Can LVP Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring be Repaired?

How To Fix Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Can LVP luxury vinyl plank flooring be repaired? One of the many benefits of luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is that it is durable and easy to maintain. LVP flooring is a great option for families with kids and pets because it can withstand a lot of wear and tear, however, it isn’t indestructible. So, what happens when your LVP flooring gets damaged? Can it be repaired, or do you have to replace the entire floor? Compared to many other flooring types, LVP is easy to repair. In this blog post, we will discuss how to repair LVP flooring, and how to best prevent damage in the first place.

How Does LVP Flooring Get Damaged?

LVP flooring can be damaged in a number of ways. The most common cause of damage is from scratches, scuffs, or stains. These types of damage can usually be repaired with a little elbow grease and the right cleaning or polishing products. However, if the damage is more severe, such as deep scratches or gouges, you may need to replace the affected plank or planks.

Another way that LVP flooring can be damaged is if it becomes warped or bowed. This type of damage is usually caused by water damage or exposure to extreme heat or cold. If your LVP flooring has become warped or bowed, it is not possible to repair it and you will need to replace the affected plank or planks.

Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Cleaning and Maintenance

The first step in repairing any type of flooring is to keep it clean. This will prevent dirt and debris from becoming embedded in the surface, which can make damage more difficult to repair. When cleaning LVP floors, use a microfiber mop and a cleaner specifically designed for luxury vinyl plank. You should also avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing the surface too vigorously, as this can cause scratching. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your LVP flooring. This will ensure the longest lasting flooring and keep you covered under any warranty you may have received.

Avoiding LVP Flooring Damage

Taking good care and caution will help you to avoid damage before it happens. Make sure to have pads on the feet of chairs, couches and furniture. Pick items up instead of dragging them to move. Use area rugs in high traffic spots, or where kids play often. Make sure pets are house trained and don’t dig or scratch. Avoid leaving water or liquids/spills for too long. This is just a short list of things you can do to keep your flooring new and damage free. Accidents happen of course, but a little caution can go a long way when it comes to protecting your investment.  

Repair vs Replace LVP Flooring Damage

Some LVP flooring damage requires minor repairs, and other damage requires major repair or even replacement. When you are deciding whether to repair or replace damaged flooring, consider these points and options. 

Repairing LVP Minor Flooring Damage

Minor damage to LVP floors can often be repaired with a simple touch-up kit. These kits typically come with a putty that can be used to fill in scratches, as well as a sealant to protect the area from further damage. If the damage is more severe, you may need to replace one or more individual planks. 

So, how do you repair scratched, scuffed, or stained LVP flooring? The first step is to clean the affected area with a mild soap and warm water. Once the area is clean, you will need to sand it down with fine-grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth. If you are repairing a deep gauge, you may need to fill it in with a putty in the color matching your flooring. Make sure not to overfill the gauge or you will feel it when walking over it. Once the putty is dry, lightly sand and coat with manufacturer recommended material or sealer. 

For some repairs, replacing the entire plank might be more appropriate. Of course, you will want to avoid this whenever possible. It is highly recommended that you call a professional as removing your plank the wrong way can disrupt the integrity of the rest of the flooring and planks around it. While this can be done easily and seamlessly, it often takes an experienced flooring technician to ensure best results. Call our team at Elizabethtown Flooring for help and answers to any questions you have.  

Replacing LVP Major Flooring Damage

Minor Replacement

Depending on how many planks are affected by the damage, and what type of installation was done, you may or may not be able to easily replace planks. If you need to replace an area smaller than 3 square feet, and your LVP luxury vinyl flooring is floating for example, then you may be able to simply remove the damaged plank and snap a new one into place. If your flooring is glued down however, you will need to pry the planks off, and cut around them to remove them. You then need to deal with the glue and replacing the planks while making sure the flooring is even with no gaps around the edges. While some proficient DIYers can do this with ease, we always recommend protecting your investment by calling a professional. 

Major Replacement 

In cases of major damage, you may need to replace the entire floor. This is because trying to patch up too large of damaged areas can often lead to an uneven surface that is noticeable and unsightly. Usually this is only suggested when the flooring is a few years older, and there are no other options for repair. Rarely have we seen anyone need to replace their entire floor, unless they were wanting to do it anyway. 

Is Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Right For Me?

The chances of needing any repairs or replacements on your LVP are very slim, especially in the first 5 years. This flooring was designed to be durable, easy to care for,  and long lasting. Because of the realistic wood patterns, scratches and small damage is actually quite hard to see anyway. When installed and cared for properly, your LVP flooring will be one of the best investments you ever make in your home. Knowing how to repair minor and major damage can help you keep your LVP floors looking their best for years to come.

Ready To Get Your Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is a durable and versatile option for many homeowners. If you have decided that you would love the look, convenience and comfort of LVP flooring, then give our team of experts a call at (717) 367-8744 today! We can help answer all of your questions, and are happy to help with your new or existing flooring needs. Didn’t get your floors done with Elizabethtown Flooring? No problem, we are still happy to help no matter who installed your floors. Customer service and building lasting relationships is our number one priority.