When it comes to flooring, installation methods matter—and so do the adhesives (or lack thereof). Floating and glue-down systems require very different approaches, and understanding those differences is crucial for selecting the right products.
For Canadian building material distributors, offering the right adhesives (and knowing when they’re needed) helps contractors avoid costly mistakes. With Buildix ERP, you can manage inventory for both systems and provide real-time guidance on-site.
Floating vs. Glue-Down Flooring: The Basics
Floating Flooring
Definition: Planks or tiles “float” over the subfloor, joined by locking systems without full adhesion.
Adhesive Role: Minimal. Used primarily for seam bonding or underlayment attachment in some cases.
Glue-Down Flooring
Definition: Flooring is fully adhered to the subfloor for maximum stability.
Adhesive Role: Critical. Requires high-quality adhesives suited to flooring type and environment.
Adhesives for Floating Floor Systems
PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate) Glues
Used for seam bonding in tongue-and-groove systems.
Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives (PSAs)
For securing underlayments without restricting floor movement.
Adhesives for Glue-Down Floor Systems
Urethane-Based Adhesives
Excellent flexibility for wood and resilient floors.
Moisture-resistant, ideal for concrete subfloors.
Acrylic Adhesives
Low VOC and fast tack for resilient flooring like LVT and VCT.
Epoxy Adhesives
High strength for heavy-duty commercial and industrial installations.
Distributor Challenges in Supporting Both Systems
❌ Stocking adhesives and tools for both floating and glue-down applications.
❌ Providing technical guidance to contractors switching between systems.
❌ Tracking product specs for adhesives with varied curing times and application techniques.
❌ Monitoring expiration dates for sensitive adhesives in your inventory.
How Buildix ERP Helps Distributors Cover Both Systems
SKU Categorization
Organize adhesives and related products by installation method for fast access.
Documentation Management
Attach installation guides, VOC certifications, and technical sheets for both systems.
Expiry and Storage Alerts
Prevent degraded adhesives from causing failures in glue-down installations.
Forecasting Tools
Anticipate seasonal demand for floating floors in residential markets and glue-down systems in commercial projects.
Mobile Access
Field reps can instantly recommend adhesives—or confirm none are needed—on-site.
Tips Distributors Can Share With Contractors
Highlight when adhesives are required in floating floor systems (e.g., underlayments, perimeter sealing).
Stress the importance of subfloor prep for glue-down systems to ensure proper adhesion.
Recommend low-VOC adhesives for occupied or sensitive spaces.
Use Buildix ERP insights to give quick, accurate recommendations.
The Bottom Line
Whether floating or glue-down, the right adhesive strategy is essential for flooring success. Distributors using Buildix ERP can manage products for both methods and support contractors with expert, real-time guidance.
Call to Action
Want to help contractors succeed with any installation method? See how Buildix ERP helps distributors manage adhesives for floating and glue-down flooring systems. Request a demo today
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