Visit any big-box home improvement store and you’ll see signs for “waterproof” luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are everywhere. Yes, it’s a selling point. That said, it’s easy to misunderstand. Virginia Beach homeowners live on the coast so they need waterproof flooring, but most of the time, stores don’t give them the full story.
At Artistic Flooring, we’re honest. It’s time to pull back the curtain and explain what “waterproof” does and doesn’t mean when it comes to LVP. Why? Many homeowners usually find out when it’s too late. We don’t want that to be you.
What Does “Waterproof” Actually Mean in LVP Flooring?
When a manufacturer calls an LVP product waterproof, they aren’t lying. The core is made from PVC or a composite material that doesn’t absorb water. It won’t swell, warp or deteriorate when wet. The plank itself is waterproof.
That’s a genuine advantage over hardwood and laminate flooring, which are sensitive to moisture. LVP can handle:
- Splashes
- Spills
- Everyday household moisture
As we said, this claim applies to the plank. However, it doesn’t apply to the floor system.
Where Does the “Waterproof Flooring” Claim Run Out?
What doesn’t the display tag tell you? LVP is installed as a system of individual planks with seams.
No floor is 100% waterproof. When water sits on the surface long enough or water gets introduced in volume such as significant spill unattended, a pet accident soaking in for hours, a slow leak from a dishwasher or washing machine, it can get through the seams and reach the subfloor. The planks themselves won’t absorb damage, but the subfloor will.
LVP uses a floating floor installation system. In other words, planks are not bonded to the subfloor. When water gets through the seams, it sits between the plank and subfloor surface so it doesn’t evaporate easily. As time passes, this results in:
- Subfloor Damage: Wood subfloor exposed to sustained moisture will swell, rot and lose structural integrity.
- Mold and Mildew: When moisture gets trapped under a floating floor, it creates a breeding ground for mold. By the time it’s visible or detectable, damage is significant.
- Floor Failure: When a subfloor is compromised, LVP can shift, buckle or develop soft spots that no longer feel stable underfoot.
That’s not a defect. The vinyl flooring performed as advertised, but the floor system failed. That distinction isn’t in the warranty claim.
What Difference Does a Glue-Down Vinyl Installation Make?
The luxury vinyl installation method affects the moisture risk. For example, securing the planks to the subfloor using an appropriate adhesive reduces the chance of water getting through seams and pooling beneath the floor. The adhesive bond closes off the gap that floating installations leave open.
In moisture-prone areas, glue-down installation is the right call. Consider it in:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Mudrooms
- Any room that experiences humidity fluctuations
Yes, it increases labor costs and requires a properly prepared, flat subfloor. That said, it addresses the seam vulnerability that floating installations don’t. Understanding this trade-off is worth it.
What Does This Mean for Virginia Beach Homeowners?
Living on the coast, we have ambient humidity. LVP doesn’t account for it. In Virginia Beach homes, we deal with seasonal and daily humidity swings that bring moisture into the home at the air level on top of spills and leaks. In a floating LVP installation over a wood subfloor, sustained high humidity can get between the seams like standing water.
That’s not to say you should avoid LVP altogether. It’s why you should think about installation methods, product quality and subfloor preparation before choosing a product based on a marketing claim alone.
A product with a WPC or SPC core is designed with dimensional stability under moisture exposure. It will perform better on the coast than a basic PVC core LVP. Product quality matters more than it does in a drier climate.
What Questions Should You Ask Before You Buy Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Considering LVP for your Virginia Beach home, but wondering about the waterproof claim? Here are the questions you should ask before you buy:
What is the Core Construction?
WPC and SPC cores work better in moisture-prone and high humidity environments than basic PVC cores. Always know what you’re buying.
What Installation Method is Recommended for This Space?
Floating installations are fast and affordable. In contrast, glue-down costs more, but lowers the risk of water getting between the seams in moisture-prone and humid environments.
What Does the Warranty Actually Cover?
Generally, LVP warranties exclude damage caused by water that travels through seams to the subfloor. Read the fine print before assuming the waterproof claim covers the entire floor system.
Is the Subfloor Properly Prepared?
A flat, structurally sound subfloor is the foundation of any LVP installation. A waterproof core doesn’t make the difference. Without proper subfloor preparation, LVP installations tend to fail before their time.
Trying to choose a LVP product or installation method for your space? Schedule an in-home consultation with us today.
Does LVP Live Up to Its Claims?
LVP flooring in Virginia Beach is durable, low-maintenance and resists surface moisture that would damage hardwood or laminate. Just know that “waterproof plank” and “waterproof floor” aren’t the same on the coast. At Artistic Flooring, we don’t mislead with marketing headlines. We give you honest answers and advice.
Debating about new floors? Contact us to schedule a free in-home consultation!
