Vinyl Plank and Sheet Vinyl: Water Resistance and Installation
Vinyl flooring is one of the most popular, if not the most popular, type of flooring found in homes and businesses today. Vinyl is cheap, versatile, and available in various designs compared to other flooring options. Regardless of your style preferences, you are bound to find the vinyl flooring that is just right for you.
Sheet and plank vinyl offer different formats for a room. Their suitability depends on the selected product and installation system.
Vinyl and linoleum are different materials. Do not apply one material’s installation or care instructions to the other.
While vinyl flooring is still being manufactured to imitate the aesthetics of wood or stone flooring, Granite Foundation Repair suggests it has become a worthy alternative to both materials. This post shows you just how far vinyl flooring has come.
Vinyl Plank and Sheet Vinyl: Water Resistance and Installation
Sheet vinyl is supplied in rolls, while plank vinyl is supplied in individual pieces. Construction and installation requirements vary within both categories.
Sheet vinyl is cut to the space and installed using the method specified for that product.
Plank vinyl may use a locking, adhesive or other installation system. Confirm the product’s requirements before preparing the room.
Other than their appearance and installation, what are the important distinctions between sheet vinyl and plank vinyl flooring?
1. Aesthetics
Since sheet vinyl is manufactured in large rolls with a photographed pattern underneath its top layer, it presents many design limitations. The sheets come in geometric patterns with printed-on grout lines to create the impression of seams. This design doesn’t really deliver an authentic feel.
Individual vinyl pieces offer layout options, but ordinary click-lock plank joints should not be grouted. Use grout only with a product and installation system explicitly designed and approved for it.
2. Cost
Compare current project quotes covering the flooring, preparation, transitions, installation and removal. A material-only price or an undated price per square meter is not a reliable estimate for your home.
3. Water-resistance
Sheet vinyl and vinyl planks may resist water at their surfaces, but seams, edges, penetrations and the substrate still matter. Evaluate the entire installation and the selected product’s limitations, not just a waterproof marketing claim.
A click-lock connection is not, by itself, proof of watertight seams. Follow the specific flooring instructions for joints, perimeters and wet-area restrictions, and address water entering from any source.
4. Durability
Both sheet vinyl and rigid planks require an appropriately prepared subfloor. Use the selected manufacturer’s flatness tolerance and preparation method; do not rely on a blanket ¼-inch allowance. Traffic suitability depends on the individual product.
5. Longevity
Long-term performance depends on the product, substrate, installation, use and care. Neither a rigid core nor a sheet format guarantees immunity from edge movement or damage. Compare the written specifications and warranty for the intended room.
6. Ease of installation
Installation difficulty depends on the product, room and substrate. Follow the written instructions and use a qualified installer when the work exceeds your experience; neither format guarantees an easy installation.
7. Maintenance
Repair methods depend on the particular floor and installation. Keep product details and matching spare material when available, and ask the manufacturer or installer about an approved repair before removing flooring.
Choose flooring for the room, your needs and its expected use. A flooring format alone does not establish a home’s resale value.
If you need help choosing new flooring for your home, contact us today to see how we can help you.