Vinyl/SPC

100% Waterproof: A Guide to Vinyl-SPC Flooring

This type of flooring cleverly blends the aesthetic benefits of wood with the practical benefits of stone to create a unique vinyl plank. SPC stands for stone plastic composite. This means that SPC vinyl plank flooring is engineered through a combination of limestone and stabilisers, contributing to a distinctly durable core. This type of flooring is ultra-durable and has a very realistic wood and stone look: Top-end vinyl floors mimic natural materials better than ever before. SPC vinyl is the cream of the crop, so the visuals are usually incredibly convincing and beautiful. SPC Hybrid flooring comes in thicknesses ranging from 3mm to 8mm+. The biggest factor to keep in mind is that the thickness does not determine durability – the wear layer does. With that said, the thickness is an important factor to consider. The thicker the plank the more “Solid” the floor will feel when you walk on it; especially if you don’t have an even subfloor. Remember… It has a resilient/flexible property to it and therefore if your subfloor is not even and the plank is too thin; then consequently you will feel the soft give in the floor when you walk on it. The durability of the Vinyl Plank Floor has to do with the wear layer. The wear layer of these floors range from 6 mil to as high as 40 mil. The higher the numerical value of the mil, the more durable and indestructible the vinyl floor. Today, most of the vinyl SPC plank flooring comes with a pad attached, which therefore you don’t have to purchase any additional padding. But if you plan to install the SPC floor over concrete on all grade levels. A 6-mil polyurethane moisture barrier must be used with concrete subfloors. Moisture vapor emissions should not exceed 5 lbs./24 hour per 1,000 sq. ft.

There are many advantages of having a Vinyl-SPC floor, but there is also Nothing perfect in this world, it is no surprise that SPC flooring also carries some downsides with it. The advantages of this type of flooring is that it is budget friendly, able to sustain high traffic, durable and long lasting, easy to clean and maintain, water resistant, stain resistant, and of course rather easy to install compared to other types of flooring; because there is no adhesive or nails required. The flooring has a click and lock mechanism and therefore is a floating floor system. The disadvantages of Vinyl-SPC flooring is that there is really no resale value added to your property and the biggest drawback is the VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) that are produced by the polyvinyl chloride within the SPC. Although most manufacturers have made great strides in reducing these toxins…. individuals who are sensitive to such pollutants should be weary and proceed with caution.

Do

  • Consider the area in which you intend to install your choice of flooring. Judge it for foot traffic and moisture levels in particular to be sure that your choice of flooring is appropriate.
  • Use a 6-mil Polyethylene Plastic to protect against moisture coming from the subfloor
  • Read any installation instructions you have very carefully
  • Hire a professional if you are unsure how to proceed
  • Ensure that your subfloor is level, clean and dry
  • When installing, leave a 10mm gap around the perimeter of your installation area as well as any fixed objects in the center. You will need to allow room for expansion as the laminate will respond to temperature changes over time.
  • Once the SPC vinyl flooring has been installed, be aware of any spills on your SPC Vinyl floor and clear them up as soon as they happen.
  • Use a dry mop or a vacuum cleaner to keep the SPC Vinyl flooring clear of dust and dirt
  • Use protective pads on the feet of all furniture to reduce the risk of scratching the SPC Vinyl flooring.


Don’t

  • Install SPC Vinyl flooring over carpet
  • Install SPC Vinyl flooring in areas subject to excessive moisture
  • Continue with your installation if your first row is not straight. The first row is the basis for the entire installation.
  • Use wax, polish, or abrasive cleansers on your laminate flooring. This can ruin the finish and the overall look of the SPC Vinyl floor.
  • Try to seal, lacquer, finish or sand your SPC Vinyl floor
  • Flood the floor when cleaning. It is important to minimize moisture levels on the SPC Vinyl floor. Even though SPC Vinyl floors are considered “Waterproof” If excessive moisture finds its way underneath the flooring, it can cause the boards to swell.