A PVC floor is a popular choice for homes and apartments on the Costa Blanca. The material is strong, easy to maintain and highly resistant to temperature fluctuations.
Nevertheless, in practice we regularly see PVC floors developing problems over time. Planks come loose, joints open up or the floor starts to move.
Important to know:
This is almost never due to the quality of the PVC itself.
In most cases, the problem lies beneath the floor.
The real problem lies in the substrate
Many homes in Spain have a concrete subfloor or an existing tiled floor. At first glance, this seems like a perfectly good base.
But appearances can be deceiving.
What we often encounter:
- subfloors that are not yet completely dry
- residual moisture trapped beneath the self-leveling compound
- old tiles that have not been properly prepared
- poor adhesion between different layers
A PVC floor is thin and follows exactly what happens underneath it.
If the foundation is not right, it will show sooner or later.
Common mistakes when installing PVC flooring
In projects where things go wrong, we almost always see the same mistakes recurring.
1. Installing too soon after leveling
Self-leveling compound often appears dry on the surface, but may still contain moisture inside.
If the floor is installed too quickly, that moisture has nowhere to go.
The result: adhesive coming loose and joints opening up.
2. Not carrying out a moisture measurement
In Spain, this is surprisingly often skipped.
Without a measurement, you simply don't know what is happening in the substrate.
And guessing when installing a floor costing thousands of euros is… let's say: optimistic.
3. Using the wrong adhesive
Not every adhesive is suitable for the Spanish climate.
High temperatures and temperature fluctuations require choosing the right adhesive.
The wrong adhesive can lose its grip, with all the consequences that entails.
4. Poor preparation of the subfloor
Dust, grease, old adhesive residue or poorly sanded self-leveling compound result in poor adhesion.
It may seem like a detail, but this is exactly where things often go wrong.
Why this problem occurs more often in Spain
The climate plays a greater role than many people think.
- higher temperatures
- rapid drying at the surface
- large temperature differences between day and night
As a result, a floor appears to be “ready” sooner, even though technically it is not.
And yes, that is where things go wrong.
How do you prevent a PVC floor from coming loose?
The good news: this can almost always be prevented.
As long as you do it properly.
Important steps:
- professionally assessing the subfloor
- conducting a moisture measurement
- using the right primer and self-leveling compound
- allowing sufficient drying time
- choosing the right adhesive (fiber-reinforced or 2K)
- working with a well-considered build-up
It takes a little more time and attention, but prevents serious problems later on.
Our approach at Port of Altea
For every project, we do not start with the floor, but with the foundation.
We assess the subfloor, take measurements where necessary, and only then determine the right build-up and materials.
That sometimes means we have to slow customers down.
Not always fun… but it is why our floors simply stay in place.
Conclusion
A PVC floor that comes loose is almost never just “bad luck”.
In most cases, it is the result of:
- incorrect preparation
- incorrect materials
- working too quickly
Do you want a PVC floor that not only looks beautiful when completed, but also still lies perfectly years later?
Then everything starts with what you cannot see.
Also read:
- How much does a PVC floor cost in Spain?
- Laying a PVC floor over tiles: is that really possible?
- Click PVC vs. dryback PVC: which works better in Spain?
How do you apply this to your own home?
When it comes to why PVC floors come loose in Spain (and how to prevent this), the situation in the home is always decisive. Take photos in daylight, note the dimensions, and record what is currently on the floor or in front of the window. Also describe who uses the space, how often the property is occupied, and which problems you specifically want to solve. This turns general advice into a practical plan.
Do not compare materials based on appearance alone. Ask about the technical composition, maintenance, expected lifespan and preparation required. A lower-priced product may ultimately be more expensive if the base has not been included or the chosen option is not suitable for everyday use.
Practical checklist before ordering
- Check the subfloor, window construction or installation location instead of relying only on approximate measurements.
- View actual samples in the light of the room and at different times of day.
- Record the colour, design, direction, operation and finish in writing.
- Ask which work and materials are included in the price exactly.
- Schedule other trades in the right order, so that new work is not damaged immediately.
Common mistake: committing to one solution too early
An online example can provide inspiration, but says nothing about your subfloor, dimensions, sun exposure or intended use. Therefore, start with the function and technical requirements. Only then choose the final colour and appearance. This prevents compromises during installation and makes quotations easier to compare.
At Port of Altea, we combine product advice with measuring and professional installation. This ensures that choices are not made separately from the installation and that details such as skirting boards, profiles, seams, pack height or door clearance can be checked in advance.
More information and advice on the Costa Blanca
Read more about PVC flooring in Spain, dryback or click PVC, and PVC over tiles. For personal advice, you are welcome to visit our showroom in La Nucía. Bring photos, a floor plan and approximate measurements, or contact us to schedule an appointment.
More about flooring on the Costa Blanca
Learn more about choosing, preparing and professionally installing flooring in Spain: