While Congoleum vinyl flooring wears well, accidents sometimes happen that create gouges or tears in the floor. You can fix Congoleum flooring with a piece of scrap flooring, but you want to be sure it matches the original material. If you didn't save any scraps from the floor installation, you can often retrieve enough to make the repairs from underneath heavy appliances. If the room has a closet, it might be another area where you can find a piece of matching vinyl for the floor repair project.
Things You'll Need
Small Brush
Straight-Edge Tool
Putty Knife
Artist’S Paintbrush
Fine-Grit Sandpaper
Masking Tape
Soft Cloth
Congoleum Adhesive
Mineral Spirits
Utility Knife
Old Toothbrush
Metal Hand Roller
Seam Sealer
Canned Goods Or Other Weights
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Repair Small Cuts and Gouges
Step 1
Dampen a cloth with mineral spirits. Wipe the cloth over the damaged area to remove built-up soil. Scrub off built-up material with an old toothbrush. Let the area dry well.
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Step 2
Use a small brush to apply seam sealer to the damaged area of the wear layer. Follow directions on the seam sealer for the amount to apply.
Step 3
Keep foot traffic off the area for at least 16 hours.
Repair Loose Seams
Step 1
Remove old seam sealer. Put masking tape on the floor parallel to both sides of the seam. Dampen a piece of fine-grit sandpaper. Gently rub it over the seam to finish removing the old seam sealer. Apply only enough pressure to remove the sealer, not damage the finish of the flooring.
Step 2
Apply mineral spirits to a cloth. Wipe the cloth over the seam to clean it.
Step 3
Use an artist's paintbrush to apply the appropriate adhesive for your Congoleum floor to the back of the seam. Tape the seam closed with masking tape. Roll a metal hand roller over the seam to help ensure it is making good contact with the subflooring. Place weights, such as canned goods, on the seam. Allow the adhesive to dry overnight.
Step 4
Apply seam sealer following manufacturer's directions using a small brush. Keep traffic off the floor for 16 hours to allow the sealer to dry.
Replace a Damaged Piece or Section
Step 1
With a utility knife, cut a piece of replacement Congoleum at least 1/4-inch larger than the area to repair.
Step 2
Set the repair piece on the floor. Match it with the pattern on the floor. Tape it in place with masking tape.
Step 3
Use the edge of a straight-edge tool as your guide as you make a cut through the replacement piece and the old floor. Repeat for all sides of the damaged area. Remove the masking tape.
Step 4
Pry up the edge of the damaged section with a putty knife. Take care not to damage the good portion of the floor. Use the putty knife to also remove any adhesive that remains on the subflooring.
Step 5
Use a brush to apply the appropriate adhesive to the back of the replacement section. If the piece you removed wasn't glued down, use the brush to apply some adhesive under the good portion of the flooring as well. Set the piece into position. Use the metal roller to press the replacement piece firmly on the subfloor.
Step 6
Wipe off any adhesive that oozes out of the seam. Place masking tape across the seam to pull it together. Allow the adhesive to for at least 30 minutes. Remove the masking tape.
Step 7
Apply seam sealer according to package directions. Keep traffic off the floor for 16 hours to allow everything to dry.