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Can you put waterproof laminate flooring in a bathroom ?

Views: 51     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2022-09-23      Origin: Site

Laminate flooring is very common and affordable lock-click flooring, which is used for indoors widely.

Waterproof laminate flooring epitomizes an advanced iteration of the widely favored click system floor, fortified to withstand water damage effectively. Renowned for its striking resemblance to genuine hardwood, laminate flooring boasts realistic aesthetics that often rival the real thing. Despite its affordability, laminate has historically lacked resilience against water infiltration until now.

Everyone knows laminate flooring is water resistance and super high-level wear resistant, such as AC5 laminate flooring. Sometimes HDF Core is the key factor which makes the water resistance quality is good or not, but not the only one factor.

Regular laminate flooring is only water resistant,we do not recommend installing it in a humid enviroment such as bathroom.

Traditionally, laminate has been known to absorb water and swell easily. But innovative technology has changed all that.

Waterproof laminate flooring is good at waterproof performance, it can be installed in humid areas such as bathrooms, except shower areas. 

What is Waterproof Laminate Flooring ?

water proof-laminate-flooring-structure

Waterproof Laminate flooring is composed of four essential layers:

  1. A bottom layer that is usually reinforced with melamine

  2. The fiberboard layer or wood chips

  3. A decorative layer, which is typically a photograph of wood or stone materials

  4. The wear layer, which is a highly durable, stain-resistant, and waterproof transparent coating

This four-layer composition makes laminate one of the most durable and versatile materials for your bathroom flooring as well as most other rooms in the house.

The levels of formaldehyde in modern laminate flooring is very lower than in the past. You can also look out for laminate flooring with low formaldehyde content. It will be marked with the designation CARB, P2, E1 or E0.

waterproof laminate carsem floor

There are many kinds of waterproof laminate flooring in the market when you visit the shops and building materials centers. As one of the most professional China waterproof laminate flooring manufacturers, Carsem Floor have three kinds of waterproof laminate flooring.

  • Low Swelling Laminate flooring

This HDF core is black color with 880~890kgs/M3 density, this is a technological innovation that brings a good news for a better waterproof performance of laminate flooring.

  • Unicoat Waterproof Laminate flooring

This is the most advanced coating technology on 4-sides locking system, also can be called waterproof seal, which can prevent water and moisture from entering the floor. This coating treatment is very different with regular waxing. Waxing treatment only help moisture resistance of laminate flooring.

  • 5G™ Dry™ Click system Waterproof Laminate flooring

This is the advancement in locking system technology.

  1. can stop water from leaking through the joints and eliminates the risk of water reaching the subfloor.

  2. this solution passed the NALFA 48 hours test with great results and significantly lower edge swelling.

  3. with 5G™ Dry™ you get the fastest and easiest fold down installation on the market – with reliable result every time.

5gdry carsem floor waterproof laminate

When you want to know more information about this click system and waterproof performance, here is the datasheet and introduction. 

Click below

https://valinge.se/flooring-technologies/floor-locking-technologies/5g-dry/ 


Does laminate flooring 100% waterproof ?


Waterproof laminate flooring not means 0 swelling. It means our laminate flooring can prevent water in 72 hours. Blow is the waterproof performance testing results:

Name

                            Density

Swelling %

Low Swelling Laminate flooring

8mm waterproof laminate flooring, 900kgs/M3;

10mm waterproof laminate flooring, 900kgs/M3;

12mm waterproof laminate flooring, 880kgs/M3

5.1%

Unicoat Waterproof Laminate flooring

860kgs/M3

0.5%

Waterproof HDF laminate flooring

870kgs/M3

3%-5%

For more information about waterproof laminate plank flooring, please visit below link: https://www.carsemfloor.com/waterproof-laminate-flooring.html


Water Resistant Laminate vs. Waterproof Laminate Flooring

When it comes to flooring terminology, understanding the distinction between "waterproof" and "water-resistant" is paramount.

"Water resistance" denotes a flooring material's ability to withstand water better than conventional options. It provides a level of protection, allowing for a window of time to address spills before absorption occurs.

Conversely, "waterproof" indicates a complete barrier against water penetration, regardless of exposure duration. This characteristic ensures comprehensive defense against moisture damage.

Nevertheless, interpretations of these terms may vary across manufacturers. Therefore, it's crucial to thoroughly review product specifications to accurately assess its water resistance capabilities.

Furthermore, achieving waterproof qualities often necessitates meticulous installation techniques. Certain manufacturers recommend applying silicone sealant around the perimeter and beneath the baseboard upon installation completion. This additional measure fortifies water resistance, mitigating the risk of swelling or damage caused by water seepage into the core.



Waterproof Laminate vs. Waterproof Vinyl


While waterproof and water-resistant laminate flooring offer enhanced protection against moisture, it's important to approach them with caution due to their different construction compared to other waterproof flooring options like vinyl.

Unlike vinyl, waterproof laminate still contains wood at its core, making it unsuitable for full submersion in water. While laminate flooring is water-resistant from the surface down, it may not offer the same level of protection from water seeping upward.

Waterproof and water-resistant laminate flooring systems are designed to prevent liquids from penetrating through the interlocks, reducing the risk of mold or mildew growth beneath the flooring. However, if there are moisture issues with the subfloor, a vapor barrier may still be necessary to ensure optimal performance and maintain the warranty.

In contrast, luxury vinyl flooring, composed of synthetic materials, is highly resistant to moisture and can withstand submersion without absorbing water. Even so, installing laminate with a vapor barrier may be required by the manufacturer if there are subfloor moisture concerns to uphold the warranty.

NALFA testing waterproof carsem floor




Waterproof Laminate Flooring Pros and Cons

Pros of laminate waterproof flooring

The protection both waterproof laminate wood flooring offer against moisture makes them ideal flooring choices for spaces that tend to get the most spills like bathrooms, kitchens and even laundry rooms.

All waterproof wood laminate flooring is that it is completely recyclable. When you want to a change, take it to your nearest recycling center. You'll be giving it a new lease of life.

Laminate flooring styles have come a long way and are now offered in realistic visuals and textures. It can also mimic the look of hardwood with texture that follows the grain in the print paper, which is called registered emboss texture.

100 waterproof laminate flooring is easy to install, resulting in a fast and simple DIY project that homeowners can accomplish over a weekend.

Waterproof flooring laminate provides a top layer that resists everyday wear and tear, making maintenance fairly easy. Simply sweep the floor or spot clean with a damp mop–no need to apply coats and finishes. Not to mention, it protects from the accidental drop of a flat iron.

Their durability also helps them last a long time especially with active families and pets.

More affordable cost makes it an option for more and more people.

Another great advantage is that laminate wood flooring waterproof is easy to care for and maintain. Simple sweeping, vacuuming and damp mopping from time to time will do the trick.

Cons of waterproof flooring - laminate

When waterproof laminate flooring gets damaged, they are not difficult to replace, but they usually cannot be sanded down and refinished like hardwood flooring. New planks will need to be purchased to replace the damaged areas,it is hard to find replacements that are the exact match to what you already have installed. We always recommend customers over order on their original purchase to keep what we call "attic stock". This way, if something happens, you already have the matching replacement planks.

Arguments for Installing waterproof click lock laminate flooring in the Bathroom

Some people think waterproof laminate floorings are an excellent bathroom flooring option. It's cheaper than most of the alternatives, easy to maintain, and fun to install. Laminate flooring is almost completely synthetic. Manufacturers infuse paper with resin and smear it over fiberboards (usually made from wood chips). They then coat realistic visuals and a clear wear layer over the top to give it a beautiful finish. Laminate flooring is water-resistant, but it's still susceptible to water damage thanks to its absorbent backing layers. Waterproof laminate floorings usually have tight seams that prevent water from seeping to the fiberboard core and wood chip backing. You can successfully protect laminate flooring with sealants, but we recommend reapplying often. Laminate flooring is also one of the cheapest options available.

Installing waterproof laminate flooring in a bathroom

When you choose best waterproof laminate flooring and water resistant laminate flooring, it is ok to install in a bathroom.

Here is everything you need to install laminate floors in your bathroom.

Square edge laminate planks

Underlay

Mullet

Cleaning supplies (mop, mild detergent, vacuum cleaner)

PPE (breathing, face, and knee protections)

Joint sealant

Perimeter silicone to seal the extension gap

Remove Fixtures

During the installation process, you will be working with square edge laminate planks. Installing these planks is easy, but creating a professional finish around the fixtures in your bathroom might not be.

How to install waterproof laminate flooring ?

Select the Right Underlay

Before installing the laminate planks, it is essential to select a suitable underlay. Ideally, you should always opt for a vapor barrier underlayment. This protects the lower layers of the laminate planks and prevents water and moisture damage from subfloor leakages and vapor.

If your planks already boast a built-in underlay, the vapor barrier should not have any extra padding, as this can increase the floor’s thickness.

Install the Planks

Once you have set up the underlayment, you can start installing the planks. The difference between installing laminate in the bathroom versus other parts of the house is you will need to use a joint sealant on every plank.

For this step, take a plank and apply the joint sealant on the tongue - do so following the waterproof laminate flooring manufacturer’s instructions. Put the plank in place, ensuring that the interlocking mechanism is secure.

angle-angle

Some tips to keep in mind to preserve your waterproof laminate flooring include:

1. Install It in Smaller Bathrooms With Less Foot Traffic

Waterproof Laminate Flooring is a decent option for smaller bathrooms that don't have bathing facilities. Use it in a guest bathroom to create unique designs that make people feel welcome. Warm colors like soft yellow, white, and beige make the room feel bigger. You can install laminate flooring in bathrooms with baths or showers if they have less foot traffic. These rooms have moisture in them less often, so rare exposure won't cause damage. Remember to clean all the liquid off the bathroom floor after using the bath or shower.

2. Minimize Humidity and Water Puddles

A brilliant way to protect your laminate bathroom flooring is to minimize humidity and immediately wipe up water puddles. Install an exhaust fan to pull the water molecules out of the bathroom. You can also use dehumidifiers to stop moisture from building up. Charcoal is a natural dehumidifier. You can leave it in little bowls around the bathroom to absorb moisture from the air. Decorate them to make it look like an aesthetic feature.

3. Start With the Doorway if You Can

Where do you start installing laminate flooring in the bathroom? It's always wise to have a plan before you begin. It can be tempting to rush ahead and start along the straightest wall when you plunge into your DIY project, but it’s better to start at the door if you can. Installing a new floor around the doorways is the most challenging part of any DIY installation job. Once you get a small section by the doorway fitted correctly, you can move to the rest of the room. Plan by joining four or five planks together. Start laying them down (from a wall opposite the door) and marking the point they reach. Do this until you get to the door so you can see what planks you should cut.

4. The Best Direction for Laminate Flooring

Many people ask which is the best direction for laminate flooring. The truth is that it depends on the size and style you're hoping to achieve. Here are a few different styles.

Width open concept–Run laminate planks along the length of the longest wall if you want to create a more open space.

From the door–If the bathroom is small, you may want to run the planks straight from the doorway to make it look longer.

Best light–Run your bathroom flooring in the direction of the best light to make it look larger and feel warmer.

Little natural light–A bathroom with little natural light will benefit from floors that run along its length to make it feel more spacious.

5. Use a Foam Underlay

The best underlay for laminate flooring in bathrooms depends on the sub-floor beneath your flooring. Polyethylene or polypropylene foam works best with a concrete sub-floor, while a breathable foam underlay works best with plywood sub-floors. Remember to add a moisture barrier underlay for total protection. Always ensure your sub-floor is level, free of bumps and cracks, and super clean. Take time to prepare it before you start placing the underlay and laminate planks. If you'd like to learn more about different underlays, check out our laminate underlay guide.

6. Protect Your Laminate Flooring With Silicone Caulk

Some people recommend applying a layer of wax or sealant over the whole laminate bathroom flooring. Still, most manufacturers think otherwise. Laminate planks come with a plastic coating that already makes them water-resistant. The problem is the edges where the laminate planks meet the wall and each other. You can apply a silicone caulk sealant to stop moisture from seeping through those exposed areas.

7. Maintenance Is Crucial

Maintaining your bathroom floor is the best way to preserve it. Be sure to wipe up spills as soon as they happen. Clean your laminate flooring at least once a week and check to make sure the seals are in place. Avoid using abrasive cleaning products and tools that might leave scratch marks or chip away the important wear layer. While laminate flooring isn't fully waterproof, it can work in a bathroom. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns, and designs. There are special precautions you'll need to take to boost water resistance. Remember to waterproof your substrate and seal all edges with silicone caulk. Most laminate flooring comes with a water-resistant later, so avoid adding an extra one over the top.


Waterproof Laminate Flooring FAQs

From pricing and cleaning to protecting your floor, here are our answers to our most frequently asked waterproof laminate flooring questions.


Do I need to buy an underlayment for waterproof laminate flooring?

Some waterproof laminate floors have an underlay already attached, so you don’t need to buy an underlayment for those. However, if it doesn’t come pre-attached, you should purchase an underlayment to improve the durability, sound quality, and insulation. You may also want to consider a moisture barrier for extra protection from the subfloor.


Where can waterproof laminate flooring be installed?

Waterproof laminate flooring can be installed anywhere inside the home, and at all grade levels from the basements to the attic. If you are installing laminate in water-prone areas, like kitchens, bathrooms, or basements, just be certain not to leave standing pools of water on your floor.


How do I clean waterproof laminate flooring?

To clean your waterproof laminate floors, simply sweep or vacuum up any dust, dirt, or debris. Use a damp cloth to blot up spills. In the past, it was recommended to avoid wet-mopping or using liquid cleaning materials on your laminate floor, but waterproof laminate flooring can handle wet-mopping. Be sure to clean up any spills immediately to prevent damage to your flooring.


Is waterproof laminate flooring easy to install?

Yes, waterproof laminate floors are DIY-friendly, so you can install them on your own. Most laminate is installed as a “floating floor” which means you don’t need any glue, tape, or other hassles. Simply lay it right on top of your existing floor, interlock the planks together, and go on with your day.

install waterproof laminate flooring in a bathroom install waterproof laminate flooring in your bathroom

Carsem floor also produce other waterproof floorings, such as SPC Flooring, Vinyl Flooring, MFB Flooring, MSPC Flooring, they are more optional choice when you need elite life.

When you need the most stable performance, MFB Flooring will be your best choice, this is an exciting material which will give you unbelievable and amazing performance.Click MFB Flooring for more information. 



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