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Vinyl Floor Seam Repair in Columbus, OH

Vinyl floor seams can be a real trouble spot in any home. Over time, these seams may separate or curl up, creating not just an eyesore but also a tripping hazard. At Columbus Flooring Company, we specialize in fixing these common problems that many Columbus homeowners face with their vinyl flooring.


Our professional vinyl floor seam repair service can extend the life of your existing flooring and save you thousands of dollars compared to a complete replacement. We use specialized tools and materials that create a strong, almost invisible repair that blends seamlessly with your existing floor. Many of our customers are surprised to find they can't even tell where the damage was once we're finished.

Composition and Types

Vinyl flooring is made from synthetic materials, primarily polyvinyl chloride (PVC) mixed with plasticizers for flexibility and stabilizers for durability. Sheet vinyl flooring comes in large, continuous pieces with minimal seams, making it ideal for moisture-prone areas. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) mimic the look of natural materials like stone and wood with remarkable realism.


We offer several vinyl thickness options, typically measured in millimeters. Thicker vinyl provides better durability and sound insulation. The wear layer, which protects against scratches and stains, varies from 6 to 20 mils depending on the quality level.


Most modern vinyl flooring features multiple layers: a backing layer, a core layer, a design layer with printed patterns, and a clear wear layer on top.

Our Vinyl Floor Seam Repair Process

  • 1. Subfloor Preparation

    At Columbus Flooring Company, we thoroughly assess your subfloor before beginning any vinyl installation. We check for unevenness, which can lead to visible seams and premature wear of your new flooring. If needed, we apply a quality floor leveling compound to create a perfectly flat surface.


    We always conduct a comprehensive moisture check of your subfloor. Excess moisture can cause adhesive failure and bubbling in vinyl flooring over time. For concrete subfloors, we use moisture meters to ensure readings are within acceptable levels.


    In cases where moisture levels are high, we install a moisture barrier underlayment to protect your investment. This extra step prevents future issues and extends the life of your vinyl flooring substantially.

  • 2. Addressing Subfloor Issues

    Subfloor problems often cause vinyl seams to separate or bubble. We begin by carefully removing damaged vinyl sections to inspect the subfloor beneath. If we find moisture issues, we apply professional-grade sealants to prevent future damage.


    For uneven subfloors, we use leveling compounds to create a smooth surface. This prevents stress on vinyl seams and extends the life of your repair.


    We often encounter rotted wood or damaged concrete that needs attention before the vinyl repair can be completed. Our team can replace damaged subfloor sections and ensure proper installation of moisture barriers where needed.

  • 2. Applying Adhesives and Sealers

    We select the appropriate adhesive based on your specific vinyl flooring type. For most repairs, we use a high-quality vinyl seam adhesive that creates a strong, waterproof bond.


    Using a small applicator or notched trowel, we apply the adhesive evenly under both sides of the seam. For wide seam repairs, we might use a heat gun repair technique to slightly soften the vinyl, making it more pliable and easier to manipulate.


    After applying the adhesive, we carefully press the seam together, ensuring perfect alignment. We use a specialized seam roller to apply even pressure along the entire length of the seam, forcing out air bubbles and excess adhesive.


    For high-traffic areas, we sometimes use seam welding rod for maximum durability.

  • 3. Heat Seam Welding Technique

    We use professional-grade seam welding guns that provide precise temperature control for perfect vinyl seams. The heat welding process creates a waterproof bond that's stronger than the original floor.


    First, we clean the seam area thoroughly and use a special grooving tool to create space for the welding rod. We then heat the area to exactly 350-400°F for optimal bonding.


    The vinyl welding rod we use matches your floor's color and texture perfectly. After welding, we trim and finish the seam to make it virtually invisible. This technique is especially effective in bathrooms and kitchens where moisture resistance is critical.

  • 4. Repairing Wider Seams and Gaps

    For gaps exceeding 1/8 inch, we use specialized epoxy fillers designed specifically for vinyl flooring. These products bond chemically with the vinyl and create a flexible, durable repair.


    We color-match the epoxy to your flooring for a seamless appearance. For particularly wide gaps, we may insert a backing material before applying the epoxy to ensure proper depth and support.


    In extreme cases where seams have expanded significantly, we might recommend partial replacement of vinyl sections. We carefully cut and replace damaged areas with matching material, then use our heat welding technique to create invisible seams. This approach saves you money compared to full floor replacement.

  • 5. Finishing Touches

    Once the adhesive has partially set, we clean any excess that may have squeezed out using a manufacturer-recommended solvent. This prevents unsightly residue around the repair area.


    For a truly invisible repair, we apply a thin layer of seam sealer over the joint. This floor seam gap filler creates a waterproof barrier and blends the repair with the surrounding floor.


    We may use color-matched compounds to touch up any minor color differences at the seam. After the repair is complete, we recommend avoiding foot traffic over the area for 24 hours to allow proper curing.


    We finish by buffing the area with a soft cloth to blend the repaired section with the rest of your floor, resulting in a seamless appearance that will last for years.

DIY Tips for Homeowners

When to Call the Professionals

Simplified Vinyl Floor Repair

First, inspect the damaged seam by pressing the loose edges to ensure they still join tightly. If the seam closes neatly, clean the area thoroughly with a mild detergent and let it dry completely. Purchase vinyl floor adhesive and a seam sealer kit from your local home center.


Apply the adhesive under the loose vinyl using a small paintbrush. Press the seam down firmly and wipe away any excess adhesive that squeezes out. Place heavy books or weights on the repaired area overnight to ensure proper bonding.


For more stubborn seams, you might need to use a hair dryer on low heat to slightly warm the vinyl, making it more pliable before applying adhesive. This helps create a stronger bond.

Maintaining Your Vinyl Floors Post-Repair

Regular maintenance prevents future seam problems. Sweep or vacuum your vinyl floors daily to remove dirt and grit that can work into seams. Use a damp mop with a vinyl-safe cleaner weekly, avoiding excessive water that might seep into seams.



Place protective pads under furniture legs to prevent them from tearing vinyl when moved. Use rugs or mats in high-traffic areas to reduce wear, but choose ones with non-rubber backing as rubber can discolor vinyl over time.


Check repaired seams periodically for any signs of lifting. Early intervention prevents small issues from spreading. If you notice any new bubbling or lifting, address it immediately using the same repair techniques before the problem worsens.

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