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Waterproof vs. Water Resistant Flooring

Making decisions

Waterproof vs. Water Resistant Flooring

Waterproof is a big word. It means “Water won’t affect me at all”. Having a waterproof floor doesn’t mean your entire house will handle major flooding, but once it is all cleaned and dried off the Waterproof Luxury Vinyl can be put back in place rather than thrown away. Waterproof flooring comes to the rescue when someone accidentally drops and spills a liquid everywhere, or when your adorable puppy accidentally confuses the corner of the living room with the grass in the backyard. If a product is labeled as waterproof, that means it really and truly is impenetrable to water and can be exposed to water for any length of time, and not be damaged. It means you don’t have to worry about water warping your floor, or causing it to swell, buckle, or otherwise breakdown due to water exposure.

Let Me Introduce You to… Waterproof Flooring!

Bathrooms, kitchens, pets and kids… there must be a flooring that can withstand all of these right? Waterproof flooring is typically a Luxury Vinyl Flooring, sometimes referred to as engineered vinyl plank. Luxury vinyl tile is already one of the fastest growing floor covering categories. When you add to its benefit’s waterproof features and ease of installation, SPC products are a homerun for the consumer. SPC is the highest quality vinyl flooring out there and comes in many gorgeous styles. Now you can get the homey wood look you’ve been craving in every room of your home. When shopping for true waterproof floors, make sure you look for those that are marked as 100% waterproof.

What is water “resistant” flooring then?

Water-resistant flooring can withstand water for longer than some types of flooring, but prolonged exposure to water is going to eventually damage the floor. Laminate is one of the most common types of water-resistant flooring. The surface will resist any water, however spills left unattended can seep into the space between planks or the seams. This will damage the flooring, so it’s not best for rooms that will see a lot of water, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Hardwood will absorb the water, leading to swelling, warping, buckling etc. Carpet is not water resistant. If you spill something on carpet, the carpet will get wet even if it is stain resistant. If you lifted up that section, the subfloor underneath would be wet as well, and even after some wiping and dabbing, it will take time to process from fully wet to damp and then to dry.

If you are evaluating whether you need water-resistant or waterproof floors, Saddleback Carpet & Flooring is ready to help you choose the right flooring for your needs.

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