SPC flooring is becoming more and more popular thanks to all it's remarkably desirable traits and features. However, how much do you really know about SPC flooring? Nothing is perfect in this world, it is no surprise that SPC flooring also carries some downsides with it.
It is only fair enough if you are made known of the pros and cons of SPC flooring before you join the SPC fanatic troop.
Here are the lists of SPC flooring pro's and con's.
Advantages of SPC Flooring
Wide Range Of Style And Selections
This huge variation of styles give you abundant freedom to come out with the pattern and arrangement you like. If you are a risk taker, have fun mix-and-match with different colors to create your desired look. Just let your creativity flow!
Real Wood-like Design
Timeless design mimicking the beauty of nature is in fact what makes SPC flooring so popular. Some brands even able to achieve the real-wood likeliness that is difficult to tell the difference from far.You can proudly said that it is a 'wood' flooring without all the drawbacks of real wood. Isn't it wonderful?
Budget Friendly
Generally, SPC flooring is way more affordable than hardwood flooring and yet it's able to provide the same natural wood-look effect you desire. The installation cost is also inexpensive. You can even save up the labour cost by going diy the installation. Needless to say, it is definitely an alternative to expensive wood flooring.
Able To Sustain High Traffic
Don't be surprise that SPC flooring is able to handle high traffic activity better than other type of flooring. In fact, this feature is one of the main reason why SPC flooring is so popular. It can sustain lots of foot traffic which is very suitable for large family or active people.
Durable And Long-lasting
Don't be surprised to find SPC flooring can actually last 20 years over if it's well maintained. That is also why some big brands of SPC flooring is able to provide warranties of 15 years and above.The quality range of SPC and ways of manufacture are the determining factors of how well your SPC flooring lasts. Speaking of quality, here are the SPC material with prominent durable feature that you should not missed.
Solid and composite SPC: These are the homogeneous type of SPC having high resistant against scratches and surface damage.
Fiber-glass reinforced SPC: It is one of the most durable type as fiber-glass is great for it's strength and flexibility. This type of SPC material is extremely durable and able to sustain heavy-duty usage.
Easy To Clean And Maintain
If you are not a homemaker or not having much time for house chores, SPC flooring might be what you need. All you have to do is to sweep and damp mop occasionally and it will be sufficient to keep your house clean.
Even if you found any damaged pieces or tiles, you can simply replace each individual piece without having to remove the entire flooring. You will soon find that maintaining the condition of SPC flooring is much easier comparing to other type of flooring.
Learn more tips on maintenance and cleaning here '17 Ultimate Guide of SPC Flooring Care, Clean and Maintenance'!
Underfoot Comfort
SPC flooring is not as hard as wood flooring. A thin layer of foam or felt is normally use to backed SPC flooring.
This padded structure adds softness and flexibility and makes standing long hours feel less tired. The level of comfortness when stepping on it is also different from any other type of flooring could offer.
Simple And Direct Installation
SPC flooring can be installed directly on top of your existing floor as long as the condition of your flooring is flat and smooth. The installation is pretty simple particularly for click-lock type. It is said to be designed for people who love diy!
Stain Resistant
There is one type of SPC flooring which is famously known for stain resistant. It's the printed SPC tiles or sheets. The theory behind is the wear layer on the SPC surface that act as a protective barriers against spillage and stains.
Since not all type of SPC flooring has strong stain resistant, you might want to avoid composite or solid SPC if this feature is your main concern.
Water Resistant
SPC flooring that is well-installed is almost seamless which makes it difficult for water to sips in. This interesting benefit allow it to be installed in almost every area of your house including laundry area.
Disadvantages of SPC Flooring
Difficult Subfloor Preparation
Subfloor should be leveled, smooth, free of dust and dirt before installation. This process require you to put some time and effort in order to get a perfect outcome.
If the condition of subfloor is not well prepared, any particles trapped underneath will cause lumps and bumps on the SPC surface. This will cause serious flooring issues over time and can even lead to rip and tear of SPC parts.
No Extra Resale Value Added
Many might thought that by installing SPC flooring in your property will help elevate the resale value. But here's the cold harsh truth… unlike hardwood flooring, SPC flooring is not providing any extra value if you plan to resell your property.
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)s Emission
SPC flooring is produced from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that causes the release of volatile organic compound into the air, particularly when it is newly installed. You should ventilate the area by opening doors and windows after installation.
Worry about the indoor air quality? Fret not! Here comes the good news… most manufacturers are aware of this issue and lots of improvement has been done ever since year 2010.
The result? Most of the SPC flooring in the market nowadays were produced using less PVC materials during production. Also, you can always refer to your SPC flooring manufacturer for certification on emission standard.
Difficult To Remove Once Installed
You would need time and patient if you are planning to remove installed SPC flooring yourself. Depending on the type of SPC flooring installed, removing adhesive type would definitely cause you a mess.
Susceptible To Sharp Objects
Heavy furnitures, pet's paws, sands or any sharp objects will leave scratches and abrasion on SPC flooring surface.
Extra care is needed when it comes to contact with sharp and abrasive objects. Always remember to cover SPC flooring with a layer of felt, mat or rugs to keep your flooring surface smooth.
Sensitive To Moisture
Don't be confused. Not all SPC flooring are sensitive to moisure. However, SPC flooring of lower grade may swell or discolor when contact with moisture in a long term. Moisture that traps under SPC floor will encourage the growth of mold and causing odor.
However, there are some type of SPC flooring suitable to be installed in high moisture area. Just check with your SPC flooring supplier on it's functionality before making any purchase.
Yellowing And Discoloration
Although SPC flooring can resist most of stains, but you should prevent strong chemical from coming into direct contact with SPC floor surface. Although yellowing of SPC flooring can be due to many factors, chemical emit from rubber is a major culprit of this issue. You could overcome this problem by replacing any rubber material to non-staining rubber material.
Discoloration is normally caused by long term exposure to UV light as well as dirt that traps underneath wax layer. However, not all SPC flooring will have discoloration, it all depends on the quality. High quality SPC will be safe from discoloration.
Toxic Hazard When Burned
Since SPC flooring is made of plastic material, it will release odor and toxic chemicals into the air when burn. Therefore, it is not recommended to be used in high heat or fire hazard area like commercial kitchen.
Environmental Issue
The material used to produce SPC flooring is not biodegradable. Therefore you can say that most SPC flooring is non-recyclable. But there are still certain manufacturers that produce recyclable SPC flooring. Worn out SPC flooring that is unable to be recycled will end up in landfills.
Overtime, chemicals released from worn SPC will become an environmental pollution. Not just that, the manufacturing process of SPC flooring also require high consumption of natural gas, petroleum and other non-renewable resources.
Unable To Be Refinished Or Repair
Despite that SPC flooring is generally known for its high durability, some low quality SPC flooring is easier to worn out or tear. Once it's damaged, it is difficult to repair and the worse is no refinish work can be done. The only option is to have that particular piece replaced.
SPC tile or plank is much easier to replaced compare to SPC sheet in most case. So you should definitely put this to consider before choosing the type of SPC flooring best fits for your use.
What Others Said?
Here's the last crucial point from people who installed SPC flooring previously…
Most of them found that the advantages of SPC flooring like affordable cost, high durability and excellent underfoot comfort actually outweigh the downsides of it, including the emission of VOCs.
