Top 10 Things You Should Know About Waterproof Flooring
Waterproof floors, especially luxury vinyl offerings( LVT, WPC, SPC, rigid core, MLF) have taken on one of flooring's greatest challenges -- sitting spills. Wile Vinyl flooring has always been top choice for spaces where water is present, today's waterproof floors offer much more.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Yes, they're really waterproof
Waterproof floors are very effective at standing up to spills and many offer warranties that cover surface spills that sit for up to as much as 72 hours. The protection is so good in fact, that several extend that protection to cover pet accidents as well.
Granted, even a waterproof floor may not hold up against flooding – but then again, some actually have!
2. Easy DIY
The same rigid cores and click locking systems that provide protection against spills also makes them a favorite among the DIY crowd. They literally fit with a snap and you can walk on the new floor immediately after installation, which means faster installation times with less disruption.
3. More realistic visuals than ever
High-definition printing, in-register embossing, longer board lengths and wider planks make today’s waterproof floors practically indistinguishable from the natural products they emulate. With better styling also comes greater design flexibility throughout more rooms in the home or in commercial settings.
4. It can be installed over existing floors
Most waterproof floors are approved for installation over existing flooring – although not carpet. That’s because the rigid core does not telegraph subfloor imperfections. Less subfloor prep also means quicker installation times.
5. There are 2 different kinds
Today’s waterproof floors are made of vinyl but in two distinct construction methods – SPC (stone polymer core) and WPC (wood plastic composite). WPC’s foamed polymer core allows for deeper embossing that can often result in more realistic visuals; it is most often used in residential settings. SPC’s claim to fame is outstanding performance and its ability to withstand dents and heavy loads making it a favorite in commercial spaces.
6. Lots of bells and whistles
Both WPC and SPC floors offer lots of other benefits besides waterproofing: Enhanced style and design allows them to be used throughout the home, including in signature spaces; they are perfect for wet environments like bathrooms, kitchens, entry ways and more; increased dimensional stability eliminates the need to have moldings to break up large installations; and, sound abatement underlayments are available.
7. New Standards
While still a new category, waterproof flooring manufacturers have formed an industry association to establish and ensure safety, quality, performance and sustainability standards for these products.
8. Going commercial
Still mostly limited to residential settings, waterproof flooring has gotten so good that it is now being developed for high-demand commercial spaces. SPC in particular, because of its ability to bear heavier loads, has found its way into retail and hospitality settings, hospitals and even multi-family housing.
9. Quieter and warmer underfoot
SPC and WPC both already provide better sound absorption qualities than many other hard surface flooring, but it also is more warmer and comfortable underfoot than ceramic tile or even hardwood floors.
10. Easy to clean
Waterproof floors have one more distinct advantage over most other floors – ease of maintenance. So easy, in fact, that a damp mop is about all it takes for regular maintenance.
- Sandy