This type of flooring is made with synthetic materials and available in a variety of forms. You can find it in sheet form that is large and flexible. Alternatively, tiles are also available, which are stiff and immovable. You can also choose from interlocking planks. Vinyl floors can be a great choice for your workplace or office. Find out what is vinyl flooring and whether it is the right fit for you.
What is vinyl flooring made of
Synthetic substances make up all vinyl flooring. Sheet and tile vinyl comes with a fibreglass base. The base is then coated in polyvinyl chloride, with added plasticizer for smoothness. Multiple layers are added over this layer, finished with polyurethane. Vinyl tiles are much thicker, with multiple layers. With their interlocking feature, they give a smooth, floating finish. Vinyl sheets can be up to 1.5 mm thick, while planks go up to 5 mm thickness.
How to maintain vinyl flooring
Floor maintenance is important with any material for durability. For vinyl floors, very mild cleaning methods are sufficient. A regular sweeping or vacuuming is enough for vinyl floors to stay in good condition. However, avoid excessive cleaning regimes that can damage the floor. In case of a spill, clean up right away.
How durable is vinyl flooring?
With proper maintenance and professional installation, vinyl can be extremely durable. Its water-resistant properties gives it longevity. Moreover, vinyl works great with high foot traffic. Communal areas of the workplace are perfect for vinyl flooring. They are resistant to scratches and damages. Vinyl can also handle heavy impacts and abrasions easily. Many vinyl products also come with a long-term warranty.
How do you clean vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring does have some cleaning requirements. However, just following these steps can be sufficient to maintain its original quality. Even better, it does not require any over-the-top cleaning methods.
- Frequent sweeping of the floor. This can be done daily at the day’s end
- Stains on vinyl floor are easy to remove with shampoo. Use a mild water solution and mop gently
- Simply vacuum, or when needed, use warm water for cleaning
- Use cleaning liquids specifically designed for vinyl
- Avoid soap and strong cleaners, as they can stain the floor
How long do vinyl floors last?
Vinyl flooring is pretty durable, and can last a long time. Under the right circumstances, it offers a shelf life of up to 25 years. What is important to extend its life is proper installation. Vinyl that isn’t correctly installed is open to damage. It also requires regular care. Proper maintenance can keep away wear and tear from your floors.
Is vinyl waterproof?
Some older varieties of vinyl are not entirely water-resistant. They come with a felt or fabric base that makes them liable to water damage. However, all new vinyl flooring is made with polymer material. Therefore, it is not only resistant to water, but completely waterproof. Luxury vinyl can also sustain long periods of water immersion with no effect.
Their waterproof properties make them an excellent choice for damp areas. Bathrooms, basements and kitchens are well-suited to vinyl. Larger vinyl sheet rolls even skip the seaming, making it completely waterproof.
Vinyl Floor | Wikimedia Commons
What are the types of vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring comes in three main types. Luxury vinyl planks resemble wood planks in their style. These long planks are quite thick, making them damage-resistant. They produce an authentic wooden look for beautiful remodelling. They are also found in many textures and colours from light to dark tones.
Vinyl tile flooring is similar to planks, but replicates a different look. Tiles can be used to produce the stone or ceramic look. Vinyl tiles are also quite durable due to their thickness. They also feature realistic designs. Its easy installation makes it a very convenient choice. It is available in glue-down and floating variety. If you are remodelling, it can even be laid over the existing flooring.
Sheet flooring is excessively waterproof. Vinyl sheets are also much less costly as compared to other types. It can also produce a stone and wood look, much like plank and tile. It does require professional installation to ensure no seams are exposed. Given its relative thinness, it can be more exposed to damage. It is available in a lot of variety, and is pretty easy to change out for new designs.
What are the advantages of using vinyl for flooring?
Vinyl flooring can be a useful addition to your office or workplace interior. It has several advantages over other flooring, including:
- Long durability with proper care
- Easy installation at low costs
- Simple cleaning requirements and easy maintenance
- Variety in appearances to create luxurious looks
- Highly resistant to water and water damage
What are the disadvantages of using vinyl for flooring?
Not always suited to every workplace. Vinyl does have some disadvantages, which include:
- Exposed to damage under heavy and sharp objects
- Overtime wear and tear, especially with outdoor exposure
- Materials used in vinyl flooring are not environment-friendly
What Is the Difference Between Laminate and Vinyl Flooring?
Both vinyl and laminate flooring can have a wood appearance. The major difference is in their manufacturing. Laminate flooring is made with wood by-products. It is therefore able to achieve a more realistic wooden look. It is also slightly thicker, making it feel softer and smoother. Laminate flooring is also not very water-resistant.
What is the Difference Between Linoleum and Vinyl?
Linoleum is made with wood and cork by-products and is comparatively low quality. It has very limited water resistance, and can be easily damaged. It also requires re-sealing once or twice a year and is easily damaged. Its higher maintenance and upkeep have made it an obsolete choice. Additionally, linoleum has very little variety to offer in design compared to vinyl.
Difference between LVT and vinyl
Luxury vinyl has some decided advantages over traditional vinyl. LVT is generally more durable due to its thickness. Their stone or ceramic style varies from the traditional wood vinyl look. LVT can also take scratches and slight damage better than vinyl. Its thickness lends to more softness, making it more comfortable. However, they are both varieties of the same product.
