1. What's the Difference Between Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof?
Although vinyl plank flooring inherently offers greater moisture protection than other hard surface options, it's still important to manage expectations and ensure that your choice can handle the conditions of a bathroom, kitchen, mudroom, or basement. When shopping for vinyl flooring, you will come across both "waterproof vinyl plank flooring" and "water-resistant vinyl plank flooring" product listings. Before you install any vinyl plank flooring as a moisture protection solution, it's imperative to understand the difference between the terms "water-resistant" and "waterproof."
Water-resistant indicates that these vinyl floors can withstand the average household occurrence of topical spills, pet mishaps, or moisture tracked in on a rainy day. As long as you wipe up the spill quickly, your floors will not be compromised or damaged, but water-resistant vinyl planks cannot hold up to long-standing spills like plumbing leaks, an overflowing bath, or a flooded basement from a thunderstorm.
Waterproof vinyl flooring can not only take on topical spills and household moisture but is built with an impenetrable surface and material. Typically, waterproof vinyl planks are also installed by a locking mechanism with tight joints. This warranted waterproof claim is limited to topical moisture and does not refer to moisture that may migrate from beneath or around the perimeter of the floor. However, these planks can handle standing water without being compromised- which is an amazing benefit to bring home!
2. Maintaining Vinyl Plank Flooring
Just because your favorite flooring selection offers greater moisture protection, you still need to determine the proper care routine for vinyl plank floors. For instance, both waterproof and water-resistant floors are easy-to-maintain with regular sweeping, dust-mopping, and spot treatment when needed with a gentle cleaner.
However, if you are looking for a quick way to deep clean your vinyl floors, you need to verify that your waterproof flooring is warranted for wet-mopping and the splashes that come with it. Wet-mopping can actually void your product warranty as well as cause permanent damage or structural problems if the floor is not approved for this cleaning method. As a general practice, you should never let any liquids pool or collect on your floors and make the effort to dry your floors as soon as possible.
3. How Is Waterproof Vinyl Flooring Constructed?
What truly makes vinyl flooring water-resistant or waterproof comes down to its core materials. Luxury vinyl plank flooring is typically constructed from four layers of material and if you desire a 100 percent waterproof vinyl floor, it needs to be an SPC or WPC product: Many WPC and SPC options also feature an attached pad (underlayment) that offers greater sound insulation, enhanced comfort, antimicrobial protection, and allows for underfloor heating systems.
4. What Is Rigid Core Flooring?
When you see the term "rigid core flooring" while exploring vinyl plank options, just know that these products are built to last! Standard vinyl flooring of the past is a fairly thin, flexible material that is glued down to the subfloor. Rigid core is stiffer, thicker, and sturdier, which makes it an innovative vinyl flooring with unique advantages for today's educated consumers. Available in both plank and tile shapes, it's a luxury material that can stand up to a lot of activity, foot traffic, and of course, water!
Rigid core flooring can also handle subfloor imperfections, offer excellent sound insulation, and superior comfort underfoot. All of these benefits can be transformative for a busy home with kids and pets. If you are interested in installing durable rigid core flooring, explore the differences between the WPC and SPC construction terms before you begin your color and design selection.
A. What Is WPC?
Wood plastic composite flooring, or WPC flooring, is a vinyl plank flooring with a rigid core that's made from either recycled wood pulp and plastic or polymer composites that are expanded with air. This combination of wood pulp and plasticizers makes wood plastic composite cores entirely waterproof.
Also referred to as "wood polymer composite flooring," these lightweight planks feature a low-density construction that is warm and soft underfoot with greater comfort. These composite materials also resist swelling when accidental spills or puddles remain on the floor for longer periods before they are discovered. Since WPC vinyl floors are installed with a glue-free locking plank system, installation is quicker and eliminates the need for adhesives.
B. What Is SPC?
Stone plastic composite, or SPC flooring, is a vinyl plank flooring that has a rigid core made from powdered limestone, polyvinyl chloride, and stabilizers. Also referred to as "stone polymer composite flooring" or "solid polymer core," SPC vinyl planks are dense, dimensionally stable, quiet, and strong. Designed to be 100 percent waterproof, not even topical humidity or moisture can cause planks to swell or damage your SPC rigid core vinyl flooring. Look for varieties in this category that include an attached pad for greater comfort and performance benefits in your home.
C. What Are the Major Differences Between WPC and SPC Vinyl Flooring?
Since both WPC and SPC flooring products are water-resistant and incredibly durable, you can rest assured that your floors can handle high traffic, incidental scratches, and the fast, fun pace of everyday life! The essential difference between WPC and SPC flooring comes down to the density of that rigid core layer. Simply put, stone is denser than wood. Which of these materials will offer more give? Definitely wood. Which of these materials will resist heavy impact more? Stone without a doubt. When shopping for rigid core flooring, think of this material difference in terms of flooring:
D. When to Choose WPC or SPC Flooring for your Home
Depending on where you plan to lay your new flooring, selecting the correct construction can make a significant difference. Although the greater stability of SPC construction has produced an increase in overall popularity, here are some common household areas where it makes sense to choose one type of flooring over the other:
5. Waterproof Vinyl Commercial Flooring Applications
When choosing vinyl for commercial flooring applications, durability will be just as important a factor as waterproof core materials. The thicker the wear layer of a vinyl plank, the more durable the finished luxury vinyl floor will be.
To hold up to commercial foot traffic and regular cleaning, your waterproof vinyl flooring choice should have a minimum wear layer thickness of 20mil. For even better surface protection, a high-quality polyurethane wear layer with aluminum oxide or ceramic bead technology will provide even more durability in a commercial setting and preserve a better appearance over time.
6. Importance of Waterproof Vinyl Flooring Warranty
Since the definition of "waterproof" can vary between manufacturers with different terms and various levels of integrity, it's extremely important to review the warranty of your favorite product beforehand! Some manufacturers require the use of a subfloor moisture barrier to address moisture issues prior to installation in order for the waterproof flooring warranty to be valid.
Almost any waterproof warranty is contingent on following the manufacturer's specific installation instructions to be valid. Typically, across the board, a waterproof vinyl flooring warranty will guarantee that your floor will not discolor, damage, swell, buckle, or lose integrity from topical water exposure or topical moisture. However, these guaranteed claims extend to the vinyl product itself and do not cover damage to the subfloor, adhesives, or surrounding structure. To have a realistic expectation of the performance from your floor and to ensure validity, always review the waterproof warranty thoroughly before purchase and installation!
