Advantages And Disadvantages Of Installing Vinyl Flooring

Over the years, many people have been turning to vinyl floors as the alternative to wood floors because of its affordability and ease of installation among other advantages. It is more common in offices and institutions but some homeowners also use this material due to its impressive properties. However, there have been many concerns about polyvinyl chloride’s impact on health and the environment that makes people hesitant to install it. Its durability is also subject to care. Before you head on to decide for flooring in Denver it is important to consider the pros and cons and see if the pros are worth investing in and dealing with the cons.

Pros Of Vinyl Flooring
Here are the main reasons you might want to install vinyl floors:

• Affordable: Vinyl is the most affordable flooring option in the market. Depending on the type of vinyl floor you buy, it can cost anywhere between USD 0.5 to 5 per square foot, with sheet vinyl being the cheapest and commercial luxury being the costliest.
• Low Maintenance: Vinyl surfaces are easier to clean than other surfaces like wood. You simply need to sweep the dirt and grit away to keep it spotless. You can use a mop and the proper cleaning agent depending on the type of stain to do the task.
• High Water Resistance: PVC surfaces don’t let water pass through them easily, this makes the material good for rooms like bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens where water tends to splash around.
• Comfortable Surface: Unlike stone or ceramic tiles, vinyl is soft and does not get cold which makes it comfortable to walk on. It’s also softer than wood so more comfortable. Some vinyl sheets and tiles have a padded layer underneath that makes the floor more comfortable to walk on.
• Durable: A flooring installed and maintained properly can last up to twenty years, which makes it ideal for commercial spaces and institutions with heavy foot traffic. This saves a lot of money on flooring. The material’s durability depends on its structure. Solid and composite vinyl tiles are resistant to scratches, printed vinyl is only as durable as the wear surface and fiberglass-reinforced vinyl is flexible and durable.

Cons Of Vinyl Flooring
Here are the main reasons you might not want to install vinyl floors:

• Susceptible To Damage: While vinyl is tough, it is vulnerable to damage due to sharp objects hitting the surface. Heavy furniture can dent the surface when placed and tear it if dragged along the surface. Exposure to sunlight can cause the floor’s color to fade and the heat can damage it over time.
• Difficult To Repair: It may be tough but it’s not easy to repair. If the floor gets damaged, it needs to be replaced. This is easier with vinyl tiles and planks where damaged pieces can be removed and replaced. WIth sheets, you either need to cut out the damaged part and replace it or replace it completely. In the former case, the floor may be mismatched while the latter would cost more.
• Ecological Waste: Vinyl does not degrade easily, it takes a lot of time. It’s usually not recyclable so it ends up in the landfill and causes land pollution. They use non-renewable resources like petroleum and natural gas during the manufacturing process.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Vinyl floors are made from toxic chemicals that release gases after installation that causes nausea, eye irritation or respiratory problems. Most of the gas is released soon after the installation but some may remain.
• Rubber Stains: Vinyl is resistant to most stains but reacts with the rubber when they rub together. This often happens with shoes and rugs that have a rubber layer underneath. When they rub, a chemical reaction causes the floor to discolor and stain.

These are the main benefits and drawbacks that you must consider before installing vinyl flooring in Denver. If you feel that the pros outweigh the cons in your case then consider vinyl floors else look for other options.