Does Water Damage Affect All Floor Types?

12/7/2018 (Permalink)

The amount of water damage that occurs on tile depends on whether the tile is vinyl, ceramic, or porcelain.

The multitude of flooring options in any interior design or hardware store can be overwhelming for a homeowner. Questions of the safety, scratch, resistance, feel, and color all come to mind when choosing. But does water resistance or the effects of water damage on each floor type ever play a role in a decision?

Different Kinds of Flooring

Lets examine the different types of flooring first. Flooring can fall under two categories, organic and inorganic. Organic flooring are made of natural materials like wood or bamboo. Inorganic flooring is made with synthetic materials. While the two categories exist, it can be difficult to deem one type of flooring fully organic or inorganic.  Different types of flooring:

• Hardwood
• Laminate
• Vinyl Tile
• Luxury Vinyl
• Porcelain Tile
• Ceramic Tile
• Carpet
• Concrete and many others

Flooring and Water Resistance

Looking at the list above it is evident that the options are endless and choosing can be difficult. Now as a West Palm Beach homeowner, there are a few more things to consider aside from color or make. And while carpet is usually not the best for those hot summer days, the two biggest factors to consider should be: durability and water resistant.

Vinyl is without a doubt one of the most durable flooring types, aside from concrete, when it comes to stains, dents, wear, and clean up. But does vinyl pass the water resistance test? It does! Luxury Vinyl, Porcelain tile, Ceramic tile, Sheet Vinyl and Vinyl tile incur the least amount of water damage in comparison to other types. These materials are suitable in bathrooms, kitchens, or mudrooms, where most other types are not. 

Are All Floors Safe From Water Damage?

All floors, even tile, are subject to water damage. The problem with a leak or flood damage occurring over tiles or vinyl is not the material itself. In fact it is the grout or seams, that may be exposed to water, allowing it to penetrate into the subfloor. Even if your grout is intact, standing water from a flood to your home can damage the grout and loosen the adhesive, also allowing water damage to occur to your floors. Homeowners should take heed to cleaning up the water and get the drying process going quickly as most often the subfloor under tile is plywood. 

Plywood is thin wood that is also susceptible to water damage and rotting. Mold and mildew can incubate on wet wood causing more to be concerned about than a few loose tiles. Other issues to address would be a homeowners water damaged drywall. Drywall is much more permeable than tile or vinyl, and incurs damage at a much quicker rate. 

Before you choose the hardwood floor or carpet that matches the curtain, think about your Palm Beach Countyhome during storm season and potentially every day as emergency disasters can happen at any time. Leaking or flooding on material that is not equipped to withstand water damage can end up impacting your floors and wallet. 

If you experience flood or water damage to your home, call the professionals at SERVPRO, 561-795-5410.