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Does SPC Flooring Need Underlayment ?

Views: 75     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2022-09-19      Origin: Site

What is Rigid Core SPC Flooring?

Rigid Core SPC Flooring is also known as SPC luxury vinyl flooring. SPC stands for stone plastic composite. It's one of the most durable & affordable waterproof vinyl flooring on the market.

Being 100% waterproof with unparalleled durability, Rigid SPC vinyl planks use advanced technology to beautifully mimic natural wood and stone at a lower price point than Click LVT Flooring and WPC Flooring.

It's also a more durable alternative to WPC vinyl flooring. The signature rigid SPC vinyl plank flooring is virtually indestructible, making it an ideal choice for high traffic areas in the home, and areas with pets and kids. After all, it is used in heavy traffic areas, such as shopping malls, offices, and other commercial spaces.

In addition to above functions, the performance of SPC flooring click plank is also very surprising in appearance. Whether you prefer a wood-effect floor or a stone-effect look, you can find it in SPC luxury vinyl plank flooring, and you can't tell whether it's hardwood & tile or SPC flooring.

What Does SPC Stand For?

SPC stands for stone-plastic composite. It describes the ultra-tough and hard core of rigid core flooring. The stone-plastic composite materials makes the core layer virtually indestructible.

Layers of Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Flooring

The layered design is what makes rigid core flooring so durable. It's typically made of four layers.

What-is-SPC-Flooring

Wear layer: This layer protects your floor from wear and tear. Rigid core vinyl flooring is known for having a thick wear layer that offers more protection. Generally speaking, the thicker the wear-resistant thickness, the better the protection effect on the surface.

Printed decor film layer: This layer is the color and design effect we see on the flooring, such as wood looking and stone & tile looking.

SPC core: SPC vinyl contains an ultra-dense, durable core with 2000kgs/M3 density. This waterproof core combined with a special production process formula makes our rigid core vinyl plank flooring very stable and almost free of swelling.

Padding layer: It often comes with pre-attached underlayment, which is an optional choice. When there is padding layer of SPC Flooring, you don’t need lay additional underlayment before installation.

Rigid Core Flooring Thickness

Waterproof rigid core flooring is click rigid core spc flooring, min. thickness generally starts from 3.2 mm, and some rigid core vinyl flooring factories starts from 3.5 mm. As the density of rigid core flooring is 2000kgs/M3, the thicker rigid core, the heavier weight and the higher transportation cost. Therefore, the maximum thickness is generally not more than 9mm. Of course, as a professional rigid core vinyl Flooring manufacturer, Carsem Floor can produce thicker, such as 10mm hybrid flooring, rigid core vinyl flooring 12mm etc.

Popular thickness options include: 

4.0mm SPC Flooring

4.5mm SPC Flooring

5mm SPC Flooring

5.5mm SPC Flooring

6mm SPC Flooring

6.5mm SPC Flooring

Rigid Core Flooring Wear Layer

The wear layer is the top surface that protects against the wear and tear of heavy traffic. Generally speaking, the thicker the wear-resistant thickness, the better the protection effect on the surface.

12mil: Although it’s the thinnest option, 12mil is still thick enough for any home and light commercial use.

20mil: This is the most common wear layer for commercial environments.

22mil: Flooring with this wear layer can hold up in intense commercial environments.

30mil: The best of the best. This wear layer can handle even the most extreme traffic.

Does SPC flooring have any disadvantages?

The SPC core is rigid and hard, which makes the SPC Flooring is less comfortable;

The high density SPC core also is Noisier "Clicky".

Underlayment for rigid core vinyl flooring Guide

When it comes to vinyl flooring, underlayment is not always necessary. Rigid core vinyl flooring needs underlayment especially when you install SPC Flooring in upstairs or condo, you can ask your rigid core spc flooring manufacturers to pre-attach underlayment on the backside, also you can lay SPC flooring underlayment before installation. The purpose of the underlayment for SPC flooring is sound absorption and noise reduction.

Pros and cons of spc flooring

Pros of SPC Vinyl Flooring

It's 100% waterproof: You can install it in any high-moisture rooms including bathrooms, kitchen, basements. It's also perfect for business owners, kids and pets.

Perfect for imperfect sub-floors: Rigid core vinyl flooring is designed to cover imperfect Sub-flooring that might have minor dents and cracks. It’s engineered to be installed over any existing hard surface, including tile, just make sure the ground floor is flat.

Ultra-durable: SPC vinyl flooring is the toughest and most durable vinyl flooring option on the market.

Realistic wood and stone looks: The look of hard wood and marble that SPC vinyl flooring imitates is often incredibly convincing and beautiful.

Easy maintenance: All you need is the occasional vacuum and damp mop to keep your floor clean and beautiful.

No expansion/contraction: One big worry for traditional hardwood flooring is expansion and contraction causing shifting or buckling in the floor. Rigid core does not expand or contract, even in high moisture and high temperatures condition.

Easy DIY installation: Rigid core luxury vinyl flooring is easy to install yourself with locking system when you have tools such as utility knife, tape Measure, T-Square, 1/4” Spacers, Chalk line, hammer and Tapping Block and safety glasses.

Cons of SPC Vinyl Flooring

Less comfortable underfoot than WPC Flooring and Vinyl plank flooring: SPC Flooring Manufacturers design rigid core to be sturdy, not comfortable. That's why it's so popular in commercial environments.

Where Should You Use Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Flooring?

Popular applications:

Kitchens: If your kitchen is used frequently, choosing rigid core SPC flooring is the wise choice. You can place a cushion in places where you often stand to to improve comfort.

Bathrooms: rigid core luxury vinyl flooring is the perfect choice for bathrooms because of the waterproof performance. You can choose spc flooring marble & tile & stone designs for your bathroom.

Basements: Many basements are prone to high moisture, so waterproof rigid core SPC Flooring is a good option. In addition, people do not stay in the basement for a long time, even if the hardness is relatively high, it does not matter.

Commercial and high-traffic areas: Shopping malls, offices, hospitals, classrooms, restaurants.

4_副本

Who Should Choose Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Flooring?

Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Flooring mostly were first used in commercial areas. It is more widely used at home because people find that its waterproof performance, durability and scratch resistance can provide convenience for our daily life.

Pet owners: Pets can completely wreck a floor between accidents, nails, and running, rigid core flooring is built to handle it. It's also typically less slippery on those little puppy paws.

DIYers: Most likely, you won't need to take out your existing Sub-floor. Just interlock and float your rigid core vinyl over the existing surface.

Business owners: SPC waterproof vinyl flooring is also suitable for business owners and commercial spaces as it is the most durable LVT vinyl waterproof SPC flooring on the market. The most popular decors will give your office a more modern look.

Vinyl SPC Flooring Installation Dos

SPC Flooring should be allowed to acclimatize at room temperature approx 55-80ºF for 48 hours prior to installation. Must be stored horizontally, flat, no more than 6 cartons high, off the floor to allow for air circulation. Carefully check planks for any defects before installation.

  • Do use foam underlayment if installing over concrete.

  • Do leave an expansion gap for rigid core click lock luxury vinyl plank flooring.

  • Do read your rigid core vinyl flooring factory's instructions. Every rigid core SPC flooring suppliers have their own recommendations about what to use to seal in the flooring and how to keep it clean. Read these before using any chemicals or treatments.

  • Do clean up spills immediately. Although waterproof vinyl SPC plank floorings are waterproof, standing water possible cause mold and mildew to grow.

Why is vinyl floor click SPC flooring Underlayment Needed?

SPC flooring underlayment is an optional add on to click lock rigid vinyl plank floorings that are 3.2mm or thicker.

  • Underlayment for SPC flooring are 1mm to 1.5mm thick.

  • Underlayment for rigid core vinyl flooring can help smooth over minor Sub-floor imperfections.

  • Underlayment for rigid core vinyl flooring will add extra cushion to the floor, creating a softer feel under foot.

  • Underlayment for rigid core vinyl flooring can help with noise reduction and sound absorption.

  • Underlayment for rigid core vinyl flooring can help lock in thermal properties to help keep the floor warmer in cold months.

  • Underlayment for rigid core vinyl flooring will prevent moisture from being trapped beneath the planks.

Types of SPC Flooring underlayment

There are a variety of SPC Flooring underlayment options to choose from.

  • PE Underlay- This is used to block moisture and does not add any cushion before installation SPC Flooring and other floorings such as laminate flooring, WPC Flooring, Vinyl plank flooring. If you want to protect your flooring from Sub-floor moisture, this is a great barrier to add under your vinyl SPC click flooring.

  • IXPE underlay-IXPE stands for Irradiated cross-linked polyethylene foam. It is a very fine closed-cell foam that prevents your flooring from molding, bacteria, mildrew and rot. It can be attached on SPC Vinyl flooring directly as well as be laid on the ground floor before SPC Flooring installation.

  • EVA underlay- EVA foam is the acronym for the closed cell ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer foam. This underlayment provides superb sound and moisture protection. This underlayment will absorb minor imperfections in the sub-floor, giving your SPC Flooring a smooth, even surface to float upon.

  • Cork underlay- Cork underlayment offers increased temperature control as well as acoustic properties that are well documented.


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PE underlay

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IXPE underlay

EVA without coating

EVA underlay

cork

Cork underlay

How to Cut rigid core luxury vinyl plank flooring

Follow below steps to cut SPC rigid core vinyl plank for installation:

  • Measure and mark the planks where you need to cut.

  • Use a minimum 40-tooth blade on a power saw to complete the cut.

How to Clean rigid core SPC floor plank?

Rigid core LVT flooring is easy to clean and maintain. Just follow these steps to keep your floor looking effortlessly beautiful for years to come.

  • Sweep or vacuum up any dirt, dust, or grit once a week.

  • Clean up spills immediately to prevent damage to the floor.

  • For the occasional deep clean, mop with a damp mop and a solution of soap and warm water. Use a wet mop.

Here are some other helpful maintenance tips to extend the life of rigid LVT flooring.

  • Use felt pads under chairs and furniture legs to prevent scratching of the LVT rigid core surface.

  • Place doormats at all entrances to prevent tracked-in dirt, rocks, moisture, and other debris.

  • Avoid using rubber-backed mats as they can stain rigid SPC LVT floor surface over time.

Rigid Core Vinyl Flooring FAQ

  • Does LVT rigid core flooring need underlayment?

If lifeproof rigid core vinyl floorings already pre-attach underlayment, you don't need to use underlayment during installation. If not, underlayment is strongly recommended which is very important as it provides extra cushion, sound absorption, and thermal insulation, and it extends the life of your floor.

  • Does SPC rigid core flooring need to acclimate?

Typically, you don't have to acclimate SPC rigid core vinyl flooring before installation. The stone-plastic composite core is dimensionally stable, that means you don’t need to wait for rigid SPC vinyl plank flooring to get used to the temperature of your space. However, when you acclimatize at room temperature approx 55-80ºF for 48 hours prior to installation will be greater.

  • Is SPC flooring toxic?

SPC vinyl flooring is a healthy flooring choice. It's free of toxic materials and carcinogens like formaldehyde. You can also find low-VOC or VOC-free rigid core flooring that is FloorScore certified, or Greenguard Gold certified or Reach certified to have high air quality standards.




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