ᐅ Experiences and Tips for Installing Click Vinyl Flooring over Carpet Adhesive

Hello everyone,

I will be installing click vinyl flooring.

Previously, laminate flooring was installed over a carpet. The carpet can be easily pulled up and no longer adheres to the glue. I have already tested this.

The adhesive is quite firm. The thickness of the adhesive is very low, maybe 1-2mm (0.04-0.08 inches). The click vinyl has integrated impact sound insulation and a thickness of 5.5mm (0.22 inches). A vapor barrier will be installed under the vinyl.

My question is whether I need to completely remove the carpet adhesive or if I can lay the vinyl directly over it. I have attached some pictures showing the current situation.

If removal is necessary, I plan to:

- Rent a large concrete/screed grinder with vacuum extraction.
- I do not want to level the floor because the apartment is fully furnished.
- I will fill in major uneven spots and drill holes with filler.

Of course, cost is an important factor here.

-> What tools would you recommend for this?

Thank you!

I would just give it a try. Lay the material over a few square meters. It doesn’t have to look perfect. Then observe how it behaves — either it’s fine, then click it apart and install it properly, or you’ll need to level the floor.

It will eventually push through sooner or later.

Hello
I had exactly the same starting situation. I scraped off the adhesive residues as thoroughly as possible by hand using a scraper before installing click vinyl flooring (9mm (0.35 inches), floating). I wanted to avoid unevenness caused by uneven removal. Otherwise, you have to work with leveling compound. In my opinion, the problem won’t be that the adhesive residues show through, but rather that it may sound hollow in some spots when walked on if the surface isn't level.
I would put in the effort again and prepare the subfloor as well as possible. It’s frustrating if you’re not satisfied with the final result.

nordanney schrieb:

I would just give it a try. Lay the material over a few square meters. It doesn’t have to look perfect. Then observe how it behaves — either it’s okay, then click it apart and lay it properly, or level the floor.

You can safely ignore that advice.
Vinyl is soft, and the subfloor will compress over time. You can’t "simulate" this by installing 2m² (22 sq ft) for 2 days without putting any weight on it.

Do it right from the start, otherwise you’ll end up doing it twice.