When deciding on new flooring for your home, you have several choices. Waterproof and water-resistant flooring might seem the same, but there are key differences.
SMART Carpet and Flooring has provided carpet and flooring services to homeowners and businesses in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania since 1995. Here, our team discusses the benefits of waterproof flooring over water-resistant flooring.
Waterproof Flooring vs. Water-Resistant Flooring
Water is one of the leading causes of damage to homes. Having the right kind of flooring can help reduce some damage if a pipe bursts or some other water accident occurs. Waterproof flooring is not affected or damaged when exposed to water. It is durable and can withstand spills and floods, providing extra protection and peace of mind. Waterproof flooring is a great option for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements – areas where the risk of heavy spilling is high.
Water-resistant flooring can only handle minor spills, which need to be wiped up right away. It’s like a lightweight jacket for your floors. If you’re wearing a lightweight jacket when it’s sprinkling outside, you’ll probably stay mostly dry. However, if you wear it in the pouring rain, you’ll get wet.
Benefits of Choosing Waterproof Materials
It is important to note that installing waterproof flooring in your home does not make your home waterproof. If your home is flooded, water can seep between your floorboards and into your walls, causing significant damage.
However, in most day-to-day situations, waterproof flooring is worth it because it offers several benefits.
Easy Maintenance
Waterproof flooring is relatively low maintenance. You can spend less time worrying about wet shoes on the floor and more time enjoying life. Waterproof flooring is also easy to keep clean since it does not absorb stains like more porous woodgrains and materials. Waterproof options resist moisture and repel stains. This makes it easy to wipe up spills, drips, or wet footprints.
You don’t need to perform yearly maintenance or cleaning with waterproof floors. Instead, just gently scrub any dirty area with a damp, non-abrasive cloth.
Moisture Resistance
Not only do waterproof floors repel water, but they also resist moisture. Showers and dishwashers create steam every day. People spill their drinks. Pipes leak, and homes become humid. Moisture can cause unsightly warping, cupping, or buckling, and it can lead to allergy-causing mold and mildew beneath the floorboards. Installing waterproof flooring keeps your home looking beautiful, even in humid climates. It also helps prevent mold and mildew from forming and spreading.
Lasting Durability
Due to their low maintenance and water-repellent properties, waterproof flooring can last many years without needing replacement. Many waterproof floors are durable enough for high-traffic commercial spaces, such as stores and restaurants.
The Best Types of Waterproof Flooring
Quality Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring offers a smooth, warm, and luxurious feel at a budget-friendly price point. This versatile material comes in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to tailor its look to your style. We recommend putting laminate in any room where you want protection from water or moisture and a high-end look, such as the kitchen.Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luxury vinyl plank tile (LVP) is another beautiful waterproof option for your home. This low-maintenance option is durable and stylish and imitates the look of real stone or wood. It withstands scrapes, fading, and moisture. LVP is a great addition to bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and other rooms prone to moisture.Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood floors are a hot commodity. However, they can be expensive, tough to maintain, and will buckle if they get wet. Engineered hardwood is a great option for those who want the look and feel of solid hardwood without all the upkeep. This unique material consists of a plywood core with a thin layer of hardwood for a realistic appearance. This construction allows it to stand up to heat and humidity better than solid hardwood.SMART Carpet and Flooring Is Your #1 Choice
At SMART Carpet and Flooring, we have a wide variety of waterproof flooring options to match any style. We’ll handle the installation and move your furniture out of the way. All you have to do is pick out which flooring you want.
We make that easy by bringing our mobile flooring showroom right to your driveway. Our mobile showroom offers thousands of flooring samples, so you can see which one works best with your existing décor and lighting. We also offer transparent pricing without the overhead costs. You won’t have to worry about paying store prices again.
Schedule a Free In-Home Estimate
Are you ready to update the floors in your home with waterproof flooring? The professional installers at SMART Carpet and Flooring will have you saying “Wow! That was easy!” To request a free, in-home estimate or schedule an appointment with our mobile showroom in New Jersey or eastern Pennsylvania, contact us today.
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