How to Use a Vinyl Floor Roller on Installation

Although a vinyl floor roller is heavy and awkward, it isn’t too difficult to use on your new flooring installation. Before you know it you’ll have the floor installed, and you’ll be able to rest assured that you did it correctly.

1. Check the roller surface before you begin, and clean off any dirt or grit that you find on the surface. This is crucial, as a small pebble will mar or tear your new vinyl floor before you have finished the installation process.

2. Move the roller to the center of the room as soon as you finish gluing down your vinyl. The object of using a floor roller is to remove any air bubbles that may be trapped beneath the flooring; when you roll the floor before the adhesive has cured, the air can be pressed out to the edge of the vinyl.

3. Push the roller from the center of the floor to the outside edge and return it to the center of the floor over the same path. When you reach the spot where you began, overlap the path 1 foot and turn the roller slightly to alter its path.

4. Roll a second path, overlapping the first path in the middle of the floor and meeting the edge of the first path when you reach the wall. You will be able to see any large air bubbles; if one escapes to the finished side, back up and roll it out.

5. Continue working your way around, from the center to the walls of the room until all air pockets have been removed.

6. Make a final roll around the outside edge where the vinyl meets the walls to be sure all the air is gone.

Tip

Use a hand roller for seams.