It has been quite some time since vinyl flooring has become a popular option for homes, offices, and commercial spaces. There are good reasons for its popularity, in fact, there are a few, like its low price, design versatility, and durability. The one thing that makes it so appealing is its better lifespan, it can last 10+ years, giving you a good return on your floor décor investment. So, how long does vinyl flooring last, and what are the top factors to consider for this? These questions and the popular vinyl floor types will be explained here in detail by omnifloor.ae.
7 Factors That Add Better Vinyl Flooring Lifespan
We have done extensive research on the making of these vinyl floors. With all the discussion and looking into the manufacturing processes, we have come up with how long does vinyl flooring last and what are the top factors to consider. These are the 7 main contributors to it.
1. Wear Layer Thickness
The first is the wear layer of this flooring in Dubai, which is its topmost protective coating. The thickness of this layer will determine how well the floors can resist scratches, impacts, dents, and daily foot traffic. There are 3 thickness ranges for it that you can consider when buying it.
- 2 to 4 millimeters of thickness is the suitable range for residential use and will last for 10+ years.
- 6 to 12 millimeters thickness is perfect for moderate foot traffic and can last for 15+ years.
- 20+ millimeter thickness is the most amount – perfect for heavy-duty industrial use and lasts for 20+ years.
2. Proper Installation Is The Key
Even the best floor materials can wear out rather fast if they are not fitted perfectly and correctly. There are many things you need to consider when looking for vinyl flooring in Dubai and its installation.
- You need to have a leveled subfloor that is smooth and clean to limit warping or premature damage.
- For the glue-down or the peel-and-stick vinyl flooring, check the adhesive – it must be of high quality so it won’t get removed easily.
- The best way to have a sturdy and lasting installation is to get a professional flooring installation company’s help.
3. Foot Traffic & Usage Impact
The foot traffic that the floors receive on a daily basis determines how quickly the vinyl solution will wear down. For low-traffic areas like bedrooms or home offices, they get low wear & tear to last for 20+ years easily. Then there are your medium traffic areas, such as dining & living rooms, which last for nearly 25+ years. The last is the high foot traffic usage of the floors in kitchens, halls, entrances, and industrial areas. They get the most stress and given the right care, they can last for 15+ years.
4. Maintenance & Cleaning Practices
The one thing that you need to factor in considerably is the maintenance and cleaning of these vinyl floors. This is the only way they can last you for more than a decade and a half. Some of the best practices for maintenance & cleaning include:
- Sweeping and vacuuming the floors daily while looking for signs of scratches.
- You should mop the floors once a week with a soapy solution.
- Do not use any harsh cleaning chemicals or they can destroy the wear layer.
- While vinyl is water resistant, you should still clean up any spill ASAP.
- Check for the seams and look into the signs of damaged adhesives.
Heavy furniture movement can cause dents, scratches, and even bad tears – refrain from them and use furniture pads.
5. Sunlight Exposure & Temperature Changes
Vinyl floors have a tendency to warp, expand, contract, and fade under sunlight exposure and temperature fluctuations. This is why you should always factor in this external element exposure when laying them down in your living space. To protect them, we recommend using curtains or blinds to prevent color fading. There are also some luxury vinyl options that have an additional coating of UV-protective materials. To keep the humidity levels in check, use a good quality dehumidifier.
6. Water Resistance & Moisture Control
Vinyl floors have a great level of water resistance, which makes them a perfect flooring choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements of a home. Still, if there is no proper moisture barrier, its lifespan will be shortened. When you use a dehumidifier, it will prevent any mold or moisture growth underneath the sheets, tiles, or planks. If the climate is humid, we recommend getting vinyl flooring with a high rating for waterproofing.
7. Manufacturer’s Warranty Is The Clear Lifespan Indicator
When you buy your vinyl floors from a reputable flooring store, shop, or company, they will provide a warranty for the lifespan. Typically, three types of warranties are offered for vinyl flooring products.
- A 10-year warranty for a budget-friendly option of thin vinyl sheets.
- The 15 to 20 years warranty for mid-range luxurious vinyl planks and tiles.
- A lifetime warranty (typically 25+ years) for a premium vinyl floor solution.
Popular Vinyl Flooring Types
The lifespan of vinyl floors directly relates to the type of it you choose. There are generally 3 available types of them, which are as follows.
(i). Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
LVT & LVP have an added design layer that allows you to have the look of any natural material like wood, stone, ceramic, or tile.
(ii). Sheet Vinyl
These are large rolls of vinyl and are a budget-friendly solution with an adequate level of wear & tear resistance.
(iii). Vinyl Composite Tile (VCT)
This is mostly used for heavy-duty commercial use in hotels, restaurants, and even industrial areas.
Our Final Say
By now, your question of how long does vinyl flooring last and the top factors to consider for it must be answered in a satisfactory manner. The choice of the vinyl floors needs to be based on your budget range as well as your living space. The design layer allows you to have them in a variety of material shapes with stunning designs, colors, and patterns.
