Installing vinyl plank over existing, uneven floor?

AKCDIY

We are going to install the Allure vinyl plank floor throughout our house. There was carpeting in some rooms, linoleum in the kitchen and vinyl tiles in the DR. Do we need to tear up the linoleum and vinyl tiles before installation? There would be a slight grade difference (not much) and I didn't know if you would really feel it under the flooring.
We have already started to get some of the flooring up (nightmare!) and the floor is very sticky underneath. Would it compromise the point of having a floating floor if it would stick to the glue residue from the former floor?
Lastly, our floor is VERY uneven due to a crappy foundation that is subject to frost heave each winter. In some places when setting a level on the floor, it's as much as a half an inch difference. Does the flooring need to be layed in a certain direction to avoid the planks pulling apart or is it made flexible enough to handle this sort of wear?

Thanks for your help, we are hoping to start laying the floor this weekend, but are getting more and more nervous as we approach.

mike costello

Your in waay over your head. I know it seems like a great money saving idea to attempt this on your own.

The reality of it is you could end up ruining the flooring you have spent your hard earned money on.

Step back a bit, save some more money if needed and hire a professional to do your floor.

AKCDIY

Well, from what I've heard, the Allure flooring is supposed to be a simple DIY install. My concern is whether or not it is really necessary to tear up the old flooring underneath to have it totally flush from room to room and whether it is good for uneven floors.

mike costello

It is important the floor be flat. A height difference underneath will make the seams be bent and not adhere properly.

As for the adhesive residue , it can be encapsulated with a skim coat of portland based floor patch.

Its one of those products that I would recommend to have done by a pro. It is touted as a DIY floor but there are a lot of factors to consider while installing this stuff that a pro has the equipment and the knowledge to deal with.