Lay the new linoleum on the old one? What you should pay attention to before starting installation - Tips + Video

In the life cycle of an apartment there comes a moment when it is time to do cosmetic repairs in the apartment. You always want this process to be as fast and as cost-effective as possible. In the process of cosmetic repairs, the question of replacing linoleum often arises, but where to put the old one?

In this regard, many are wondering whether it is possible to put new linoleum on the old one. We will not torment you and answer - yes, you can.

How to do this?

To do this, you need to know a number of nuances.

The old coating must meet some requirements. Before starting work, you need to assess the condition of the old linoleum. You should not look at the appearance of the coating, but evaluate it from a technical point of view.

What does this mean?

1. Linoleum should not be torn - the entire surface of the old coating should be as even as possible so as not to create irregularities on the new linoleum. If there are irregularities or holes on the old coating, if you put new linoleum on top, then over time it will become unusable.

   It is better not to put new linoleum on top of such a coating.

2. Make sure your old linoleum is firmly fixed. If this is not the case, then you should either fix the old linoleum in those places where it does not fit snugly or remove it. Also, if possible, before you start laying new linoleum, check for fungus.
3. Pay attention to the fact that the floor is even - the old linoleum could be put on an uneven floor and then it will lie in waves and in some places will be torn from the time of such use.

4. An important factor is the service life of your old linoleum. If the coating is relatively new, it is ideal for a substrate. Complete dismantling in this case is an irrational decision.
5. Make sure that the old coating matches the new one. Ideally if they match.

If your old linoleum meets the listed requirements, then feel free to put a new coating on top.

For what reasons is it impossible to lay new linoleum on the old one?

1. You cannot lay new linoleum in the case when the old linoleum is poorly fixed or not fixed at all: there are waves, voids, swellings. In the case when the voids are small, you can try to eliminate them. If this is not possible, then it is necessary to dismantle the old linoleum.
2. It doesn't matter if the old linoleum is in good or bad condition, if its service life has already expired (the service life of linoleum is on average 15 years).

   In this case, it is necessary to dismantle the old linoleum without hesitation.

3. If the old linoleum is on an uneven floor, placing a new one on top will not change anything. In this case, it is better to remove the old linoleum, level the floor and only then start laying the new linoleum.
4. If there is mold or mildew on the surface of the old linoleum or underneath it, then the new linoleum should be placed only after getting rid of the fungus!
5. If your old linoleum is soaked in dust and dirt, DO NOT put it on top him new linoleum. Ingested dust and dirt are as harmful to health as mold or mildew.

6. If your old linoleum is not a single canvas, but a covering assembled in pieces - immediately dismantle it. Over time, the joints that are on this coating will certainly disperse and dips will form - this will negatively affect the new linoleum. Therefore, such a coating must also be dismantled.

If you encounter the above problems, then ALWAYS dismantle your old linoleum before starting work on laying a new one. After you have checked your old linoleum (whether it is suitable for laying a new one or not), you can start installing new linoleum.

If you decide to leave the old linoleum, then you need to lay a new one without using glue. Instead, experts recommend using double-sided adhesive tape to reduce slipping.

Before proceeding with the installation of new linoleum, it is necessary: ​​

• empty the room from furniture;
• remove all rubbish;
• wash the old linoleum;
• dismantle the skirting boards;

In this case, it is necessary to fix the linoleum along the walls with skirting boards, and at the threshold with a special decorative strip. New linoleum should lie down for at least a day so that the surface is completely smoothed out and there are no waves.

Conclusion

There is no unequivocal opinion of experts about whether it is good or bad to lay new linoleum on top of the old one.

Someone notes that in this case, additional sound insulation occurs, it becomes warmer in the room, and there is less dirt to breed. But there are also disadvantages: if you overlooked the presence of defects on your old linoleum, then dents will soon appear on the new linoleum, and it will begin to tear. You have to do all the work again: waste time and money. You can put the new linoleum on the old one, but whether it is necessary or not is up to you.