Elisabeth Stubbs

What to Know About Luxury Vinyl Flooring

BY ELISABETH STUBBS

More and more flooring clients are looking for luxury vinyl plank (LVP). It’s that popular! If you ask people why they are interested in LVP, the answers likely will include: • “I’ve been told it’s what I need.” • “Because it’s waterproof, and I’m scared of leaks and floods.” • “It’s scratchproof; I have big dogs.”

LVP is a great product, but it’s not indestructible. Here’s what manufacturers say about it: • The floor is not warranted against scratching. Gloss reduction, scratches and dents in the finish are not considered surface wear and are not covered under a warranty. • LVP is very stain-resistant, and many products have pet-proof warranties. It is important to note that stain resistance means the ability of your floor to resist (i.e., minimize or withstand) permanent stains. Cleaning of the affected area should begin immediately upon discovery. The more time that elapses before removal, the more difficult a stain will be to remove. • Warranties cover topical moisture as long as the water does not flow over the edge of the surface (perimeter of the room, cut boards, etc.). Normal cleaning practices, moisture due to everyday household spills and normal moisture levels from the subfloor, when exposed to such conditions, are covered. • Warranties do not cover damage resulting from mold and mildew growth (typically from a moisture problem that remains undiscovered or unaddressed); indentation from high heels, spiked shoes, rolling loads, chairs or other furniture when not using floor protectors; damage caused by chemically reactive material (if using a rug pad, make sure it is warranted specifically for use over LVP), adhesive or tape, dye, burns or gouges; exposure to extreme heat or sunlight; and indoor products installed outside, on a screenedin porch, for example.

Some things purchasers think are covered by a warranty aren’t covered. LVP is a great product, but it is not magic. Think of it as a very durable floor that is water-, stain- and scratch-resistant but not water-, stain- and scratch-proof.

When shopping for flooring, invest in a quality product, and review the warranty. Follow all installation requirements, and maintain your new floor properly. Doing so ensures you will be happy with your purchase.

Elisabeth Stubbs is one of the owners of Enhance Floors & More, one of Atlanta’s top-rated flooring dealers, located in Marietta.