How Waterproof is Waterproof Flooring?
While the term “waterproof” implies total immunity to water, in the flooring industry, it refers to a material’s ability to resist damage for a specific window of time. Understanding these limits—and what happens during a flood—is key to protecting your home investment.
The Reality of Flooding and Seepage
Even with 100% waterproof materials like Vinyl, water can still pose a threat.
Surface vs. Subfloor: While the planks themselves won’t warp, water can seep through seams or down the walls, becoming trapped underneath.
The Benefit of Vinyl: Unlike hardwood, if a vinyl floor is flooded, you can often remove the planks, dry the subfloor to prevent mold, and then reinstall the same floor.
Time Limits: Most hardwoods can withstand standing water for up to 17 hours, while quality laminates and vinyls are generally rated for up to 72 hours.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant Options
Vinyl (LVP/LVT): The gold standard for moisture. Being synthetic plastic, it is inherently waterproof and ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Laminate: Modern “water-resistant” laminates have moisture-resistant cores and tight locking systems. They handle spills well but can still fail if water sits for several days.
Solid & Engineered Hardwood: Not inherently waterproof, but factory coatings like Aluminum Oxide provide a shield against occasional splashes. Engineered wood is more dimensionally stable, reducing the risk of warping from humidity.
- Waterproof Hardwood (Woodura by Välinge): A game-changer in the industry. Woodura Välinge technology offers 100% waterproof performance combined with extreme scratch resistance. It provides the authentic feel of real wood with the durability of high-end resilient flooring.
Maintaining Your Investment
No floor is “forever” if left underwater. Promptly wiping up spills is the best way to ensure longevity. In the event of a major leak, even waterproof floors should be inspected to ensure the subfloor is dry, preventing long-term structural damage or mildew.
Factory Direct Savings on All Flooring
At Redeemed Flooring, we offer the best of both worlds: the natural beauty of hardwood and the extreme resilience of luxury vinyl. As a Factory Direct Store, we import our own materials to save you money. Our expert installers have 15+ years of experience helping Bay Area homeowners choose the right floor for their specific moisture needs.
Need help choosing between Vinyl and Hardwood? Email us at hello@redeemedflooring.com.