Considering how detrimental water and moisture can be to most flooring materials, hearing that there is one as common and as cheap as laminate flooring can seem like a miracle. Usually if something sounds like it is too good to be true, it is. Let’s find out if waterproof laminate flooring is another potential disappointment, or a product that lives up to the hype.
What to Know About Waterproof Laminate Flooring
What is Laminate Flooring?
Let’s start with the basics. Laminate Flooring is like vinyl flooring, in that it is made from layers of synthetic materials. The difference is that Vinyl flooring is made entirely from inorganic materials, while laminate flooring usually includes a couple of layers of wood, or other organic materials. This helps to keep the cost down. Unfortunately, it does open the flooring material to the risk of moisture getting in and rotting the core. This is when you really know you need to replace the flooring, because of the potential health risks that can arise. Even if you don’t live in a place that sees a lot of rain, or you don’t think there is any risk of flooding, keep an eye on the moisture levels in your home. Nashville has a bad problem with humidity and moisture, which can lead to bigger problems for you in the future.
Is Laminate Flooring Really Waterproof?
The honest answer is no, laminate flooring is not waterproof. Not 100%, not truly. Because of the wood and other organic materials in the plank’s core, water always runs the risk of working its way into the material. Many flooring manufacturers have tried to get around this by applying heavy coats of a waterproofing-material on the surface, but that hasn’t exactly solved the problem. Others have tried to play with the formula, hoping that the correct mix of organic and inorganic materials will provide the key. In the meantime, you can get a company such as Ozburn-Hessey to install a laminate flooring in places that might see more water and moisture than normal, just be sure to clean up the spills immediately.
Are Any Flooring Materials Truly Waterproof?
Yes! If you are looking for a really, truly waterproof flooring material, look no further than ceramic tiling. Ceramic has been found in bathrooms and kitchens for centuries, and the reason for that is nothing really handles moisture and water better. The reason is there is no where on the surface of ceramic tiling for the water to enter, so it just sits. You do have to keep an eye out for the adhesive used to place the tiling, since that can be warped by water over the years. Hardwood flooring is another option that could work, depending on how much water you plan on spilling.
Laminate flooring might not be truly waterproof, but it is water-resistant. That’s good enough for most situations, and if you do need something a little stronger, ceramic tiling and hardwood flooring are acceptable replacements. Just make sure to speak with the professionals here at Ozburn-Hessey first.
