Every big box store is guilty of it! What? On signs, packaging and sales tags, you’ll see the label, WATERPROOF FLOORING. Buy these floors and you won’t have to worry about water damage. Drink spills, fridge leaks and other accidents shouldn’t be a problem, right?
The truth is no flooring is 100% waterproof. If someone tells you otherwise, they’re likely uneducated or trying to push a sale.
At King Flooring in Memphis, transparency and honesty come first. The truth is more important than agreeing with everything off a marketing sign. Today, we’re going to dive into what “waterproof” really means, how terminology makes a difference and how to keep your floors safe from water damage.
Water is the Devil (Seriously)
Water is your home’s worst enemy. It will stop at nothing to ruin your flooring. It finds every crack, every hole and every tiny gap you didn’t know existed. If water sits long enough, it will get under the planks, into the subfloor and between the seams.
That’s why you can’t call any floor completely waterproof. In other words, if you see water, wipe it up because your floors won’t be able to deal with it forever. Water is persistent so if it’s given enough time, it will find a way through, under or around any barrier.
So what really happens with “waterproof” flooring?
It’s easy to think you can throw a bucket of water on your flooring and it will be fine when the Home Depot label says so. They’re the experts, right? While the water might be fine sitting for a day or two, it will eventually make its way into seams and edges until it reaches the subfloor. Then, you end up with buckling, warping or mold growth that you were hoping to avoid.
Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof
If we’re being honest here, the term we should be using is water-resistant, not waterproof. Quality water-resistant flooring gets the job done as long as you know its limits.
If we’re being realistic here, if you spill water and clean it up within a few hours, your floors will survive. The flooring should be able to handle the exposure and won’t warp or buckle when you spill a glass of water or your dog runs around with wet paws. It’s one of the main reasons you should choose water-resistant flooring materials like luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or modern laminate.
Despite this, you can’t just ignore the water. When your refrigerator slowly starts to leak and you don’t notice it, there’s going to be damage no matter what the packaging says. For example, that standing water in the bathroom overnight doesn’t just disappear, it has to go somewhere.
Water-resistant flooring gives you more time and forgiveness when it comes to everyday accidents and spills. However, you can’t just ignore the moisture altogether.
At King Flooring, we tell you about the reality of “waterproof” flooring so you aren’t disappointed later. We help you choose flooring that fits your life by being honest about what it can handle. Schedule a free in-home consultation to learn how water-resistant flooring can benefit you.
How to Protect Your Floors from Water
Water-resistant flooring has its limits. Check out our tips to help you protect your investment:
- Clean Up Spills Right Away: There’s no need to panic over every drop as long as you don’t leave water sitting for hours or days.
- Check for Leaks Regularly: Look under the fridge, around the dishwasher and beneath the bathroom sink as slow leaks can cause plenty of damage if left unnoticed.
- Use Mats in High-Moisture Areas: Entry points, kitchen sinks and bathroom vanities can use absorbent mats to catch water before it reaches your floors.
- Maintain Proper Humidity Levels: Excessive humidity can affect flooring over time, even without visible water.
Set Honest Expectations
No flooring option is 100% waterproof, but quality water-resistant flooring is still built for everyday life. Between spills and pets running about, many modern flooring options are equipped to deal with water, but not forever. At King Flooring, we’re honest and help you learn not to take marketing terms at face value.
Ready to shop for water-resistant flooring for your Memphis home? Contact us to book a shop-at-home consultation today!
