Why is my vinyl plank lifting after my Toronto reno?

Vinyl plank lifting after installation is almost always caused by one of three things: moisture, an uneven subfloor, or improper acclimation before installation. The good news is that identifying the root cause early can save you from a full floor replacement.

The most common culprit in Toronto homes — especially basements and main floors — is moisture. Vinyl plank flooring is waterproof itself, but trapped moisture underneath it has nowhere to go. If your subfloor has even minor dampness, or if the concrete slab wasn't properly tested before installation, that moisture creates pressure that pushes planks up at the edges and seams. This is especially common in Toronto's older homes (think post-war bungalows in Scarborough or Etobicoke) where basement slabs may not have a proper vapour barrier beneath them.

The second major cause is subfloor flatness. The Ontario standard for vinyl plank installation requires the subfloor to be flat within 3/16 of an inch over 10 feet. Any high spots or dips beyond that will cause planks to flex under foot traffic, eventually breaking the locking joints and causing lifting or separation. If your installer skipped proper subfloor prep — skim coating, grinding high spots, or using self-leveling compound — you'll see this problem within weeks of installation.

Acclimation is the third factor many installers overlook. Vinyl plank needs to sit in the room it's being installed in for 24-48 hours before installation, at normal living temperature (between 15°C and 35°C). Toronto's seasonal temperature swings are significant — if planks were installed in a cold garage or delivered in winter and installed immediately, they may have expanded after the fact, causing buckling or lifting.

One more thing worth checking: expansion gaps. Vinyl plank is a floating floor and requires a 6-10mm gap around all walls, cabinets, and fixed objects. If your installer ran the planks tight to the walls or forgot to remove door jamb material, the floor has nowhere to expand and will lift in the middle.

What you should do now: First, check the obvious — look for tight spots at walls and under door frames. Then check for moisture by taping a small piece of plastic sheeting to your subfloor for 24 hours; if condensation forms underneath, you have a moisture issue that needs addressing before any repairs. If the lifting is widespread, it's worth having the installing contractor back to assess — most reputable flooring contractors will warranty their labour for at least one year.

If you need a second opinion or a new flooring professional to assess the situation, browse licensed flooring contractors in our Toronto Construction Network directory to find someone local who can take a look.