Advantages and Disadvantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring | Problems With Vinyl Plank Flooring
Advantages and Disadvantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring | Vinyl Plank Vs. Laminate Flooring | How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring on Concrete |Luxury Vinyl Vs Engineered Wood Flooring
What are Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl flooring is a type of flooring that is made to look like wood or stone. It is composed of an adhesive layer, a rigid foam material, and a polyvinyl chloride that has been coated with a protective top layer.
The quality of the materials that are used makes it resistant to moisture and scratches, while low-levels of formaldehyde emissions protects air quality.
Vinyl plank flooring is the best choice for interior floor. The installation process is simple. There is no need to demolish or tear out the existing flooring on the floor. As long as the old stuff is clean, it can be covered with the vinyl.
Vinyl plank flooring is a product that is referred to as a floating floor. It is not installed as a typical plank floor but instead is laminated to an under-flooring material.
Vinyl can be an excellent choice for those who are concerned about allergies because it is often manufactured with formaldehyde-free adhesives.
Vinyl plank flooring is a type of surface and flooring that is waterproof, affordable, versatile, and durable.
This type of flooring is made by pressing sheets of plastic, which can be made from PVC, and then assembling the panels into tiles. Vinyl plank flooring provides a variety of benefits.
Some of these benefits include being waterproof and durable. Vinyl flooring is often installed in kitchens, bathrooms, recreational areas, outdoor patios, and floors that see heavy traffic like in hallways.
Vinyl plank flooring is also inexpensive and environmentally friendly. Vinyl plank flooring is lightweight, easy to clean, and has some resistance against scratches and dents.
It is available in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles. However, there are pros and cons to this product.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring is an affordable alternative to real wood floors, particularly in high traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
It is also an excellent choice for those who have allergies or who are sensitive to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Vinyl plank flooring offers numerous benefits over standard hardwood flooring, including:
Vinyl plank is perfect for a variety of flooring applications, and it is widely available in an attractive variety of colors. Installing vinyl plank flooring is not as complicated as it sounds.
The process can be done by oneself without the need for help from professionals. This makes vinyl plank ideal for self-installation or DIY projects.
Vinyl flooring comes in a variety of styles and colors. The type of vinyl flooring you choose will depend on your tastes and the décor of your home.
If you like hardwood floors but have allergies or asthma, vinyl is the way to go. It is affordable, lightweight and easy to install.
It also good to note that Vinyl plank flooring has a number of problems, including discolouration, stains, scratches, peeling, cracking, and collapsing at the borders.
Additionally, there are some installation-related problems to be aware of. Curling, warping, peaking, and mold and mildew are all examples of these.
The widespread use of vinyl plank flooring is a contributing factor to these problems.
Tips To Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring is a popular choice in many homes because it comes with a long-lasting, resilient surface that protects against dirt and wear-and-tear.
If you are considering adding this beautiful flooring to your home, there are some things that you should know before you finish the job.
This article will provide some basic information on why vinyl plank flooring is a smart choice to install in your home.
Choosing the right type of flooring for your home is crucial. While it is true that there are many types of flooring that you can choose from, vinyl plank flooring is one worth considering.
This type of flooring is very durable, so you will not have to worry about damaging your floors with wear and tear. You can install this type of vinyl plank flooring in a wide range of places inside your home and it will still withstand the test of time.
Another thing to consider is the style of vinyl plank flooring that you would like to install. You can choose a wide range of styles when it comes to vinyl plank flooring, which is yet another reason why this type of flooring is so popular.
You will find many different colors and patterns that you can choose from, which means that you will be able to match the type of vinyl plank flooring that you install in your home to your bathroom or kitchen design.
The flooring will look great and you will not have to worry about the tiles looking out of place.
When installing vinyl plank flooring in your home, you should know that it is important that you thoroughly clean the area where the flooring will be installed before you begin.
You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove all debris and dirt from the area, so that when the vinyl plank flooring is laid, it will not come into contact with any dirt or debris that has been present on your floors in the past.
This is very important, especially if you have pets at your home, because dirt and debris will stick to the flooring.
If you are installing vinyl plank flooring in a bathroom, it is also important that you take care with the plumbing and drainage system in the area.
One of the main issues that homeowners have with installing vinyl plank flooring is that they lack knowledge about how to install it.
While it is true that there are a few steps that you have to take when installing the flooring, if you follow a set of good instructions, you will find installing vinyl plank flooring to be much easier than most of your other home improvement jobs.
Another thing to consider is the type of adhesive that you will use when installing the vinyl plank flooring.
There are many different types of adhesives available and it can be confusing when trying to choose one. You should make sure that you choose adhesives that are designed to work with vinyl plank flooring.
Some of the other things that you should think about when choosing your adhesive is whether or not it comes with glue sticks.
You will want to use these if you are installing a large piece, but if you are installing smaller pieces, it is better to use a packaged adhesive.
Vinyl plank flooring is relatively easy to install when compared to other types of flooring. If you follow the instructions carefully, you will be able to install it without any problems at all.
You can choose a wide range of styles and colors for your flooring when using this type of flooring, which means that you will be able to match the look and design in your home flawlessly.
From that above, installing vinyl plank flooring on your own can be a daunting task. However, by following these few tips, it will help you get a day or two head start on the project before your floor installer shows up.
Here are a few tips for installing vinyl plank flooring:
- -Be sure to get a level floor or it will be difficult to install the vinyl plank flooring.
- -All flooring should be measured to be sure the planks are even and leveled
- -If you have carpet, you should remove it before installing the vinyl plank flooring
- -It’s important to keep the edge of the plank flush with the edge of the board
- -Do not use any moisture or excessive heat if seaming planks
- -Use a plastic putty knife to spread the adhesive
- -A carpet knife is used to cut the planks if they’re too thick.
- – Make sure the room is comfortably ventilated and inspect it for any damage or debris on the floor.
How To Install Vinyl Plank Flooring
If you’re looking for an easy and inexpensive flooring option, vinyl plank flooring is a great option. Here are the basics for how to install vinyl plank flooring.
The first thing to do is to lay down the subfloor for your vinyl plank flooring. You can use plywood for the subfloor, but you’ll need to make sure you add a layer of fiberboard to the plywood before laying the vinyl planks.
Before you lay the vinyl planks, you’ll need to measure and cut them. It’s best to use a sharp utility knife to cut the material, and to measure out the planks according to your flooring plan.
Now you have a few options as to how you can lay the vinyl plank flooring. The easiest way to do it is just to lay the planks on top of their side edges, leaving a little space between them for walking.
This will give you a good solid look without wasted space underneath the planks.
Another option is to just push the planks into place. Push them down until they’re flush with the flooring, but don’t bang them up against each other too much.
This will help to keep the planks in place without any need for nails or glue. In this case, you’ll want enough space underneath the planks to allow you to walk comfortably.
The last option is to nail the vinyl planks down. You’ll want to lay out your material in a similar way as when pushing them into place, leaving enough room for walking underneath them.
Then use your hammer and nails to secure them in place and make sure they don’t pop up while you’re walking on them later on.
10 Beginner Mistakes Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring
Steps on How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring on Concrete
Installing vinyl plank flooring on your own can be a daunting task. However, by following these few tips, it will help you get a day or two head start on the project before your floor installer shows up.
- First, remove any old carpeting or flooring. Remove all existing floor coverings and then clear the floor of any debris or dust.
- Second, sweep the floor in preparation for new vinyl plank flooring. Sweep the floor of any dirt, dust and debris and use a vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining particles.
- Third, plan the vinyl plank flooring installation by measuring the room for square footage and calculating the number of planks required to cover the area. The planks are generally sold in boxes of four or five, and should be able to fit nicely side by side with a few inches to spare on either side.
- Fourth, lay out the flooring by drawing out the location of all vinyl plank flooring with a sharpie marker.
- Fifth, make sure all backer boards are secured to the concrete slab with a 1-1/2″ steel anchor strip and grouted with mortar for additional stability.
- Sixth, install all vinyl plank flooring in the proper sequence to avoid tearing. Starting from one end of the room, lay out four planks in an alternating pattern using an offset pattern for a straight-line appearance.
- Seventh, use a rubber mallet to tap down the seams of the floor. When done, run a roller over the flooring and then stretch it out for at least 5 minutes.
- Eighth, tape off any exposed concrete or other unfinished surfaces with a cloth or cardboard.
- Ninth, clean up the work area by vacuuming and sweeping away any small particles or debris and then remove all residue of builder’s glue from floors with a damp sponge.
- Finally, sweep and mop the floor for a final clean up.
Problems With Vinyl Plank Flooring
One problem that is not often addressed is the effect that bacteria and mold of any kind will have on vinyl plank flooring.
Vinyl plank floors will stain, discolor, and in some cases blister from water being left in contact with them for long periods of time. This is an especially large problem in homes with vinyl plank floors.
By the time the problem is noticed, it may be too late to save the flooring from permanent damage.
This is because mold and mildew can spread through a house very quickly, usually following the air ducts which are common pathways for infestation.
The longer the problem is left unaddressed, the more easily it will spread.
In most instances, it is recommended that the floor be stripped as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage.
There are ways in which this problem can be prevented by taking precautionary measures like correcting minor curling of vinyl plank flooring can be done using silicones and polyurethane-based products along with a solvent-free adhesive.
In order to prevent major structural damage, it is recommended that the wood subfloor be replaced with a plywood-based subfloor.
This will help prevent excessive warping that usually happens in an area where there are voids between the planks. This may not be necessary if the issues are caused by water seeping through the gaps between the planks.
Vinyl plank floors can be damaged by a variety of different installation methods. There are many different types of tools that may be used such as: hand pliers, screw guns, hammers, and even prybars.
Although this is undesirable, it can result in a more professional looking installation and provide better protection against floor damage.
The most common method of damage is caused by improper installation. Unattended nails used as support legs can cause the floor to bow or splay.
If the frame is not strong enough, this may result in the plank warping, which will eventually cause cracks and other damage to occur.
Vinyl plank floors are more vulnerable to mold and mildew because it is porous. Mold will grow easily within spots where there are gaps between planks or voids between planks.
The vinyl plank flooring is often installed directly over the subfloor. This causes water to seep down through these gaps and flood the floor, causing damage.
It is recommended that a moisture barrier be installed between the floor and subfloor in order to prevent this from happening.
A moisture barrier must also be installed over the subfloor because water cannot be trapped within it and can seep under it though the floor planks.
After the moisture barrier is installed, the floor can be finished.
The moisture barrier needs to be installed in a way that protects it from being punctured or ripped.
This is especially important because vinyl plank floors are not guaranteed against surface damage once they have been installed.
Therefore, if they are installed on top of a moisture barrier, you cannot replace them if they become damaged.
Many people have reported that their vinyl plank flooring has peeled or bubbled around the edges. It is made of PVC, and this may be the cause of peeling problems.
Vinyl is a very tough material that is resistant to damage. However, it is not as strong or durable as many people believe. It can, therefore, be susceptible to small cracks and other types of damage.
Cracks rarely occur when the flooring is first installed, and they are only noticeable if they become filled with water or some other liquid.
This seeping only occurs in areas where there are gaps between the planks or voids in between them due to improper installation.
How To Install Glue Down Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring can either be floated or glued down vinyl plan flooring, depending on the flooring type.
Floating Vinyl Plank Flooring
Floating vinyl planks have a click-lock system that has no adhesive requirements.
The edges of these vinyl planks have a click-together tongue and groove system that makes it simple to join them in a continuous manner that allows them to hover just over the subfloor.
Due to the floating aspect of the floor, it is appropriate for usage over an unsatisfactory subfloor.
They are simple to install using a rubber mallet, making them an excellent alternative for a quick do-it-yourself job at home.
Glue Down Vinyl Plank Flooring
Glued applications typically require a specific adhesive or have a built-in peel-away adhesive. Glue down vinyl plank flooring adheres the boards to the subfloor rather than to one another.
This installation approach is more durable in design but takes significantly longer to complete, necessitating expert installation.
How To Install Glue Down Vinyl Plank Flooring
Advantages and Disadvantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring
There are many pros and cons of Vinyl Plank Flooring.
Advantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring
1. Easy to Clean & Maintain.
As with any type of flooring, vinyl plank requires the occasional cleaning. This is especially true if it’s used in a high traffic area – but luckily, they’re are easy to clean and maintain.
To keep your vinyl planks looking new, use a broom, vacuum or microfiber sweeper for a quick clean up. For deeper cleans, a damp mop and mild cleaner get the job done.
As a bonus, there’s no waxing required! Plus, vinyl plank flooring has a protective wearlayer on it that allows it to maintain it’s luster for years to come.
2. Vinyl Plank Flooring is Waterproof
One of the main concerns with hardwood floors is water damage. Whether it’s from a leaky faucet or an unexpected spill, you might be worried that water and wood don’t mix.
You don’t have to worry about it with vinyl plank flooring – its waterproof! And for those who use their bathroom as a steam room, vinyl plank isn’t affected by moisture. No worries about mold growing on your floor!
3. No need to Wax or Seal
Many people are afraid to install a hardwood floor over tile, regardless of how durable it’s advertised.
But vinyl plank flooring can be installed over almost any type of flooring and will not require the use of sealants or waxes.
Even if you have very high traffic areas, you won’t need to do any sealing. Vinyl plank flooring is water resistant and will protect your floors from spills.
4. Extremely Durable
All types of wood flooring, including engineered hardwood and ceramic tile, are susceptible to scratches and dents. But with vinyl plank flooring – you won’t have to worry about this.
Its layers are laminated together with multiple layers of adhesive that give it a robust and durable appearance.
5. Easy Maintenance
The simplest way to maintain your vinyl plank flooring is to sweep or vacuum them regularly (and even maintain a more thorough cleaning schedule for busy spaces).
For deeper cleanings, just damp mop and then let it dry, and then buff it after to remove any streaks.
6. Variety of Styles & Colors
Vinyl plank flooring is available in dozens of styles in a wide variety of colors. Whether you want cherry, oak or maple wood, or marble, granite or slate – there’s definitely a vinyl plank flooring to suit your needs.
Not only will you simply locate a floor that suits your preferred home décor style, but you may have difficulty choosing just one favorite!
7. Budget Friendly
Vinyl plank flooring is a very economical choice. Mold-resistant, long-lasting, and easy to maintain – vinyl plank is a very cost effective, quality flooring.
8. Very Versatile
Anyone with a television in the living room will appreciate being able to flip it over for winter viewing as they trek around the house in their slippers!
Vinyl plank flooring can be installed in almost any type of household space where there’s an opening or doorway. It’s simple to cut, and because it’s a floating floor, it won’t need continuous support beneath it.
9. No worrying about glue or adhesive seeping up through the floor
Many people are afraid of the chemicals and fumes associated with adhesives or other types of flooring adhesive.
However, when you install vinyl plank over existing floors, you don’t have to worry about that at all!
10. DIY Installation
Vinyl flooring can be fitted over virtually any subfloor, with the thicker floors being more tolerant of underfloor imperfections.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is self-installed using a click lock, glue down, or loose lay technique. The result is a beautiful floor that will last for decades to come.
Disadvantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring
1. Vinyl Plank Flooring Can Be Susceptible to Discoloration and UV Damage from Sunlight
Just like any other type of flooring, vinyl planks are susceptible to discoloration and UV damage from sunlight. Vinyl plank flooring will show signs of wear and tear over time if exposed to direct sunlight for too long.
2. Some Vinyl Plank Flooring Can Off-Gas VOCs
Many people are concerned with the VOCs that vinyl plank flooring can produce. Vinyl can emit hydrochloric acid (HCl) and formaldehyde when it’s exposed to high levels of humidity, but there is no data to indicate that these vapors are harmful.
It’s recommended that you test your vinyl flooring for VOC emission using ASTM D-975 Test Method.
3. Vinyl plank flooring is Really Hard to Repair
If there are any damaged pieces of your vinyl flooring, it will be very difficult to repair. You may have to replace the whole board instead of just the piece that is damaged.
4. Vinyl Flooring Can Crack if You Don’t Tighten it Correctly Before Nailing
This is another disadvantage that comes from installing a floating floor. If you don’t tighten your screw nails correctly, there’s a chance that they will sink and then crack through the surface of your new plank flooring.
5. Vinyl Plank’s Resale Value Isn’t as High as Hardwood’s
If you are looking to sell your house in the future, you may not want to install vinyl plank flooring. It may not have as high of a resale value compared to more luxurious hardwood options.
6. Vinyl Plank Flooring Can Be More Expensive Than Other Types of Flooring
Luxury vinyl planks will be more expensive than other types of flooring and cost about $4-$5 per square foot. But because of the great resale value and durability of vinyl plank, it’s a very economical choice.
7. You May Have to Replace Your Carpet Later on
If you install vinyl plank flooring on top of an existing hardwood floor, you may have to replace your carpet later on. This is because vinyl plank floors will expand with humidity and eventually crack through the surface if not tight enough.
Conclusion
Vinyl plank flooring really does make a stunning addition to your home. It’s available in a wide variety of textures and finishes and will last you for years to come.
Vinyl Plank Vs. Laminate Flooring. Is Vinyl Plank Flooring a Better Alternative to Laminate Flooring?
There is no genuine winner in the vinyl plank vs. laminate argument.
For a long time, vinyl plank has one distinct benefit over laminate: resistance to water. However, waterproof laminates such as RevWood are beginning to level the playing field.
Apart from that, vinyl plank and laminate are rather comparable. Both are composite flooring, which means they are manufactured of many layers.
Both are extremely durable. Additionally, they both offer incredible wood-look aesthetics at an affordable price range.
Luxury Vinyl Vs Engineered Wood Flooring: Is Luxury Vinyl a Better Flooring Material Than Engineered Wood?
To begin, we should clarify that this is not a fair comparison, as engineered wood is not a sort of artificial wood flooring. This is genuine hardwood flooring.
Engineered wood is constructed from high-quality plywood (the best engineered wood floors are constructed from oriented strand board) and is covered with a genuine hardwood veneer.
That is, engineered wood is comparable to vinyl in that it is manufactured of many layers, but that is all. It is not synthetic in any way!
Are there any drawbacks to engineered wood? Yes. It is not as resistant to water as vinyl and can only be refinished a few times.
However, these are two completely distinct types of flooring. One is not superior to the other, and there are no significant advantages or drawbacks to vinyl plank flooring vs. engineered wood.
Is Carpet or Tile a Better Option Than Vinyl Plank?
Again, neither carpet nor tile is superior than vinyl plank flooring, as they are entirely distinct types of flooring!
Because of its water resistance, tile has long been popular in bathrooms and kitchens. The vinyl plank serves the same purpose.
Vinyl planks imitate the appearance of solid wood. However, certain varieties of tile do as well.
There is no actual distinction between “better” and “worse” in this case.
Furthermore, carpet is used differently than vinyl plank. It’s soft, it’s safe for children, and it’s not supposed to look like anything other than carpet!
The only real resemblance is that both of these types of flooring may be pretty simple to install if you use peel-and-stick carpet tiles.
Is Luxury Vinyl Waterproof to Water?
While luxury vinyl is commonly advertised as waterproof, and while some of these real materials are, it is critical to remember that water should not be left standing on luxury vinyl since it can penetrate through the tiny spaces between the planks/tiles.
This is not an issue in living or bedroom areas, but it is a worry when choosing luxury vinyl in close proximity to showers, baths, kitchens, or laundry facilities.