The right flooring is one of the biggest home investments you can make, and it’s important to find a product that will stand up to whatever comes its way. Whether you have pets, kids, or an active household, your floors need to be able to withstand spills and humidity. The good news is that waterproof laminate is a great option for your home.
Laminate is an affordable and durable flooring solution for your home, and it can help you create the look of wood or stone without the disheartening price tag of those materials. Waterproof laminate is a great choice for areas of your home that can see frequent activity, like mudroom flooring. It is also a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms, as it can be resistant to water damage, mold, and mildew.
Waterproof laminate is created by applying a thick protective layer to the surface of the planks during the manufacturing process. This layer can be made of a durable plastic or resin, and it is fused to the wear layer using hot irons. Many manufacturers offer warranties that claim their waterproof laminates can withstand up to 48 hours of standing water without the planks becoming damaged or warped.
In order to be truly waterproof, a floor must have a different construction than traditional fiber-core laminate. A few brands of waterproof laminate have developed products with a different type of construction that eliminates the fiberboard core and uses a different material, making it completely waterproof. However, these are extremely limited in the number of options they offer compared to standard laminates that have hundreds of styles.
Most waterproof laminates are still prone to moisture damage, so it’s important to be aware of this when considering a new floor. The best way to protect your flooring is to clean it proactively and keep an eye out for signs of moisture damage. If left unattended, it could lead to molding and other issues. If you do notice a problem, make sure to address it as soon as possible.
Laminate is a popular choice for flooring because it’s attractive, durable, and inexpensive. It’s easy to install, and it has great resale value. Waterproof laminate is an excellent option for homeowners who want a durable, wood-look floor that can stand up to spills and humidity.
Waterproof laminate can be installed over a subfloor or on top of an existing layer of vinyl, but it should be used with an underlayment that’s designed for laminate floors. It can improve the sound quality of your laminate floors and help protect your subfloor, as well as provide insulation against moisture and cold air. While some waterproof laminate floors come with an underlayment already attached, others require you to purchase it separately.