Waterproof Vinyl Flooring FAQ
Is vinyl durable?
Yes. Vinyl is a very durable product and is an excellent choice for high traffic areas or in areas with moisture issues, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms. In fact, we have had vinyl installed for years in our Chicago showroom in very high traffic areas.
Is luxury vinyl tile a good solution for my basement if I have water issues?
One of the primary applications today for LVT is in basements that have flooded or have moisture issues. Once the area is dried out, there are several different products that would work. Today, locking or floating LVT comprises the majority of vinyl installed in Chicago basements. If you experience flooding or moisture after the product is installed, you can easily lift the vinyl planks, dry and clean the area and re-install the vinyl. Most vinyl products will not hold water and one brand, COREtech Plus, guarantees that it is water proof. However, this doesn't prevent water from getting underneath the vinyl. If you wanted to use a glue-down vinyl, like Amtico, a calcium chloride moisture test is needed to determine the moisture content of the floor. You may also need to apply a moisture seal to the concrete in order for such an application to work.
Is there any way to make a LVT warmer on a basement floor?
One of the biggest concerns about installing LVT in a basement is that it will feel colder than carpet. One potential solution is to install a product called DRIcore® Subfloor, which is a patented moisture barrier that keeps your floors warm and dry. This product, in effect, creates a new subfloor in your basement allowing air to flow underneath it and creating a moisture barrier. You could even install carpet over the DRIcore.
Is LVT a good product for rental properties?
More and more landlords are using the click LVT instead of replacing carpet. The life expectancy of the LVT exceeds the carpet. In many instances, a landlord could install a product like COREtech Plus directly over existing hardwood or tile because of its thicker core product, which limits the amount of telegraphing that typically occurs with vinyl products.
What is the difference between resilient and vinyl flooring?
Resilient and vinyl flooring are the same. They are simply different terms used to describe the same type of flooring.
What type of mat can I place on my resilient floor?
Use doormats outside each entrance to your home to prevent dirt, sand, grit, and other substances such as asphalt and driveway sealer from being tracked onto your floor. Use non-staining mats on your floors; do not use rubber-backed, latex-backed, or coco fiber mats on your floor as they may stain or damage the surface.
What do I need to do before having vinyl installed in my home?
Installing vinyl is an existing home is a minor construction project. Accordingly, you will want to pack up any loose items, protect any items that are sensitive to dust, and secure any valuables or breakables. The vinyl, typically, will need to acclimate in your home for one or two before installation in the same room that it is being installed. Before installation, you will want to secure any necessary approvals from your building or condo management board and reserve elevator time. You will also want to designate an area that the installer can set up his tools and where he can cut the vinyl. If you have pets, it is a good idea to have them stay elsewhere during the installation.
Do I need to be home during the installation?
It is crucial that you verify that the product is correct when it is delivered and it is a very good idea for you to be home on the first morning of the installation to review the scope of the work with your installer. Often there are minor decisions that need to be made so it is important to leave contact information or check back in periodically during the installation.
When should I paint?
You want to paint after the vinyl is installed for a couple reasons. For one, dust will result from the installation process. Another reason is that walls may get dinged and any baseboard or quarter round installed will only be primed white so you will need to have a painter finish those after the installation.
