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What Is Waterproof Vinyl Flooring And How To Choose It

Many homeowners, perhaps including you, love to add a touch of beautiful stone or wood looks to their homes. And most of them end up with vinyl products. This material has become a top choice on the market for a lot of reasons. This includes its stellar water resistance, which makes it much easier to clean with the best mops for Vinyl floors.

Newer vinyl flooring can be waterproof - a must-have characteristic for places like bathrooms or kitchens. But before you go ahead and tear up your old tiles or carpets, learn more about how waterproof vinyl flooring works and how you should choose it. This short guide will help you with it.

Characteristics Of Waterproof Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl floors consist of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). This synthetic plastic is durable and typically makes up the core layer of vinyl tiles or planks.

Manufacturers produce several types of waterproof vinyl, but not all of them can provide the level of moisture resistance your room needs. Pay attention to these factors, as they can determine the performance of your vinyl flooring in high-humidity environments.

• Thickness

Measured in millimeters, it is an important specification in older vinyl planks. The rule of thumb used to be the thicker the planks, the stronger and sturdier they are.

However, newer manufacturing technologies have given thin planks an impressive level of durability and eliminated the need for a super thick product. In particular, stone-plastic composite (SPC) can be used to make the core of vinyl flooring. It is extremely durable even though the core is very thin.

Ignore outdated buying guides that tell you to pick thick planks or tiles. Thickness doesn't indicate sturdiness anymore. Instead, find flooring products that match the existing flooring in your house. Make sure they are on the same level, or you will end up with a noticeable transition.

• Wear layer

This outermost layer determines how your vinyl flooring withstands water and moisture. It is a durable coating added to protect the layers underneath, preventing things like stains, dents, scuffs, and scratches.

Instead of looking for thick tiles or planks, pay attention to the thickness of this wear layer. It is typically measured in mils, which equals one-thousandths of an inch.

For high-traffic areas, go for a wear layer with a rating of 6, 12, or even a higher rating of mils, which can all be used with the best mop for Vinyl flooring. If you have pets or kids in addition to a lot of foot traffic, choose the thickest wear layer you can afford. It can last much longer, even though you only purchase it for a residential project.

• Underlayment

Some vinyl flooring products have an attached underlayment when you buy them. If yours doesn't, consider adding one. It can make the flooring softer underfoot, protect its subfloor, and dampen the sound. Common choices for underlayment include cork and foam.

Keep in mind that these underlayments don't share the same thickness. If it is too thick, the warranty of your vinyl flooring can get voided. Make sure the manufacturer or retailer is okay with your underlayment choice first before adding it.

Conclusion

Some vinyl flooring products have been improved so much that they can be waterproof and suitable for use in bathrooms. Just make sure you get the right choice based on some important specifications so your flooring can have the best look and performance. For top suggestions, read the guide on Best Mop for Vinyl Floors: TOP Options for Long-Lasting Flooring.