

It features desired patterns, making the vinyl surface look almost identical to wood, marble, stone, or other natural materials. This vinyl coat provides the printed decorative film between wear and core layers. * 1 mil equals 0.001 inches Printed vinyl layer Good – The vinyl flooring is for residential use when the wear layer is 6 mil thickīetter – The vinyl flooring is for light commercial use when this layer is 12 mil thickīest – The vinyl flooring is for high-traffic commercial use when the wear coat is 20 mil thick Its thickness increases the flooring’s resistance to damage. This layer protects the flooring from wear and scuffs, so you should pick out the vinyl that contains as thick a wear layer as possible. The feature that makes vinyl flooring waterproof or water-resistant is a core coat, one of four vinyl flooring layers: Wear layer Only remember that this vinyl flooring type is never waterproof but water-resistant. On the other hand, vinyl sheets come in a roll and have no seams, so they typically can withstand water despite the installation quality. In such a case, the incorrect installation will cancel the floor waterproofing, although the planks and tiles are made of waterproof material. Since it is necessary to stack the planks and tiles side by side, the flooring will have multiple seams between them. However, the installation quality will significantly affect the flooring water-resistance level.įor instance, luxury vinyl planks and tiles are waterproof, but the problem is that they are not made in one piece. The crucial thing to know is that waterproof luxury vinyl flooring with a durable core is designed of 100% waterproof engineered vinyl. All of them are water-resistant, but only some models are entirely waterproof. Is vinyl flooring waterproof?Īnswering this question can be tricky since you can find several different vinyl flooring types on the market with different characteristics. Plus, this floor is not flood-proof, so large amounts of water flooding it in a short period will pass through the unsealed cracks in vinyl and get beneath the waterproof floor surface. Remember that this flooring is resistant to topical moisture, but its waterproof properties don’t refer to water under the floor. This feature won’t depend on how long water remains on its surface. Waterproof vinyl floor – This vinyl floor type that is made of an impenetrable material can take high moisture and standing spill liquid. Unfortunately, this vinyl floor can’t hold up to a flooded basement after heavy rain or plumbing leaks. In such conditions, you can expect your flooring to stay intact for a certain period, but you should wipe up water as quickly as possible. Water-resistant vinyl floor – Such a vinyl floor can withstand the average moisture and spills, typical for every household. For instance, your choice should fit kitchen, bathroom, and basement conditions. You should choose a particular type, depending on your needs. Vinyl flooring typically offers significant moisture protection, but it is crucial to determine the difference between waterproof and water-resistant flooring options. The difference between waterproof and water-resistant flooring This vinyl flooring type contains six to eight layers, unlike four standard ones, including an extra protective transparent topcoat layer and a foamy cushion layer that increases floor comfortability. It is covered by a wear coat that protects flooring from damage.īesides standard vinyl sheets, tiles, and planks, you can find luxury plank and tile variations nowadays. The third layer features an outer printed image resembling wood, stone, or marble. SPC – Stone plastic composite flooring is a combination of stone and plastic.WPC – Wood plastic composite flooring is a combination of wood and plastic.You can recognize two waterproof layer types, including: Then, a waterproof coating is designed to absorb water without compromising the floor integrity. Their primary advantage is the four layers that provide durability and water resistance, increasing the possibilities of their use.Ī bottom layer is typically made of foam or cork and underlays the flooring without installing another material as a base.

Vinyl is a durable synthetic material used for designing different flooring types.
