If you live in an area that experiences frequent flooding or have kids who love drawing on the floor with crayons, waterproof flooring may be an excellent choice for your home. Waterproof floors, unlike other types of flooring, are specifically designed to protect against water damage, preventing leaks and spills from causing long-term harm to the interior of your home.
The Basics of Waterproof Flooring
There are several types of waterproof flooring in a variety of styles and costs. ‘Traditional’ waterproof options can be cost-prohibitive for some people, but other styles – such as rubberized flooring – can be an ideal choice for homeowners who want waterproof flooring but may not have a sky-high budget. Rubberized flooring consists of two layers of heavy-duty vinyl on either side of a synthetic rubber membrane and is an alternative solution to traditional waterproof flooring.
Maintaining your new waterproof flooring surface doesn’t require much work because it doesn’t need cleaning or refinishing once installed. All you need to do is vacuum it, sweep it regularly, or rinse it off with water if needed.
When You Should Use It
Every homeowner or business owner is familiar with the sound of a leak: the pitter-patter of water droplets warning you that water damage could be imminent. Water seeping through cracks in the floor is challenging because often there is no obvious sign or warning. By the time you realize what’s happening, your floor can already be soaking wet.
Waterproof flooring can prevent this potentially catastrophic result. Businesses and homeowners in areas with risk of flooding often choose this option due its impermeability, toughness, and its capacity to stand up to spills, messes, and leaks.
Waterproof Flooring: Vinyl and Tile
There are several varieties of waterproof flooring that are all agreeable picks for both homes and businesses. These include vinyl, ceramic tile, and natural stone.
Vinyl is a popular material for waterproof flooring because it can hold up well in high-traffic areas and doesn’t typically require much maintenance. However, vinyl also has a few drawbacks, like losing its luster over time if not cared for properly. It is also not infallible. Vinyl is designed to be waterproof against “top down” spills, but it can still be damaged and require replacement if submerged in a catastrophic flood or a similarly major water-related emergency.
Tile is another popular waterproof choice. There are many different styles of tiles to choose from and they all come with a protective coating, making them safe to use in high-moisture areas such as bathrooms or kitchens. Ceramic tiles generally last longer than ‘standard’ tiles, but they also tend to be more expensive.
Waterproof Flooring: Natural Stone
Natural stone is a particularly durable type of water-resistant floor, and there is an array of possible natural stone categories, including marble, granite, limestone, travertine, and slate. Natural stones may need to be sealed periodically, so you’ll want to make sure you ask about this before making a purchase. One drawback with natural stone is that the price can vary significantly based on what type of stone you decide on. Marble, for example, is one of the most popular types of stone for water-resistant floors, but it’s also one of the most expensive choices.
On the other hand, granite may not be as handsome and ‘prestigious’ as marble, but it is much less costly and still very durable. Travertine falls somewhere in between when it comes to cost and durability. As with many other products, the old adage of “you get what you pay for” does apply to natural stone flooring. Some of the cheaper natural stone options may begin to show signs of wear and tear after 10-15 years of regular use, including travertine. The more expensive options will show virtually zero wear after decades of use.
Benefits of Waterproof Flooring
There are many benefits to waterproof flooring that make it worth considering. Some of these include the resilience and durability of the product, its water resistance, safety for kids and pets, and its often-customizable nature.
The resiliency and durability of a waterproof floor make it a worthwhile consideration because even the less-expensive types are designed to last for many years without showing wear. This allows homeowners to enjoy living in the area without having to worry about extensive or costly upkeep work. It is also easy to clean with a wet mop, broom, or vacuum cleaner, saving you time on maintenance.
Water resistance, of course, is another reason why you should consider waterproof flooring. No need to worry about the floors becoming damaged if water is accidentally spilled or someone walks on it with wet feet after taking a shower. Another benefit of this flooring is that it offers high levels of safety and comfort for children and pets. Waterproof flooring is usually installed as a ‘floating’, click-together unit with a rubber underpad, which is easy on the feet, unlike some types of rigid hardwood flooring that can be uncomfortable to walk on.
Finally, one last pro for waterproof flooring is that it has customizable options available for all types of customers, including those who like to choose their design color scheme and style. With waterproof flooring, you’re not limited to the colors and hues of available wood in stock. There are virtually unlimited ways to personalize your waterproof flooring to match your décor and home style.
Bottom Line
If you’re ready to replace your business or home flooring and want it protected from those pesky Texas monsoons, give us a call today! Our team of experts will guide you through all of our waterproof flooring choices and help you choose the one that’s perfect for you. No matter the budget or situation, Texas Pride will treat your home project as if it was our own. That’s the Texas Pride promise.