What can I use to fill gaps in vinyl flooring?

There are a few options when it comes to filling gaps in vinyl flooring. The best solution will depend on the cause and size of the gaps.

Causes of Gaps in Vinyl Flooring

Here are some common causes of gaps appearing between vinyl flooring planks or tiles:

• Improper installation – Gaps can form if the flooring is not installed properly or tightly enough. This includes inadequate expansion gaps around the perimeter.
• Flooring contracting or expanding – Vinyl floors expand and contract slightly with temperature changes. Gaps can appear if the floor gets significantly colder or hotter.
• Subfloor imperfections – Any uneven spots or protrusions on the subfloor can allow the vinyl flooring above it to gap or lift.
• Excessive floor traffic and wear – Vinyl will show gapping over time with regular foot traffic, furniture movement, etc. High impact spots tend to gap first.
• Moisture issues – Exposure to excess moisture can cause vinyl planks to swell, shrink back, and leave gaps when drying out.
• Loose or broken locks – Some vinyl click lock flooring relies on small locking mechanisms on the edges. These can wear out or break over time and cause gaps between planks.

Filling Small Gaps

For small gaps between vinyl planks or tiles, less than 1/4 inch, here are some good filler options:

• Vinyl filler paste – Specialty vinyl filler compounds are made to fill small gaps in sheet and tile vinyl floors. They come in a paste form and blend in well with the floor color.
• Melted vinyl scraps – Leftover vinyl pieces can be cut into slivers and melted into gaps with a soldering iron. Match the vinyl pattern for the best color match.
• Flooring seam sealer – Liquid seam sealants are another product made for closing gaps in vinyl floors and sealing the joints.
• Clear silicone caulk – A small bead of clear silicone or acrylic caulk can fill a small gap. Make sure to use 100% silicone for flexibility.
• Polyurethane caulk – Water-resistant polyurethane caulk works well but may yellow or discolor over time when exposed to light.

Steps for filling small floor gaps:

1. Clean out the gap thoroughly and make sure it’s dry.
2. Apply painter’s tape alongside both sides of the gap to keep things neat.
3. Fill or seal the gap with the chosen filler, tooling it smooth with a putty knife.
4. Remove the painter’s tape before the filler dries.
5. For removable fillers like caulk, go back within 10-15 minutes to further smooth and clean up excess.
6. Avoid walking on the repaired spot for at least a few hours.

Filling Larger Gaps

For vinyl plank gaps wider than 1/4 inch, filler alone is not sufficient. The gaps need to be patched and reinforced from underneath first. Here are some options for filling larger vinyl floor gaps:

• Backer rod + caulk – Compressible backer rod pushed into the gap provides a base for caulking on top.
• Filler board – A strip of thin plywood or filler material can be cut to size and hammered into the gap from below, then caulked over top.
• Hot glue gun – A specialized flooring repair hot glue gun can fill wide gaps in planks. The rigid glue fills the gap and bonds the edges.
• Epoxy filler – Two-part epoxy formulated for floors can patch large gaps when mixed and poured into the opening.

The process for filling larger gaps:

1. Clean and dry the floor gap thoroughly.
2. Insert compressed backer rod, filler board, etc. into the depth of the gap.
3. Fill over top of the insert with caulk or other flexible filler.
4. Use painter’s tape on both edges and tool for a smooth finish.
5. Remove tape after 10-15 minutes before caulk fully dries.
6. Avoid walking over the repaired area for at least 24 hours.

Preventing Future Gaps

To help minimize gaps from reappearing in your vinyl flooring, here are some tips:

• Make sure floors are installed properly, following all manufacturer guidelines.
• Inspect that subfloors are level – fill low spots and grind down high points.
• Use floor leveling compounds under vinyl planks installed over concrete slabs.
• Maintain proper indoor temperature and humidity year-round.
• Don’t over-wet mop or flood floors when cleaning.
• Add plasticizers to keep older vinyl from getting brittle and contracting.
• Rearrange furniture periodically to distribute wear and traffic.
• Place rugs in high traffic areas to limit wear and tear.
• Trim pets nails to avoid claw damage and lifting.

When to Call a Pro

In some cases, it’s best to call in a flooring professional:

• For repairs needed under vinyl sheets, which are difficult to get under.
• If gaps are very large, lifting over 1”.
• If gaps are accompanied by loose or cupping planks.
• If gaps are caused by extensive subfloor imperfections.
• If gaps keep reappearing quickly after filling.
• If vinyl repairs interfere with sliding appliances like refrigerators.

A qualified flooring installer can redo problem seams, secure loose areas, replace damaged planks, and address underlying subfloor issues causing gaps.

Vinyl Floor Gap Troubleshooting

Issue	Possible Causes	Solution
Small gaps along seams between vinyl planks	Normal expansion/contraction of flooring	Fill with vinyl filler paste or caulk
Gaps forming around perimeter walls	No expansion gap left during install	Cut gap with circular saw and fill with baseboard/quarter round
Large gap between two planks in middle of floor	Broken click-lock mechanism	Bridge gap from below with backer rod and caulk
Gaps in high moisture areas	Vinyl planks swelling from excess water	Find and fix moisture source. Fill gaps.
Gaps randomly scattered across floor	Subfloor irregularities	May need floor replacement if very uneven

Vinyl Plank Gap Repair Supplies

Having the right supplies on hand will ensure you can promptly fill in any gaps that appear in your vinyl flooring:

• Caulk gun + caulk – Silicone and polyurethane are good options.
• Vinyl filler paste – Color-matched to floor for seamless repairs.
• Melting soldering iron – For filling small gaps with leftover vinyl scraps.
• Backer rod – Compressible foam backer to insert into large gaps.
• Painter’s tape – To protect floor edges and create neat caulk lines.
• Putty knives – For smoothing and tooling the filler.
• Rags – For cleaning and drying gaps before filling.
• Eye protection – Safety glasses for cutting backer board or vinyl.

Conclusion

Vinyl flooring gaps are common but can be fixed. For small gaps under 1/4″, flexible fillers like caulk work well to seam them shut. Larger gaps need rigid patching below before topping with a flexible filler. Prevent future gaps with proper installation, climate control, and maintenance. Call a flooring pro for repairs under sheets or large sections. With the right filler products and techniques, you can keep gaps from marring the look of your vinyl flooring.