If your home experiences flooding or standing water for an extended period of time, you will need to replace your luxury vinyl plank flooring before any major damages can set in. Thus, luxury vinyl plank flooring is waterproof, but not flood-proof.
Contractor's are correct. LVP is almost certainly warped and cannot be reused. Even if there wasn't a flood, LVP can sometimes be difficult to uninstall and use again. With the flood, it absolutely needs replaced.
If water gets under the vinyl flooring, it's important to lift the affected planks or tiles, dry out the subfloor, and replace the flooring to prevent mould or mildew growth.
Mold Growth: Mold can thrive under vinyl plank flooring due to moisture. Health Risks: Exposure to mold can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and more serious health conditions. Vinyl Plank Flooring: While durable and versatile, can be a breeding ground for mold if not properly maintained.
2)Improper Installation
Otherwise, correctly installed vinyl planks will stop water from penetrating and they withstand high humidity levels fairly well.
If your home experiences flooding or standing water for an extended period of time, you will need to replace your luxury vinyl plank flooring before any major damages can set in. Thus, luxury vinyl plank flooring is waterproof, but not flood-proof.
Laminate flooring is a popular choice for homeowners because it is affordable, durable, and easy to maintain. However, one of the biggest risks to laminate flooring is water damage. If water gets underneath the flooring, it can cause the planks to warp, buckle, or even rot.
If you see black stuff under your vinyl flooring, it's probably mold. There is a chance it could just be dirt, dried-out adhesive, or slight water damage, but some of those are causes for mold growth, so you should remove it immediately anyway. In some older homes, it could be black mastic asbestos.
To get the most out of your LVP you will want to consider what is underneath the flooring. An underlayment provides the proper support to make sure your LVP makes it the long haul.
Water underneath your flooring does not dry out as quickly compared to surface moisture. All floors have a protective top coating that keeps water from immediately soaking into the boards, however, there usually is not this protective coating on the underneath or sides of the boards.
Water can carry dirt and particles into a vinyl record's grooves, causing irreparable damage. As the stylus of your turntable travels down the grooves, it may take up these impurities and produce scratching, resulting in audible distortion.
The most common reason for a sagging floor is a flaw in the design that doesn't provide adequate support for the flooring.
In case water does manage to get under the flooring, swift remediation is essential. This includes drying the affected area thoroughly, repairing or replacing damaged planks, and addressing any underlying issues that may have contributed to the water intrusion.
Minor lifting (Edges or Corners):
Hair Dryer Method: Gently warm the lifted area with a hairdryer to soften the adhesive. Press and Secure: Press the plank back down firmly and apply weight (e.g., heavy books) for a few hours. Seam Sealer: If needed, apply a small amount of seam sealer under the edge to re-secure it.
Commercial vinyl floor cleaners are available, but you can make a simple, effective cleaner for vinyl floors by mixing apple cider vinegar with water. The vinegar's acidity removes dirt without leaving a soapy film. Mix one cup of cider vinegar with a gallon of hot water.
One of the primary causes of cupping is the seasonal change. For example, summer produces more moisture in the environment. Floor gets affected by the change in humidity. Moistures get accumulated under the plank floors, which results in cupping.
Mould and mildew growth is a common cause of discolouration in vinyl flooring. When moisture accumulates on the surface, it creates the ideal environment for these fungi to grow and spread. Over time, the growth can contaminate the flooring and cause visible discolouration.
The good news is that if addressed in a timely manner, LVT flooring can be dried and reinstalled after a water loss. Understand that while the water will not cause permanent damage to the LVT flooring, the subflooring, walls and baseboards do require drying, and if left unaddressed, will eventually damage the LVT.
Mold from trapped moisture on floors can start forming in as little as 24 hours. Vinyl, tile, laminate, and other water-resistant flooring can still sustain water damage and develop mold. Call a professional water damage restoration company as soon as signs of water damage are detected.
If you act quickly and take the appropriate measures to dry and inspect your flooring, you may be able to save it, and avoid costly replacement. However, if the damage is severe or the floodwater has been contaminated, it's best to err on the side of caution and replace the flooring entirely.
Generally speaking, vinyl sheet flooring will last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, while vinyl plank and tile flooring will last 15 to 20 years. The thickness of its wear layer vastly impacts vinyl flooring's lifespan, so pay attention to this detail when purchasing your flooring.
Since most furniture will not go under just one plank, it is perfectly safe for bulky furniture and refrigerators to go on vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank flooring will not be damaged or cracked by home appliances' weight due to its strong durability.
If your flooring is waterproof, you can use a wet Swiffer safely, and can get a deeper clean than you'll get with a dry mop. Make sure that you use pads that feature a neutral household cleanser, rather than any harsh chemicals that could damage the flooring.