Peel and Stick Floor Tiles: What it is, Waterproofing, and Protection

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

Peel and stick floor tiles are a type of flooring that can be installed without any special tools or expertise. These tiles are made of vinyl, linoleum, and rubber. There is a sticky back that helps to stick on the substrate floor. These can withstand more than 20 years under proper maintenance.

Peel and stick floor tiles are not 100% waterproof. It is a highly water resistant material. It can withstand water. However prolonged water can reduce the adhesiveness with the substrate. In order to prevent this, you should waterproof the peel and stick floor tiles. You can use vinyl glue, grout, and caulk to waterproof the flooring. You should follow the right method allows when you waterproof the peel and stick tiles. Otherwise, it will lose and water can leak to the substrate.

Waterproofed peel and stick floor tiles can be damaged due to the use of heavy furniture, use in higher traffic areas, hitting with sharp objects, prolonged exposure to water and exposure to harsh chemicals. You can protect waterproof peel and stick floor tiles using furniture pads, cleaning regularly, avoiding harsh chemicals, using rugs and mats in higher traffic zones, and protecting the layer from direct sunlight.

What are the Peel and Stick Floor Tiles?

Peel and stick floor tiles are a type of flooring that can be installed without any special tools or expertise. These tiles come with a pre-applied adhesive on the back, and they can stick to the surface by peeling off the protective back. So, all you have to do is peel off the protective backing and stick the tiles down onto your floor. These tiles are made of vinyl, linoleum, and rubber and withstand more than 20-25 years with proper maintenance. These tiles can be used to cover up old, damaged flooring or to give a room a new look.

Are Peel and Stick Floor Tiles Waterproof?

Peel and stick floor tiles are completely waterproof materials. However, water can leak through the seams, joints, and edges of the tile layer into the substrate. In order to prevent this you should use vinyl glue, grout, or caulk to connect tiles together. Before you use these tiles on areas with higher water consumption, like the bathroom and kitchen, you should prepare the substrate for waterproofing.

Read More: How to Waterproof Bathroom Floor? Method, Products, Cost, and Time

Should You Waterproof Peel and Stick Floor Tile Floor?

Yes, you should waterproof the peel and stick floor tile substrate before you install peel and stick tiles. Because the connection joint of the peel and stick tile tends to leak the water onside the substrate over time. In order to prevent this, you should waterproof the substrate to protect the building from water leakage. You can use waterproofing methods such as cementitious waterproofing and sheet membrane waterproofing methods to seal the substrate from water and moisture before installing the peel and stick floor tiles.

How to Waterproof Peel and Stick Floor Tile Substrate?

You can waterproof peel and stick floor tile using these 3 methods such as vinyl glue, grout and caulk.

Waterproof Peel and Stick Floor Tile using Vinyl Glue

You can waterproof peel and stick tile floors using vinyl glue. Vinyl tile glue is an adhesive that can be used to stick vinyl tile and floor stronger. This prevents the water from seeping underneath to a certain extent. In order to prevent water leaking, you should apply a waterproof sealant over the top of the tiles.

You can waterproof peel and stick the floor as below

1. Clean the floor thoroughly and make sure it's dry.
2. Apply a thin layer of vinyl tile adhesive to the floor using a notched trowel.
3. Wait for the adhesive to become tacky. This usually takes about 10-20 minutes.
4. Peel off the backing from the vinyl tile and press it onto the adhesive.
5. Roll over the tile with a floor roller to remove any air bubbles and to ensure a good bond.

Waterproof Peel and Stick Floor Tile using Grout

You can waterproof, peel, and stick floor tile using a waterproof grout. Grouts help to prevent water from leaking inside the substrate. You can follow the below steps to waterproof the peel and stick floor tiles using the below step by step guide.

1. Install the peel and stick tiles as per the manufacturer's instructions. Leave a small space between each tile for the grout.
2. Mix the grout according to the instructions on the package.
3. Apply the grout into the spaces between the tiles using a grout float. Make sure to press it into the joints to fill them completely.
4. Wipe off the excess grout on the tiles using a damp sponge, making sure not to remove the grout from the joints.
5. Allow the grout to dry for the time recommended by the manufacturer.
6. Once the grout is dry, apply a grout sealer to make it waterproof. This will prevent water from seeping through the grout and underneath the tiles.

For better waterproofing capability, you can use epoxy grout.

Waterproof Peel and Stick Floor Tile using Caulk

Caulk can be used to waterproof, peel and stick floor tile edges and seams. Caulk should be applied on the areas where the tiles meet the wall or another surface. Caulks can prevent water from seeping under the tiles. You can follow the below step by step to waterproof the peel and stick floor tiles.

1. Install the peel and stick tiles as per the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Once the tiles are in place, apply a bead of waterproof silicone caulk along the edges where the tiles meet the wall or another surface.
3. Smooth the caulk with a caulk smoothing tool or your finger to ensure it fully fills the gap and creates a good seal.
4.  Allow the caulk to dry fully as per the manufacturer's instructions.

How to Damage Waterproofed Peel and Stick Floor Tiles?

Waterproofed peel and stick floor tiles can be damaged when the vinyl glue is weakened, grout is cracked and caulk is cracked due to external forces, chemicals, sunlight, thermal fluctuation and higher water exposure.

These are the 7 ways to damage waterproof peel and stick floor tiles.

1. Using heavy furniture: Heavy furniture or appliances can cause indentations or tears in the peel and stick floor tile water sealing surface.
2. Use in high traffic areas: The waterproofing layer of the peel and stick tiles can be damaged with high foot traffic. This can wear down the tiles over time, causing them to lose their finish and become dull.
3. Hit with sharp objects: Dropping sharp objects on the tile floor can cause cuts or tears in the tile surface. It tend to leak water to the substrate over time.
4. Water damage: Peel and stick tiles are water resistant. They are not waterproof. Prolonged exposure to water can cause the adhesive to loosen and the tiles to curl or lift.
5. Chemical damages: Peel and stick tiles can be damaged by harsh cleaning chemicals. This can weaken the tile surface and tend to be damaged easily over time.

How to Protect Waterproofed Peel and Stick Floor Tiles?

You can protect waterproofed peel and stick floor tiles using the below methods.

1. Using furniture pads: Placing furniture pads under the legs of heavy furniture can help distribute the weight evenly and prevent indentations or tears in the peel and stick floor tiles.
2. Clean regularly: Regular cleaning can prevent dirt and debris from scratching the surface of the peel and stick floor tiles.
3. Avoid harsh chemicals: You should avoid using harsh chemicals on the peel and stick floors. Instead, it uses mild cleaners specifically designed for vinyl flooring.
4. Use mats or rugs on the floor: Placing rugs or mats on higher traffic areas can protect the peel and stick floor tiles.
5. Protect from sunlight: Cover the tile floor from sunlight to prevent peeling and sticking tile floor from fading or warping due to heat.