Flooring is one of the most important choices during the home renovation stage. When deciding on materials, it is important to pick a flooring that is both durable and suited to your needs. One of the key mistakes many homeowners make is misunderstanding the difference between “water-resistant” and “waterproof.” Whether you have just purchased a home or are finally ready to explore options for updating your existing flooring, Kevertin Flooring has the solutions for you as well as the guidance necessary to install flooring that will last you years to come. Keep reading to explore this concept further and contact us today for all your flooring needs!
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant Flooring
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant Flooring
What’s The Difference?
“Waterproof” and “water-resistant” may sound almost the same and are often used wrongly interchangeably with one another, but make no mistake these two terms are very different when it comes to flooring. Waterproof is used to describe a permanent material that water is unable to penetrate through no matter how long it sits there, while water-resistant is used to describe a material's ability to protect flooring substrate from water infiltration.
Absorption Rate
Since waterproof materials are often more costly of an investment than water-resistant materials, many homeowners choose to purchase water-resistant luxury vinyl plank flooring over the waterproofed engineered hardwood flooring. While cost is a factor for most homeowners, it is important to also consider the absorption rate, or how long water can sit on the surface without damaging it. Water typically does not go through water-resistant flooring as quickly as other types of flooring, but it is still critical to clean up any spills as quickly as possible. Proper installation of your luxury vinyl planks can increase the protection of your subflooring as well.
Durability
At Kevertin Flooring, we want your flooring to be durable for many years to come! Our team will work with you to ensure your flooring selection will withstand any pets, kids, or spills. Many waterproof hardwood floorings will need an extra layer of protection for added protection against heat, scratches, and certain chemicals.
Versatility
When choosing flooring take into consideration where your flooring will be located, as well as if you have pets or children that make have spills or accidents. Waterproof flooring can be installed in any room of your home, but it is not recommended for outdoor use as sun damage can be common with this flooring. Many luxury vinyl plank flooring may be labeled as “waterproof,” but if you are planning to install this type of flooring in a bathroom or kitchen, you should take care to look over the label and ensure a 100% waterproof feature.
No matter the aesthetics you are looking for, the team at Kevertin Flooring has more than 30 years of experience in assisting customers in choosing the right flooring for their needs. Rest assured that our experts will help you quickly identify the differences between waterproof flooring and water-resistant flooring, choosing the best material for your project. Book an appointment today!