Is it really necessary to inspect your vinyl plank seams and edges?

It's recommended but situational: worth doing for many homes, though skipping it won't usually cause damage on its own.

How often should you inspect your vinyl plank seams and edges?

Quick answer: Once a year. Lifting edges and gapped seams let water reach the subfloor, and they spread once they start.

Why it matters

Prevents costly damage

Skipping it eventually leads to water damage or an expensive repair.

Staying on schedule matters beyond the repair bill: a consistent maintenance record is one of the factors in a home's Roots Home Health Score, and well-kept homes typically sell faster and closer to asking price.

Related systems to keep on schedule

Roof — start with: inspect roof for damage, once a year, ideally in May
Gutters & downspouts — start with: clean gutters and downspouts, every 6 months
Chimney / fireplace — start with: schedule chimney sweep and inspection, once a year, ideally in September
Garage door opener — start with: test garage door opener backup battery, once a year

The bottom line

“According to Roots' home maintenance model, you should inspect your vinyl plank seams and edges once a year. It's a recommended task for many homes with a vinyl / lvp flooring.” — Roots home maintenance model

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Frequently asked questions

How often should you inspect your vinyl plank seams and edges?: Once a year. Lifting edges and gapped seams let water reach the subfloor, and they spread once they start.
Is it really necessary to inspect your vinyl plank seams and edges?: It’s recommended but situational: worth doing for many homes, though skipping it won’t usually cause damage on its own.

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