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 “Don'ts”
Don't use wax or solvent-based polishes. Don't use ammonia or ammonia-based cleaning solutions. Ammonia can break down the vinyl and cause it to crack. Don't use a steam cleaner on vinyl plank flooring.
Distilled white vinegar is a natural degreaser, disinfectant, and cleaner that is safe to use on all kinds of surfaces, including vinyl floors. The acidic compounds in white vinegar break down buildup and remove dirt without harming your floor's finish.
Like all flooring though, a luxury vinyl installation is an expensive investment, and you want to protect your investment and maximize its lifespan. Unfortunately, heavy furniture has the potential to cause lasting damage to your vinyl, ruining your hard-earned money and the work of the installers.
Luxury vinyl planks (or tiles) are, in themselves, completely water-proof and cannot be damaged by exposure to moisture.
Keep away from highly abrasive scrubbers or detergents on vinyl. They can damage the floor, causing cracks or scratches. They might also leave a dull film in their wake.
Because it is completely synthetic, vinyl plank flooring is able to resist penetration of water and avoid the buckling and warping that can occur with laminate and hardwood flooring that has been exposed to water for a prolonged period of time.
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.
Firstly, it can be difficult to install and may require professional help. Secondly, vinyl plank flooring is not as durable as other types of flooring such as hardwood or tile. It is also prone to scratching and denting from heavy furniture or objects being dragged across the surface.
Damaged Easily
This material isn't as strong as others like wood since it can't withstand heavy loads and can get damaged by sharp objects. It is also a lot more difficult to repair than other materials and you may need new flooring.
Swiffer wet cloths are designed to be used on most floor surfaces, such as: vinyl.
Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner – Yes, Pine Sol on vinyl floors is a fine option; however, use sparingly with water. Do not oversaturate your vinyl floors with too much water, use just enough to disinfect the floors.
Why you need a rug pad for a vinyl floor. Place a rug on any hard surface and it will slip and bunch up. Vinyl flooring is no exception. If you don't put a non-slip rug pad under a rug that sits on vinyl flooring, you'll end up having to straighten it out just about every time you walk past it.
All building materials, vinyl flooring included, expand and contract as temperatures change. To allow for that movement without causing the planks to buckle as they expand or slip apart as they shrink, installers are supposed to leave an expansion gap around the perimeter of the room.
Some commercial cleaners are specially designed for vinyl floors. These include Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner, Pledge Multisurface Floor Cleaner, and Armstrong's Once 'n Done No-Rinse Floor Cleaner.
Manufacturing vinyl flooring requires the use of toxic chemicals, and after installation, vinyl floors have been known to emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Off-gassed VOCs can adversely affect health and an indoor environment, particularly without windows or ventilation, will lead to higher concentrations.
While luxury vinyl flooring has come a long way from its creation and has increased in durability and visual appeal, unfortunately vinyl may decrease your resale value in the long run. It's important to recognize that while you may spend less on vinyl vs.
While costs are similar, the value of premium vinyl far exceeds that of laminate based on quality and value. Unlike laminate, premium vinyl is durable and stable, resistant to moisture and climate, and is easy to install and maintain. Laminate is restricted to light traffic and low moisture applications.
Due to the materials used in the production process of vinyl, it will sometimes emit various levels of VOCs into the air for a short amount of time after installation. These toxic chemicals can be harmful to air quality of the immediate environment it's installed in and may cause respiratory problems over time.
“Tile is the highest-rated flooring among the categories we test,” says Enrique de Paz, who leads flooring testing at Consumer Reports. “It doesn't wear out, scratch, or stain. Its color doesn't fade, it's waterproof, and it is surprisingly slip-resistant, even when wet.
Vinyl Flooring Lifespan: 10 years for low quality and installation, 15-25 years with high quality tile and proper installation. How long does vinyl flooring last? The answer depends on the type of vinyl flooring and the quality of installation.
Luxury vinyl has seams between tiles or planks and so it is possible for water (though exceeding rare when installed by a professional) to seep through, giving standard sheet vinyl a very narrow edge over luxury vinyl for total water resistance. Both tolerate normal heat, such as direct exposure to sunlight.
Humidity can take its toll on your vinyl plank flooring. Monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer. You may be able to find a relatively inexpensive one that will save you the cost of replacing your flooring later on. The humidity should range between 35 and 55% or whatever your flooring manufacturer suggests.
LVT will never look “cheap” — it will make your life easier and enhance the look and comfort of your home.