Problem: The wooden floor beneath the vinyl near your back door has gotten wet over the years. As a result, it has expanded and deteriorated, and your flooring looks damaged and unattractive.
Solution: With the proper tools and a little effort, you can replace the underlayment and repair the vinyl flooring.
Equipment list:
Hammer
Pry bar
Slotted screwdriver
Chisel
Utility knife
Notched trowel
Straightedge
- In this project, you will be removing a section of vinyl from your floor. Be sure you have a matching piece of vinyl to use as a replacement.
Remove base shoe molding
- Use a utility knife to cut along the painted seam between the base molding and the shoe molding near the area to be repaired.
- Use a chisel or pry bar to gently pry the shoe molding away.
Expose the damaged area
- Use a straightedge and utility knife to cut the vinyl away from the damaged area. Cut only the sides of the vinyl so that it can be peeled back. Be sure to cut away enough vinyl so that undamaged wood is visible on all sides.
- Starting at the edges, begin pulling the sheet vinyl away from the damaged area. Keep in mind that some older homes may have two layers of vinyl.
- Remove the door threshold. If the threshold is damaged, you will need to replace it as well.
Remove the damaged underlayment
- Use a straightedge to mark an area along the good wood surrounding the damaged underlayment. Marking straight lines will help you later when you cut out your replacement underlayment.
- Use a circular saw to cut away the damaged underlayment. Be sure to set the depth of the blade so that you remove only the underlayment.
- Cut a piece of replacement plywood underlayment to the appropriate size. Be sure the plywood is the same thickness as the original underlayment.
- Fasten the replacement piece using construction adhesive and wood screws. Place putty over the screw heads to provide a smooth surface for the vinyl floor covering.
Replace the vinyl flooring
- If your floor has two layers of vinyl flooring, you will need to replace both pieces. Using your utility knife and straightedge, cut a piece of replacement vinyl. Be sure to cut it as precisely as possible to ensure a tight fit. Use your notched trowel to apply adhesive to the clean plywood floor. Place the replacement vinyl in position and smooth it down using a wide putty knife.
- Roll the original piece of vinyl back into its original position.
- Place the new vinyl over the area and match up the designs. Then tape the new vinyl to hold it in place.
- Use your straightedge and utility knife to cut through both the new and old vinyl. This will help you get the best fit for your replacement. Be sure to hold the utility knife straight when you make your cuts; holding it at an angle could cause the replacement to be the wrong size.
- Spread vinyl adhesive on the floor, and install the new vinyl.
Repair the door area to prevent future water damage
- Install the new threshold, or replace the original.
- Use a screwdriver to fasten a door bottom onto the door. The door bottom has a gasket that prevents water from entering house. It also has a drip cap to direct water away from the door bottom. You may need to trim the door to make room for the door bottom.
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