Since the click-and-lock laminate flooring was introduced in the 1990s, homeowners have been seeking for laminates that are suited for wet places, like the basements and bathrooms. Laminate floors have turned to be the favorite for DIY projects because of their easy installation, attractive look, and low cost. Waterproof laminate flooring is designed to keep moisture from getting absorbed into the material, making spots on it, or making it inflate and deform.
The most exceptional waterproof laminate flooring guarantees that there will be no absorption of water if it gets cleaned up within a reasonable period – usually within 24 hours based on the type of laminate.
Reliability of Waterproof Laminate Flooring
Waterproof laminate floors are excellent. They are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to moisture. Manufacturers are trying to develop true waterproof variants of laminates. Some companies have even enhanced the composition of the fiberboard core, presenting more resins into the fiberboard to make it less vulnerable to delamination and swelling.
The water-resistant top layer and very tight seals of laminate flooring will make your flooring suitable for cautious use in the entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms. Provided you are prudent bout mopping up immediately after any spill that occurs; your waterproof laminate floor will entirely suitable for any wet location in your house.
Even better, some waterproof laminates have thick surface layers and are designed to have close-fitting seams that suitably resist topical water damage. That means that they will not peak, delaminate, or swelling at the joints because of topical spills, provided that you wipe up the fluid and allow the floor to dry.
Furthermore, a laminate floor consists of many different layers joined together. Generally, they have 4 or 5 layers.
- The top layer – A transparent wear layer that protects the floor from liquids and scratches
- The decorative layer- A 3D photographic layer that produces the authentic nature of the product
- The middle core layer – It is the thickest and consists of high-density fiberboard
- The base layer – It is sealed with a melamine resin that increases moisture resistance and stability
- Some laminates have a fifth layer that helps in reducing inconsistencies in the subfloor.
So, it can be argued that waterproof laminating is reliable when you use quality laminates and install them correctly.
Is Waterproof Flooring Worth the Investment?
Waterproof laminate flooring is very cost-effective. Laminates are cheaper than hardwood. The labor and material are considerably less expensive, so this can assist those who are on a tight budget. While laminate flooring is more expensive than carpet, it will ultimately save you a lot of money.
The laminate usually costs 1.5 times the price of a carpet. But you will need to replace your carpet every five to seven years because of spills and staining. After replacing your carpet once, you will have spent more than you would have spent on waterproof laminate flooring. Laminate flooring usually lasts three to four times as a carpet. Also, you will not require annual carpet cleaning that can increase the cost.
In conclusion, laminate flooring is excellent for most areas, but as I mentioned above, you will need some caution when using it in moist or wet areas to increase the durability.
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