7 Risks and Disadvantages Of Vinyl Flooring

There are many perfect reasons why vinyl has become the most popular flooring material in recent years. For starters, vinyl flooring materials are inexpensive and cost little to maintain. They are also water-resistant and long-lasting with a comfortable firmness. Technological advances have impacted the vinyl industry immensely, making them available in a wide range of quality finishes. Many vinyl flooring dealers in the market, each boasting various quality features for their products. With some vendors, getting your vinyl flooring of choice is as simple as visiting their website, where you can buy vinyl flooring online. 

The ever-advancing methods of recreating vinyl as flooring materials have placed vinyl flooring in direct competition with actual hardwood flooring. More and more homeowners are now opting for the cheaper vinyl alternative, which can suit any hardwood material of choice compellingly. With the ton of perks associated with them, you might think vinyl flooring materials are flawless, but they aren’t. They have their downsides which you should be aware of as you decide to install them. Below are 7 of them. 

1. They Have A Shorter Longevity Compared To Wood 

No matter how much they look like natural wood, vinyl flooring is no match to hardwood flooring materials. While vinyl flooring can last you between 10 to 20 years with proper care, hardwood will last over 40 years. To maximize the longevity of your vinyl flooring, know the tips you can employ like correct installation, cushioning them from direct sunlight, never letting dirt pile up, and cleaning with mild solutions. 

2. Cannot Be Repaired 

This is one of the most notable downsides of vinyl flooring. When a vinyl plank gets damaged, the only solution is to replace it (unless it’s a minor scratch). Replacing vinyl planks is not easy and can be very time-consuming given that you have to disarrange other planks along the way and assemble them back again. 

3. Can Be Discolored With Time 

The sun is one of the greatest enemies to vinyl flooring and may counter benefits such as their wide selection of colors and designs not available with wood or stone flooring. Long hours of exposure to the sun will eventually lead to discoloration. With time, the pattern on it will ultimately fade away. The good thing is that you can mitigate this effect by putting measures to protect your home from intense sun rays during the day. You can keep curtains and blinders closed to mitigate the fading. 

4. They Are Difficult To Recycle 

Vinyl is generally quite hard to recycle compared to other materials due to the material used to manufacture it, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which contains many harmful additives. Due to this, vinyl products are classified as biodegradable and hence not eco-friendly. Yearly recycled vinyl constitutes only about 10% of the plastics recycled every year. 

5. Difficult to Remove and Reuse 

While vinyl floors are relatively easy to install, they can be super tough to remove. To maintain their sturdiness, glue down the vinyl floors using adhesives, making them hard to pull out. They may also snap together, making it hard to pull one out without damaging the next. Consult a flooring expert if you need to uninstall your vinyl flooring for the best tips, especially if you’re planning to reuse them.  

6. Doesn’t add to your Home Value 

Although they are a cheaper alternative to hardwood floors and measure their aesthetic value, one downside to vinyl floors is that they don’t add value to your home. A home with genuine hardwood floors stands a higher chance of being valued and sold than a similar one with vinyl flooring. However, you should note that many factors go into valuing a home, and the flooring is just one part. Also, be aware that the specific product and the specific appearance of a particular vinyl brand will also inform its value. Some vinyl products can be more expensive than some wood brands. 

7. Inconsistent Qualities 

Vinyl is affordable, with the standard vinyl costing between $2 – $5, while luxury vinyl costs approximately $10 per square foot. However, despite vinyl being economical flooring material, it has inconsistent quality even between top-rated brands. It’s always essential to have vinyl products from trusted dealers and manufacturers. Look at quality aspects such as thickness (thicker is better), core strength, and stability. Before settling for a potential vinyl flooring company, inquire more about its reputation. A quick search will lead you to various reviews about them in trusted review sites from former clients.