Why Is Vinyl Flooring Used?

Even amid industry standards like ceramic tile, plank wood, engineered wood, and laminate flooring, vinyl flooring has unquestionably proven to be the most popular of all the various segments in the floor covering industry today. Vinyl, sometimes referred to as resilient flooring, has established itself as a venerable flooring system for a variety of reasons.

Vinyl Flooring: What Is It?

One kind of multilayered synthetic flooring is vinyl. Vinyl flooring is usually supplied in pieces that may be assembled, such as planks, tiles, or sheets, and is composed of materials like plastic, fibreglass, and PVC. A core layer comprises the majority of the floor, possibly accompanied by an underlay or backing. An image layer that may imitate many other materials, such as wood and ceramic, is placed over this. The changing thickness of the top wear layer shields the sublayers from harm.

Advantages of Vinyl Flooring

1. Durable:

Vinyl flooring is robust and long-lasting. It can endure a long time, is water-resistant, and requires little maintenance. It is ideal for busy locations because it can withstand heavy foot traffic and won't discolour easily if it has a protective covering. Certain companies even produce vinyl flooring that is 100% waterproof, making them ideal for use in mudrooms or bathrooms.

2. Comfortable:

Because vinyl is composed of layers, it feels "softer" and more "padded" underfoot than materials like stone or hardwood. In addition to providing insulation, these layers aid in keeping the floor at a constant temperature throughout the year. Additionally, vinyl has the ability to soundproof a space, which helps to lessen echo and noise in any given space.

3. Easy to install and reasonably priced:

Vinyl is reasonably priced and offers a simple installation method that is do-it-yourself-friendly.

The Drawbacks of Vinyl Flooring

1. Refinishing is not possible:

Vinyl flooring cannot be restored since it is made up of a single wear layer over a design layer. When a floor is broken, it has to be completely replaced, either in the damaged sections or throughout. This is particularly valid for cheap or sheet vinyl.

2. Doesn't always raise the value at resale:

Vinyl floors typically (but not always) have little effect on a home or building's resale value. Older floors with low-quality vinyl flooring can potentially be detrimental.

3. Not good for the environment:

Vinyl is created with hazardous chemicals that emit VOCs. Particularly in places with poor ventilation, these VOCs can be dangerous. It's preferable to go with low-VOC vinyl flooring if this worries you.

What to Consider When Looking for Vinyl Floors:

1. Resistance to Stains:

One big advantage of vinyl flooring is that spills don't quickly discolour it. But since not all vinyl is created equal, it's crucial to consider stain resistance while making a purchase. Go for vinyl that has been coated with a durable outer layer to help it resist stains and clean up more easily. This is especially important in places like kitchens and playrooms where mishaps happen often.

2. Thickness:

The thickness of your vinyl floor is a key influence on overall performance, comfort, and longevity. Thick floors are stronger and better at reducing noise and temperature changes. Conversely, in locations with low foot traffic where cost-effectiveness or convenience of installation take precedence over long-term durability, thinner vinyl could be more reasonably priced.

3. Sunlight:

Choose vinyl flooring that is UV resistant if you intend to install it in a space with plenty of windows or sunshine. Seek for UV-protected vinyl or a top layer that prevents discolouration and fading. This will prolong the attractive appearance of your floor.

4. Maintenance and Care:

High-quality vinyl flooring in particular is easy to maintain. Your floor has probably been given a surface treatment (unique to the manufacturer) that helps make it stain- and scratch-resistant, depending on your wear layer. Generally speaking, vacuuming, sweeping, and damp mopping are enough methods to keep your floor clean, and making your own mild cleaning solution is a far easier option than buying one. The usual procedures for maintaining floors also hold true: mop up spills and stains, use mats and rugs, place protective pads on furniture legs, and so forth.

However, vinyl flooring shouldn't be waxed, varnished, or steam cleaned due to the wear layer. Products that are greasy, acidic, or abrasive should also be avoided. Your vinyl floor may become discoloured or even melt if you expose it to direct heat.

5. Design Options:

Regarding design options, vinyl floors are highly adaptable. Vinyl can be purchased that mimics the appearance of wood, brick, and stone, among other flooring materials. After selecting a material, additional customization is also feasible. A large variety of textures, designs, and colours are available for vinyl flooring. Bright, muted, and metallic patterns come in a variety of geometric, floral, and even Art Deco motifs if you're going for a non-traditional style.

With vinyl flooring, stand-alone designs like a massive flower or animal can also be created. As always, be prepared to spend more for personalized patterns and designs and make the standard quality assurance checks—certain custom vinyl flooring providers might only provide a gaudy product.

6. Installation:

The good news is that vinyl flooring is simple to install yourself, which might result in a flooring installation costing 50% less than it would if you hired a professional. For the most part, vinyl planks, and tiles can be installed as a floating floor because the pieces lock together; for other types, you might have to use a peel-and-stick technique or glue the floor into place.

7. Lifespan:

The lifespan of vinyl flooring varies greatly, ranging from five to twenty-five years. The initial installation procedure, the flooring's quality, the wear layer's thickness, and upkeep are all responsible for this significant variance.

Furthermore, it symbolizes the reality that a damaged vinyl floor cannot be repaired; instead, it needs to be replaced. Depending on the degree of damage and the kind of vinyl you bought, this could entail replacing the entire floor (sheet vinyl) or just the damaged tile or plank. Anticipate being on the far lower end of this range in a well-travelled property.