Factors That Affect the Life of Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring is very popular among homeowners, for reasons such as affordability, durability and wide range of design options. But just like any other type of flooring, vinyl can also deteriorate over time. The lifespan of vinyl is about ten to twenty years, more if there is not much foot traffic and other factors that may affect its durability. You should always perform proper maintenance if you want your flooring to last because even if it is durable, it can also deteriorate faster than it should if you neglect it. You should also take into account that professional flooring contractors would install it properly, versus someone doing it themselves. Here are some factors that may shorten the life of your vinyl flooring.

Heavy foot traffic

If there are a lot of people in your house, foot traffic can cause wear and tear to your floor, but it is a regular occurrence that you cannot avoid. If there is heavier than usual foot traffic such as when you host parties, make sure to put a doormat by the door to reduce the dirt and debris that comes into the house. You may even request your guests to wear indoor slippers if you are keen on protecting your flooring.

Pets and children contribute most to the damage of flooring, with pets’ nails scratching the surface of the floor and children’s toys scattered which can also create scratches. You can avoid this by not allowing pets into rooms with vinyl flooring or trimming their nails frequently and making sure that toys are put away in their proper places.

Water damage

If you don’t mop or clean spills up right away, chances are they will seep into the seams of the boards, and slowly damage them from underneath. The boards may separate from their subfloor, causing them to raise and look ugly.

Neglect

Any flooring needs to be cleaned and maintained all the time. Sweeping the floor of debris and dirt prevents scratches, wiping up spills prevents moisture from developing as well as water damage and cleaning stains will make the floor look good even after years of wear and tear. If you do not do these tasks, expect your floor to show signs of neglect. Moisture can damage the boards and may create molds and mildew that can be detrimental to your health. Make sure that you clean the floor every day, even if there are no visible signs of dirt.

Moisture

Moisture is the number one enemy of vinyl flooring, although newer models are moisture-resistant. If moisture accumulates underneath the boards, it can do irreparable damage to your flooring. Mop your floor with a dry mop even if there are no spills. Doing so can help keep moisture at bay. If you see the first signs of moisture buildup, do something about it right away.

Now that you know what affects the life of vinyl flooring, you can prevent all of these by doing due diligence and taking care of your flooring, just like how you take care of other parts of your house.