Vinyl Plank Flooring Lifting at Edges: Why It Happens and How to Fix It

Have you noticed the edges of your beautiful vinyl plank flooring curling up, lifting, or just not sitting flat anymore? Maybe it started as a tiny corner popping up, but now you’re tripping over a plank edge every time you cross the room. It’s frustrating, but you’re not alone—lifting or curling edges are a surprisingly common headache with vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) floors. The good news? Most of the time, you can fix it—and prevent it from happening again.

What Causes Vinyl Plank Flooring Edges to Lift?

Edge lifting doesn’t just happen for one reason. Here’s what’s most often behind those pesky popped-up planks:

• Moisture or Water Damage: One of the biggest culprits. Water can seep under the edges (from spills, cleaning, leaks, or even humidity) and cause planks to swell, warp, or lose their adhesive bond.
• Poor Subfloor Preparation: If your subfloor wasn’t clean, dry, flat, and smooth, the planks won’t sit flat and can pop up over time. Dust, debris, or leftover adhesive from old floors can interfere with proper bonding.
• Temperature and Humidity Changes: Vinyl expands and contracts with temperature swings. If your floor was installed too tightly (without leaving proper expansion gaps) or in a room that gets really hot or cold, the planks may buckle and lift at the edges.
• Incorrect Installation: Not using the right adhesive (for glue-down types), failing to click planks together tightly, or skipping manufacturer instructions can lead to loose edges.
• Heavy Traffic or Impact: Repeated foot traffic or moving furniture can cause edges to loosen or get knocked out of place, especially in high-use areas.
• Product Defect or Wear: Low-quality or defective planks may lose their structural integrity or adhesive backing over time, causing curling or lifting.

How to Diagnose the Problem

Before you reach for glue or tools, figure out why your planks are lifting. Here’s how:

• Check for Moisture: Is there a leak, condensation, or evidence of water near the lifted edge? Even a slow drip under a fridge or sink can cause problems.
• Press Down: Do the edges snap back into place if you push them, or do they stay up? If they bounce back, the issue may be with the locking system or expansion gap.
• Look at the Subfloor: If possible, lift a plank and check underneath for debris, leftover glue, or unevenness.
• Review the Room Conditions: Recent weather changes, new heating/cooling setups, or closed windows can change humidity and temperature dramatically.

How to Fix Lifting Vinyl Plank Flooring Edges

The fix depends on what’s causing the problem, but here are the most common solutions:

1. For Floating (Click-Lock) Vinyl Planks

• Expansion Gaps: If planks are tight against the wall, they can’t move with the room. Remove baseboards, trim the planks back by 1/4″ to 1/2″ from the wall, and reinstall baseboards. This lets the floor “float” properly and the edges settle down.
• Relock Planks: If the click-lock system wasn’t fully engaged, carefully lift and re-click the affected planks. You may need to remove a few planks to access the lifted area, then reinstall.
• Flatten Edges: For minor curling, sometimes adding weight (like heavy books or a board with weights) for 24–48 hours will help the planks flatten out, especially if combined with a little gentle heat from a hairdryer. Don’t overheat—just warm to the touch!

2. For Glue-Down Vinyl Planks

• Re-Glue Edges: Clean the subfloor and the underside of the plank with rubbing alcohol. Apply a small amount of recommended vinyl adhesive (not super glue or wood glue), press the plank flat, and hold it down with weights until the glue sets (usually 24 hours).
• Replace Damaged Planks: Severely curled or damaged planks may need to be removed and replaced. Heat the plank gently with a hair dryer to soften adhesive, then lift and replace with a new one.

3. For Self-Adhesive (Peel-and-Stick) Planks

• Re-Activate Adhesive: Sometimes, warming the edge with a hairdryer will soften the glue enough to press the edge back down. If not, use a little vinyl adhesive under the edge.
• Clean and Reapply: Pull up the loose plank, clean the area, and use fresh adhesive or a replacement tile if the sticky back is worn out.

4. If the Problem Is Moisture

• Stop the Water: Fix leaks, dry spills, or use a dehumidifier to control humidity. Never install vinyl planks over a wet or damp subfloor.
• Let the Floor Dry: Sometimes, if the cause is a one-time spill or high humidity, simply drying the area and flattening the planks will solve the problem.

How to Prevent Edges from Lifting in the Future

• Proper Installation: Always follow the manufacturer’s directions, especially about subfloor prep, expansion gaps, and recommended adhesives.
• Acclimate Your Flooring: Let vinyl planks sit in the room for at least 48 hours before installation so they adjust to temperature and humidity.
• Keep Floors Dry: Wipe up spills fast and use mats at entryways, sinks, and appliances to catch water before it hits the floor.
• Control Humidity: Use a dehumidifier in humid climates, especially in basements or ground-level rooms.
• Use Furniture Pads: Prevent heavy furniture from catching or dragging on the edges of planks.
• Buy Quality Flooring: Cheaper vinyl can curl or lift more easily—spend a little more for thicker planks with a strong locking system and warranty.

When to Call a Professional

• If a large section is lifting, or the problem keeps coming back
• If you suspect a moisture problem you can’t solve
• If you don’t feel comfortable re-installing planks or dealing with adhesives

A flooring pro can assess your subfloor, find hidden moisture, and repair or reinstall planks for a smooth, long-lasting result.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will heavy objects hold down curled edges? Sometimes, for minor issues. For severe lifting, you’ll need to address the root cause or use adhesive.
• Can I use regular glue or construction adhesive? No. Always use adhesive made for vinyl floors—others can damage the material or void the warranty.
• Can lifting cause permanent damage? Yes. If left unaddressed, planks can crack, break, or let water seep underneath, leading to worse problems.
• Should I try to nail down the edges? Never nail through vinyl planks—it will crack and ruin them. Use the right adhesive or click-lock method only.

Wrapping Up: Don’t Let Lifted Edges Ruin Your Floor

Seeing vinyl plank edges lift is frustrating, but it’s usually a fixable problem. With the right diagnosis and a careful approach, you can flatten things out and enjoy your floor again. Remember: moisture is the enemy, so keep your space dry, prep your subfloor right, and always use the right materials. And if the job gets bigger than expected, don’t hesitate to call in a pro—your feet (and your home) will thank you!

Still unsure why your edges are lifting? Snap a few photos and bring them to your local flooring store—the staff there have seen it all and can offer specific advice and the best products for your situation.