Some disadvantages of vinyl flooring include: Cannot be repaired. Can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Shorter lifespan than wood floors.
Compared to ceramic or marble tiles, vinyl flooring can get damaged pretty easily from dragging sharp and/or heavy objects across the floor. It is also labour intensive to remove if glued down, which can damage the subfloor, and potentially have an impact on the resale value of a home.
Vinyl is inexpensive, long-lasting flooring. But it often contains phthalates, chemicals that have raised safety concerns for young children. Consumer Reports tested to see how much of the phthalates escape into the environment.
Not environmentally friendly
Off-gassed VOCs can adversely affect health and an indoor environment, particularly without windows or ventilation, will lead to higher concentrations. If this is a concern for you, we recommend avoiding high-VOC vinyl flooring and choosing a low-VOC floor instead.
Yes, vinyl records are safe to use. The toxins found in PVC are primarily harmful in large amounts. Minimal exposure will not cause major health concerns. Those most at risk to chemical hazards of vinyl records are the workers at the manufacturing plants.
When it comes to environmental impact, laminate has a slight edge over vinyl thanks to its recycled wood core. However, the melamine wear layer on the surface is still made of plastic, which may off-gas VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can be harmful to people and pets.
In reality, the off-gassing should be the strongest during the first two weeks and continue to off-gas for up to months after it is placed into your home.
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.
Healthier flooring options include solid wood, natural linoleum, cork, bamboo, tile and stone. A key feature of all of these is that they are easily cleaned of dust and dirt.
Can vinyl chloride cause cancer? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has classified vinyl chloride as known to be a human carcinogen (cause cancer). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified vinyl chloride as a known human carcinogen by the inhalation route of exposure.
But it's true—vinyl flooring can also contain harmful VOCs and other chemicals. The good news: low-VOC vinyl flooring has come a long way in recent years. These days, if you know what to look for, it's totally possible to find vinyl plank, LVT, and vinyl sheet that do right by your home and your health.
Breathing high levels of vinyl chloride can make you dizzy or sleepy, or have a headache. If you do not get fresh air, you may pass out. You can die from breathing extremely high levels of vinyl chloride. People who breathe vinyl chloride gas over many years may have liver damage.
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.
Fiberglass is highly durable and requires little maintenance. It's stronger and more warp-resistant than vinyl. A fiberglass window can look great 50 years after installation, whereas a vinyl one will last around 30 years.
Vinyl is 100% synthetic, while laminate uses a fiberboard core constructed of wood byproducts. Thus, laminate flooring is not waterproof, while vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof. Both floorings are stain-resistant and offer the option of underlayment, but are built a bit differently.
Specifically, vinyl plank and luxury vinyl plank or luxury vinyl tile flooring are low in VOCs and at low risk for off-gassing. Rolled vinyl flooring is typically higher in off-gassing risk levels.
Ceramic, Porcelain & Glass Tile
Tile is a safe, non-toxic flooring option that is easy to maintain. Ceramic, porcelain and glass tiles are all durable options for solid-surface flooring and are a great option for rooms with moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens.
They can last for decades. Older vinyl flooring or some flooring products made in China have even been known to contain formaldehyde. The following video shows an investigative report done by 60 minutes into the formaldehyde levels in flooring sold at Lumber Liquidators.
After 9 days total VOCs showed a rapid decrease and after that stayed at a very low level for a few months. The study concluded, "PVC floorings after 10 days of installation in the room should not be source of indoor air contamination."
Generally speaking, floors with a nontoxic seal or finish have the lowest VOC levels. These include solid hardwood floors, polished concrete, and tile. Keep in mind that every flooring option comes with a lot of variety. Take the time to consider the different materials and finishes available to you.
If you have vinyl flooring, consider using an air purifier designed to remove VOCs like phthalates from your indoor air so you can breathe easier. Dust and vacuum frequently with a HEPA filter vacuum.
When vinyl fumes are overpowering you with pungent odors that can last for days, just take the source outside and lay it out in the warm sunshine. Turn the offending item over every few hours, and the smell that would have lasted days will be gone in less than 24 hours.
Spray the vinyl couch with a mild bleach solution made of 1 part bleach and 9 parts water if the surface is what smells. This will disinfect the surface and stop it from smelling. Test the bleach spray in an inconspicuous area first to ensure that it won't fade the vinyl color.