Laminate flooring is a popular flooring choice for its affordability, durability, and ease of installation. It is also an excellent alternative to tile and hardwood floors as it can look like those options but is much more affordable. Laminate can be used throughout the house, including in areas prone to moisture like bathrooms and kitchens. However, even the best laminate floors are not 100% waterproof, and some can get damaged if exposed to excessive moisture for extended periods of time. For this reason, many homeowners choose to have their laminate floors coated to make them water resistant. While this will not make the floors entirely waterproof, it will significantly limit their susceptibility to damage and help them last longer.
Waterproof laminates are made in a similar way as traditional laminates but have been developed to be more durable and to better resist moisture. They are made of planks that intermesh and have a synthetic core layer to prevent them from swelling or warping under pressure. They are designed to withstand spills and pet accidents, as well as to be able to stand in standing water for short periods of time. They are rated in hours of water resistance and the higher the number, the more resilient they are to moisture.
Although they do not offer the same durability as traditional laminate floors, most waterproof laminates are still a good choice for most homeowners. They are able to be installed in most rooms of the home and can be easily cleaned with a damp mop. They are also rated as dent- and scratch-resistant, making them a good choice for high traffic areas of the home, such as mudrooms. They can also be used in sunrooms, though this is not recommended by most manufacturers as it may void the warranty.
Most waterproof laminate floors are rated for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and mudrooms. They are also suitable for basements and laundry rooms. Unlike some other flooring materials, laminates are not a good option for outdoor spaces and can suffer from the effects of sunlight and changing temperatures and humidity levels.
There are a few ways to make your laminate floor more water-resistant, but be careful not to apply too much coating as this could damage the surface of your laminate and may void the manufacturer’s warranty. You can try adding a sealant to the edges of your floor, but this is best done with care as it can cause the planks to warp if the glue or coating gets on the laminate core.
Waterproof laminates can be a great choice for many homes in the Selden, Mt Sinai, Suffolk County, East Setauket, or Miller Place area, and are becoming more popular as an alternative to tiles and hardwood floors. They are affordable and easy to install, while still looking good, with a variety of designs and colors to choose from. They are a good choice for most rooms in the home and can be used in places that may have been difficult to use other types of flooring, such as mudrooms and sunrooms.