When installing PVC rolls (also called roll vinyl flooring), there are specific cases where glue is needed, and others where it is not. The decision largely depends on the type of installation, the subfloor condition, and the application area. Here’s a breakdown:

Cases Where Glue is Required (Glue-Down Installation)

Permanent Installations:

Description: PVC rolls are usually glued down when the installation is intended to be long-term and stable. This is the most common method for areas where the flooring needs to stay securely in place without any shifting or buckling.

Best for: Commercial spaces, high-traffic areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and other places where stability is key.

Common Areas:

Commercial settings (hospitals, offices, retail spaces)

High-traffic residential spaces (entryways, kitchens)

Moisture-prone areas (bathrooms, laundry rooms)

Uneven Subfloors:

Description: If the subfloor is uneven or there are dips and peaks, glue-down installation ensures that the PVC sheet remains secure and even. Glue helps prevent the flooring from moving or shifting in these irregular areas.

Best for: Subfloors that are not perfectly smooth (e.g., plywood, concrete with imperfections).

High Moisture Environments:

Description: In areas prone to high moisture (like bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms), using adhesive provides a strong bond to the subfloor, reducing the risk of water seeping under the vinyl and causing damage.

Best for: Moisture-prone rooms where stability and waterproofing are crucial.

Heavy Traffic Areas:

Description: In spaces that experience a lot of foot traffic, such as public spaces or commercial buildings, gluing down PVC rolls ensures the floor stays in place and doesn’t wrinkle or shift.

Best for: Commercial spaces, high-traffic areas, and places that need extra durability.

Examples: hospitals, schools, shopping malls, offices, sports halls

Cases Where Glue is Not Needed (Loose-Lay or Floating Installation)

Temporary or Removable Installations:

Description: In cases where the flooring may need to be replaced or moved (such as in rented spaces or temporary installations), loose-lay vinyl sheets are an option. These sheets rely on their own weight and friction to stay in place, eliminating the need for adhesive.

Best for: Temporary flooring or rental properties where easy removal or replacement is desired.

Smooth, Level Subfloors:

Description: If the subfloor is perfectly smooth and level, some PVC rolls come with an adhesive backing that allows the sheet to be installed without additional glue. The backing adheres to the subfloor directly, and the vinyl stays in place.

Best for: Level subfloors such as smooth concrete or plywood, where the adhesive backing can create a strong enough bond.

Floating Installation with No Adhesive:

Description: Some PVC rolls are designed to be installed in a floating manner, especially when the vinyl is engineered with a backing that provides enough friction to hold the sheet in place. In these cases, the flooring can stay secure without the need for glue.

Best for: Easy installations in low-traffic areas where permanence is not a requirement, and removal or reinstallation may be necessary.

For example: badminton courts in comprehensive sports clubs can be fitted with removable flooring that can be stowed away at any time.