Austin Fire and Flood

Sheet vinyl and vinyl plank flooring are cost-effective options for many homeowners. However, homeowners may also wonder if their vinyl floors are water damage-proof or resistant. Naturally, they want to avoid calling a water damage restoration company.

The truth is that sheet vinyl and vinyl plank flooring are 100% waterproof. As a result, they comprise a great alternative to materials like wood. While vinyl flooring is good news for homeowners, it doesn't necessarily mean it can survive extreme flooding.

What Does Being Waterproof Mean?

While waterproof vinyl is a great flooring option for North Loop, TX, homes, vinyl isn't indestructible to flooding.

Manufacturers produce vinyl planks and sheets using a combination of plastics or synthetic materials that are 100% waterproof. These sheets and planks can be submerged in water for many years without damage. Additionally, they protect from other issues like humidity.

However, a waterproof vinyl floor simply means surface water can't cause any damage. This benefit makes vinyl sheets or planks perfect for protecting against spills and accidents caused by pets.

Many homeowners install vinyl in their kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas that see plenty of water action. Still, following a flood, homeowners will need to administer damage control.

What to Do with Vinyl Following a Flood

Even if flooding didn't damage a homeowner's vinyl flooring, they might have other water damage. Water will often sit under a homeowner's floor tiles after a flood.

A professional water damage restoration company can disassemble vinyl tiles to check for water damage. Then, their experienced team can dry a homeowner's subfloor if water is present by using industrial fans or heavy-duty dehumidifiers.

Since vinyl flooring is waterproof, homeowners can typically let their vinyl air dry. However, they will still need to have their subfloor tested before reinstalling vinyl sheets or planks.

Often, vinyl sheets or planks have an underlayment attached. Most of the time, the underlayment can also dry out.

One exception to this rule is a cork underlayment. Unfortunately, cork is an easy target for mold and mildew. Therefore, homeowners shouldn't reinstall them.

Are Vinyl Sheets and Planks Worth It?

While vinyl sheets and planks won't completely prevent water damage to a property, they can minimize risks. Homeowners will still want to take measures to clean up water following flooding. For example, they may need to remove tiles and dry their subfloors.

Water left unremoved can cause many issues to a home. So while a homeowner's vinyl tiles might be safe, other areas can face severe danger.

For example, it's not uncommon for lingering moisture to exist behind walls or under flooring. This lingering moisture can lead to mold growth and structural damage.

Let Austin Fire and Flood Deal with Water Damage Today

Vinyl sheets and planks are 100% waterproof, making them a cost-effective solution for North Loop, TX, homes. However, vinyl sheets and planks won't prevent water damage to other vital areas following a flood.

To prevent structural damage and mitigate mold growth, homeowners should call a water damage restoration company like Austin Fire and Flood. Their technicians provide cost-effective solutions with quick turnarounds and free inspections.

Call Austin Fire and Flood today at (512) 912-6814!