About Waterproof Vinyl Floors
You've waited a ridiculously long time to get to this point—you're finally updating your worn, outdated flooring and getting something much more reflective of you and your family's style. You have a couple of non-negotiables, though: the new floor must be waterproof and durable enough to withstand your home's busiest and messiest days (which often happen all at once).
You’ll be pleased to learn that vinyl waterproof floors are created with these goals in mind. They are constructed of several layers, beginning with a backing layer followed by a strong, dense core. There are two options for this particular layer:
- Stone plastic composite (SPC) uses plastic and stone to form an extremely dense, sturdy core that really stands up to high-traffic areas like entryways, mudrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
- Wood plastic composite (WPC) consists of wood and plastic, as the name implies. This core feels slightly softer underfoot thanks to an added foaming agent, offering a comfortable give that older adults and newly walking toddlers may appreciate the most.
After the core, the layers continue with a high-resolution printed image layer, which gives you that gorgeous look of wood or stone, and a protective wear layer made to resist everyday scratches and scuffs.
Waterproof Vinyl Floors vs. Waterproof Laminate
What do you need to know to choose between waterproof vinyl floors and laminate floors? Both are durable options that give you protection from spills, moisture, and general humidity. A key difference is in their composition, with waterproof vinyl featuring polymer, which is entirely moisture resistant. Waterproof laminate, on the other hand, uses resins that resist liquid, plus it requires watertight joints between planks for true waterproof protection.
Appearance of Vinyl Waterproof Floors
Just because your grandmother has dated vinyl flooring in her kitchen in a dull color of beige, doesn't mean that your modern vinyl floors have to be just as boring! Waterproof vinyl flooring has a plethora of stunning styles to complement whatever existing decor and design vision you have for your home! Want an elegant stone look that your mother-in-law mistakes for high-end granite? Or how about a knotty, textured pine wood look to add a rustic edge to your weekend cabin? Even a bold geometric pattern that really accentuates your eclectic office is possible.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Waterproof Vinyl Flooring
As you whittle down your favorite flooring contenders, keep in mind the pros and cons that come with waterproof vinyl floors.
The advantages include:
- Peace of mind that the wet towels on the laundry room floor or newly discovered accident from your potty-training pup won't damage your new floors
- The exact wood look you've always wanted and at an affordable price
- Cleanup and maintenance that's so easy, you can pawn it off on your preteens
Disadvantages to waterproof vinyl floors may be:
- Possibility of damage from super heavy or sharp objects
- Irritating process for small repairs since the planks or tiles are interlocking
- More elbow grease required to remove vinyl flooring that's been glued down
Durability
Whether you opt for waterproof vinyl planks or tiles, you're investing in a durable floor that won't fall apart after several seasons with your energetic family. Under normal circumstances, even the most unruly pets won't ruin high-quality vinyl waterproof floors. Between the strong protective topcoat and the water-resistant core, waterproof vinyl flooring lets you breathe easy and go about your life without worrying too much about what's happening to it.
How to Maintain Waterproof Vinyl Flooring
Easy maintenance is a huge selling point for many of today's man-made flooring options and that includes waterproof vinyl flooring. But don't rest on your laurels after installation, letting dust, dirt, and pet hair pile up. Your best bet is to start a cleaning routine immediately, even if it means assigning the weekly sweeping or vacuuming to your kids! On occasion, you may use a damp mop for a deeper clean, but be sure to check with manufacturer guidance first.
Lifespan and Installation
You'll do everything you can to make this new purchase worth the money you've spent, right? Especially if it means you'll get the most life out of those gorgeous waterproof vinyl tiles. You can expect many years of wear ahead, but truth be told, your floor's longevity is more dependent on your family's choices and behaviors than you might realize. To reap all the benefits you can from your waterproof vinyl flooring, aim for the following:
- Professional installation using the highest quality materials you can afford
- Routine cleaning and maintenance
- Following all product recommendations provided by the manufacturer
After you've chosen your waterproof vinyl flooring, it's time for installation. Rather than entrust this all-important job to a family friend or the random handyman your neighbor swears by, go with the tried-and-true experts at your local Flooring America. An expert installer will show up with the necessary tools, prepare the flooring properly, and follow each step of the tedious process. Before you know it, you'll have pristine new floors underfoot and a long-lasting warranty that's still intact.
FAQs About Waterproof Vinyl Floors
- How long does waterproof vinyl flooring last? The longevity of vinyl waterproof floors varies from house to house. Your new investment will last several years to be sure, but its exact lifespan will depend on how it's installed, the quality of the product you choose, and how well you maintain the floors, among other factors.
- Is vinyl waterproof flooring a good choice? Yes, waterproof vinyl floors are an especially smart choice if your household includes pets, children, or even messy adults. Between the durability of vinyl and its waterproof traits, you'll have peace of mind that whatever antics prevail in your home, your waterproof vinyl planks can handle it!
- Is waterproof vinyl flooring good for bathrooms? Yes, waterproof vinyl flooring for bathrooms and other rooms with high humidity or moisture is a smart idea. You're not only getting a worry-free surface but a beautiful one to boot!
