Should I Caulk perimeter gap in floating vinyl plank bathroom installation

chuck_250

Hello fellow gluttons for punishment.
　
History: I’ve nearly finished a bathroom installation of “Trafficmaster Allure” floating vinyl plank. I left the recommended 1/8 inch gap around the entire perimeter and around the closet flange for the toilet. I called and asked the manufacturer if I could caulk around the perimeter in bathrooms before installing the trim. They said that I could caulk the gap next to the tub, the gap around the closet (toilet) flange, and that I could set the toilet and pedestal sink on top of the flooring. But they didn’t like the idea of caulking the gap around the perimeter prior to installing the trim.

My concern is that the flooring will be able to move too much and cause the caulk between the flooring and bathtub to fail.

I find it interesting that a virtually identical product, “Armstrong Luxe” floating vinyl plank, does recommend caulking around the perimeter before installing the trim in Armstrong’s installation guide for their product.

So my question is: Should I caulk around the perimeter or not? Also, is Trafficmaster Allure’s recommendation to use 100% silicone caulk the best one?

Any and all thoughts are welcome.

Thanks

Jim F

If you caulk all sides down you will not allow for expansion and contraction movement so the answer is no you do not want to caulk down all sides. Inevitably the weakest of your adhesive strips will pull apart.

In general, if you don't follow the manufacturer's warranty, you are on your own in the event of failure. The silicone caulk is recommended because it will stay flexible, allowing for some movement.

rusty baker

Good Luck. Have you read the threads here on this product?

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Installing since 1973