The Most Water Resistant Flooring

7/27/2018 (Permalink)

Whether it’s your child, a pet, or a leaky ice maker line, when a spill happens, many of us instantly think about whether or not water damage will ensue. Quality water-resistant flooring will go a long way in easing some of those fears and giving you some peace of mind. When flooring isn’t water-resistant you could find yourself navigating the perils of warping, mildew, mold and wood rot.

Here are 5 top Flooring choices that are not only water-resistant but add the benefit of beauty to your home.

1. Vinyl Flooring

   The big trend right now for home interiors is the traditional hardwood throughout the house. One of the best vinyl flooring options available is the WPC. WPC stands for Wood Plastic Composite, this specific type of vinyl offers a beautifully rich and expensive wood look. WPC vinyl flooring is high quality, extremely durable, and has a range of textures and colors. The extreme durability of this type of flooring comes from the four layers it is comprised of: The backing layer; the WPC core – which is where the waterproofing comes in as this layer is solid and will not ripple, swell or peel; the printed vinyl layer is the piece that brings the beauty, the available images can give an identical look of natural wood, stone and much more. This is the layer fools many into believing it’s the real thing. The last layer, the Wear Layer, is the protector, it keeps your floors free from dents and scratches etc. The thicker the wear layer the better protected your floor will be.

   Vinyl flooring is like a superhero that protects your home from unwanted wet shoes as your children run in after a rainy day or from the gallon of milk that was accidentally spilled when pouring a cup. This vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof, realistic looking, resilient and offers low maintenance. High-quality vinyl is not only waterproof features mold and mildew inhibitors as well. Vinyl is a great water protection option for your home. Prices certainly vary and the higher quality you go, the higher the price can climb.

2. Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Flooring

   Ceramic and porcelain tile flooring is a beautiful option and mostly found in bathrooms. This type of flooring is often used in bathrooms because its surface is comprised of a durable glaze that keeps all liquids out. It leaves no room for water to seep through. Therefore, this flooring is 100% waterproof. This type of flooring is an oldie but a goodie and does its job well. It is very easy to clean which is nice if you have children or animals in the home. Tile may be one of the oldest flooring options out there, but it stands strong against its younger opponents, as it can look equally attractive and appealing to the eye. It can come in mosaic and decorative styles or it can come in more natural looking options which mimic wood and stone. Ceramic and porcelain tiles durable, with low to no maintenance and a home that is worry-free from water damage. One downfall is that this type of flooring can be cold underfoot because it doesn’t retain heat as well, therefore it may be best for homes with warmer environments.

3. Laminate Flooring

   Laminate is commonly confused with vinyl but what you must know, is that vinyl is naturally resistant to water and laminate can be susceptible to moisture. However, with that said, manufacturers are creating waterproof counterparts based on consumer demand. Laminate, regardless of the original, maintains a good reputation because it is popular when looking for a faux wood flooring option without the sticker shock or real wood. Laminate can be so convincing that often times people can’t tell the difference. Waterproof laminate is high quality and offers a great resale value to a home. Laminate is not only an easy installation but requires very little maintenance as it’s easy to clean and keep looking nice. A few downfalls to this specific waterproof flooring lie in its late arrival to the waterproof arena, it tends to be on the pricier side and there aren’t as many options to choose from.

4. Engineered Wood

   Engineered wood is beautiful and truly looks like the real thing because the top layer is real wood. If you desire natural wood in a bathroom or other high moisture area, engineered wood is certainly the way to go. This type of flooring has a plywood base that helps stand against moisture. Engineered wood works well in high moisture areas because of its dimensional stability. This flooring material, unfortunately, won’t stand against intense water but it will do its job when a spill occurs.

5. Concrete or Stone Flooring

   Concrete, when it is sealed properly, is amazing at fighting against water. It is popular for basements and garages, however, it can be a beautiful alternative for a bathroom or kitchen. Concrete is very hard and strong, it stands strong against water, scratches, and dents. This amazing type of material can have added dyes and etching that truly allows your home to make a unique statement. However concrete, even with its low maintenance, can be hard underfoot and may be uncomfortable for sensitive feet. Cracking can also be a possibility over time.

   Natural stone is another beautiful look that brings durability and is truly pleasing to the eye. In fact, stone flooring tends to have a great resale value. Stone can be a bit slippery but texturing it with sandblasting can mitigate that issue, however, this type of flooring material does tend to be on the more expensive side.

Choosing the right type of flooring for your home is about more than beauty, it’s about peace of mind, ease of maintenance, and the right cost/benefit equation. Take some time to make the right choice for your home and save yourself the instant worry when those inevitable accidents happen.

Water Damage In Your Home? Contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County. 502.241.6861

SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties.