The Ins and Outs of Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is made up of numerous layers of different materials fused to create a floor covering that is incredibly durable, practical, and economical. Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) and vinyl rolls are the two most common types of vinyl flooring. Although both LVT and vinyl rolls are comprised of the same materials, they are just built differently to achieve different effects. The plank format (timber vinyl flooring), for example, is great for imitating actual wood.
How Long Does Vinyl Flooring Last?
Vinyl flooring is widely regarded as a long-lasting surface. However, several crucial aspects influence how long your floor will remain in good shape. For example, the durability and life expectancy of your vinyl flooring will be affected by the quality of the material, specifically how it was created, and how effectively it was fitted.
LVT and vinyl roll ranges can be treated with a PUR surface treatment for added protection, which gives high protection and makes them even more robust and resistant to scratches and stains. You can also add a transparent wear layer to increase longevity. As a result, there will be no ripples or swelling, and no expansion or contraction of the material over time.
Types of Vinyl and Installation
Vinyl is a synthetic man-made material derived from petroleum. Vinyl that has been printed with the hues and marks found in natural hardwood is known as wood vinyl flooring which is the most desired look by homeowners in Australia and around the world.
Inlaid vinyl flooring and printed vinyl flooring are the two most prevalent types of vinyl flooring or any other colour or texture you desire. Inlaid flooring is created by embedding colour grains into the flooring sheet to create a dense appearance. Printed vinyl, on the other hand, has a thin protective covering on the vinyl substrate. This type of printed vinyl is both less expensive and less durable than inlaid vinyl.
Vinyl floors can be installed in two ways: vinyl sheets and vinyl tiles. The only difference between vinyl tile and sheet vinyl is that vinyl tile comes in individual square tiles or planks that can be grouted, whereas sheet vinyl comes in a vinyl roll that can be cut to your desired size.
Vinyl Flooring’s Advantages Over Other Materials
It’s not surprising the wood vinyl flooring has risen in popularity over the last few decades, and is now utilised for more than just commercial purposes. That’s because there are a few benefits it offers for any home or commercial setting.
1) Longevity
Vinyl floors are extremely resilient and can withstand high usage for extended periods without damage. This makes modern vinyl floors perfect for business buildings and institutions, which demand robust, long-lasting flooring that can endure up to 25 years.
2) Affordable price
This might come as a surprise to many but although they have long life span vinyl flooring isn’t pricey. It is, in reality, rather inexpensive, making it an excellent alternative to traditional flooring and tiling procedures.
3) A wide range of available styles and colours
The vinyl sheets or tiles come in a range of shapes and patterns that are designed to seem like regular tiles. Among the hundreds of tile patterns available today, wood, concrete, stone, and terrazzo are some of the most popular. Only a detailed examination will reveal the difference.
4) Maintenance is a breeze
The fact that it is highly durable and inexpensive is only the beginning. Vinyl flooring is exceptionally low-maintenance and doesn’t require your care all of the time. Vinyl tiles are easy to maintain because they can withstand many impacts, are abrasion resistant, and can be cleaned with mechanical buffing tools and chemical strippers.
5) Individual replacement of tiles is possible
When installed correctly vinyl tiles are rather simple to remove, and damaged ones can be quickly replaced.
6) The process of installation is not complicated
Vinyl floors are simple to instal and may be done in a short amount of time. Vinyl is also the finest material to use if you enjoy DIY crafts. Another key point to remember is that it can be laid over an existing linoleum floor or can be installed as a subfloor. The installation of a new vinyl floor does not necessitate the demolition of the old one. It can be used to seal broken, damaged, or heavily trafficked flooring.
7) Increase the resale value of your home
Vinyl floors, once installed, can increase the value of a home due to their attractive appearance and ease of care. It’s a one-time investment that will pay off in the long run.
8) Vinyl is softer than you would expect
In comparison to wood or tile, vinyl flooring delivers slightly softer floors. Underneath the vinyl tiles or sheet, a small layer of foam or felt is applied to give the floor additional flexibility, making it more durable and comfortable to stand on for long periods.
And What About the Disadvantages?
Of course, there are disadvantages to just about everything. However, in the case of vinyl flooring, things aren’t so bad.
1) Handling of the subfloor
The installation of vinyl flooring is straightforward, but what about the subfloor? No, it isn’t that simple. To keep the vinyl floor looking nice and avoid bumps and lumps spoiling the whole surface, the subfloor should be clear of any dust and be as even as possible.
2) Risk of breakage
The sponge quality has its own downside. Yes, it protects fragile objects from falling. However, if a sharp item is used with sufficient force, the surface can be gouged. When it comes to moving furniture, this is also an issue. Furniture pads will solve the problem.
3) It’s not a good idea to use it outside
If vinyl floors are exposed to direct sunlight or excessive temperatures, the colours may fade and the flooring may be damaged. As a result, the best option is to use it just indoors.
4) Vinyl on top of vinyl doesn’t really work
It’s not a good idea to put vinyl over another vinyl floor. This is since vinyl flooring requires an exceedingly smooth and faultless surface. Otherwise, the flaws will manifest themselves as bumps sooner or later.
5) Can’t use it in the bathroom
Because vinyl is water-resistant but not waterproof, it cannot be immersed in water and is therefore not advised for use in bathrooms or toilets.
6) Not a pollution-free material
Vinyl flooring may or may not be free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) depending on the glue used. The environment and ozone will be harmed by VOC. However, utilising a water-based glue can eliminate the VOC problem, and the manufacturers have already taken steps to reduce VOC.
