Monday 19 April 2021

Vinyl flooring: Everything you need to know

Vinyl flooring has been around a long time, it was invented in the 1930s and became hugely popular in homes during the 1950s.  Its come a long way since then thanks to technological advances and remains a solid, affordable choice for any house.  If you’re thinking about choosing vinyl flooring, there are a multitude of reasons to pick it.

What is vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring: Everything you need to know Vinyl flooring is constructed of layers of different synthetic materials, typically PVC vinyl, fibreglass and a plasticizer.  The multiple layers mean it is durable and has a bit of ‘give’ underfoot.  It is thicker these days than when it was first invented, up to 5mm, so often is completely waterproof.

This flooring is available in sheet, plank and tile formats; this refers to how the flooring is installed.  If you want a stone or wood effect, plank or tile is ideal.

Printed vinyl sheet and tiles have a clear wear layer on the top that acts like a barrier to stop stains and spills from being absorbed.  It is therefore very easy to clean and keeps its finish well.

Sheet vinyl is a really budget friendly option as it can be mass produced in large rolls.  It is also the best option if you are looking for completely a waterproof floor as there will be few, or no, seams.

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring has a stunning finish and is durable.  It has superior acoustics and excellent soundproofing qualities.  Easy to maintain, slip and spill resistant and extremely hard-wearing, it stands the test of time while maintaining a luxurious look.  A wide range of design options are available which give a realistic look of natural stone or wood in an affordable price range.  They are most suited to medium to low footfall areas.

Vinyl flooring comes with an AC (Abrasion Criteria) rating which indicates resistance to abrasion, impact, and stains.  Generally the rating is from AC1 to AC5; the higher the number, the more durable the flooring is.  For a busy family home, a rating of either AC3 or AC4 is suitable.

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What are the advantages of vinyl flooring?

It has remained the most popular type of resilient flooring material because it is low cost, low maintenance and water resistant or in many cases,Vinyl flooring: Everything you need to know waterproof.  As it is durable and has a slip-resistant finish, it is perfect for busy areas of the home, pet friendly and maintains its finish well over time.  Another advantage is good sound insulation, so it is also suitable for the areas where sounds can echo and travel, as it minimizes noise.

It is comfortable under foot as it has some give when you walk on, it combines firmness with a bit of spring.  This makes it much easier on the joints than hard surfaces when you are standing on it for a period of time.

Technology has made a whole range of stunning, high-quality finishes possible, from realistic wood to stone and marble.  This authentic textured surface means you can have a stone imitation floor but with a warmer material than stone.  As a cost effective alternative to expensive natural materials like wood, it is hard to beat.

It is easy to install as well, most manufacturers offer self-adhesive vinyl so you can just peel off the backing and press it onto the subfloor. When vinyl flooring is properly installed and maintained, it can last for a couple of decades or even longer.  As always, the more you invest initially, the longer you will feel the benefits.

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Which rooms is it best in?

Considering all the above advantages of vinyl, it is perfect for almost any room. Vinyl flooring: Everything you need to know Bathrooms, kitchens, playrooms, garages and laundry rooms all benefit from this multi-purpose, moisture resistant flooring.

The hard wearing properties of vinyl combined with its softness underfoot makes it ideal for children and there are so many designs now that are perfect for play areas.  This comfortable surface is also great for any areas where you are standing for long time, like the kitchen and laundry room.

It is one of the best flooring choices for any room where moisture is an issue, like the bathroom.  Sheet vinyl is a good choice for hygiene as there are no seams for bacteria to grow in. If you have asthma and/or allergy sufferers in your family, vinyl is a smart option as it will not harbour dust or particles like carpet can and is very easy to clean.

The enormous range of designs and patterns now available make this flooring easy to fit into any room.  If you are not a fan of carpet, you can get a beautiful imitation wood grain or stone effect finish for the bedroom.  It has a warmth that hard surface flooring does not and is much more cost effective.

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How easy is it to maintain?Vinyl flooring: Everything you need to know

Flooring doesn’t get much easier to clean than vinyl.  All you need to do is regularly sweep or vaccum away the dirt and dust. Mop around once a week, with warm water and a mild detergent.  There is no fear of warping with vinyl flooring.

Simply wipe away any spills when they occur with a damp cloth.  Stains are also easy to deal with, spot clean them as soon as possible with a nylon pad and a neutral detergent, working from the outside in.

To keep vinyl flooring looking good for even longer, place protective pads under the legs of heavy furniture and any rubber bottoms (as these may stain).  Avoid walking on it in any rubber soled footwear.

Unlike hard surface flooring such as wood, vinyl flooring does not need to be polished or waxed.

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Herts Carpets has a vinyl flooring range available in hundreds of colours and patterns to suit your budget.  Whatever look you want to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs.  Contact us here to book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

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