not directly attached to the subfloor, it could produce a hollering sound when people walk on it.
Making a choice between clicking and gluing down vinyl floors does not have to be nerve-wracking. Use this article to compare the features of both glues down and click vinyl against your preference. The one that is most preferable to your needs is the obvious choice for you. If you are still undecided, you can always reach out to a professional for more advice.
