Flooring – How to fix a nail pop in vinyl flooring

vinyl-flooring

I have two areas where the nail has popped causing some damage under our vinyl flooring. The planks were stuck together by offsets and self-glue. Is the only option to re-plank? I'm worried cutting and bending will just cause more damage overall. Of course, it's in the middle of a hallway.

Nail Pop
Nail Pop

Best Answer

A not-entirely satisfactory "fix" I've used:

  • Use a very sharp nail-set or strong awl to punch the nails well below the surface, being careful not to further damage the surface itself.
  • Fill the divot and cracks with a cement such as epoxy, removing loose pieces or those that cannot be pushed in. Leave the patch slightly proud (above) the surface.
  • Carefully sand the patch even.
  • Color the patch to blend with the flooring, perhaps with a furniture stain kit.
  • Overcoat with varnish, polish or wax.

The nails might pop up again, perhaps in as few years.