Vinyl Flooring Faq
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. For real.Not to brag, but we tend to be pretty knowledgeable about our flooring. You might even say we’re a bit obsessed over here. That’s a good thing.Because you need an obsessed person to answer your vinyl flooring questions. Here, we’ve compiled our most common questions.Let’s take a look!
Use & Durability
Will my dog’s nails scratch vinyl flooring?
Can I put heavy appliances down directly on my vinyl floors?
Do I need a protector on my vinyl floor for my rolling desk chair?
Can I put vinyl flooring in my basement?
Can you install vinyl flooring outdoors?
Will vinyl flooring expand?
Shopping
What is the difference between WPC, LVF and SPC?
WPC vinyl technically translates to wood-plastic composite vinyl flooring. However, many people use the acronym as waterproof core vinyl flooring. Both meanings are correct. WPC vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof. It’s known as the best of luxury vinyl flooring, but in the industry, it’s referred to as engineered vinyl flooring.
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. In the industry, it’s also known as engineered vinyl flooring. SPC is also 100% waterproof.
LVF is the acronym for luxury vinyl flooring. Luxury vinyl flooring is sort of the umbrella term that often encompasses WPC and SPC. Though in the industry, luxury vinyl flooring often refers to vinyl that is not waterproof or rigid core. It has a higher-quality visual, and usually a basic glue down or interlocking installation mechanism.
What is LVP and LVT?
Now that we’ve established the umbrella for most vinyl flooring is LVF (luxury vinyl flooring), let’s take a look at two related terms: LVP and LVT.
LVP is the acronym for luxury vinyl planks. LVP refers to the specific shape of the vinyl flooring shape– 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 mimics 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.
Are vinyl flooring and linoleum the same?
No! They’re 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. Now that sheet vinyl is no longer the norm, it’s a bit easier to see and know the difference. I’ll highlight a few main points to show the difference:
Linoleum:
- Made of natural materials
- Anti-microbial
- Anti-static properties
- Needs to be sealed every year
- Requires a professional installation
Luxury Vinyl Flooring:
- Has three forms: sheet, plank, and tile
- Planks and tiles typically have multiple layers
- DIY friendly installation
- Virtually no maintenance
Installation
Does installation sound scary? It doesn’t have to be! Here are a few answers to your installation questions.
Glue Down
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. Though it’s always best to check manufacturer guidelines for these types of installations.
Thicker vinyl plank flooring, such as TritonCORE or Rigid Core products, can be installed over existing tile flooring surface, provided that there are no major imperfections. Thinner luxury 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 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.
If there is no attached underlayment, usually one is purchased. Underlayment has sound dampening properties, protects your subfloor and flooring, and makes your vinyl flooring softer underfoot. Cork is a popular choice for vinyl flooring, as rubber will cause staining.
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 that one, here.
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 vinyl floor looking great?
To keep your vinyl flooring looking its best, we have a few tips:
- Use felt pads under chair and furniture legs to prevent scratching of the flooring surface.
- Place door mats 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!
Source: https://www.flooringinc.com/buyers-guide/vinyl-flooring-faq.html#!