Can Vinyl Flooring Get Wet

One of the big box stores offers a flexible vinyl plank floor that uses a self adhesive overlap designed for wet basements.

Can vinyl flooring get wet.

Unlike laminate linoleum vinyl is waterproof. Vinyl planks and what s called luxury vinyl tile can be made to mimic the look of wood or stone. Water damaged vinyl flooring problems are more common over concrete than with vinyl floors installed over wood substrates. The claims are true.

In short vinyl flooring is waterproof but that does not mean it will survive flooding. The entire layer of flooring is entirely waterproof including the core making this a much better flooring for wet areas than plastic laminate flooring. Vinyl flooring is made to be waterproof not just water resistant. Once water has found its way underneath the tiles the tiles must be removed.

But vinyl has its high end side which can make it a practical alternative to hardwood or stone in high traffic rooms. Laminate flooring can get wet but only the top. Vinyl flooring can either be glued to the subfloor or it can float on top of it and either way moisture underneath it causes problems. Vinyl is more resilient to water than laminate flooring because it does not absorb water and is glued down not free floating.

No underlayment is needed as well. Moisture weakens glue bonds and causes the edges to lift. Unlike any glue or click type which can trap water below the flooring this can be easily peeled up for cleaning and simply pushed back down. This makes it a great choice for areas where there might be a tendency for dampness to form like in basements.

Installations in wet rooms should also include measures to ensure that the seams and perimeter of the floor are well sealed to prevent moisture getting under the luxury vinyl onto subfloor below. Laminate flooring s sides open seams damaged areas and bottoms can never get wet. Mop up standing water quickly as water can migrate into laminate s seams. Vinyl plank flooring is the perfect flooring solution for busy households basements bathrooms and even kitchens.

The edge areas of the laminate are more of a problem since edges are cut and exposed. Over wood the problem is usually a water leak flooding or the underlayment was too wet when installed. Sheet vinyl has the benefit of few if any seams that can let moisture through. For this reason installations over concrete should always include moisture testing and moisture control measures for the slab.

If a vinyl floor is affected by water damage it can be saved depending on the amount of time the water has been dwelling.