Vinyl tiles do not absorb spills or pet mishaps because they are non-porous. However, in the event of a severe flooding incident, water will seep through the joints or the points where the planks connect as a result of the continuous pressure.
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. At Water Mold Fire Restoration we have the specialized equipment on hand to handle water damage to LVT flooring.
Is vinyl flooring waterproof? Yes, and for this reason, vinyl flooring is incredibly popular! Vinyl plank flooring is the perfect flooring solution for busy households, basements, bathrooms and even kitchens. But just because vinyl flooring is waterproof, doesn't mean it will survive flooding.
Yes, mold can grow under vinyl flooring if moisture becomes trapped underneath the flooring material. Vinyl flooring is not a breathable material, which means that moisture cannot escape through the flooring.
However, in the event of flooding or a bad sewage leak, standing water beneath vinyl plank flooring won't dry out on its own due to too much condensation that has collected between the vinyl planks and substrate or underlayment.
Visible water stains. Water stains can be an indicator of the presence of mold, as mold growth is often a result of water damage. So, if you spot them on your flooring, then it's likely mold is growing behind them. Look out for yellow or brown coloration.
Water and moisture that is trapped under the floor will not evaporate on its own so you'll need to determine if the subfloor is affected and if removal of all or part of the floor is necessary to prevent subfloor damage and any mildewing.
Luxury vinyl planks (or tiles) are, in themselves, completely water-proof and cannot be damaged by exposure to moisture.
The bottom layer is a “backer board” – a flexible base made of PVC for stability. The central core is what makes most LVP “water-resistant” rather than “waterproof”, as the central core layer is often not fully waterproof, however, it does provide the strength for the flooring.
Vapor barriers should fully cover any ground and overlap at least 6”. Create a conditioned crawl space. Conditioned crawl spaces can prevent vapor drive and moisture build up and provide the added benefit of increased energy efficiency while still capturing the cost savings of building over a crawl space.
If you are installing luxury vinyl planks in wet areas such as laundry rooms, bathrooms, or kitchens, installing a waterproof underlayment can give you extra peace of mind. If there should be a spill or a plumbing leak, you can be assured that the water will not penetrate into the subfloor and cause structural damage.
Laminate. Because vinyl and laminate flooring can share a similar aesthetic and feel, they are often confused with one another. But these floors have key differences when it comes to their ability to withstand water damage. Most vinyl floors, including luxury vinyl and luxury vinyl plank floors, are waterproof.
This means that whilst normal vinyl flooring is water resistant, it is not waterproof and so a separate membrane system is required.
In short, vinyl flooring itself can be completely self sustainable and does not require an underlayment to function properly. Another reason underlayments may be suggested for vinyl flooring is if the vinyl flooring type is thin. When the vinyl flooring is thin, it becomes a lot easier to flex and bend.
These floors can resist scratches, scuffs, stains, and even a certain amount of gouging in their durability. However, extreme heat can damage the luxury vinyl plank. Some of the culprits through which heat damage can occur include hot pans, curling irons, dropped cigarettes, and more.
Vinyl flooring can be resistant to stains and spills, including pet urine, but it is not completely pee-proof. If pet urine is left on vinyl flooring for an extended period, it can potentially stain or discolor the flooring.
Avoid using ammonia-based cleaning solutions. Don't use bleach as an overall vinyl floor cleaner. Keep away from highly abrasive scrubbers or detergents on vinyl. They can damage the floor, causing cracks or scratches.
Have patience. Your wood floors and the area beneath them may take weeks or even months to fully dry. However, it's worth the wait, as some floors will return to their original shape once they're dried. They may need a surface sanding and re-nailing, but that's much less trouble than replacing your floor.
When the water reaches under laminate flooring, the water must be removed immediately. If a small amount of water has leaked toward the edges of the flooring, pull up any quarter-round (shoe molding) or baseboards around the perimeter. If the water is not pervasive, you may be able to extract it with a wet-dry vacuum.
Water under your laminate flooring can cause severe damage if not dried quickly. Laminate flooring is relatively easy to install and maintain, but there are a few things you need to know about how to dry laminate flooring with water under it.
Mold growths, or colonies, can start to grow on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours. They reproduce by spores - tiny, lightweight “seeds”- that travel through the air. Molds digest organic material, eventually destroying the material they grow on, and then spread to destroy adjacent organic material.
Some types of flooring are particularly susceptible to mold, such as hardwood floors, which can trap or absorb moisture. Water can leak in between cracks and collect underneath without you noticing. On the other hand, tile and vinyl flooring is waterproof and therefore more resistant to mold.
Treat exposed molded subflooring with a mixture of 1 cup of borax and 1 gallon of water or an EPA-registered mold removal product. Spray the solution on the moldy plywood. You can also soak affected subflooring with a brush broom. Wait 10 minutes, scrub the area, and repeat the process two more times.