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For its multiple advantages, wood-look vinyl flooring has become very popular specially in Saint Lucie, Florida. However, if you are a Saint Lucie resident and you’re planning to install a wood-look vinyl flooring, you better keep reading.
There are various aspects to consider, especially given the weather conditions in Saint Lucie. We’ll expose some of the most important things you should keep in mind before starting the installation process.
Weather
This is the most important consideration of all. Like most of the Florida area, Saint Lucie has a warm, humid subtropical climate that, as you should have already figured out, can affect different types of materials…and wood-look vinyl is not the exception. It is true that any type of vinyl is more resistant to moisture than wood but, still, is an aspect to take into account.
Humidity
The Saint Lucie area can have really high humidity levels, especially during the summer. Although more moisture resistant than natural wood, as it was said before, wood-look vinyl can suffer if exposed to too much humidity or moisture. If humidity levels are too high, there can be infiltrations through the seams and, when it happens, the humidity can reach the floor under the planks, causing mold growth and even serious damage.
For these reasons, it is crucial to use a waterproof coat for your wood-look vinyl flooring and, if needed, use an extra moisture barrier system.
Temperature fluctuations
Florida has warm weather during most of the year, without experiencing significant temperature changes…during the day. Between day and night there can be temperature fluctuations that can affect the vinyl, making it contract and expand. To prevent this problem, it is important to make sure there is an adequate space between the floor planks and the walls to leave enough room so it wouldn’t be any flooring damage and, of course, asking for assistance from a local professional familiar with the weather conditions of the area that can perform an installation or repairing job in accordance to these situations.
Subfloor
It is also crucial to evaluate the subfloor of your home since it is the surface where wood-look vinyl flooring will be installed. When uneven, damaged or cracked it must be fixed immediately, otherwise, over time that can cause gaps and deformations. The most important aspects to consider during a subfloor inspection are:
Level and clean
It is essential to have a level surface to properly install the wood-look vinyl flooring and it is not advisable to ignore minor fails or imperfections: anything can cause major aesthetic or functional issues after installation if it is not fixed on time. If you see your subfloor is uneven the best solution is to sanded down or level it using a self-leveling compound.
Moisture
Once again, the high levels of humidity in Saint Lucie can cause you troubles when not properly addressed. It is important to make sure your subfloor is dry before installing the wood-look flooring, especially if the subfloor is made of concrete or wood and hasn’t been properly sealed. If you don’t check this you’ll probably have to deal with mold growth or cracks.
Choosing the Right Type of Vinyl Flooring
Each type of vinyl flooring is unique so it is important to choose the best type for you. The primary types are luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and vinyl composite core (VCC). Next, we are going to analyze each one of them, highlighting their principal features.
Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP)
This type of wood-look vinyl flooring is available in different styles, colors and finishes so you’ll have a lot of options to choose from. It also has a long lifespan and waterproofing features, which makes it ideal for areas with high levels of humidity like bathrooms and kitchens.
Vinyl Composite Core (VCC)
This type has a very special feature: a rigid core which makes its lifespan even longer than regular vinyl. It is also highly resistant to humidity and scratches and, for this reason, is a very popular choice for people with little children or pets and also ideal for high-traffic areas like the kitchen. It also has waterproofing features so it’s ideal for residents in Saint Lucie given its humid weather.
Costs
This is an affordable option but you’d better consider other expenses besides the materials. Other factors to take in consideration are:
Installation
Vinyl is one of the materials categorized as DIY-friendly but it is better to hire a professional to install it and avoid expensive mistakes. When hiring a high-skilled professional you can be sure that the installation will be performed according to the functional requirements while preserving an aesthetic and beautiful appeal.
In areas where humidity is a critical factor like Saint Lucie, a professional carpenter, especially a local one, will make sure you won’t have to deal with moisture-related issues by taking the proper preventive measures.
Additional Materials
Underlayment, baseboards or transition strips are just some of the additional materials you’d need during the wood-look vinyl flooring installation. If you live in a highly humid area like Saint Lucie, you would also need moisture barriers especially if the subfloor is prone to moisture.
Maintenance
Wood-look vinyl flooring doesn’t require too much maintenance, however, it is very important to take the proper care in order to extend its lifespan, especially if you live in an area with adverse weather conditions like Saint Lucie.
Regular cleaning
It is also easy to clean and, with regular sweeping and mopping must be enough to keep it clean but it’s important to avoid strong cleaning products or hard cleaning tools since they’re potentially harmful for the vinyl. Make sure to use soft chemical products and a mild mop when cleaning your vinyl floor.
UV Protection
If your wood-like vinyl flooring is close to a window or a sun-drenched it can suffer from decoloration for UV exposure over time and this can be a major issue in sunny areas like Florida. You can opt for window treatment or installing UV-blocking films on windows to reduce the sunlight impact on your floors.
Moisture
Humid weather in areas like Saint Lucie will give you extra work preserving your wood-like vinyl flooring, but you should also be careful about other factors. It is important to immediately clean spills and leaks because, although most of the vinyl types are waterproofing, if water remains for too long it can cause serious damage over time.
Permits and Regulations
You must also be very aware of the local building codes and the permits and licenses required for any procedure in your home before installing your wood-look vinyl flooring. In most of the cases you won’t need a permit to perform your wood-look vinyl flooring installation but, to be sure, it is better to verify with local authorities to make sure you’re acting according to the law.
Wood-look vinyl flooring will give your home an extra touch of glamor and beauty, obtaining, for a very affordable price, an aesthetically attractive aspect for your home and benefits like very easy maintenance and moisture resistance, something very important in areas like Saint Lucie. However, it is important to consider factors like weather conditions, your subfloor state, installation methods and maintenance cares to preserve your wood-look vinyl flooring.
Hiring skilled professionals for installation or repairing of your wood-look vinyl flooring is the best choice to ensure a long lifespan for your wood-look vinyl flooring and increase the value of your property.
Do you live in Saint Lucie and you’re ready to install a wood-look vinyl flooring in your home? We are here for you! In R&J Interior Innovation and Home Improvement we provide the best customer service so you can call us at any hour to get advised about the wood-look vinyl flooring so you can make the best decision and, if you approve, we’ll install it in your home. We are just a phone call away so don’t think about it any longer and call us now!
