In the kitchen, I want to install PVC sheet flooring over glued PVC tiles. However, the laminate floor in the adjacent room is 1 cm (0.4 inches) higher. What are the options for leveling this height difference?
I am looking for something to lay on top of the PVC tiles that is waterproof.
I am looking for something to lay on top of the PVC tiles that is waterproof.
On this topic, a few fundamental points:
There have never been PVC tiles. In the past, ceramic tiles were used as wall coverings, which have been called "wall tiles" for many years now.
The risks with the mentioned installation method are:
a) There is no locking mechanism between the substrate (the old floor covering) and the new PVC floor covering in roll form.
Due to unavoidable changes in indoor temperature and humidity, the new covering will shift on its own. It will move and tend to form widespread bubbles as a result of foot traffic and use. Aesthetics are a matter of taste, but this has nothing to do with proper installation according to technical standards!
b) It cannot be ruled out that brown stains will appear on the surface of the covering within a short period—especially in areas with point loads (walking paths, chair contact areas, etc.)—which are caused by plasticizer migration.
The solution to both issues is to use a suitable dry adhesive that is resistant to plasticizers between the old floor covering and the new one. This also ensures the new covering is locked in place and can be removed again after moving out without damaging the old flooring.
Height leveling can only be achieved by applying a stable mineral-based leveling compound. However, this must not be applied on the old flooring; it needs to create a solid bond with the screed. A possible solution is to use a suitable transition profile, which must be fixed at least on one side. Otherwise, the profile may slip out of position during use, leading in the best case to a gap between laminate flooring and the new covering.
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Not every trade is equally suitable for inexperienced DIYers!
If the technical rules are ignored due to lack of knowledge or carelessness, one must accept the consequences.
Good luck and a wise decision: KlaRa
There have never been PVC tiles. In the past, ceramic tiles were used as wall coverings, which have been called "wall tiles" for many years now.
The risks with the mentioned installation method are:
a) There is no locking mechanism between the substrate (the old floor covering) and the new PVC floor covering in roll form.
Due to unavoidable changes in indoor temperature and humidity, the new covering will shift on its own. It will move and tend to form widespread bubbles as a result of foot traffic and use. Aesthetics are a matter of taste, but this has nothing to do with proper installation according to technical standards!
b) It cannot be ruled out that brown stains will appear on the surface of the covering within a short period—especially in areas with point loads (walking paths, chair contact areas, etc.)—which are caused by plasticizer migration.
The solution to both issues is to use a suitable dry adhesive that is resistant to plasticizers between the old floor covering and the new one. This also ensures the new covering is locked in place and can be removed again after moving out without damaging the old flooring.
Height leveling can only be achieved by applying a stable mineral-based leveling compound. However, this must not be applied on the old flooring; it needs to create a solid bond with the screed. A possible solution is to use a suitable transition profile, which must be fixed at least on one side. Otherwise, the profile may slip out of position during use, leading in the best case to a gap between laminate flooring and the new covering.
-----------------
Not every trade is equally suitable for inexperienced DIYers!
If the technical rules are ignored due to lack of knowledge or carelessness, one must accept the consequences.
Good luck and a wise decision: KlaRa
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