When looking for flooring material, property owners want to choose a product that is an ideal match for their specific needs. It is not just the look, but the functionality of a flooring material also matters a great deal. If you want to lay down a floor in a space such as a kitchen, the bathroom, or the basement, the waterproofing feature of the product takes precedence. Thankfully, the flooring options available in the market today cater to every need and requirement. If you have kids and pets in the house or worry about large spills, you will want to install a floor, which comes with excellent waterproof features. Waterproof flooring products do not just offer sustainability, but they ultimately offer homeowners peace of mind.
In 2022, waterproof flooring materials are fast becoming a hot trend. Given below are some of the most popular flooring products with waterproof features to protect your floors against spills and moist conditions.
#1. Luxury Vinyl Planks
Resembling the look of hardwood floors, luxury vinyl planks (LVP) are one of the most popular flooring options these days.
LVP flooring offers a host of attractive features. This product has such a realistic look that most people take it for real hardwood. Luxury vinyl planks are available in multiple variations. If you plan to achieve the closest possible look of hardwood and want to enhance the interiors of your home or apartment, you should definitely select this flooring material for an installation. Since LVP flooring also comes with waterproofing quality, you can lay it down in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, etc. In fact, you can have it installed in any area where spills or moisture is a problem. This product is both attractive and highly strong.
To find out more about waterproof LVP, you should get in touch with one of our experts at Minuteman Floors in Manchester, NH. Our professionals will tell you more about how the product will be installed and what type of techniques will be applied in order for the floor to have a tight, waterproof seal.
#2. Vinyl Sheets
Not just LVP, vinyl sheets have waterproofing quality too. The good news is that this product has also evolved in terms of looks.
Vinyl sheets are known to offer looks similar to that of wood or stone. Based on exactly what kind of effect you want to achieve, you can choose one that suits the needs of your house or office the most. In the last couple of years, vinyl sheets have emerged with many more looks and styles. You can lay down this material in your kitchen or bathroom while staying within budget. Even the premium quality vinyl sheets are reasonably priced, making it an ideal option.
#3. Laminate
When you are in search of waterproof flooring products, you should definitely include laminate as a potential option.
It is important to understand that “all laminate products are not the same.” This means you will come across laminate products with different features. Laminate flooring can have water-resistant as well as waterproofing features. If you want a strong waterproof seal, you should go for a waterproof laminate. Do not fall for low-quality laminate, as it will not offer excellent features. It is always a good idea to consult with an expert before you make a selection. In any case, do not forget to check out the warranty period when you purchase waterproof laminate.
It is also possible to buy laminate and add a waterproofing system to the product during the installation. However, this will make the cost go up. If you are on a budget, you should buy waterproof laminate.
#4. Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic or porcelain tiles have a type of construction that makes it impossible for any kind of liquid to seep through. So, these products are an ideal match for anyone looking for waterproof flooring material.
You must have seen ceramic tiles laid down in bathrooms. The glaze on top of the tiles makes them fully waterproof. The best thing about tiles is that they are available in a broad range of looks and styles. No matter what kind of overall decorative style you plan to achieve in your home, you can always find matching products to suit your specific needs. Today, you can also find and install tiles that resemble the appearance of natural wood or stone. Once properly installed, ceramic and porcelain tiles will last for several years with the least maintenance.
#5. Waterproof Carpet
While you may find it hard to believe, carpets have evolved to an extent where you also have waterproof carpeting solutions.
With the use of modern scientific technology, manufacturers have come up with carpets that liquids cannot penetrate. If you have kids and pets in the house, you may want to install a waterproof carpet. While the product feels warm and soft under the feet, it also offers protection against spills. Since the product has waterproofing quality, there are no worries about mold and mildew either. Not just the carpet, but the subfloor also remains protected against liquid spills. While making a selection, always remember to purchase waterproof carpets, not water-resistant products. This is because water-resistant carpets are not 100% waterproof.
#6. Rubber Flooring
Manufacturers can recycle old tires to create waterproof rubber flooring products. In fact, most rubber floors are manufactured in this way. In 2022, rubber flooring is a hot trend with a variety of designs and looks.
If you live in an area where flooding is frequent, installing waterproof rubber flooring is one of the most ideal options. You can lay down this product in the basement of your house or apartment. The flooring material will not soak up liquid or water and offers great traction in moist conditions as a result. What is more, you can also remove the carpet when you want and then reinstall it after flooding has gone. So, rubber flooring is not just for installation in gyms. You can have it installed in any space where you have wet conditions or a lot of moisture. With this material installed, you can also eliminate the risk of slips and falls.
#7. Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood is made from real hardwood. What makes this flooring product waterproof is its special design.
Manufacturers bond multiple layers of wood together in a perpendicular pattern to create engineered hardwood with a waterproofing quality. High-density boards are used for the proper interlocking of wood planks. This type of design makes it hard for water to seep through. Waterproof hardwood is an improved version of solid wood and lasts for a much longer period as a result. Whether it is the kitchen, basement, or mudroom, you can lay down engineered hardwood feeling confident that the floor will not get damaged by liquid or spills.
For a perfectly watertight engineered hardwood installation, you will need to seek the help of experts. An experienced installer will prepare the subfloor in a proper manner and install hardwood with great skills and precision so that spills on the top surface don’t have any chance of permeating down.
What Makes Flooring Waterproof?
In the flooring terminology, waterproof is exactly what it means. If a flooring material or product is waterproof, this means water or any other liquid cannot penetrate it or seep through it. Even if water or spills stays on the floor for a long period, the liquid will not get into it or damage it.
When you want to buy a waterproof flooring product, you should be careful enough not to get caught in marketing jargon. You shouldn’t settle for anything less than waterproof when what you want is waterproof. Most importantly, you should be aware of the difference between “water-resistant” and “waterproof”. If the material is water-resistant, it means it has resistance to water. You will need to wipe it up without wasting much time If there is a spill. If the water stands for too long, it can penetrate and cause damage to water-resistant floors.
Before you select a particular waterproof flooring option, make sure you have conducted some research. It is advisable to order a couple of samples to find out what the product will look like after it has been installed.
Where to Install Waterproof Flooring
Usually, you can choose to install waterproof flooring in just any area or room of your house. However, this type of flooring is best for those spaces where you have the risk of spills or a lot of moisture.
It is best to install waterproof flooring in:
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Basement
- Gym
- Laundry room
- Pool deck
Wherever you plan to install the flooring, always remember to get the installation done by experienced installers. The product needs to be laid down in a way, which creates a tight, waterproof seal.
Talk to a Waterproof Floor Installation Expert
When it comes to waterproof flooring, you have many options to choose from. It is just that you know what your actual needs are and where exactly you want the flooring to be installed. If you have a question in this regard or need expert help in the selection of the right material, feel free to consult with one of our specialists at Minuteman Floors in Manchester, New Hampshire. We are a highly trusted supplier of a wide range of premium quality flooring materials including waterproof vinyl planks, vinyl sheets, engineered hardwood, etc. Whether it is your home or office, our professionals will carry out the installation with great attention to detail.
You can reach out to our Manchester office via a quick phone call or write us an email using the contact form on our website.