Vinyl is one of the most installed floorings in homes, institutions, and commercial areas. The color, texture, flexibility and hardness and resistance to stain and water has made it so popular. Vinyl is a top choice when it comes to waterproof.
Imitation nature of Vinyl to natural stone, wood and ceramics tiles is unmatched, which is an added advantage. But, what is vinyl made up of? Vinyl is made of polyvinyl chloride combined with other compounds to achieve its characteristics. The compounds include; Plasticizers, stabilizers, pigments, and fillers. Vinyl manufacturers at times may add antimicrobial additives to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
What is Vinyl made of?
You must be charmed by a rich warm polished floor as I do. But have you wondered what are ingredients of that flooring materials? The vinyl sheet is produced through the suspension of vinyl in a liquid. This manufacturing process makes a thin sheet that can be rolled up.
It then goes through heat and air to harden it too tough durable vinyl sheets. The process produces homogenous vinyl that can be further decorated from top to bottom. The finished product is then cut into 6”(1.83m), 9”(3.66m) or 12” (30.48 cm) squares and or 12”by 24” rectangle of solid vinyl tile.
Types of Vinyl
Vinyl is made as sheet vinyl which exists as a large sheet. The luxury ones come as tiles or planks to mimic natural flooring. Luxury vinyl is more durable than sheet vinyl. It is even dent-resistant making it the best choice for your flooring.
Sheet vinyl its made of PVC and thus its also waterproof for your kitchen, laundry, bathroom, and basement flooring needs. All Vinyl types (sheet vinyl, vinyl tile, and Luxury vinyl) flooring are made with 100 percent polymers.
Benefits of Vinyl Flooring
1. During installation, the sheet, tile or plank vinyls are applied on a smooth leveled subfloor. This will ensure your floor can last for decades without the need for repairs. Vinyl adhesives and tile mastic are needed respectively for the pliable floor.
2. Vinyl floor is preferred due to its low cost, durability, resilience, and ease of maintenance.
3. When well-installed damaged floor or planks can be easily be removed and replaced.
4. Tiles are available in wood, concrete, terrazzo, and stone mimic with varying patterns. At times the word “Luxury”, may be used to mean products that mimic ceramic, stone and wood.
5. Luxury vinyl tile(LVT) is usually used for products with added protection layer against wear and tear. The added layer usually made of UV cured urethane makes it stain, scuff and scratch-resistant.
6. Vinyl flooring comfortable underfoot, reduces noise and a good heat insulator.
Environmental Concerns
Incase of fire, vinyl decomposes to release toxic gases (Hydrogen chloride) that can kill fire victims and even firefighters.
Vinyl is also extremely hard to extinguish due to its impermeability property. However the producers have become more innovative, and some vinyl now meets LEEDS credit of EQ4.3 for Low emitting materials. Although it’s by no means a green material or eco-friendly.
Vinyl doesn’t decompose in landfills and recycling isn’t a choice, its the only option. Vinyl ain’t environmentally friendly in any way like natural wood, bamboo or linoleum floorings.
Can Vinyl Flooring add value to my house or home?
The home value and resale value is dependent on many factors. The factors include: curb value, remodels, neighborhood and estate market in totality. So yes, flooring is a major consideration for a prospective homeowner and can have an effect on its value.
