VCT on OSB

[ScaldedDog]

Is there any magic to installing VCT on an OSB floor? I'm finally finishing my loft, and VCT seems like a cheap and easy floor.

Mark

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[deter]

sand the floor as smooth as you can get it, skim coat the whole thing with a leveling compound, especially the joints.

or, use some 1/4 ply underlay and skim the joints/staple holes

VCT will telegraph every imperfection

 

[JimVonBaden]

I guess it depends on what your loft is used for. If you are looking for an easily cleanable smooth floor that is durable for a storage space, VCT works fine directly on OSB. Use the appropriate mastic and you will be fine. Take my advice, strip and seal it right away. It will prevent stains and lifting.

If you plan on it being some kind of activity room where you want a really nice floor, follow deter's advice.

Here is my garage:

For the kids on Halloween.

Jim

 

[Garage Flooring]

My concern would be expansion and contraction

 

[JimVonBaden]

My concern would be expansion and contraction

Everything expands and contracts to some degree. If the room is somewhat temp controlled it would be fine. If not, there is little you could put on it short of carpet that wouldn't be effected by expansion and contraction.

Jim

 

[Falcon67]

My place has gone from mid 90s to low 60s so far and I can't tell that the OSB is moving at all. The joints in the ceiling are caulked so that will flex with the panels, but I have panels that **** hard with each other and in places with the floor - no indication of any movement.

 

[Garage Flooring]

Everything expands and contracts to some degree. If the room is somewhat temp controlled it would be fine. If not, there is little you could put on it short of carpet that wouldn't be effected by expansion and contraction.

Jim

I understand what you are saying. I know we have put self stick tiles down on OSB with that range of temperature and it caused an issue. The OSB expanded at a different rate than the tile and gaps presented.

With standard garage tile it is not an issue because it is floating.

I am not saying it would be an issue, I am just saying I would be concerned about it in a 30 degree swing.

 

[AmericanGarageFloor]

This has been a hot topic here and I almost hate to comment. While VCT is not technically a garage product, it has been used in thousands of garages. That said this application would seem to fit other products such as mats or interlocking tiles better.

Everything expands and contracts, but VCT does not do it well. I think this application begs for failure.

American Garage Floor
800-401-4537

 

[ScaldedDog]

The loft in question is about 120sf, and is strictly a storage space. Temperature ranges from 56* in the winter (the garage is heated) to 90* in the summer. Part of the reason I'm thinking of using VCT is to test whether I want to use it for the garage floor. Ideally I'd put clear epoxy over it, but I doubt anyone would just want to sell me enough for 120sf.

Mark

 

[JimVonBaden]

The loft in question is about 120sf, and is strictly a storage space. Temperature ranges from 56* in the winter (the garage is heated) to 90* in the summer. Part of the reason I'm thinking of using VCT is to test whether I want to use it for the garage floor. Ideally I'd put clear epoxy over it, but I doubt anyone would just want to sell me enough for 120sf.

Mark

In those temp ranges you should be fine. No need for epoxy, just strip and seal. Hell, for simple storage, you really do not need to strip and seal if you do not want to.

Jim

 

[ScaldedDog]

I should have been a little more clear: The only reason I'd do epoxy would be to help me figure out if I want to do VCT+epoxy on my garage floor, both with respect to the effort involved, and the results.

While we're on the subject, what VCT sealer do you recommend?

Mark