Laminate flooring is a popular choice because it’s inexpensive and easy to clean, and it also comes in many different designs, colours, and textures. But does laminate flooring really offer the all-weather protection you want in your home?
The answer might surprise you. Read on for more information about how laminate flooring stands up against spills and water damage.
What is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is a manufactured product made from layers of high-density fiberboard, which are bonded together by heavy resin. Through the process of heat and pressure, this material becomes hard and durable. Then a photographic image is printed on the top surface of the flooring, creating an instant surface pattern.
The Benefits of Laminate Flooring
Versatile – Laminate flooring comes in many different colours and styles, so you can match your existing decor or choose something completely new.
Easy-care – Since laminate is stain-resistant, it’s very easy to clean. It also wears well over time, so you won’t need to worry about scratches and dents like you would with some other flooring materials.
Easy to Install – Even beginners can install laminate floors on their own, and it has been the fastest-growing segment of the flooring market for this reason.
Durable – Laminate flooring can stand up to heavy traffic, so it’s an excellent choice for busy areas like living rooms and kitchens.
Is Laminate Flooring Waterproof?
So let’s explore the question of whether or not laminate floors are waterproof – an important consideration when deciding what kind of flooring would work best for your space.
The answer is no! Laminate flooring is not entirely waterproof. However, this does not mean that your floors will get ruined by a spill or two.
While laminate floors aren’t completely waterproof, they do have an advantage over some other types of floors.
Moisture Resistant: Most laminate floors are made with moisture-resistant backing that will keep the floor from warping when it comes into contact with water.
Mould Resistant: Since water won’t penetrate through the top of these floors, they’re also less likely to harbour mould and mildew than carpets and rugs.
For safety reasons, do not install laminate products in wet rooms such as laundry rooms or basements where flooding is common.
Not all laminates are the same, with some of the cheaper ones which don’t advertise that are water-resistant usually are not.
Waterproof Flooring vs Water Resistant Flooring
One might think that these two terms for floors are interchangeable, but they do not mean the same thing.
Waterproof flooring is a type of surface that will not allow any water to pass through it. Water-resistant flooring, on the other hand, can withstand only some moisture without any damage.
The difference between these two types of materials can be significant in places such as kitchens and bathrooms, where moisture from spills or leaks could cause serious damage if they are not taken care of quickly.
Waterproof flooring is designed to be moisture-resistant, meaning it should resist any type of liquid coming in contact with the surface. On the other hand, water-resistant flooring only resists water damage for a certain amount of time before it begins to wear down and leak. This means that while both types will protect your floors from spills and leaks to some degree, waterproof flooring will do so indefinitely.
What Happens When Laminate Flooring Gets Wet?
Laminate flooring is designed to be water-resistant, so water usually causes no harm if it is wiped away immediately. If you have a large spillage, wipe away as much excess liquid as possible using a clean cloth or towel before allowing the floor to dry naturally.
However, if exposed to water for a long time, it can cause the laminate to swell, buckle, and rot can develop. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the floor dries as quickly as possible. Moisture can also cause a slippery surface which can be dangerous, especially for the elderly or young children.
Hybrid Flooring
Hybrid flooring is a new type of floating floor that combines the best qualities of both individual vinyl plank flooring and laminate. It has the beautiful appearance of traditional wood, is highly durable, easy to clean, and, best of all, it is waterproof. Hybrid flooring, like conventional laminate, uses the same click-lock installation process.
Hybrid flooring is perfect for all rooms of your house because it is both durable and waterproof, so you can use it throughout your home without worrying about water damage.
The flooring is made of synthetic and composite polymers, which means it is completely waterproof and resistant to water damage. Wet-mopping, animal mishaps, leaks or spills have no impact on the flooring since it is impermeable to water.
In addition, this flooring is known for its sound-absorbing qualities, and fade-resistant dyes mean that they endure colour fading far more than real wood flooring.
How To Protect Your Laminate Floors From Water Damage And Moisture Buildup
Laminate flooring can last for many years, but there are some basics that need to be understood before it will stay looking good for that long.
- The first thing you should do is to make sure that your laminated floors are installed correctly. The floors need to be installed on a level surface, and the subfloor needs to be even as well. If any gaps or spaces underneath the flooring let water seep through, it could cause problems down the line.
- Clean up spills as soon as they happen. If water sits on your floor for an extended period of time, it will get absorbed into the flooring, causing warping or swelling of the planks. If you do have a spill happen, use a dry cloth or towel to sop up as much of the liquid as you can, then leave the room to air out for a little while before coming back in. If necessary, use fans to get some airflow going.
- Avoid high humidity levels The best way to prevent water damage is by maintaining the correct humidity level in your home. Since water and laminate don’t mix, a high humidity level will cause your flooring to buckle. If there is a lot of moisture in the air, you should use a dehumidifier to help keep it at bay.
- Never walk on your laminated flooring while wearing shoes that are wet or dirty. Walking on wet or dirty shoes will grind the dirt into the flooring and increase moisture build-up.
How to Clean a Laminate Floor
It’s not hard to clean a laminate floor, and the process is actually pretty simple and requires minimal effort on your part. With the right equipment, you can quickly make sure your floors are sparkling clean with minimal time and energy spent.
First, sweep or vacuum to remove any dirt particles that are on the surface of the flooring. Next, mix warm water with a floor-cleaning solution in a bucket. Dip a mop into the soapy water solution and wring it out so that the mop is only damp and not soggy or dripping wet.
Mop over your laminate floors one section at a time using long even strokes until you’ve mopped all of them once. Switch out your cleaning solution for clean water and repeat this process again to ensure no dirt is left behind. Drying your floors quickly is very important because you run the risk of having water damage if you don’t.
If your laminate floor has stubborn stains, try wiping them off with a solution of diluted vinegar or methylated spirts and water first before mopping up any remaining residue.
Never use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners on your laminated floors. These types of cleaners are too strong for laminate floors and will eat away at the finish over time, leaving dull spots on your floor surface.
In Conclusion
We hope this article has helped clear up any misconceptions about waterproof laminate flooring. When waterproof laminate is being discussed, what is really meant is that it is water-resistant laminate flooring. The ‘waterproof’ label means that the product will not be damaged by water or moisture at all. In contrast, ‘water resistant’ usually means it’s okay with light exposure to water and moisture levels.
Which option you choose will depend on your lifestyle and budget, but both types of flooring are excellent choices for your home.