With hurricane season in full gear, now isn?t the time to discover that your home?s flooring won?t withstand extreme conditions such as flooding. Living in an area that is flood prone you will want to choose options that are sustainable even in the worst conditions. While there is no perfect solution, there are many options that may fit homeowners needs. The most common types of flooring that are generally recommended for use in wet or flood-prone areas are vinyl, ceramic tile, treated or waterproof concrete, and rubber.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is available in rolls, tiles or planks and is adhered using a latex flooring adhesive. Sheet vinyl is a waterproof solid surface with very few seams, if any, that allow water to penetrate the substrate. Luxury vinyl comes in tiles and long plank strips. Both are a waterproof material, but the seams in the installation process allow more opportunities for water to seep down. Vinyl flooring is easy to clean and is resistant to mold and mildew.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is the most common flooring installed in Southwest Florida homes. It is an excellent choice in areas that see puddling or standing water. It is strong, durable and easy to clean and maintain. Ceramic tile comes in a wide variety of options including planks, squares, rectangles and mosaics. It can even look and feel like real wood planks. Another feature of ceramic tile is that it maintains cooler temperatures in hot climates and?is an affordable option.
Rubber Flooring
Believe it or not, rubber flooring is also an option for use in flood-prone areas. It is low in cost and is mold and mildew resistant. If rubber flooring is loose laid, it can be removed to allow the area and the flooring to dry quicker.? It is available in a wide variety of bright colors, which are more expensive than the most commonly purchased color of black. Although not the recommended first choice of materials to use in a wet area, rubber is an excellent insulator against sound transmission, if this is your main concern with choosing vinyl or tile.
For some of the options mentioned, the installation process can cause seams between the tiles or planks, which can act as a weak point or opportunity for water to penetrate. As with all material types it is recommended to have your flooring installed by a professional installer. Choosing the correct installer can help ensure that you get the most enjoyment out of your flooring.
?Hessler Floor Covering has been a premier retailer throughout Southwest Florida for more than 50 years.? Our experienced installers are dedicated to exceeding our customers expectations. Contact us for a free in-home estimate. We have three SWFL locations to serve you?Fort Myers, Naples and Punta Gorda.
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