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Check out our comprehensive guide on vinyl sheets.
We could sing paeans about the importance of flooring, but we are betting that you already know that. We won’t also get into how the aesthetics of flooring must never trump the more important aspect- its functionality. You are smarter than that. Instead, our experts will take you through one of the most popular materials for homes- vinyl sheets and why you should pay attention to it. Jump in.
1. What Are Vinyl Sheets?
A synthetic material that holds all the aces- Vinyl is versatile, affordable, and durable. It comprises four layers of different sheets, usually PVCs (polyvinyl chloride). The first is usually cork or foam that functions as the bottom layer to prevent the need for another material between the floor and the sheets. It serves as a cushioning layer as well.
Over this goes the water-proofing layer that prevents moisture-related swelling. Over this is the design layer. As suggested, it is the layer that showcases the high-resolution design of your choice. The last is the wear layer that coats the sheets to ensure durability and long life.
If you prefer luxury vinyl, there are two to four layers more- to provide more cushion, prevent wear and tear and improve durability.
2. Types of Vinyl Sheets
There are various avatars of vinyl sheets. Depending on your needs and budget, they are priced differently.
1.Vinyl Sticker Sheets
PVC Vinyl sticker sheets are 12 ft wide rolls that can cover your floor in one go. They are the easiest on the wallet and the most popular. Larger areas of your home would benefit from vinyl sticker sheets. They are also known as vinyl wrap sheets.
2.Vinyl Plank
Vinyl planks mimic hardwood floors. They are slightly pricey but worth it because of their high water resistance. Any variety of wood or different grains can be turned into vinyl planks.
3.Vinyl Tile
If you want a ceramic or a stone finish, vinyl tiles should be your choice. They can flawlessly resemble marble, quartz, or any other material. Vinyl tiles do ample justice to smaller spaces because they can be cut to size.
3. Advantages of Vinyl Sheets
There are many advantages of using vinyl sheets in your home.
- Vinyl sheets or vinyl tiles outlast the traditional floor options.
- They are very affordable.
- Thanks to vinyl sheets, you can create a floor of any design of your choosing.
- Installation costs are competitive.
- For kitchens and bathrooms, vinyl sheets are ideal floor choices as these are high-moisture areas and need a water-proof material for spillage.
- Individual vinyl tiles or planks are easier to replace in case of damage. You don’t need to overhaul the entire floor or live with a damaged one.
- Vinyl sheets are slip resistant and have almost zero maintenance. A quick wiping with a moist cloth is enough to keep this stain-resistant material sparkling.
- The choice of textures, patterns, and colours in vinyl flooring is astonishing.
4. Disadvantages of Vinyl Sheets
Tempting as it is to choose vinyl flooring pronto, there are a few disadvantages that you should be aware of:
- Discarded vinyl sheets end up in landfills. The material is non-biodegradable and, therefore, bad for the environment.
- The chemicals used in the manufacture of vinyl sheets end up leaching out as VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can cause various allergies and diseases.
- Vinyl wrap sheets get easily damaged with frequent furniture movement.
- Vinyl sheets use an adhesive that hardens over time. This makes them hard to remove.
5. Factors To Note While Opting For Vinyl Sheets
- Foot Fall Frequency: Areas of your home with a higher footfall will need a thicker vinyl sheet option.
- Environmental Demands: Vinyl floors cannot take heavy loads despite being exceptionally durable. So they are unsuitable for areas where heavy equipment is placed, or heavy loads are moved.
- Sunny areas of your home will do better with traditional flooring options, as vinyl sheets fade with extended exposure to the sun.
- Your existing floor will decide the aesthetics of your newly-laid vinyl floor. Floors made of old hardwood, concrete, or even an older layer of vinyl might be tricky to navigate.
Conclusion
Vinyl sheets are good candidates for durable floor options and best for those homes where the stress is on low maintenance. The economics of laying vinyl floors are attractive, and since the material lasts a lifetime, well almost, they are earning the floor popularity contests. But those homeowners who are conscious of the ecological aspects might not give it full marks. Overall, vinyl floors understand the lay of the land like none other and are here to stay.
