When a customer enters your store, they will count on your advice as the flooring professional. The more you know about every product, the more trust and reliability your customer will have for you. In this article, you’ll find simple pros and cons for waterproof vinyl flooring.
THE PROS
Are the claims true? Is vinyl flooring waterproof? Yes, and for this reason, vinyl flooring is incredibly popular! Vinyl plank flooring is the perfect flooring solution for busy households, basements, bathrooms and even kitchens.
But just because vinyl flooring is waterproof, doesn’t mean it will survive flooding. When a vinyl specifies it is waterproof, it simply means surface water will not affect the flooring or cause any damage. This makes it the perfect option for homes and businesses that could see spills and pet accidents. It is also a great solution for rooms that tend to see water, such as bathrooms and foyers.
Luxury vinyl flooring comes in a plank or tile format that click together, glues down or is a loose lay installation. It’s a perfect flooring for people who like to do their own home renovations. Current patterns and styles are so convincing; it’s hard to tell vinyl from hardwood, ceramic or even stone.
What happens if I do have a water issue? You should still clean up your spills and accidents. However, in the case of an extreme water incident, such as a flooded basement, you will need to do some damage control. In the case of a wood subfloor it may need to be replaced or may be able to be repaired after it’s been dried. Baseboards and sheetrock may also need to be replaced.
In the circumstance where there is water sitting underneath the planks, you will need to disassemble the planks and completely dry the subfloor and planks. Leave the vinyl out to dry and test the subfloor before re-installation.
If you experience a leak or a small amount of water, you may be able to just dry the flooring with a shop-vac or towel. If your vinyl has attached underlayment, most can dry completely and be re-installed. If you have a closed-cell underlayment, it can be re-installed after completely dried. If you have a cork underlayment, then there is a risk for mold and mildew to grow, so those are not recommended to be re-installed.
With the introduction of Rigid and SPC vinyl flooring, it again has become more popular for a variety of reasons including ease of installation, stability in locations that have temperature or humidity fluctuation, such as cabins, and dent resistance for drops or heavy furniture. If you’re a homeowner, property manager or business owner, Rigid or SPC vinyl flooring may be a great option for your next project and yes, it is waterproof as well.
THE CONS
As with any product, there are disadvantages associated with vinyl plank flooring. If you choose to glue down vinyl plank or tile, the removal process is known to be very difficult. If you are installing vinyl as a temporary solution, it is recommended that you avoid glue to make the removal as easy as possible. However, if you have a large, open space, a glue down vinyl will be the best for your project. In some circumstances, you may be able to install a click vinyl floor over an existing glue down installation. Click together vinyl flooring may be more difficult to repair than other flooring options such as wood or a glue down vinyl floor.
Vinyl plank flooring is very durable; however, it is a softer material than most laminates, hardwoods and tiles. Vinyl flooring can be damaged with sharp objects, such as dropping a kitchen knife or sliding a chair with metal leg over the vinyl. Along with punctures, vinyl without a RIGID or SPC core can show signs of denting from heavy objects sitting on them.
While all flooring has pros and cons be sure to do your homework and make sure you are able to assist your customers when they are looking for the best flooring for next flooring project.
– Dean Schneider