Resilient floors are very sturdy. Even so, they can become scratched, stained, or gouged, and they may develop bumps, bubbles, or curled edges. Although most have surfaces protected by a wear layer, heavy foot traffic or the constant movement of furniture can cause wear patterns.

Colors and patterns can also fade if the sun shines directly on them for too long, which makes them a poor choice for areas of the house that may receive a lot of sun. In addition to this, moisture can cause sheet vinyl to work loose around the edges of a room. Rooms with floors at or below grade level often have moisture problems as a result of poor drainage outside. If this is the case in your home, you'll have to solve the moisture problem before repairing the flooring; otherwise, the problem will recur.

Keeping your floors clean saves them from damage by dirt particles, which wear away the surface over time. Spilled liquids and food should be wiped up immediately or the stains will become harder to remove. A clean cloth dipped in liquid floor cleaner is often the best bet. Scrub balky stains with a nylon pad. Be aware of the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning your floors. Some manufacturers even offer specially formulated cleaners and waxes for their floors. Don't use abrasive cleaners or mechanical buffers on high-gloss floors—this will weaken the protective coating.

With resilient tile floors, it's usually easier to replace a damaged tile than try to repair the floor (but only if you can find a matching replacement). With sheet flooring, repair may be the only practical option. You can probably handle minor repairs; for difficult jobs, contact a resilient floor installer.