You want to know - is vinyl a fully waterproof floor? This is a common question homeowners have, especially those with kids, pets, or both!
The answer to this question is yes! Most vinyl flooring available today is manufactured to be waterproof. This is because vinyl itself is a water-resistant material.
But – and this is important – that doesn't mean all vinyl floors are created equal or that you can just ignore spills forever. Let's break down why "waterproof" might not be as simple as it seems when we're talking about vinyl. We will also explore the key factors to consider so you make the right choice for your home and lifestyle.
When it comes to vinyl being waterproof, it helps to know that not all vinyl flooring is made the same way. Here’s a simple breakdown to understand the key differences:
**Sheet Vinyl or Roll Vinyl:** Think of this as the OG of vinyl flooring. It comes in large, continuous sheets that are cut down to a whole room size. In the past this was the popular choice for bathrooms and kitchens.
**Vinyl Tiles:** Like sheet vinyl, waterproof rigid vinyl tile are also very water-resistant. Yet, these are pre-cut into squares or rectangles with a much thicker core luxury vinyl, meant match stability in hardwood products. You get style and design flexibility with these tiles for your home.
**Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) and Tiles (LVT):** This is the latest and greatest in the world of vinyl. Luxury vinyl flooring has the water resistance of vinyl with wood, stone, or tile looks. This also allows for the option of an attached pad.
You'll notice some key terms being tossed around - "water-resistant" versus "waterproof". What's the deal with that?
Water-Resistant Vinyl Roll vs. Waterproof Vinyl Tile and Plank
While "waterproof" seems pretty clear-cut, things are often not as they appear. "Water-resistant" means exposure to water for limited periods will not result in damage. On the other hand, "waterproof" means that no amount of water can penetrate the material.
But there's a catch. Most manufacturers clarify that this relates to the surface of the vinyl. The planks or tiles being waterproof doesn't mean your whole home is sealed and waterpoof. Any water that floods or sits on these floors can still drain into the subfloor.
Understanding the Construction of Luxury Vinyl
When understanding vinyl's water proof properties, it's also essential to understand the construction. Many vinyl planks and tiles, labeled "waterproof", come with a rigid core construction. These floors come with a wear layer that is measured by the mil.
A mil is one-thousandths of an inch, don't confuse this with a plank's thickness of milimeters (mm). The wear layer provides scratch resistance and enhanced durability to daily abuse.
There are two primary types of rigid core vinyl flooring:
1. WPC (Wood Plastic Composite)
Made with – you guessed it – wood plastic composite.
Often praised for being more comfortable underfoot because this construction has a bit of "give" to it. Think of this as a good option in areas where you stand a lot, like the kitchen.
This type of core makes the plank incredibly stable and completely waterproof.
2. SPC (Stone Plastic Composite)
An SPC core is made from a stone plastic composite. Its a mixure of hardened plastics and limestone. This gives it a robust rigidity that rivals traditional hardwood.
This is the most popular option for lvp or lvt due to its its extreme durability. Its an easy catch-all product high-traffic areas. SPC is highly resistant to scratches and dents.
The Real World: Is Vinyl Truly Waterproof?
High-quality WPC and SPC vinyl will stand up to water with a supreme boldness. These Plank and tile floors are great options when worries of water accidents prop up. But even with those, you need to use common sense.
A puddle wiped up in five minutes is not likely to be a problem. A dishwasher malfunction that leaves standing water for hours? That might be a different story, even with waterproof vinyl. Why? Because while the vinyl flooring is waterproof, your subfloor is not.
Here's what to remember:
**Wipe Up Spills Fast as Lightning:** It sounds obvious, but life happens. Don’t let liquids linger longer than they have to, regardless of your floor type.
**Focus on a Quality Installation:** Even the best waterproof vinyl can fail if not installed correctly. This means following manufacturer instructions. Install a moisture barrier for kitchens and bathrooms. Get a tight lock between planks.
**Waterproof Floors Don't Seal Subfloors:** Water can seep in through even the smallest gaps. Some manufacturers actually require proof of a moisture barrier below the vinyl. They even go so far as to void the warranty if a proper barrier is not installed, especially for bathroom installations.
FAQs About Vinyl Flooring Being Waterproof
What happens if vinyl flooring gets wet?
If it's good-quality waterproof vinyl (WPC or SPC) and the water is dealt with promptly, then nothing should happen. However, if water is allowed to stand and seep into seams, it can damage the subfloor, which could lead to issues down the line.
What is the downside to vinyl flooring?
While incredibly durable and versatile, vinyl flooring is not indestructible. Scratches and dents are possible, especially with lower-quality and thin wear layer products. Also, extreme temperature fluctuations can sometimes affect thin luxury vinyl floors.
Is vinyl flooring 100% waterproof?
Yes, but a vinyl floor doesn't seal the subfloor or baseboards in a home. While vinyl is 100% waterproof, its tough to claim its a big step up in home protection. Spills happen, especially in areas like the laundry room. It’s about the product AND the owner being repsonsive and responsible.
Does vinyl flooring need waterproofing?
Most new vinyl planks or tiles (especially those with a rigid core) are already waterproof. You don’t need to add an additional waterproofing underlayment. A quality waterproof luxury vinyl plank is a great place to start. The key is to ensure that the subfloor is properly prepped. Also, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines during installation to ensure those seams stay sealed.
A Waterlogged Wrap Up
So, vinyl is waterproof. This makes it an excellent choice for areas prone to water exposure, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Modern vinyl flooring with WPC or SPC cores in LVP or LVT variations is a great choice. Luxury vinyl is meant to hold up against spills, splashes, or even flooding like a champ. However, the devil is in the details.
To ensure vinyl ignores water damage, focus on both the quality of the flooring and the quality of the installation. But even the most waterproof floor isn’t foolproof if you turn a blind eye to puddles or neglect regular maintenance. Choose floor categories wisely and your final shop selection will reward you with beautiful floors. Our online store shares many different colors, ready for many different projects, with a price to make the most tight budgets smile.
