10 Questions You Should to Know about Waterproof SPC Flooring

SPC flooring is becoming more and more popular thanks to all it’s remarkably desirable traits and features. However, how much do you really know about SPC flooring? Nothing is perfect in this world, it is no surprise that SPC flooring also carries some downsides with it.

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It is only fair enough if you are made known of the pros and cons of SPC flooring before you join the SPC fanatic troop.

Here are the lists of SPC flooring pro’s and con’s.

Advantages of SPC Flooring

Wide Range Of Style And Selections

This huge variation of styles give you abundant freedom to come out with the pattern and arrangement you like. If you are a risk taker, have fun mix-and-match with different colors to create your desired look. Just let your creativity flow!

Real Wood-like Design

Timeless design mimicking the beauty of nature is in fact what makes SPC flooring so popular. Some brands even able to achieve the real-wood likeliness that is difficult to tell the difference from far.You can proudly said that it is a ‘wood’ flooring without all the drawbacks of real wood. Isn’t it wonderful?

Budget Friendly

Generally, SPC flooring is way more affordable than hardwood flooring and yet it’s able to provide the same natural wood-look effect you desire. The installation cost is also inexpensive. You can even save up the labour cost by going diy the installation. Needless to say, it is definitely an alternative to expensive wood flooring.

Able To Sustain High Traffic

Don’t be surprise that SPC flooring is able to handle high traffic activity better than other type of flooring. In fact, this feature is one of the main reason why SPC flooring is so popular. It can sustain lots of foot traffic which is very suitable for large family or active people.

Durable And Long-lasting

Don’t be surprised to find SPC flooring can actually last 20 years over if it’s well maintained. That is also why some big brands of SPC flooring is able to provide warranties of 15 years and above.The quality range of SPC and ways of manufacture are the determining factors of how well your SPC flooring lasts. Speaking of quality, here are the SPC material with prominent durable feature that you should not missed.

• Solid and composite SPC: These are the homogeneous type of SPC having high resistant against scratches and surface damage.

• Fiber-glass reinforced SPC: It is one of the most durable type as fiber-glass is great for it’s strength and flexibility. This type of SPC material is extremely durable and able to sustain heavy-duty usage.

Easy To Clean And Maintain

If you are not a homemaker or not having much time for house chores, SPC flooring might be what you need. All you have to do is to sweep and damp mop occasionally and it will be sufficient to keep your house clean.

Even if you found any damaged pieces or tiles, you can simply replace each individual piece without having to remove the entire flooring. You will soon find that maintaining the condition of SPC flooring is much easier comparing to other type of flooring.

Learn more tips on maintenance and cleaning here ‘17 Ultimate Guide of SPC Flooring Care, Clean and Maintenance’!

Underfoot Comfort

SPC flooring is not as hard as wood flooring. A thin layer of foam or felt is normally use to backed SPC flooring.

This padded structure adds softness and flexibility and makes standing long hours feel less tired. The level of comfortness when stepping on it is also different from any other type of flooring could offer.

Simple And Direct Installation

SPC flooring can be installed directly on top of your existing floor as long as the condition of your flooring is flat and smooth. The installation is pretty simple particularly for click-lock type. It is said to be designed for people who love diy!

Stain Resistant

There is one type of SPC flooring which is famously known for stain resistant. It’s the printed SPC tiles or sheets. The theory behind is the wear layer on the SPC surface that act as a protective barriers against spillage and stains.

Since not all type of SPC flooring has strong stain resistant, you might want to avoid composite or solid SPC if this feature is your main concern.

Water Resistant

SPC flooring that is well-installed is almost seamless which makes it difficult for water to sips in. This interesting benefit allow it to be installed in almost every area of your house including laundry area.

Disadvantages of SPC Flooring

Difficult Subfloor Preparation

Subfloor should be leveled, smooth, free of dust and dirt before installation. This process require you to put some time and effort in order to get a perfect outcome.

If the condition of subfloor is not well prepared, any particles trapped underneath will cause lumps and bumps on the SPC surface. This will cause serious flooring issues over time and can even lead to rip and tear of SPC parts.

No Extra Resale Value Added

Many might thought that by installing SPC flooring in your property will help elevate the resale value. But here’s the cold harsh truth… unlike hardwood flooring, SPC flooring is not providing any extra value if you plan to resell your property.

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)s Emission

SPC flooring is produced from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that causes the release of volatile organic compound into the air, particularly when it is newly installed. You should ventilate the area by opening doors and windows after installation.

Worry about the indoor air quality? Fret not! Here comes the good news… most manufacturers are aware of this issue and lots of improvement has been done ever since year .

The result? Most of the SPC flooring in the market nowadays were produced using less PVC materials during production. Also, you can always refer to your SPC flooring manufacturer for certification on emission standard.

Difficult To Remove Once Installed

You would need time and patient if you are planning to remove installed SPC flooring yourself. Depending on the type of SPC flooring installed, removing adhesive type would definitely cause you a mess.

Susceptible To Sharp Objects

Heavy furnitures, pet’s paws, sands or any sharp objects will leave scratches and abrasion on SPC flooring surface.

Extra care is needed when it comes to contact with sharp and abrasive objects. Always remember to cover SPC flooring with a layer of felt, mat or rugs to keep your flooring surface smooth.

Sensitive To Moisture

Don’t be confused. Not all SPC flooring are sensitive to moisure. However, SPC flooring of lower grade may swell or discolor when contact with moisture in a long term. Moisture that traps under SPC floor will encourage the growth of mold and causing odor.

However, there are some type of SPC flooring suitable to be installed in high moisture area. Just check with your SPC flooring supplier on it’s functionality before making any purchase.

Yellowing And Discoloration

Although SPC flooring can resist most of stains, but you should prevent strong chemical from coming into direct contact with SPC floor surface. Although yellowing of SPC flooring can be due to many factors, chemical emit from rubber is a major culprit of this issue. You could overcome this problem by replacing any rubber material to non-staining rubber material.

Discoloration is normally caused by long term exposure to UV light as well as dirt that traps underneath wax layer. However, not all SPC flooring will have discoloration, it all depends on the quality. High quality SPC will be safe from discoloration.

Toxic Hazard When Burned

Since SPC flooring is made of plastic material, it will release odor and toxic chemicals into the air when burn. Therefore, it is not recommended to be used in high heat or fire hazard area like commercial kitchen.

Environmental Issue

The material used to produce SPC flooring is not biodegradable. Therefore you can say that most SPC flooring is non-recyclable. But there are still certain manufacturers that produce recyclable SPC flooring. Worn out SPC flooring that is unable to be recycled will end up in landfills.

Overtime, chemicals released from worn SPC will become an environmental pollution. Not just that, the manufacturing process of SPC flooring also require high consumption of natural gas, petroleum and other non-renewable resources.

Unable To Be Refinished Or Repair

Despite that SPC flooring is generally known for its high durability, some low quality SPC flooring is easier to worn out or tear. Once it’s damaged, it is difficult to repair and the worse is no refinish work can be done. The only option is to have that particular piece replaced.

SPC tile or plank is much easier to replaced compare to SPC sheet in most case. So you should definitely put this to consider before choosing the type of SPC flooring best fits for your use.

What Others Said?

Here’s the last crucial point from people who installed SPC flooring previously…

Most of them found that the advantages of SPC flooring like affordable cost, high durability and excellent underfoot comfort actually outweigh the downsides of it, including the emission of VOCs.

At the end of the day, your consideration should also be including your budget, areas or rooms you want to install and most importantly your expectation based on the quality of SPC that you pay for. Also, check out our ‘Buyer’s Guide: Top 19 Questions You Should Ask When Purchasing SPC Flooring’ to learn more.

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Vinyl flooring can be very tricky. After all, there are so many types of vinyl flooring, from LVP to sheets. That can be a lot of information and research to wade through. Fortunately for you, we can help!

By now, you probably know a thing or two about vinyl flooring, but there are still a few pressing questions on your mind. Guess what? We know the answers. We’ve compiled our most common questions to help make your shopping experience easier.

Let’s take a look!

The Basics: What is Vinyl Flooring?

There are so many kinds of vinyl flooring: waterproof, peel and stick, sheet vinyl, and then all those acronyms. LVF, SPC, WPC. It can start to look like a jumble of alphabet soup. Let’s start with the basics so you know more about your options.

What is the difference between WPC, LVF, and SPC flooring?

WPC vinyl

This technically translates to wood-plastic composite vinyl flooring. However, many people also use the acronym to stand for waterproof core vinyl flooring. Both meanings are correct. WPC vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof, and its core is made from a composite of plastic and wood. In the flooring industry, it's referred to as engineered vinyl flooring. WPC is recommended for residential use since it is softer underfoot.

SHOP WPC VINYL FLOORING 

SPC vinyl

SPC stands for stone-plastic composite or stone-polymer composite. Both of these terms are used interchangeably. SPC is also sometimes referred to as Rigid Core luxury vinyl flooring. That’s because the stone-plastic composite core in this luxury vinyl is ultra-dense. Like WPC, SPC is 100% waterproof and is also called engineered vinyl flooring within the industry. SPC is great for both residential and commercial use.

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LVF vinyl

This is the acronym for luxury vinyl flooring. Luxury vinyl flooring is sort of the umbrella term that often encompasses WPC and SPC. LVF can also refer to vinyl that is not waterproof or rigid core, but that has a higher-quality visual, and usually a basic glue down or a lock installation mechanism. 

What is LVP flooring?

LVP stands for luxury vinyl planks. These planks are made to be very durable, able to withstand high traffic, kids, and pets. Standard LVP consists of a vinyl core with a printed surface layer. It might have an attached underlayment, though not always, and it can either be glued down or floated with a locking mechanism. Some LVP is waterproof, with WPC or SPC cores.

Though there isn’t a defined industry standard for what “luxury” flooring is, you should expect top-notch visuals (typically wood-look), and a thick wear layer to protect the surface from wear and tear.  

Related Content >> The 5 Best Vinyl Plank Flooring

What is LVT flooring?

LVT is another word for luxury vinyl tiles. Like vinyl planks, you should expect the best of the best out of LVT flooring. Luxury vinyl tiles can stand up to the challenges of a busy home with pets and lots of traffic.

Luxury tiles are very durable and stylish, with high-quality, stone-look visuals, and even some realistic textures in some cases. More high-end LVT products will feature waterproof cores, attached underlayment, and a thick wear layer, though you won’t see these features with every single product.

What is the difference between LVP and LVT?

LVP is the acronym for luxury vinyl planks. LVP refers to the specific shape of the vinyl flooring shape – a plank. Luxury vinyl plank flooring often features a wood-look image and the plank format helps sell the look.

LVT is the acronym for luxury vinyl tiles. Luxury vinyl tiles often feature a stone-look image and mimic natural stone flooring. Like LVP, LVT refers to the specific shape of the vinyl flooring-- tile. These can come in different sizes but tend to keep the standard tile shape.

What is vinyl sheet flooring?

Sheet vinyl is a multi-layer, durable flooring that’s easy to install and easy to clean. A vinyl sheet features a wear layer and a wear layer to protect it from scuffs and scratches, much like vinyl planks and tiles.

Vinyl sheets used to have a reputation for being “low-quality,” but those days are long gone. Popular sheet vinyl is made of quality materials and contains a fiberglass layer that lays the sheet flat and keeps it from curling. This fiberglass layer also allows sheet vinyl to be loose laid or installed using double-sided adhesive tape, instead of a more labor-intensive glue down installation.

Luxury vinyl sheets come with a huge range of stylish looks, including realist wood and looks, and more contemporary decorative surfaces. The best part? You get all of these benefits at an affordable price.

Are vinyl flooring and linoleum the same?

Vinyl and linoleum flooring are actually very different! At one time the only vinyl anybody knew about was sheet vinyl, which has an appearance fairly similar to linoleum. Because of this, a lot of people confuse the two. Here are the main differences between linoleum and sheet vinyl.

Linoleum:

• Made of natural materials
• Anti-microbial
• Anti-static properties
• Needs to be sealed every year
• Requires a professional installation

Luxury Vinyl Flooring:

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• Made of durable PVC
• Protective wear layer
• Backing options for fiberglass, foam, or felt
• DIY-friendly installation
• Virtually no maintenance

Use and Durability

When you’re purchasing your next home flooring, you probably want to make sure it can hold up to the wear and tear of your home. Here, we answer a few of your most important questions about vinyl flooring.

Related Content >> Vinyl Flooring Trends

Will my dog’s nails scratch vinyl flooring?

While some vinyl products do have a scratch-resistant surface, no vinyl flooring is 100% scratch proof. Over time, scratches may occur. We recommend trying to keep the dog's nails trimmed to help lessen the number of scratches.

Can I put heavy appliances down directly on my vinyl floors?

You can put heavy appliances on vinyl tiles and planks as long as you use furniture pads or sliders under them. However, you should not install heavy appliances over loose laid sheet vinyl, because this could cause a pinch point and damage the floor.

For furniture, you should use felt furniture pads under the legs to prevent scratching the flooring. Never use rubber, as rubber can stain vinyl flooring.

You can also put most vinyl flooring under kitchen cabinets and appliances, but it’s a good idea to glue down those sections.

Do I need a protector on my vinyl floor for my rolling desk chair?

Even though vinyl flooring has a tough wear layer, it’s a good idea to use a mat under desk chairs. Over time, rolling desk chairs might cause some wear and tear. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Can I put vinyl flooring in my basement?

All vinyl flooring can be installed in basements, though some options will be more difficult to install. For example, a vinyl sheet that needs to be glued down will take more effort than a click-lock vinyl plank. You’ll need to make sure the cement subfloor is completely level, or thin flooring like sheet vinyl could show the imperfections through the surface and actually become damaged over time.

DIY-friendly waterproof vinyl flooring, like TritonCORE Pro, is a great option in basements. It can generally be installed in moisture-prone areas and even over uneven subfloors. If you’re installing waterproof vinyl flooring over basement concrete, we recommend adding a vapor barrier underneath.

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Related Content >> Best Basement Flooring Options

Can you install luxury vinyl flooring outdoors?

Even if using waterproof vinyl flooring, we do not recommend vinyl flooring for outside or semi-outdoor areas. UV rays can cause fading and weather can damage the flooring over time. Using vinyl flooring outside may also void the manufacturer’s warranty. For these reasons, stick to using vinyl flooring indoors.

Will vinyl flooring expand?

Some vinyl flooring like TritonCORE Pro will not expand and contract like other flooring types unless under extreme conditions. It is recommended to leave a small expansion gap around the perimeter for such extreme conditions, but the likelihood of expansion is very small. Not even flooding will cause waterproof vinyl flooring to expand. In fact, we tested this to prove our point:

That being said, other luxury vinyl flooring without a waterproof core, or a rigid core, will expand and contract.

Installation

These days, being able to DIY install your flooring is a huge plus. With easy-to-install flooring, you don’t have to spend money hiring a contractor. Thankfully, installing vinyl flooring doesn’t have to be difficult or scary. Here are a few answers to your installation questions.

Related Content >> How to Install Vinyl Flooring

How do you install vinyl plank flooring?

Most luxury vinyl planks and tiles use a tongue and groove lock system. This is also known as click-lock flooring, and it’s easy to install on your own. There’s no tape, glue, or professional needed! When you install luxury vinyl this way, it’s called a floating floor, because it’s “floating” over your subfloor.

Here is how to install interlocking vinyl flooring on your own. These tips apply to both planks and tiles:

1. Start in a corner of the room, working from left to right. Set down the first plank (or tile), using spacers to maintain a 3/8” gap between the plank floor and the wall. This gives the floor enough room to expand and contract with temperature changes. 
2. Complete the first row. Insert the tongue of the second plank at an angle into the groove of the first. Once they click together, lower the second plank until flat. Use a tapping block and rubber mallet to gently tap the planks into a locked position.
3. Continue until the first row is finished. When you come up to the wall and need to cut a plank, measure the plank, and cut it using a utility knife or a tile cutter.
4. Begin the next row with the leftover cut end, as long as it’s at least 6” long. This will create a more natural staggered look.
5. Set the plank into the previous row at a slight angle to ensure that it slides into place and interlocks correctly.
6. Continue working across the room, ensuring that the planks are interlocked tightly. Use spacers every few feet around the edges of the flooring and remove them when the installation is complete.

How do you install fiberglass vinyl sheet flooring?

Fiberglass vinyl sheets can be installed with the loose lay method, meaning the sheet doesn’t need to be glued down. It’s incredibly DIY-friendly, and is best if you want temporary flooring, or are installing in a low traffic area.

Follow these steps to loose lay your new vinyl sheet in no-time:

1. Unroll the sheet, and line up the seams if you have multiple sheets. Ensure the sheet is square to the room and not crooked.
2. Let the sheet acclimate to the temperature and humidity for at least a day before cutting it. 
3. Cut around walls and obstructions using a utility knife. Leave a 1/8” - 1/4” gap to prevent any bunching up or pinching if the sheet expands with temperature changes.
4. If you want some extra stability, you can apply double-sided tape around the perimeter and under seams.
5. Please note: With this install method, there can only be one major seam. Larger spaces that require more than two sheets will need to have the sheets glued down.

This installation isn’t designed for high-traffic areas. You should glue down sheet vinyl for applications in commercial areas where you will expect a ton of traffic.

How do I cut vinyl flooring?

There are a couple of different methods for cutting luxury vinyl flooring, depending on the type.

How to cut vinyl plank flooring:

LVP or WPC vinyl flooring can be cut by hand using a sharp utility knife; simply score the vinyl flooring and snap it apart for a clean break. SPC Vinyl flooring can be cut using a power saw, or even a tile cutter. The choice is up to you!

How to cut vinyl sheet flooring:

The best way to cut a vinyl sheet is to use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge to guide you. Cut the sheet to fit the edges of the room as well as around any obstacles like columns, leaving a 1/8” - 1/4” expansion gap. Before making any cuts, ensure that the sheet is square to the room. A crooked or skewed pattern would ruin the look of your new floor.

Which direction should you install vinyl plank flooring?

When installing vinyl planks, you should orient the length of the planks to parallel the longest walls in the room. This will make the space feel larger. If you have a square-shaped room, lay the planks out so the length follows the flow of traffic.

Can vinyl planks or tiles be installed over radiant heat?

Yes, most vinyl planks and tiles can be installed over radiant heat. However, it’s a good idea to check manufacturer instructions before doing so.

Can I install vinyl plank flooring over carpet? Over tile?

Vinyl plank flooring cannot be installed over any high pile carpet. The “squish” of a plush carpet will prevent vinyl planks from locking properly. However, if the carpet is a tight, low pile style, then thicker, tighter locking, vinyl planks may be suitable for installation.

Some people have had success installing vinyl plank flooring by placing plywood over carpet. However, it’s always best to check manufacturer guidelines for these types of installations.

Vinyl plank flooring with attached underlayments, such as TritonCORE Pro or other luxury products, can be installed over existing tile flooring surfaces, provided that there are no major imperfections. Thinner sheet vinyl flooring is not recommended over tile, as telegraphing (an imprint from the subfloor on the main floor) may occur. Be sure to double-check with the manufacturer recommendations to be certain.

Do I need a vapor barrier?

If you’re installing over a concrete subfloor, a vapor barrier should be used. Vapor barriers should also be used when installing in moisture-prone areas. Be sure to double-check with the manufacturer recommendations to be certain.

Do I need an underlayment?

Some products have an underlayment attached, so you will not need to purchase additional underlayment with those products. At most, a vapor barrier will be needed in those installations.

Typically, if there is no attached underlayment, you should purchase one. Underlayment has sound dampening properties, protects your subfloor and flooring, and makes your vinyl flooring softer underfoot. Cork and foam popular choices for vinyl flooring, because rubber will cause staining.

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Cleaning and Maintenance

Homes get dirty; it’s just a fact. It’s a no-brainer to want to know all the details about cleaning vinyl flooring. We’ll answer those questions here.

Related Content >> Vinyl Flooring Buying Guide

How do I clean my vinyl floors?

The good news is, vinyl flooring is virtually maintenance-free. It’s so easy to clean and take care of, you won’t dread doing chores.

To clean your vinyl floors, be sure to vacuum up any dust, dirt, or debris. It’s best to use a vacuum without a beater bar for this.

You can also use a damp mop to keep your vinyl flooring clean. Be sure to clean up any spills immediately to prevent damage to your flooring.

That’s all it takes for clean floors!  

How do I keep my gray vinyl flooring streak-free after cleaning?

Gray vinyl flooring tends to show streaks on the surface after you clean it, but you don’t have to settle for streaks. To get a streak-free, clean vinyl floor, use Bona's Hard Surface Cleaner. This product features a rinse-free, streak-free formula that will save you the frustration of a less-than-perfect-finish on your floor.

How do I keep my vinyl flooring looking great?

To keep your vinyl flooring looking its best, we have a few tips:

• Use felt pads under chairs and furniture legs to prevent scratching of the flooring surface.
• Place doormats at all entrances to prevent tracked in dirt, rocks, moisture, and other debris.
• Avoid using rubber-backed mats as they can stain the flooring surface over time.

With these tips, your vinyl flooring will look great for years!

Related Content >> Waterproof Vinyl Flooring Guide

Conclusion

There’s a lot to learn about vinyl flooring before you’ll feel entirely confident in making a purchase. Hopefully, this guide answered your questions and set you on the right path to find exactly what you want. If you still want to know more, our flooring pros are just a call or click away!

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