Can You Lay VCT Tile Over VCT Tile?

Preparing Old Vinyl

• The old vinyl tile floor has to be completely sound and flat to support new tile flooring. Because VCT is not rough like concrete, this often involves simply cleaning the floor. You must remove all grease, wax, dirt, dust, oil and any finishers or sealers that were used on the old tile floor, or else the chemicals in these products may mix with those in the adhesive, causing a loose hold. Mop or wipe down the old VCT with a mop or rag dampened in mineral spirits or a similar solvent cleaner. These cleaners remove all contaminants, not simply dirt and dust the way regular water does. Rinse the floor in plain water afterward to remove any residual solvent.
  
  

Underlayment

• Consult your VCT manufacturer's instructions regarding underlayment. An underlayment is designed to act as a barrier between the subfloor and the new floor, adjusting for moisture changes and any small defects in the old floor. An underlayment also makes walking on the floor softer. Your manufacturer will recommend a type of underlayment. Allow the underlayment --- as well as the new tile --- to sit in the installation room for at least 48 hours prior to installation to adjust to the room's humidity and temperature. Next, simply staple or glue the underlayment to the old tile, depending on the type of product you used.
  
  

Installing

• Lay a loose run of your tile first, starting from the center of your room and working outward, to get an idea of what the floor will look like when you're done. Cut VCT to fit along edges or around obstructions, using a sharp utility knife. You can soften the tile you need to cut with a heat gun if you are having trouble cutting. Simply spread the adhesive onto the underlayment with a notched trowel and push the tiles firmly in place. Wipe any adhesive off the tile faces immediately, before it stains.
  
  

Asbestos Warning

• You can choose to tear up your old VCT floor if you are not comfortable installing over it, or if it is damaged or weak. However, consult with a professional contractor or flooring installer first. Tile floors installed during or before the 1980s may have asbestos in either the adhesive or the tiles themselves, and tearing these up will release the dangerous material into the air. Only a professional can identify and remove asbestos-laced tiles.