Why Your Vinyl Plank Flooring Lifting at Edges (And How to Fix It)

Noticed your vinyl plank flooring lifting at edges and wondering what went wrong? Trust me, I’ve been there and it’s frustrating to see those once-smooth planks curling up like they’re trying to escape. 

Whether your vinyl floor is popping up in the middle or your LVP flooring is coming up near the walls, you’re not alone, and yes it can be fixed without ripping up the whole floor. I’ve dealt with this firsthand and learned some simple but solid tricks that actually work.

In this guide, I’ll explain why your vinyl flooring might be lifting, how to fix it step by step, and what to do to prevent it from happening again. Let’s dive in and get that floor looking flawless again!

What Is Vinyl Plank Flooring Lifting?

Let’s break it down. Vinyl plank flooring lifting at edges means the ends of the planks are curling up. They don’t sit flat anymore. You might see raised corners or feel a bump when you walk. It can happen near the walls or even in the middle of the floor.

People may also call it vinyl floor popping up or LVP flooring coming up. These are just other ways to describe the same thing. It means your floor is no longer smooth.

Lifting at the edges is different from the middle. Edge lifting looks like the corners are peeling. Middle lifting feels like the whole plank is rising. Both are signs that something’s off.

This issue can get worse if ignored. But don’t worry, it’s fixable. And in most cases, you won’t need to rip everything out or spend a lot.

Why Is My Vinyl Plank Flooring Lifting at Edges?

Wondering why your vinyl plank flooring lifting at edges? I’ve been there. One day my floor looked smooth, and the next boom! The corners were curling like old toast. It can feel annoying, but don’t worry. Let’s look at what causes it.

Water is a big reason. If moisture gets under the planks, they can rise. A spill, a leak, or high humidity can lead to vinyl flooring lifting at edges or even in the middle.

Bad installation can also cause lifting. If there’s no space left around the walls for the floor to expand, the planks push against each other. This often leads to the vinyl floor popping up. Using the wrong glue or no glue at all? That can do it too especially with glue-down floors.

Heat and cold can mess with your floor. If the room gets too hot or too cold, the planks can grow or shrink. Over time, that can cause LVP flooring coming up, especially near the walls or doorways.

The surface under the floor matters too. If the subfloor is uneven or there’s dirt underneath, your planks may not sit flat. Even a small pebble can make a big bump.

And last, the underlayment. If it’s of poor quality or too soft, it lets the floor shift. That’s when you may see vinyl flooring lifting in middle spots or even feel it move when you walk.

So if your vinyl floor is lifting, don’t panic. There’s a reason for it, and yes, it can be fixed.

How to Fix Vinyl Plank Flooring That Is Lifting

So your vinyl floor is coming up? Don’t worry it happens. You don’t need to replace the whole thing. Most of the time, it’s a quick fix. Let’s walk through it step by step.

Step 1: Check the Problem First

Look closely. Is it the edges curling? Or is the middle rising? Each one needs a different fix.

Next, check for water. Feel around. Is the floor damp? That could be why your vinyl plank flooring lifting at edges or puffing up in the center.

Now press down on the planks. If they move or feel loose, they may not be locked or glued correctly.

Step 2: Fixing Lifting at the Edges

Here’s how to fix vinyl plank flooring lifting at edges:

• Use heat. A hair dryer on low works best. Warm the plank a little. Don’t burn it. Just get it soft.
• Weigh it down. Put books or a heavy box on top. Let it sit for a few hours.
• Click it back. If it’s a click type, press it back into place. Make sure nothing is stuck underneath.
• Glue it. For glue-down floors, lift the edge. Add a little glue. Press it flat. Add weight.

If the plank is damaged, replace it. This is the best fix for vinyl floor popping up near the wall.

Step 3: Fixing Lifting in the Middle

When the floor rises in the center, it’s likely vinyl flooring lifting in middle spots. Try this:

• Check for water. Water under the floor can cause this. Dry the area well.
• Give space. Floors need room to expand. Trim the edges if they’re tight.
• Lift and reinstall. Take out the bumpy planks. Lay them back down with more space and a clean surface.
• Level the base. Use floor filler if the subfloor is bumpy. A flat base helps planks sit tight.

This stops the vinyl floor from popping up again.

Step 4: Fixing LVP Flooring Coming Up All Over

If big sections are loose, here’s how to fix LVP flooring that is lifting:

• Pull up the area. Start at the part that’s coming up.
• Clean the floor. Get rid of dust, glue, or dirt.
• Glue or click it back. Use floor glue or snap the pieces back in.
• Weigh it down. Books or boxes work great. Leave them for a day.

This helps stop LVP flooring from coming up again.

Step 5: Fixing Linoleum That’s Lifting

Not vinyl but linoleum? That’s okay. The fix is simple.

• Lift the edge. Gently peel it back.
• Add glue. A little bit is enough.
• Press it down. Use something heavy on top.

That’s it! Now you know how to fix linoleum flooring that is lifting, too.

Want help keeping your floor from lifting again? Let’s go to the next part: How to Prevent Vinyl Floor Lifting in the Future.

How to Prevent Vinyl Floor Lifting in the Future

Let’s talk about how to keep your vinyl floor from lifting again. Trust me, after dealing with it myself, I know you don’t want to go through that twice!

The first tip is simple: keep moisture under control. Water is the main reason why your vinyl plank flooring might lift. Even a small spill can cause problems. So, wipe up spills right away and use a dehumidifier if your room is too humid.

Next, make sure to acclimate your planks before installing them. I made this mistake. Vinyl needs time to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity. Leave the planks in the room for about 48 hours before you start installing them.

Another key tip: leave expansion gaps. If you don’t leave a little space around the edges, your floor won’t have room to expand or contract. This can cause the edges to lift. Leave about 1/4 inch between the floor and the wall.

Also, be careful with adhesives. I learned that using the right glue is crucial. Follow the instructions for your specific flooring. If you’re installing glue-down vinyl, don’t skimp on the glue.

Lastly, don’t place heavy furniture on seams. This can cause your planks to shift. If you need to put something heavy, spread the weight evenly.

To sum it up: control moisture, acclimate your planks, leave space around the edges, use the right glue, and avoid heavy furniture on seams. Do these things, and your vinyl flooring lifting at edges will be a thing of the past.

When to Call a Professional

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, your vinyl plank flooring lifting at edges just won’t stop. It’s frustrating. You’ve tried to fix it, but it’s just not working. When this happens, it may be time to call a pro.

Here’s my story. I once had vinyl flooring that kept popping up. I tried everything heat, glue, and clicking the planks back into place. But it didn’t work. In the end, I called a professional. They knew exactly what to do. They had the right tools and experience to fix it quickly. It saved me time and stress.

So, when should you call a pro? If your floor is lifting in many places or large sections of your LVP flooring are coming up, it’s time. A professional can fix these bigger issues. If water damage is the cause, or if you have glue-down floors, you might need help. Some fixes need more than DIY effort.

Also, if your attempts to fix the lifting are not working, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If the planks still won’t stay down, a professional can help find the cause. They will fix what you missed.

Sometimes, it’s okay to admit you need help. Professionals are there for this. They’ll make sure the job is done right. Don’t stress. Help is just a call away.

Conclusion

If your vinyl plank flooring lifting at edges, don’t worry. It’s a common problem, and it’s fixable. I’ve dealt with it myself, and I know how annoying it can be. But trust me, it doesn’t mean you need a whole new floor.

First, figure out why it’s happening. It could be water, poor installation, or temperature changes. Once you know the cause, you can fix it. Start by checking if the planks are locked in place, keeping moisture out, and leaving space for the floor to expand.

If your fixes don’t work, it might be time to call a professional. But most of the time, you can fix it yourself. And once you do, your floor will be smooth again.

So, don’t panic! Vinyl flooring lifting at edges can be fixed. Follow the steps, and you’ll have your floor looking great again. If you have any questions or tips, feel free to share them in the comments.

FAQs on Fixing Vinyl Plank Flooring Lifting at Edges

1. What causes vinyl plank flooring to lift at the edges?
Vinyl plank flooring lifting at edges can happen for a variety of reasons. Water damage, poor installation, temperature changes, or an uneven subfloor are common culprits.

For example: Moisture, such as spills or leaks, can cause the planks to rise at the edges, leading to visible lifting over time.

2. How do I fix vinyl flooring lifting at the edges?
You can fix lifting at the edges by heating the planks with a hair dryer, weighing them down with heavy objects, and clicking or gluing the planks back in place.

3. Can I fix vinyl plank flooring lifting in the middle?
Yes, you can fix lifting in the middle by drying any moisture, giving the planks room to expand, and ensuring the subfloor is level.

4. What is the best way to prevent vinyl flooring from lifting?
To prevent lifting, control moisture, acclimate the planks before installation, leave expansion gaps, use the right adhesive, and avoid heavy furniture on seams.

5. Should I call a professional if my vinyl flooring is lifting?
If your floor is lifting in many spots or you can’t fix it yourself, it’s a good idea to call a professional. They can help with big repairs or issues caused by water damage.