Water seeping under vinyl flooring is any homeowner’s worst nightmare! If it hasn’t happened yet, maybe you’re worried about your dishwater leaking or a pipe bursting. Vinyl flooring is often called waterproof so water underneath shouldn’t be a problem, right? While vinyl can withstand water sitting on the surface, what happens underneath can keep homeowners up at night.
In short, water getting trapped under vinyl flooring can create serious problems if not properly addressed. Before you start panicking, let’s get into what actually happens, how to spot issues early and what you can do to protect your floors and home.
Understanding the Difference Between Waterproof and Water-Resistant
Let’s get one thing straight. Quality luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are waterproof, meaning the vinyl material itself won’t absorb water. That makes it a top flooring choice for kitchens, bathrooms and basements where spills and moisture are common.
In other words, “waterproof flooring” doesn’t mean “waterproof installation.” Water might still get under seams, edges or damaged areas. Unfortunately, once it’s trapped underneath, issues arise.
At Carpet To Go Flooring, we see homeowners deal with these problems all the time. However, with proper flooring installation and quick action, it’s easy to prevent problems from causing serious damage. Let’s get into what happens when water gets under your vinyl.
What Actually Happens Under There
Water getting trapped under vinyl flooring is no joke. When it gets stuck between your vinyl flooring and subfloor, a lot can happen. Watch out the following:
- Mold and Mildew Growth: Often the biggest concern, dark, damp spaces are the perfect breeding grounds for mold. Within 24-48 hours, mold spores can start growing on your subfloor, underlayment or sometimes, even the back of the vinyl itself. Besides the health risks, mold remediation is expensive and disruptive.
- Subfloor Damage: If you have a wood-based subfloor (i.e. plywood or OSB), trapped water can result in swelling, warping and eventual rot. Once your subfloor deteriorates, it compromises the structural integrity of your flooring and has to be replaced, which is a bigger project than addressing the vinyl itself.
- Adhesive Failure: If your vinyl was glued down, water can break down the adhesive bond. This results in sections of the flooring lifting, buckling or feeling spongy underfoot. After the adhesive fails, those sections may have to be re-installed.
- Odor Issues: Even if you don’t see visible damage, trapped moisture can create musty odors that permeate your home. These smells are a sign of mold or mildew growing underneath.
- Buckling and Warping: While vinyl doesn’t warp on its own, when the expanding subfloor underneath pushes up against it, that can create visible buckling or raised areas.
Worried about water damage or want to prevent future issues? Schedule a free consultation with our team. We will assess the condition of your subfloor and help you choose the best and durable flooring solutions for your home’s moisture challenges.
How Water Gets Underneath Your Floors in the First Place
Water getting under your floors can cause a plethora of issues. Here’s how it can happen:
- Seam Issues: Poorly installed or damaged seams let water seep through, especially in moisture-prone areas.
- Edge Gaps: Water enters through gaps where vinyl meets walls, cabinets or fixtures.
- Subfloor Moisture: In humid areas of the home, moisture can wick up from below even if water isn’t visible.
- Plumbing Leaks: When appliances pipes or fixtures leak slowly, problems might go unnoticed until the damage is more extensive.
- Installation Problems: Improper underlayment or moisture barriers can leave your subfloor vulnerable.
By understanding how water can get under your vinyl flooring, you can find ways to prevent it from happening.
Prevention is Your Best Defence
How do you keep your vinyl flooring in top shape? Don’t let water get under it in the first place. Here are our tips:
- Use moisture barriers during installation
- Opt for professional installation for properly sealing and edge protection
- Wipe up spills right away
- Fix plumbing issues early on
- Maintain proper humidity levels in your home.
While these steps might seem simple, they do more than you think. It’s the best way to prevent pricey repairs down the line.
When to Call Professionals
Musty odors, visible mold, sections of flooring that feel soft or spongy, buckling or lifting are signs of subfloor damage that mean you should call a professional. These problems can get worse and become more expensive to fix.
Professional assessment can determine whether you need simple or more extensive repairs. Catching these issues ahead of time lets you repair your flooring instead of replacing it.
Protect Your Investment
Vinyl flooring is perfect for moisture-prone areas with proper installation and maintenance. Understanding what happens when water gets underneath is important. At Carpet To Go Flooring, we want to help you by taking preventative actions. It will let you respond quickly if problems occur.
Ready to protect your vinyl flooring from water damage? Contact us to book a shop-at-home appointment or visit our:
Flooring Showroom in Charleston
