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.
Maintenance and Longevity
In general, you can rely on vinyl flooring to last anywhere between 10 and 25 years. A lot of it comes down to how well you look after the flooring, but there are some other factors.
Con: Hard to Remove
Once the flooring is down, it will be difficult to remove should you change your mind later on. This is because the adhesive glue that affixes the planks to the subfloor is not easy to remove. Still, should it become necessary, removal is possible without professional help.
LVP needs to last 3.5 times longer than carpet to reach a breakeven point according to your figures. On average, LVP lasts 10-20 years or more if installed correctly. Carpet on the other hand needs to be replaced every 3-5 years assuming you have good tenants who take care of the carpet.
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.
Excess moisture and water under the flooring can deteriorate and soften vinyl planks. It can also lead to mold growth, setting up a potentially unhealthy indoor environment. Addressing surface-level moisture as well as any water damage under vinyl floors is essential to avoiding a worsening situation.
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.
Dry mop and vacuum vinyl floors regularly—daily in high-traffic areas—to remove loose dirt that can cause permanent scratches. Always dry mop or vacuum vinyl floors before using wet cleaners.
Does vinyl flooring devalue a home? It's possible. While vinyl plank floors are affordable and versatile, they might not boost your home's resale value like hardwood or tile would.
The Average Cost
Overall, be prepared to spend anywhere from $2 to $7 per square foot for LVP installation. Remember, that's just the average – different factors can make it more or less expensive: Simple installation: If your floor is level and the room is a basic shape, count on about $1.50 to $3 per square foot.
For some homeowners, the choice between luxury vinyl and genuine hardwood comes down to a variety of factors including budget, lifestyle, and personal taste. High-end homes may still opt for the timeless appeal of real hardwood in main living areas, while using LVP or LVT in spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.
Yes, if heavy furniture is not properly supported or moved, it can cause permanent damage such as deep indentations, scratches, and tears. Using protective measures like furniture pads, coasters, and sliders can help prevent this.
Steam mops are not recommended for LVP flooring or any other type of flooring that is not water-resistant, such as hardwood or laminate. Excessive heat and moisture from steam mopping can damage these floors.
Heavy furniture and commercial appliances getting dragged around are one of the main culprits for destroying luxury vinyl floor tiles. Sometimes things need to be moved, and it's out of your control whether the furniture is lifted correctly or dragged across the floor, causing nasty scrapes and marks.
The average price of LVP flooring typically falls between $2 and $7 per square foot. This cost varies depending on factors such as quality, thickness, and the type of core material used.
So, what's the difference? Luxury vinyl planks are thicker and more durable than standard vinyl, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or homes with pets. They're also easier to install, as they can be clicked together like laminate flooring. Standard vinyl flooring, on the other hand, is thinner and less durable.
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.
While marble, natural stone, bamboo, ceramic tile and luxury vinyl have been trending in recent years, hardwood is still the dominant choice of flooring for high-end homes.
Hardwood flooring is become increasingly popular due the different color options. Greige and white oak are two of the most popular choices for hardwood flooring when it comes to house resale.
A: Great questions. Our Swiffer Wet cloths are designed with a pH close to neutral. As well, these cloths have been tested to be safe for use on vinyl plank flooring.
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. Though vinyl can sometimes be impervious to water, it won't stand up to both the water and the intense heat produced by steam cleaning.
Generally speaking, most luxury vinyl planks can be cleaned using soap and water and don't require a special LVP cleaner. A dishwashing soap like Dawn is the best way to clean vinyl plank flooring because it will cut grime and grease without stripping your floors or damaging the wear layer.
In terms of withstanding moisture and humidity, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), vinyl roll, and porcelain or ceramic tile are the best bathroom flooring options. Each of these flooring options is water-resistant and able to withstand humidity and temperature changes in a bathroom.
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.
One of the most common issues with LVP floors is residue left by improper cleaning products. Soap-based and oil-based cleaners, while often effective on other surfaces, can leave a sticky film on LVP flooring. This residue dulls the finish and attracts more dirt, making the floor look dirty.