![]() Hence their use in bathrooms and showers for literally hundreds of years. Manufacturers continue to make technological advances in materials to meet the needs of today’s consumer demands for waterproof and water-resistant flooring, offering the customer more options than ever.įor waterproof floors, there’s nothing stronger than tile and stone. Waterproof flooring is a peace of mind in those environments. So it will come as no surprise – Bathrooms, mudrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, entryways, and basements are GREAT places to install waterproof flooring! So don’t worry about the days you wash the bath mats, or the kids tracking in rain and mud, or spilling that glass of water on the floor in the kitchen. Remember – damp areas like basements are notorious for having a lot of moisture in the air that can penetrate and damage water-resistant flooring. Any spills should be cleaned up and the floor dried off as soon as possible.īathrooms, mudrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, entryways, and basements are NOT the best places to install water-resistant flooring. Living rooms, family rooms, offices, dens, bedrooms are some great places to install water-resistant flooring. ![]() Occasional spills are ok if cleaned up immediately. Water-resistant flooring is a durable flooring option for areas that don’t regularly get exposed to moisture, wet traffic, or spills. However, the inorganic core material (such as PVC or wood plastic/polymer) helps make it more waterproof and prevents moisture permeation, which also can prevent mold and mildew development. Waterproof flooring, since it is impermeable, can cost more, even when made with organic or naturally-occurring materials rather than man-made/inorganic. Basically, water-resistant flooring acts like a big sponge when exposed to liquid for longer than recommended. A con, however, is that those core materials that make it less expensive often contribute to it swelling, warping or peeling when exposed to excessive moisture. Well, most people don’t!Ī big pro for water-resistant floor ing is that it is generally less expensive than waterproof flooring. After all, no one wants to pay money to have their floor warp and pull-up on them. This is especially true for wood and laminate options, which may have seams between planks that could allow moisture to seep through to the subfloor.īoth waterproof and water-resistant flooring have their strengths and weaknesses that should be considered before installing. That last piece is important to note – just because your flooring is waterproof and impervious to water and moisture, doesn’t mean the subfloor beneath it is waterproof. Waterproof means it is impervious to water – water can contact it forever and it will never damage the flooring. In simplest terms, water-resistant means what the name implies: it can withstand, or resist, water for a period of time but it is not waterproof it will get damaged by water or liquid eventually. ![]() Waterproof and water-resistant are NOT the same thing! They are NOT interchangeable terms! But what are those options? Why is one better than another? And where can and should I install them in my home? Or more importantly – where shouldn’t I? Let’s dive in deep for a swim into the fluid world of water and floors! Waterproof vs Water-resistant – What’s The Differenceīuyer beware! This is one of the most misunderstood and critical pieces of information when looking at your flooring options. This, along with a desire for durable, low-maintenance finishes, leads more and more buyers to seek waterproof and water-resistant flooring options. According to the Insurance Information Institute, “water damage and freezing” was the 3 rd most severe (following bodily injury and fire/lightning) and the 2nd most frequent cause of homeowner’s insurance claims. Water, and it’s varying solid, liquid and gaseous states, is one of the leading causes of damage to homes every year. The destroyer we’re talking about is water! How could something that makes up more than 60 percent of your body destroy your home?! A silent destroyer lives in our homes – and even our bodies! (cue the ominous music!)ĭon’t go looking for a hockey-mask wearing, knife-wielding creeper under the beds. Ok, let’s be honest: houses can be money pits! But they're OUR money pits and we like them to be safe, comfortable, reflect our style and personalities, and last as long as possible so we don’t have to keep sinking our hard-earned cash into them.īut one of the most common culprits in damage to the home is with us every minute of every day. Dollar for dollar, a home is the single largest investment most people will make in their lives.
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