The Truth Behind "Waterproof" Flooring: What Manufacturers Don't ...

Welcome to a conversation that’s long overdue in the flooring world. “Waterproof flooring” has become a buzzword in our industry, often used more for its marketing appeal than its technical accuracy. It’s time to peel back the layers of this claim and understand what it truly means for you as you guide your customers and homeowners to select the best floor for their homes.

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At RW Supply+Design, we are committed to honesty and transparency. We know that home isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling, a space where life happens – including accidental spills and unexpected leaks. That’s why we’re committed to guiding you through the maze of “waterproof” claims so you can provide clarity to your clients. While some flooring options offer excellent resistance to splashes and spills, the reality of water intrusion, be it from below or catastrophic events like appliance leaks and flooding, tells a different story.

Let’s unpack the truth about what ‘waterproof’ means to find a specific product and a solution that truly fits your client’s life and needs.

Understanding “Waterproof” Claims

In this section, we will:

• Explain what manufacturers mean by “waterproof.”
• Differentiate between water-resistant and waterproof flooring.
• Discuss common materials marketed as waterproof (e.g., vinyl, laminate).

In the mid-s, flooring manufacturers realized that a pain point for many homeowners with traditional floor coverings like solid wood floors and carpet was the expensive damage an appliance leak or flood could cause. Water left on a wood floor’s surface for a long time can cause it to swell or buckle, and everyone knows that a wet carpet will lead to mold and mildew. With the invention of click-lock luxury vinyl plank floors, brands started advertising them as “waterproof” flooring that would look better than carpet and perform better than a traditional wood floor while costing far less.

This promise sounds excellent, but it’s essential to understand what brands and their warranties mean by the term “waterproof.” Many things could be considered waterproof in and of themselves, such as plastic, steel, stone, etc. Many brands promise that the material they use to manufacture their WPC (Wood Plastic Composite), SPC (Stone Plastic Composite), or Laminate plank floors won’t be affected by water. In other words, water won’t “get inside” the material due to its natural properties or special coatings applied to the outer surface.

Practically speaking, these floors are designed to be water-resistant. Suppose your dog splashes water around their water bowl while drinking, or a few ice cubes escape from the freezer and melt on your floor. In that case, you don’t have to be hyper-vigilant to dry them immediately. The flooring won’t be affected if these everyday spills and splashes go unnoticed.

In contrast, a traditional hardwood floor would require you not to let water sit on the floor for more than a few minutes without wiping and drying it up. Having consistent spills go unnoticed on a hardwood floor will likely lead to water stains or some swelling of the planks in that area.

So, in this sense, the manufacturer’s “waterproof” claims would more accurately be described as water-resistant to everyday spills that one might see in a kitchen or bathroom. But thinking of any floor as 100% waterproof – a favorite term of marketers – is not realistic when you understand how a water event can damage a floor.

The Reality of Water Damage

In this section, we will:

• Describe how water damage occurs, including from above (spills, leaks) and below (subfloor moisture).
• Explain the consequences of ignoring subfloor moisture and mold.

Water can affect a floor in three ways: spills or leaks on top of the floor, moisture coming from underneath the floor, or excessive water vapor (humidity) in the air around the floor.

Examples of the ways water can affect a floor are as follows:

1. A kitchen appliance or sink fixture starts to leak and causes water to drip or flood the top surface of the floor. If the issue is noticed right away, the leak can be stopped, and water can be dried up quickly from the floor. However, if water starts to cover the entire floor, it will likely begin to seep underneath the floorboards or planks either by reaching the space between the wall and the flooring or by soaking through the joints between each plank.
2. If a floor is installed on or below grade, water can come up from the ground through the home’s foundation by hydrostatic pressure. You may never see water on top of the floor, but it could be very wet underneath your floor.
3. Excessive humidity in the air around your floor can cause condensation on top of or below your floor.

In all of these scenarios, it is not necessarily a problem that water touches the surface of a so-called “waterproof” floor. The materials are often designed not to react or change dimension when exposed to moisture.

However, the reality is that if water gets underneath your flooring planks, it will have a tough time drying out. Moisture trapped between your floor and subfloor will inevitably lead to mold and mildew growth. The risk of mold and mildew is often ignored or forgotten when flooring is thought to be “waterproof.”

While water itself is usually not harmful to floors marketed as “waterproof,” the mold and mildew caused by bacteria in the water trapped underneath the flooring are what will end up being the biggest problem.

Mold and mildew can quickly grow unseen and end up causing damage not just to the flooring but to subfloors, walls, and cabinets. The only way to prevent mold and mildew is to tear out a flooded floor and ensure the subfloor is completely dry before installing new flooring.

While waterproof flooring planks could be dried out and reused, the reality is that the process of removing them damages the locking mechanism and prevents them from ever being installed correctly again.

Limitations of Warranties

In this section, we will:

• Dive into the fine print of warranties for waterproof flooring.
• Highlight common exclusions, like damage from flooding or long-term moisture exposure.
• Discuss the practicality of replacing flooring due to subfloor damage.

When you read the fine print, the discrepancy between what manufacturers market as “waterproof” and what they stand behind in their warranties is apparent.

While it’s true that flooring technology has advanced rapidly in the past decade, and products are made better today than ever before, there are many real-life water events that even the most highly marketed “waterproof” floors just are not designed to protect against.

Proper Floor Selection for Wet Environments

In this section, we will:

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• Provide guidance on selecting flooring for areas prone to moisture.
• Recommend flooring types better suited for these environments.
• Discuss the importance of proper installation and moisture barriers.

It won’t matter how well a floor handles water for most areas of the home, like living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. These areas are unlikely to get wet, and if they do, it is likely due to a catastrophic water event, which will mean replacing the entire floor.

For areas more prone to getting wet, like kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, and basements, it is worth looking into more water-resistant options like Rigid Core LVP, Watersafe Laminate, or Watersafe Wood Composite flooring.

When considering these flooring options for areas that may get wet, look past the marketing claims and ask questions about how the floor is made to be watersafe or “waterproof.” You should be looking for the following three things:

1. The flooring core should be watersafe or coated in water-resistant material.
2. The product should be made with locking, water-tight seals that prevent water from soaking through the joints in the floorboards.
3. The product should be tested and pass the 100-Hour Water Test and/or the NALFA Water Resistant Test.

Remember the importance of following the manufacturer’s installation instructions for these products. There are essential requirements for these floors to function as “watersafe,” including laying down an appropriate moisture barrier and considering water-tight moldings around the floor’s perimeter.

Find Your Perfect Floor

The marketing term “waterproof flooring” has been adopted by many brands, promising a hassle-free solution to spills and accidents inevitable in any home. However, as we’ve uncovered, “waterproof” is often a misnomer, more a marketing strategy than a definitive feature. Most flooring marketed as waterproof should be water-resistant, offering protection against everyday spills and splashes but not against more substantial floods or major appliance leaks.

Understanding the limitations and realities of water damage is crucial. Water can affect floors from above or below. While the surface materials may not warp or swell, the trapped moisture underneath can lead to mold and mildew, posing significant health risks and structural damage. It’s vital to recognize that no floor is impervious to water and that the term “waterproof” comes with conditions and limitations, often detailed in the fine print of warranties.

There are many flooring options available in the market. We hope this guide helps you sort out the marketing claims from the real-world performance you can expect from a “waterproof” floor. In the comments below, we invite you to share your experiences and thoughts on selecting a floor or dealing with water damage.

We offer a great collection of watersafe LVP, laminate, and wood composite floors that you can browse here. Please share this resource with anyone you know who is shopping for a new floor.

FAQ: Understanding “Waterproof” Flooring

– What does “waterproof” really mean when it comes to flooring?

• “Waterproof” in flooring often means the material is resistant to surface moisture and can handle everyday spills and splashes. However, it doesn’t imply invulnerability to all types of water exposure, especially prolonged or underneath the flooring.

– Is there a difference between water-resistant and waterproof flooring?

• Yes. Water-resistant flooring can handle limited exposure to moisture, while waterproof flooring suggests a higher level of protection. However, in practice, most “waterproof” floors are more accurately described as water-resistant.

– Can “waterproof” floors be damaged by water?

• Yes, especially if water seeps underneath the flooring or in the case of flooding or prolonged exposure. While the surface might resist water, trapped moisture can lead to mold, mildew, or structural damage.

– What are some common materials marketed as waterproof?

• Vinyl, laminate, and certain engineered woods are often marketed as waterproof. These typically include WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) and SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) constructions.

– What should I look for in truly water-resistant flooring?

• Look for flooring with a core material that resists water, tight seals between planks, and positive performance in water resistance tests. Also, consider the specific conditions and potential moisture exposure in your space.

– How do I properly install water-resistant or waterproof flooring?

• Follow manufacturer’s guidelines, which usually include using a moisture barrier and ensuring a tight fit between planks. Proper installation is crucial to maximize any floor’s resistance to water.

– What are the limitations of warranties on waterproof flooring?

• Warranties often exclude damage from flooding, long-term moisture exposure, or improper installation. It’s important to read the fine print to understand what’s covered and what’s not.

– How can I prevent water damage on my floors?

• Regularly inspect for leaks, wipe up spills promptly, control humidity levels in your home, and follow proper cleaning and maintenance guidelines specific to your flooring type.

– Are waterproof floors worth the investment?

• It depends on your specific needs and the area of installation. In spaces prone to moisture, like bathrooms or basements, they can be a valuable investment. Always balance the cost with the expected performance and lifespan of the flooring.

– What should I do if my “waterproof” floor is damaged by water?

If water damage occurs, stop the source of moisture, dry the affected area, and consult a professional. Depending on the extent of the damage, parts of the flooring may need to be replaced. Always refer to your warranty and manufacturer’s instructions for guidance.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Wholesale Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.