Luxury vinyl flooring has become a top choice for homeowners in Nashville, Brentwood, and Franklin thanks to its durability, water resistance, and stylish looks. But even this high-performance flooring isn’t immune to issues—especially when it's not installed or maintained properly. One of the most common problems we see at Corlew and Perry is buckling. If your luxury vinyl flooring is starting to lift, warp, or bubble, here’s what might be causing it—and how to fix it with the right flooring repair approach.
What does buckling in vinyl flooring look like?
Buckling refers to sections of your vinyl floor that rise above the subfloor, creating noticeable ridges, bubbles, or loose planks. It can make your floor uneven, hard to walk on, and, frankly, an eyesore.
The good news? Buckling is almost always a symptom of an underlying issue—one that can be fixed if caught early.
Common causes of buckling in luxury vinyl flooring
1. Moisture buildup beneath the surface
Even though luxury vinyl flooring is water-resistant, it’s not completely immune to moisture problems. Water that seeps into the subfloor or becomes trapped beneath the planks can lead to swelling and lifting.
This issue is especially common in areas with high humidity, or in basements where moisture barriers weren’t installed during the original flooring installation.
2. Lack of expansion gaps
Vinyl flooring expands and contracts slightly with temperature changes. During installation, it’s crucial to leave a small expansion gap (usually around a quarter inch) around the perimeter of the room. Without this space, the planks can push against walls and buckle.
3. Extreme heat or sunlight
Direct sunlight and high temperatures can cause vinyl to expand excessively. Over time, this can cause distortion or lifting, especially near windows or sliding glass doors that get constant sun exposure.
4. Poor subfloor prep
If the subfloor beneath your luxury vinyl flooring is uneven, has debris, or contains moisture, it can trigger problems. Buckling is often the result of improper subfloor leveling or failure to use the correct underlayment.
How to fix buckling vinyl floors
At Corlew and Perry, we’ve performed countless flooring repair jobs across Middle Tennessee. Here’s how we typically approach buckling issues:
1. Inspect the affected area
We start by examining the buckled section and lifting planks if necessary to see what’s going on underneath. This helps us determine whether moisture, subfloor issues, or installation mistakes are the root cause.
2. Address moisture problems
If moisture is the culprit, we’ll dry out the subfloor and install the proper vapor barrier to prevent future damage. In some cases, a dehumidifier may also be recommended, especially in basements or humid rooms.
3. Reinstall or replace planks
Once the source of the problem is fixed, we carefully reinstall the lifted planks—or replace them if they’re too warped. Matching the original flooring is key, and we always make sure the new section blends seamlessly with the rest of the floor.
4. Correct installation flaws
If the original install lacked an expansion gap or proper leveling, we make those corrections during the repair. This prevents the issue from recurring and ensures the floor is stable long-term.
Preventing future buckling
After a proper flooring repair, there are a few simple ways to avoid future issues:
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Use window coverings to reduce heat exposure.
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Maintain humidity levels in your home with a humidifier or dehumidifier.
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Avoid wet mopping or letting standing water sit on the floor.
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Hire pros for installation so your subfloor and vinyl planks are installed correctly the first time.
Trust Corlew and Perry for expert flooring repair
If your luxury vinyl flooring is buckling, don’t wait for it to get worse. At Corlew and Perry, we offer expert flooring repair services tailored to the unique needs of homes in Nashville, Brentwood, and Franklin. Our team will quickly identify the issue, repair the damage, and make sure your floors look and feel good as new.
Let us bring your vinyl floors back to life. Call Corlew and Perry today to schedule your inspection and flooring repair service.
