How to Re-Glue a Loose Vinyl Tile Down

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Vinyl tiles are low-cost, durable and simple to install. While vinyl tiles themselves are resistant to stains and spills, the glue underneath can break down over time. A large spill across the kitchen floor could seep underneath your vinyl tiles, and daily wear and tear also wreak havoc on tile glue. It's often hard to get glue underneath a loose tile, and peeling up the tile to do so usually warps the vinyl. Fortunately, a couple simple household items make vinyl tile more pliable, keeping the tile in good condition as you re-glue it.

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A household iron and aluminum foil make short work of vinyl tiles.

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Things You'll Need

  • Heavy-Weight Object

  • Aluminum Foil

  • Tile Adhesive

  • Clothing Iron

Step 1

Turn on a clothing iron set to medium heat, and wait for the iron to heat up.

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Step 2

Place a sheet of aluminum foil over the loose tile.

Step 3

Place the iron on the aluminum foil, applying moderate pressure. The iron will soften the vinyl and loosen the remaining glue. This makes it easier to lift up the loose tile without damaging it.

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Step 4

Remove the iron and aluminum foil after a minute or two.

Step 5

Lift the loose end of the vinyl tile. If the vinyl does not peel up easily, repeat steps 2 through 4 until you can peel back the vinyl with ease.

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Step 6

Apply tile adhesive to the tile and floor.

Step 7

Flatten out the vinyl tile.

Step 8

Wipe off any excess glue with a damp towel.

Step 9

Place books, bricks or a similarly heavy object on the tile to keep it flat while the glue dries.

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