Tile Primer: A Must-Have for Vinyl Floor Installations

Do you feel like you’re in a bit of a pickle when it comes to your floor installation? Seeing all sorts of tile and grout choices that have virtually the same look can be downright perplexing. Some are more expensive, some less durable while others are simply too heavy for your wall applications. The solution for filling the gap between these two extremes is a potent tile primer.

The Role of Tile Primers in Home Improvement

When we think of significant home upgrades that truly make a difference in our daily life, as well as our budgets, usually furnishings primarily come to mind, and flooring gets to be an afterthought. And it shouldn’t be this way, because the floor takes up a great deal of load, and daily wear and tear.

Now, you may be thinking, but if it’s the case with vinyl, then it should put up with the pressure and use, and not show signs of this for years to come. True, it’s a type of material that’s known for its durability, and yet it can do with some care and maintenance, as much as with thoughtful application which can certainly extend its lifespan.

This is especially the case with the more durable and valuable luxury vinyl, and if you pay particular attention to how you apply the tiles there’s still no guarantee this is enough to make for a lasting and beautiful professional finish. The same can be said about the easily applied peel-and-stick vinyl tiles as the adhesive layer is thin and can result in peeling or bubbling, besides other flooring types and materials such as engineered timber.

The answer to all these problems lies in using the help of a resilient tile primer designed to create a strong connection between the base and the tiles with the layer of adhesive. It doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with a porous or non-porous surface as the base, such as plywood or even concrete, the bond created by the primer is enough to give you the needed durability for this crucial home feature. Some of the benefits you can expect to reap include:

Water-Resistance

One reason why you should invest in a primer is the fact it can make your tiles last longer by boosting the water resistance considering moisture and water can affect the adhesive of the tiles, and lead to damages that can lead to really costly repairs. In addition to this, the primer as a reliable water sealant can further assist with the adhesion which in turn increases the tiles’ longevity.

This is due to the way the sealer improves the surface, making for an improved adhesive function to the tiles even when it’s the case with porous surfaces that have cracks or crevices. I also need to point out one added benefit here of the application of a tile primer as a sealant: that of increased resistance to problems with mould. No moisture in between the surface and the floor tiles results in no infestations.

It may seem insignificant but mould has turned into a serious problem nowadays, one many of us aren’t even aware we have at home or that it’s impacting our health in a bad way. There are other resistance properties too you could experience, some of which I’d like to mention are resistance to shock, heat, and chemicals. Not surprisingly, the primer for vinyl flooring is also a must in cases of application in commercial buildings where the floor is exposed to lots of traffic, and chemical emissions.

Low Maintenance

Considering the adhesion helps eliminate this pesky problem, it’s only logical to think of how it can also reduce the other contaminants, grime, dirt, and even dust from being discharged from this surface to the rest of the room. Since the base surface gets sealed with the use of the appropriate flooring primer there’s no worry about it being too absorbent or getting the cracks and crevices filled with all sorts of nasties.

When these are present, you also don’t get an even surface which further puts your whole flooring installation project in jeopardy. With a subfloor properly coated and sealed, there’s less dust and contaminants at home, and fewer cleaning chores for you which, I’m sure, is something you rejoice in as a busy individual. Any chore I can cut from the list is great news for me.

Better Appearance

Okay, this one is more in terms of aesthetic benefits rather than functional, but it’s a crucial one nonetheless. The reason the tile primer makes this possible is that it minimises the appearance of bubbles which are a rather common issue when positioning tiles and vinyl. These appear due to gas or air liberation between the two surfaces and can be quite an unsightly aspect that separates flooring installation into DIY-looking and professional-looking.

And once the bubbles set in, you can’t get rid of them, which is another point where you’ll highly appreciate the help from a primer. You can also achieve a better appearance by not having to rush in with the tile adjustment since the primer increases the time you have between the adhesive sets and you layering the tiles in the desired pattern. One bonus benefit that stems from this one is avoiding costly repairs, and consequently the headache and stress they bring about.