Water damaged linoleum floor - what should I do?

Question

Hello BP community!

I attached a picture of the damage. You can't see it clearly but it is bucked. The flooring is linoleum. This is in the upstairs bathroom. There was a water overflow from the bathtub last year and it leaked through the flooring to the first floor.

Since it is damaged, I would like to install waterproof LVP in the bathroom. My contractor said to just install the LVP on top of the current water damaged linoleum flooring. He would screw down the buckled part. I am concerned about this plan because the flooring is water damaged already. I prefer to have him rip out the old flooring and install the LVP.

Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated!

Theresa Harris · Answer

Rip it up. You have no idea what the floor looks like underneath....then again if it an old house there may be asbestos tiles under the linoelum...in which case see how strong the subfloor is and listen to your contractor.

Bob S. · Answer

WHAT TO DO???????? REMOVE AND REPLACE!!!

Caroline Gerardo · Answer

Long time leak. Termites found the water. You pull it up and see what is happening underneath. Seal everything properly. I prefer porcelain tile over LVP, it lasts just buy extra pieces- place un-grouted under sink in bath and kitchen for spares.

Theresa Harris · Answer

I'd ask the installer.  Better yet, get the tub repairs done first. That way if something gets on the floor, it is on the old lino and not the new floor.

Mary Winter · Answer

Thank you for your time and your response! That's what I thought too!

I don't believe there is tile underneath because this was put in by the builder.

After the LVP is installed, do you how many hours I should wait before walking on it? I need to schedule a time to have some repair the bathtub...

Water damaged linoleum floor - what should I do?

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