Can Vinyl flooring be damaged by water?

6/17/2020 (Permalink)

What can happen to Vinyl Flooring with water damage

Can Vinyl flooring be damaged by water?

Absolutely!

There is a common myth about vinyl flooring. While it is a great way to cover a floor and has such a great variety available, there is a flaw. Most people are under the belief that vinyl flooring is safe from water damage. Unfortunately, this is very far from fact.

Vinyl flooring is water resistant but not water proof. What does this mean? It means that if you have spills, small leaks, etc. The clean up is easy and efficient. The problem is when moisture is allowed to get in between the seams and settle underneath. Days, weeks, months or up to a couple years later-the floor will start to show signs of damage. Anything from seams separating or planks popping loose to mold developing under the flooring.

While water damage problem is not as common with vinyl flooring as it is with other types of flooring products, they do often happen. Water damaged vinyl flooring problems are more common over concrete than with vinyl floors installed over wood substrates.

Over wood the problem is usually a water leak, flooding, or the underlayment was too wet when installed. Some signs of damage are discoloration, seams opening, bumps, bubbles, curing or adhesive deterioration.

Some more hidden issues are mold, mildew and bacteria build up. Surface moisture from mopping or the occasional spill should not result in water damaged vinyl flooring as long as the proper adhesive was used and the seams are properly sealed.  Water should always be mopped up immediately and a floor should never be intentionally flooded.

Cared for properly-vinyl flooring will look beautiful and last a very long time.