People who have experience with the classic kind of laminate flooring may not have a very high opinion of that medium. Laminate could be messy with glue application when installed, but did resist moisture very well. On the other hand, the more easily installed snap and lock laminate boards were not nearly as resistant to moisture, and often would swell at the seams after exposure to liquids.
Because vinyl is typically chosen for its low cost, the quality of it may also be lowered. When laminates are not sufficiently moisture-resistant due to poor installation or cheap manufacturing, the floor will develop many issues. The core under the laminate is absorbent, and will expand when liquids or humidity are introduced. This results in buckling of the laminate, squeaking in the joints and swelling at the seams.
However, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is not the typical vinyl floor. As the name suggests, it is of higher quality and more strong, durable and water-resistant than regular vinyl laminate flooring. LVT are made from either virgin vinyl or PVC that is very resistant to moisture. The installation process is similar and relatively easy.
Positive and Negative Facts – Laminate vs. LVT
Installation of both laminate flooring and LVT can be done in the same way. Snap-and-lock tiles are available, and can be glued down as a do-it-yourself project. After installation, maintenance on either type of floor is simple, and the vinyl material is typically quite durable. So what are the differences?
Advantages of LVT over laminate flooring include:
- With “score and snap” installation, no sawing is required.
- LVT does not need any padding or subfloor.
- The joints of the LVT will not swell from exposure to moisture.
- It can be made to look like wood, stone or ceramic tile, but with less cost and more durability.
The only real disadvantage to LVT versus laminate flooring is that it costs a little more.
Considering laminate or LVT for your flooring project? Count on these Ottawa Flooring stores for the right advice:
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Continental Flooring
Flooring Ottawa[/column]
[column size=”1/3″]Address: 48 Colonnade Rd
Ottawa, Ontario, K2E 7J6
Phone: (613) 274-7977
Email: sales@continentalflooring.ca
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