Water is one of the most damaging elements your house can hold, especially when it comes to floors. If your house has young children, pets, or a busy kitchen, frequent water spills can ruin some materials. Choosing the right kind of flooring for such a use can preserve the elegance and functionality of your house for decades.
Why Water Resistance Matters
Too much water can lead to warping, discoloration, mildew, and structural damage. Because of that, homeowners who expect to have a lot of spills need to put water-resistant or waterproof flooring at the forefront of their shopping list. Moisture-resistant flooring products are not only low-maintenance, but they play a part in a healthier indoor environment.
Apart from water resistance, durability, comfort, and looks also need to be considered while selecting a floor. Thankfully, technology has advanced so well that today you can avail all of these qualities in a single option.
Best Water-Resistant Flooring Options
Some of the materials for flooring are better than others when subjected to daily water spills. Some of the best flooring materials are as follows:
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl flooring is among the most widely used options for water-prone spaces. It's extremely water-resistant, simple to clean, and comes in a broad range of styles that can replicate the look of wood, stone, or tile. Luxury vinyl is also quite cost-effective and strong enough to withstand heavy traffic, so it's a go-to for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
Tile
Porcelain or ceramic tile is a tried-and-true old standby for bathroom areas. Both are water-resistant as a natural product, simple to sanitize, and highly durable. Tile is perfect for bathrooms, mudrooms, and entryways where water and mud tend to collect. The drawback is that tile is cold and hard to walk on, so it might not be best for each room.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring now has come a long way in its water resistance. Although the original laminate used to swell when it got wet, the water-resistant laminates of today can withstand spills as long as they get cleaned off in due time. Laminate is a good choice if you desire the appearance of wood without the maintenance.
Waterproof Engineered Hardwood
For homeowners who want the classic appearance of hardwood but need greater water protection, waterproof engineered hardwood is the perfect choice. The product provides the warmth and beauty of wood with greater moisture resistance through a tough wear layer and water-resistant core.
Sheet Vinyl
Sheet vinyl is also inexpensive and water-resistant flooring. Since it is sold in huge rolls with almost no seams, it is great for kitchens and bathrooms where water can penetrate between planks or tiles.
Tips to Prolong Flooring Life
Even if you have water-resistant floors, cleaning is also needed to preserve its condition. Some of the tricks to prolong your floors' life are:
- Remove drips at once to prevent water from entering seams.
- Place rugs or mats in high-risk zones like in front of sinks or doorways.
- Check caulking and seals regularly so water does not get in.
- Avoid harsh chemicals that can degrade protective finishes over time.
How Whole House Water Filtration Helps
Perhaps the least emphasized part of flooring maintenance is water quality. Water that is hard or highly contaminated can stain, deposit, or even destroy tile and laminate over time. Installing a whole house water filtration system not only increases the quality of the water you shower and drink, but it also protects your flooring from mineral spots and stains caused by unfiltered water.
Considerations in Multi-Unit Buildings
For condo or other multi-dwelling unit dwellers, floor coverings also affect neighbors. Poor floor coverings can leak and ruin units below or adjacent to yours at costly repair prices. When this happens, such shared property loss is generally compensated by strata community insurance. Water-resistant or waterproof floor coverings minimize such potential issues and can also decrease policy claims.
Final Thoughts
Regular water spills don't have to translate into ongoing worry about your floors under your home. With the right materials, proper maintenance, and attention to water quality and common building responsibilities, you can have great-looking, functional floors that withstand daily life. From the sophistication of tile, the economy of sheet vinyl, to the flexibility of laminate flooring, there are many choices available that can suit your needs and aesthetic.