Vinyl is an affordable, durable and water-resistant floor surface option. It has several advantages over other flooring products, including a variety of options for mimicking wood, stone and tile.
Its durability, ease of maintenance and superior appearance make it a popular choice among homeowners. However, it also has a few disadvantages that you should keep in mind before making your purchase.
Durability
Vinyl flooring is durable and long-lasting if it is properly installed and maintained in vinyl flooring vancouver. It is also resistant to moisture and is a good choice for heavy traffic areas of the home.
A vinyl floor can last ten to twenty years when it is properly cared for. It can be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner and mop on a daily basis to keep it looking new.
Most vinyl floors are made of a hard, clear wear layer that protects the surface from scratches and dents. Higher quality materials use an image or photo layer beneath this wear layer to emulate wood or stone.
Urethane coatings are also available for added protection and stain resistance. These coatings are a lot longer-lasting than acrylic, but they still need to be reapplied every few months for maintenance purposes.
Water Resistance
Vinyl flooring is very water-resistant, so it’s perfect for basements, laundry rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and any other room that may be subjected to spills or wet footprints.
However, no flooring is 100% waterproof. It’s important to keep this in mind when choosing your floor, as water can penetrate even the most waterproof vinyl if it gets into the seams.
Luckily, many luxury vinyl floors offer built-in wear layers and protection to help protect them from scuffs, scratches, and stains. Often, these layers will also come in a variety of colors and textures to match your style!
A popular option is wood-plastic composite (WPC) vinyl plank flooring. This type of vinyl floor is made of a rigid core and contains plasticizers that allow it to flex without splitting. It also feels more like real wood. This is a great choice if you’re looking for something that looks and feels more like hardwood, at a lower cost.
Appearance
Vinyl flooring can be a great choice for homeowners looking to install a floor that is low-maintenance and easy to clean. It also has the perfect balance of firmness and “give,” meaning it is comfortable to walk on.
In addition to being easy to clean, vinyl floors are durable and resistant to water. Moreover, it can be installed in a variety of styles and colors, including those that mimic stone or wood look planks.
Luxury vinyl flooring (LVT) has become a popular option for homeowners looking for a realistic-looking alternative to real hardwood or ceramic tile. LVT comes in both rigid and flexible tiles or planks to simulate hardwood, ceramic, stone, and other natural materials.
The appearance of vinyl floors is achieved through a series of layers, most notably a design layer and a clear wear layer. These layers are layered over a foam cushion layer and a fiberglass backing layer, sometimes also including a solid PVC layer.
Maintenance
Vinyl flooring is a low-maintenance option that rarely needs to be repaired or maintained. It doesn’t require any waxing or polishing, and mopping it to remove dirt can be done with just a damp mop (no soap necessary).
The only disadvantage of this material is that it can be difficult to remove once the adhesive backing has hardened. It can also be prone to dents and scratches from heavy objects that sit on top of it.
To avoid these, always ensure that baseboards and trim are removed and the room is completely clear of furniture before laying your vinyl. It is also a good idea to use a plywood layer under the flooring for added stability and a better feel underfoot.
To keep your vinyl floors free from dust and grit, perform light cleaning on them frequently. Regular sweeping helps keep them clean without scratching them.