How to Repair Curling Vinyl Flooring at a Shower Edge, by HouseMaster's Carpentry on YouTube. 8 min 46 s.
- Video length
- 8 min 46 s
- Time to do it
- 1 to 2 hours plus overnight se
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Cut and scrape out the old caulk along the shower edge. Work carefully so you do not slice into the vinyl or the shower base.
Clean the joint and warm the curled flooring with a heat gun or hairdryer on low. Keep the heat moving so the vinyl relaxes without scorching or melting.
Lift the edge slightly and check underneath for grit, old caulk or loose debris. Remove anything trapped there so the vinyl can sit flat.
Test how the edge sits by pressing it down by hand. If it springs back up, plan on holding it flat with bars, a straight board and weights.
Run a bead of silicone caulk under the lifted edge. Do not squeeze it all back out; leave enough to seal the joint.
Wipe away excess caulk with a rag before it skins over. Keep a smooth bead along the edge.
Lay your straight board or metal bars over the edge and add weight or clamps. Aim for firm, even pressure along the whole curl.
Add extra weight to any spot that still lifts. Check that the edge is sitting flat against the floor.
Leave the weights in place while the caulk cures. Check the label for the full cure time before walking on it or getting it wet.
Tips and common mistakes
Warm the vinyl slowly and keep the heat source moving, since too much heat can warp or burn the surface.
A prepared 1x6 board with weights gives more even pressure than scattered tools and bars.
Leave a proper caulk bead in the joint instead of squeezing it all out, or water will get back under the edge.
Fix the water source too, such as a shower door leak, or the edge will curl again.
Questions
Can I use a hairdryer instead of a heat gun?
Yes. A hairdryer on a high setting works for small curls, but warm it gradually and keep it moving so the vinyl does not scorch.
How long do I need to keep the weights on?
Leave them on until the silicone has fully cured, which is usually 24 hours. Check the caulk tube for the exact time.
Will this fix last?
It is a repair to get more life out of an old floor, not a permanent fix. If the vinyl is torn or the subfloor is wet, plan on replacing the flooring.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
