Vinyl Plank Flooring Problems: Gaps, Peaking and How to Prevent Them

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is the fastest-growing flooring choice in Canadian homes, especially for basements, kitchens and condos. It's waterproof, quiet and very realistic. But "waterproof" doesn't mean "problem-free." The most common complaints we hear are gaps between planks, edges peaking up, and spots that feel hollow or soft. Almost all of them trace back to temperature, the subfloor, or how the floor was installed.

Why Is My Vinyl Plank Flooring Separating?

• Temperature swings: vinyl expands in heat and shrinks in cold. Unheated rooms, sunrooms, and floors in direct sun move the most.

• Skipped acclimation: boxes stored in a cold garage or truck and installed right away shrink once they warm up, and the joints pull apart.

• Uneven subfloor: click-lock planks need a flat surface. Most manufacturers ask for no more than about 3/16" variation over 10 feet. Dips cause flexing that slowly breaks the joints.

Why Is My Vinyl Floor Peaking or Buckling?

Peaking is when two planks push up into a ridge. It's the opposite of gapping: the floor has expanded and has nowhere to go. Usual causes are a missing perimeter expansion gap, heavy cabinets or islands installed on top of a floating floor, or trim nailed through the planks. The fix is to free the floor and restore the expansion space; damaged planks are replaced.

Why Does My Vinyl Floor Feel Hollow or Soft?

A hollow or bouncy spot means the floor isn't fully supported. It's usually a low spot in the subfloor that wasn't filled. Over time, that flexing cracks the locking edges. A small bump under the floor is often debris, like a screw or pebble left on the subfloor before installation.

What About Vinyl Flooring in Basements?

Basements are where vinyl shines, but concrete slabs need extra care:

• Test the slab for moisture before installing.

• Grind high spots and fill low spots so the slab is flat.

• Use a vapour barrier or a product with an attached pad rated for concrete.

• Acclimate the flooring in the basement itself, at normal living temperature.

Vinyl handles spills and damp better than any wood product, but water can still get underneath through the edges. After any flooding, the floor should be lifted and the slab dried to prevent mould.

How Do You Choose Vinyl That Lasts?

• Rigid core (SPC): more stable and dent-resistant than flexible vinyl, a good fit for main floors and sunny rooms.

• Wear layer: 12 mil is fine for bedrooms; 20 mil or more is better for kitchens, kids and pets.

• Attached underlay: helps with sound and comfort, especially in condos.

See our luxury vinyl flooring options and our professional flooring installation process. We install vinyl in homes and condos across Toronto, Vaughan, Markham, Mississauga and the rest of the GTA.

Vinyl Flooring FAQs

Can gaps in vinyl plank flooring be fixed?

Yes. Small gaps can be closed with a tapping block or a plank-gap tool. If whole rows have separated, the cause (usually the subfloor) needs to be fixed and the planks relaid.

Is vinyl plank flooring really waterproof?

The planks are. The floor as a whole isn't sealed, so standing water can get underneath. Clean up spills and leaks quickly.

Need a Flooring Expert to Take a Look?

Seeing gaps or peaking in your vinyl floor, or planning a basement install? Alpine Flooring has installed and repaired floors across Toronto and the GTA for more than 20 years. We're licensed and insured, rated 4.9 on Google, and you deal directly with Sam from your first call to the final walkthrough. Request your free quote and we'll come see the floor in person, often within the same week.

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