Photo by Erin Hervey

Originally Posted On: https://znetflooring.com/blog/waterproof-flooring-and-its-benefits/

 

When your floors are waterproof they are also worry-proof. Learn what waterproof flooring is all about and how it can greatly enhance the your home or business.

If you’re on the market for flooring materials, what benefits are you looking to achieve? Most likely, you’re only looking for a stylish, comfortable, durable, and cost-friendly material. But that’s not enough!

You should also consider the maintenance and functionality of the flooring product you buy. A floor undergoes the most wear and tear in a house. Choosing high-quality and easy-to-maintain materials can enhance its durability.

Currently, waterproof flooring is one of the most advanced floor options to consider.

WHAT IS A WATERPROOF FLOOR?

Waterproof floors are manufactured with materials that are resistant to moisture, which would damage or destroy many flooring types. Today, what people typically refer to as waterproof flooring is a floating vinyl plank floor. It commonly looks like wood, but in some cases it resembles stone.

Currently it seems like everyone makes some sort of waterproof floor, they are very popular at the moment. There are a very high number of no-name generic versions looking to cash in on the trend, but also many very reputable companies with a lot of history such as Shaw, whose premier lines are called Floorte, and Mohawk, who took the flooring world by storm with their SolidTech line of products.

Most waterproof vinyl floors are engineered with a rigid waterproof core that’s either a WPC (wood plastic composite) or an SPC (stone plastic composite) and install similar to a laminate floor. WPC and SPC are a subcategory of LVT (luxury vinyl tile). LVT is commonly used for commercial flooring because of its durability and cost-effectiveness.

There are also solid vinyl versions that are not rigid, however the rigid versions tend to have a better looking, more relistic, finished product. The non-rigid waterproof vinyl floors are not as forgiving during the install and may show waviness of your subfloor in the glare, even if it is very slight.

Some laminate floor products are marketed as waterproof, but they truly aren’t. They only have a waterproof top layer, and water getting under them can still cause damage. Some claim to be fully waterproof, but more testing is needed as they are not widespread as of now. More technology is needed to make laminate floors completely waterproof, it is only a matter of time.

Read on to learn all the benefits of waterproof floors for your home!

PREVENTS THE DANGERS OF MOISTURE TO A FLOOR

Moisture in a home comes from many sources, including spills and water splashes from faucets. Leaking pipes can also lead to excess moisture build-up before they’re discovered and repaired. Steam from showers and high levels of humidity during hot months also contribute to moisture buildup in a house.

Liquids and moisture are dangerous to many flooring materials. For example, when hardwood floors soak up moisture, they swell or warp. And as they dry and contract over time, they get deformed.

Also, moisture buildup leads to the growth of mold and mildew. These two are a recipe for several respiratory health issues, particularly for persons with allergies. When mold and mildew spores spread into the air around a house, they can lead to problems like coughing, sneezing, and itchy or watery eyes.

Waterproof floors resist water absorption, hence preventing moisture build up. This reduces the risk of your floor warping, swelling, or developing mold and mildew.

EASY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Waterproof floors are easy to clean and preserve. Because they don’t soak in spills, substances stay on the floor’s surface, and all you do is wipe them away. The materials also repel stains, and only need soft cleaning to clean off dirt and grime.

Unlike with carpet, tile, and hardwood floors, you don’t need to schedule yearly cleanings or maintenance with professionals when you have a waterproof vinyl floor. All you need for simple cleanups on the waterproof floor is a damp cloth. For messier stains and better cleaning, use PH neutral vinyl floor cleaner and a piece of non-abrasive cloth to wash the surface.

DURABLE

Waterproof floors can stay for long without wear and tear because they’re easy to maintain and many are rated for commercial use. You don’t need to replace these floors every few years like you would a carpet. They’re also not prone to aging like hardwood and can last for more than 20 years with proper maintenance.

WATERPROOF FLOORING IS GOOD FOR KIDS AND PETS

Kids and pets like to play, and where there’s play, there is most likely be an accident. With a waterproof floor, you won’t have to worry about your kids splashing liquids all over the house or your pets accidentally messing the carpet. The floor allows your kids and pets to play without limiting themselves.

INSTALLATION

Floating waterproof vinyl flooring was designed for an easier installation, as the older vinyl plank flooring types require a messy and more difficult glue down install. The fact that it is floating doesnt only add to the waterproof value, but it creates a less expensive install or even a great opportunity for a DIY project. To learn more about installation you can read some of our other posts about installation, and be sure to check back as we will be adding more regularly.

GET YOURSELF A WATERPROOF FLOOR!

When shopping for flooring materials, consider all these benefits of waterproof flooring. Get a flooring product that’s worth your money’s value!

Contact us today for more on how to get high-quality, stylish waterproof floors.