One of the unique selling points of luxury vinyl flooring is that it is made to be 100% waterproof. Naturally, everyone will say that nothing is 100% waterproof, but LVT truly is! You could place vinyl into a bathtub full of water for hours to days and it remains sturdy and undamaged.
However, there are still ways that water can affect vinyl tiles and planks. It usually occurs whenever the flooring has not been professionally installed, either by DIY methods or hiring an unqualified flooring fitter to save some money.
At Galloway Flooring in Manchester, we have been called to homes with severely damaged vinyl flooring in need of replacement. Most of the time we recognise the initial problems that led to the damage straight away. Other times, it can be quite surprising. Here are some of the causes of water underneath your luxury vinyl flooring.
Choosing Low Quality Vinyl Flooring
One of the easy-tell signs comes from people choosing a vinyl product of low quality. The most common is vinyl composite tile - which is NOT 100% waterproof.
Homeowners like to go with composite tile because they are simple to place and have a wide variety of colours and patterns, but it is not equally as water resistant as luxury vinyl tile due the gaps they have between them. Water is therefore able to seep into the flooring and reach the subfloor, affecting the adhesive and causing tiles to separate from the subfloor.
This form of vinyl flooring may be cheap, but it proves much more costly against its more expensive, durable and 100% waterproof LVT cousins.
Improper Installation
Whether it comes from a DIY approach or getting a cheap cowboy fitter, an improper installation will always lead to water damage on your flooring. Even the simplest click-lock system will not guarantee your flooring is waterproof if you go with saving money over expertise.
Professionally installed vinyl flooring will stop water from penetrating through and will withstand high humidity levels fairly well. A professional installer will conduct moisture testing first, followed by other control steps to ensure the flooring is 100% protected upon installation.
Flooding
Vinyl tiles and planks will not absorb spills or pet mishaps like hardwood or carpet would. That is due to them being non-porous. However, in the event of severe flooding, water can still seep through joints or connecting points.
That is down to continuous pressure from water, which will affect any flooring if left for long periods. That can be from leaking pipes, issues with your washing machine, sink or dryer or heavy rainfall through your window that forms large puddles.
If you notice any areas in your vinyl flooring with buckling, dampness, shifting, swelling or mold growth, you need to contact Galloway Flooring for a resolution.
Improper installation, preparation and buying of cheaper, ill-suited vinyl products are the most common reasons we at Galloway Flooring see some disasterous flooring that needs to be replaced.
There is no substitute for great flooring. For your flooring needs, contact our friendly team or drop into our showroom at Galloway Flooring in Denton to find the best deals on the best vinyl flooring in Manchester.
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