Help To Flatten Out Floor Tiles

[Prudie]

Please can anyone advise. Earlier this year we had a leak under the kitchen floor which required about a 1m by 1/2m area of floor tiles lifted. I think they are probably some kind of vinyl flooring but look like laminate wood planks but thinner and bendy.

My husband piled them up out of the way in the conservatory with a little lack of care so in a pile but not flat. Now he is ready to finally put them back they are no longer flat but bits are bendy or warped. Could we soak them in hot water and then put under something heavy for a week or so? Or? There are about 14 pieces of various lengths..

[The Builder]

Yes of course, Prudie, but it would be a lengthy laborious job. There would be several pieces, and each would have to be treated separately. Alternatively, the whole lot could be laid out in a hot bath, left for several minutes, then left on a completely flat surface with a piece of timber on them, weighted down by a few concrete blocks for instance.

A gentle approach with a heat-gun (paint stripper gun) would be quicker, but each piece would have to be weighted individually each time.

Although, I wouldn't be too concerned over any warping. The adhesive should overcome that.  What concerns me more is how much heaving was needed to lift them. They may have stretched out of shape. No amount of flattening is going to help if their original dimensions have been distorted.

Stating the obvious, but my first thought would be to replace them with new. Hawking a sample around flooring outlets might be the best way. If they've been down for a while, then a patch, even with the right ones could well be slightly different in colour. Since it's a utility room, you may be able to live with that.

It may well be worth contacting one of the Carpet/Vinyl stores in your area. It can be a tricky job - patching vinyl. The fellas who deal with it all the time make it look pretty easy - even if you do decide to have the old ones refitted.

[Prudie]

I was of course hoping you'd come along and thank you so much for the helpful answer. Your advice has been taken and we'll give it a go. They don't actually look stretched or damaged just a bit wavy in places. They were removed by a professional plumber rather than a husband :-)

[The Builder]

Well worth having a shot at re-laying them as they are, by the sounds of it.  Either DIY or by a pro.  Just wavy should be no problem since I guess it'll be 'contact adhesive'.

Do remove absolutely all traces of previous adhesive - maybe even finishing with a bit of final floor sanding (by hand.) If you try to re-use, then removing the old glue from the tiles as well  is vital since even a slight lump can spoil the whole thing.

Good luck Prudie  😚

[Canary42]

Can I suggest you relay the 14 pieces one at a time over a week or so. That way you may find it easier to weigh each one down, and if it isn't working you will have only one or two to pull up again.  Good luck 😊