Vinyl and LVT Floor Repair: Fix Gaps, Hollow Areas and Squeaks
Quick answer: Click vinyl and LVT floors suffer from many of the same problems as laminate: gaps between planks, hollow or bouncy areas and noisy joints. These can usually be repaired in place without lifting the floor. Tears, gouges and burns in the wear layer are different, and usually mean replacing the damaged plank or tile.
By Paul Lanzarotti, Floor Fix Pro. Last updated: November 2026.
First, check what kind of vinyl floor you have
| Floor | How it's fitted | What you can repair in place |
|---|---|---|
| Click LVT, SPC or click vinyl planks | Floating, with click-lock joints | Gaps, hollow areas and noisy joints |
| Glue-down LVT | Bonded to the subfloor | Loose or hollow areas, by re-bonding them |
| Sheet vinyl | Loose-laid or glued in one sheet | Not covered by Floor-Fix Pro products. Follow the manufacturer's guidance for tears and seams. |
How to fix gaps in LVT or click vinyl
Plank Grabber uses a Nano Suction pad with millions of tiny suckers, so it grips textured LVT and click vinyl where an ordinary suction cup slips. Press it onto the plank next to the gap and tap it with a rubber mallet to slide the plank back into place. The planks must be free to move, and the pad needs a clean surface. Keep the expansion gap around the room open. If a gap keeps coming back, bond the joint with Injectafix where the flooring manufacturer permits it.
How to fix a hollow or loose LVT floor
If an area sounds hollow, dips or clicks when you walk on it, there is usually a void beneath it or the adhesive has let go. Injectafix is a low-viscosity, self-levelling adhesive suitable for selected LVT repairs. Inject it through a small hole at the joint so it flows into the void, then weight the area for 24 hours while it cures. Check the flooring manufacturer's guidance before applying, and don't bond a floating floor down across the whole room.
How to fix a squeaky LVT floor
Noisy joints in click LVT with a visible V-groove can be treated like laminate. Use the Squeaky Floor Test Kit to find out where the noise is, then treat the area with Click Lube or Groove Gasket. If your floor has no V-groove, joint treatments can't get in, so check the construction first.
Damage you can't fix in place
- Deep gouges, tears or burns through the wear layer.
- Planks with broken locking edges.
- Areas where the subfloor is wet, soft or damaged.
For these, replace the affected planks or tiles. Click LVT planks can usually be swapped by unclicking the row, or by a fitter.
Frequently asked questions
Can you repair vinyl plank flooring without replacing it?
Gaps, hollow areas and noisy joints can usually be repaired in place. Tears, deep gouges and broken locking edges need a replacement plank.
Will Plank Grabber mark my LVT?
The pads peel off cleanly with no sticky residue. Test the grip on a discreet area first.
Is LVT the same as vinyl flooring?
LVT stands for luxury vinyl tile. It is a type of vinyl flooring, usually in plank or tile form, either glue-down or click-fit.
More guides: laminate floor repair · find the right floor repair.