If Your House Floods this is what will Happen to your Floor!

[@billybobjones4317]

Great video, when I was looking at these types of flooring all said water resistant, but the Vinyl Planks were the only ones that said water proof. By the looks of your results only the Vinyl would be a long term option for any wet area, like a Laundry, Bathroom and even the Kitchen. Keep up the good work :)

[@noninoni9962]

But, water and moisture will still get under it... Then you have a MOLD problem.

[@billybobjones4317]

@@noninoni9962 That is the difference between water Proof and water resistant, water proof means no moisture no mould, water resistant means it's fine for cleaning with a damp cloth but no good for water sitting for any period of time as that will lead to moisture and mould. I am a trade qualified Painter, I water proofed many things to be used as aquariums, smoke houses, ponds, drinking water tanks, water storage facilities not for drinking and juist to make areas that will be underground water proof to keep the room dry and mould free. When you are looking for any flooring or product that needs to be water proof, make sure it says proof not resistant or able to handle moisture for a short period. Areas like Kitchens, Laundries, Bathrooms and Ensuites need to be Water proof and is why they normally tile those areas.

[@loveandlight5986]

The kind of videos you make... This is it ❤

[@cutiixpop]

Thanks. The explanation is easy to understand for someone who doesn’t have background with this. I was just tryna do some research for my room since I currently have concrete uneven floor. I’m planning to do some renovation and of course, I’m considering the possibility of flood.. Huge thanks again! Bless you.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Glad it helped!

[@vtecaccord96]

This is exactly what we needed to see. Now I know what to get for out kitchen! Excellent video!

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Glad it was helpful

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

The water test video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6u3p5WanaiVrZo

[@neishabarrett2209]

Thanks! I cant wait to watch more videos! Really like your style

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Glad you’re enjoying the vids, Best wishes on your flooring project!

[@completecabinetworkssales5355]

Love vinyl plank💙

[@katmurphy6634]

When floors flood, the water gets underneath these types of woods…..all three have to be stripped and totally replaced. Best not to have them in basements if you are in a flood zone. When your sump pump fails, they are toast.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Hahahahaha. I'm in the process of selecting flooring for upstairs. Good info.

[@alithras666]

Thank you sir! This was an extremely helpful and informative video!!!

[@shantimindproductions5585]

The suspense was killing me -- waiting with baited breath until you got to the vinyl plank! Yes, another win for the vinyl plank.

[@SSchithFoo]

In a fire it has the highest probability to give off toxic fumes. Also depending on what its made of VOC emissions and/or other chemicals like PFOA might be present.

[@crand20033]

Not really, he said you may have to pull it all up and dry it out underneath of it if the bathroom was flooded.

[@fortezzasolutions]

Water from above, but when it comes from below. You have huge problems.

[@dashawnriploudjohnson7656]

thanks that helps I now plan to get vinyl

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Best wishes with your renovation!

[@IAmTheGlovenor]

So, I did this test recently, granted only over night and not 48 hours, but the laminate had no issues at all. I took a step further and drilled various holes in it, still no issues after a second soaking session. It was labeled as water resistant for one of them and the other not advertised as water resistant from LL Flooring. So, maybe Home Depot just has crappy laminate? It was about $1.50 USD sqft, so pretty cheap. I've seen a few other videos with same result as myself, which is why I did the test.

[@daleludtke7803]

Laminates use Melamine in their wood composites that repel about 90% of the moisture they come in contact with. Most water resistant laminates constructed this way can take about 72 hours of water exposure before they start to suffer catastrophic damage. Calypso Laminates, Shaw Repel, Quick Step, Mannington Restoration, Pergo Foundations, and the best of them all Mohawk Revwood (specifically select, plus and premium... plain revwood is not water resistant in the same way). Home Depot's is a "waterproof flooring system" which means that there is Melamine in their wear layer (same as water resistant laminate), but nothing really added to their cores. Water won't permeate the surface, but if it gets into the boards it will damage it as quickly as an old Pergo (modern Pergo sells a great Water Resistant product... but its basically just Revwood by Mohawk... since they are made in the same factory. Mohawk owns pergo). Its ability to repel moisture is very much dependent on the install. The "Waterproof Flooring System" is basically a cord that you install in your expansion gap that will keep moisture from working its way around the floor. Lumber Liquidators (or LL since they rebranded), has some "technically" good product, at low prices. But it sacrifices the amount of scans they have to keep costs low, and may not have access to that material if its a factory closeout. I did the same test with some Mohawk Plus, Crest Haven, WIne Barrel Oak. Took a cut of it and dropped it into a bucket. Was still fine after three days. Even drying it out after a week it was still not warping.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Ah, this is the video I was looking for! What are your thoughts on waterproof engineered hardwood?

[@donwolfjr1]

Very good to know!! Thank you!!!

[@SecretSauce8]

well, the concern is not the planks themselves, but the seams. will water sip through?

[@noninoni9962]

Speaking from experience, I would NEVER put any of these products that will allow ANY moisture to go through the cracks!! I bought a home with this new type of flooring (vs easily cracked ceramic tile), not realizing how easy they are to get destroyed just from lightly damp mopping, or collect moisture that turns to mold underneath... But, if I had to choose, I would buy the planks made of all vinyl... but there's still the issue of moisture collecting underneath.

[@daleludtke7803]

Which is the issue with people who get to hung up on the "waterproof" aspect of LVP. The flooring may be functionally waterproof, but whats under isn't.

[@MaxNakfoor]

What about waterproof engineered wood?

[@curtisgmchale]

Loved the intro. The punch in/out transitions felt like a bit much this time. Slow them down. Unless you’re trying to show off a tool with a close up, the slides/pans should be really slow and almost not noticeable.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Thanks for the feedback Curtis, this is appreciated!

[@MM-cd5xk]

Personal opinion Laminate could work in a room with little to no water. Anything with water, go with a tile. More expensive but, most secure as well no?

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Tile is an awesome choice, definitely the most durable. Can be a little harder on your feet and body.

[@yvonnetemple8982]

Any thoughts on magnetic flooring? Thx

[@crand20033]

Yeah, my toilet did overflow once in my bathroom because it was clogged up. So would that mean I have to pull it all up and dry it out underneath the boards if I have LVP?

[@anandkkpr]

Thank you!

[@stitch-italterationsdesign5114]

how can rainwater push the glue from under a laminate floor

[@ryanskinner93]

Great Video! Thanks

[@edniperez]

Our engineered hardwood floors are wear layer is peeling off after a toilet overflow, we don’t have any warping. Is it posible to refinish engineered hardwood? if so, Is it cost effective to try to refinish them? Or should we just install new ones. Thanks in advance! Your videos are very interesting!

[@daleludtke7803]

It depends on how thick the veneer of actual hardwood is on top of the engineered hardwood. Even with that, they are not really designed to be refinished, but if you have a 4mm veneer, it is possible.

[@galtx91dw49]

Hi there, what is a easy remedy to cover up some spots on engineered hardwood where water took off the varnish? It appears that renters who lived in home prior to our purchase had a leak from the frig. It ran around corner at baseboard, and out into where entryway and hallway meet. Not enough damage to pull up flooring. Its a cherry wood stain fyi. Any suggestions, all welcome!

[@lildoc]

Hi What kind of flooring is better for underfloor heating? I am planning to install underfloor heating for my living room and bedrooms only.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

I think the main thing to consider is if you go with a float floor there is usually a special type of underlayment that will transfer the heat better.

[@lildoc]

@@TheFunnyCarpenter Oh nice. So no need for the traditional screed then.

[@malove3516]

I didn’t notice the description of each of the floors- is the laminate supposed to be water resistant? How do water resistant/ waterproof laminates hold up? (Thinking of in the kitchen) thanks!😁

[@daleludtke7803]

A good water resistant laminate is usually rated for 72 hours of constant exposure to water. There are some that I sell that are rated 100 hours. Revwood from Mohawk is one of the best there is.

[@psfgtech]

Porcelain is best, zero damage

[@iWendyful]

Do you have any thoughts on the engineered hardwood Malibu flooring from home depot? I love the look but I'm worried about having in the entryway when we come in with wet shoes or if a drink gets spilled. I would like to think if its cleaned up within a reasonable about of time it won't effect the flooring.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Wendy Skiff engineered is totally fine for small spills or wet shoes. They just don’t do great in a flood type situation.

[@iWendyful]

@@TheFunnyCarpenter that's awesome to hear!

[@iWendyful]

@@TheFunnyCarpenter I'm leaning towards the color maverick.

[@pamsauce2903]

Does animal pee get into the cracks of the vinyl?

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

I’ll test this out and get back to you.

[@teerexness]

No. We had a litter box directly on top of vinyl plank for several years. Our female Siamese sometimes "over-sprays". A little soap and water and boom! All clean. No stain, no smell, nothing. The cracks are so tight that it doesn't get into them.

[@OK.Graycie]

This is what I want to know too. I am hyper sensitive to smells. That is why I hate tile because I could still smell the pee in the grout even after bleaching (resorted to that when nothing else helped the smell). Our rv had the rolled out cheap linoleum flooring and dog peed in the middle of the floor, just wipe it up. Easy. No carpet, no grout lines.

[@daleludtke7803]

Yes it can. Urine (especially cat urine), has acids in it that can break down the plastics or laminate material in those joints. It may never happen, or it may happen over a span of months or years. All depends on location and quantity.

[@Yellowbird-12]

hey 1 have vinyl flooring and had a flooding would you recommend that I dry under it by removing some of the flooring? I am wary of mold especially In my sons room

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

It’s always good to get some air movement under the floor if there’s been a flood.

[@Yellowbird-12]

@@TheFunnyCarpenter as a home owner how would u go about doing that. I turn on two space heaters. (Not sure why but I did). Maybe I made things worse I am not sure. 😬 All I own is a hair dryer. Please guide me. And if mold has already started forming after 4 days what do I do.😪

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

ddaniellee01 what is the floor underneath the vinyl?

[@Yellowbird-12]

@@TheFunnyCarpenter Parquet. And it's been buckling going on two days ago. 😰

[@Yellowbird-12]

Minor buckling 1 square foot (each) in about 4 different areas

[@waynethebrain7053]

Awesome 😎

[@jessicarobinson6436]

what about waterproof laminate? do you have experience with the durability of that? if there's a flood wouldn't you have to pull up any type of floor to take care of water and mold underneath ? thanks!!

[@noninoni9962]

Of course, being a guy, only talks about "splashes" and "spills" when saying if you "wipe it up quickly" it will be okay... BUT, us women MOP these floors!! And, therein, you see the problem!!

[@phatabulous87]

Can I use a steam mop on either one?

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

I'm not sure about that.

[@daleludtke7803]

There are a select number of laminates that are rated for steam mopping on the lowest settings. Most vinyls you cannot. They are made of plastic, the urethane wear layer will start to warp. There are a few you can, but they are usually specialized LVPs that run at premium price points like Shaw Epic+ or Coretec Advantage (they are the same floor, Shaw owns Coretec.).

[@shilohbell1573]

Well I know engineered wood is not the way to go. Ins by my own experience

[@gnosis7662]

The whole setup for this test is flawed! In a real world situation, water will only come from the top of the board, not the bottom! This is especially true for waterproof laminate flooring that requires silicon around the edges or each room. If you were to place water on top of those boards water will not go through! I tested it myself! This means it's perfectly safe to place all over the house including laundry room and bathrooms. Vinyl might be waterproof but it can warp and fade when exposed to the sun and also does not increase the value of your home as much as engineered or laminate floors.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

If you’ve ever done any flood restoration, I’ll assure you the bathtub full of water is not far off.

[@daleludtke7803]

I love laminate floors. It is my absolutely favorite floor to sell and have installed in my clients homes. It's scratch resistance is second to none and will wipe the floor with anything but the most specialized and premium vinyls out there (and most of those LVPs have laminate wear layers). It is more robust, handles floor imperfections better. Is easier to match up flooring heights to with tile in rooms, or sheet vinyl on wood subfloors. The only room I am leery about them is in bathrooms. Because of homeowners. Seals and joints need to be maintained. Which most home owners never do.

[@ThisTall]

The fam must be pissed, having to give up showering for 2 days for your KZbin experiments. Lol

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Kermit lol they were out of town for 2 days, hence the length of the test:)

[@farahziadi5032]

OMG thank you a lot for this information, i will rate your video A+ among any youtube video, because it help any ignorant person to choose between 3 type of floors and has zero experience in carpenter or any home renovation and to avoid being scammed by GC for more money

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Best wishes on your flooring choices! It’s always a difficult one!

[@J_Madison]

Recently had my flooring completely redone with LVP placed right over leveled ceramic tile. Great timing, because a PEX junction leaked in my attic a week later. I fixed the leak and absolutely zero damage to the LVP. Stuff is great. Better than tile.. which would've also been fine with the water, but its IMPOSSIBLE to keep clean looking.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Thanks for sharing the experience Thomas

[@paulpoco22]

Dog pee test.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

The logistics may get a little tricky:)

[@drothers999]

The Funny Carpenter Not in my house. Lol

[@OK.Graycie]

That is what I want to know too. And why I hate tile and grout. I could still smell the pee after cleaning with everything I could find. It like soaked into the grout (and yes, it was supposedly sealed several times).

[@DeadIyChickentv]

Although it is waterproof, don’t think there’s a flooring company that wants to deal with reinstalling the whole thing trying to figure out which cut VP went where. It’s a big puzzle. Restoration companies will pull it regardless without order to dry the plywood subfloor(if raised foundation or second floor) or to see the extent of the water damage. The tongues and grooves might get damage. Then you have to get a new floor 🙂 It will also smell funky when water, dust under the flooring and the plank itself interacts. Then you have to clean each plank. From my Property Restoration experience, there’s not really such a thing as waterproof flooring. Imagine if it was black water that went under that floor 🤢 Great video and very informative 👍

[@daleludtke7803]

You are 100% correct. I am a flooring professional whose bread and butter is selling to Restoration Companies. Nothing is 100% waterproof, and no matter how waterproof a floor is, it doesn't make the subfloor it is installed on waterproof. Even with a slab they are going to tear up that floor to get to the slab to dry it out. And the click lock mechanisms on LVPs and Laminates are like taking tents out of their bags, they never go back the same way.

[@IamMugs]

I don't have the Canuckistan version of Home Depot but knowing that these "waterproof" laminates are truly that, settled my mind for my son's "basement bedroom". Thank you sir!

[@theboss5164]

We just bought a house and going to replace carpet in the bedrooms and I wasn't sure with what kinda flooring to replace it with. But your videos made me sure to look nowhere other than vinyl. Thank you so much!

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

I was installing a kitchen on Friday that had a vinyl plank floor. It had a very nice cork underlay part built into it an a nice micro bevel detail, and looks pretty great. I’ll pass along the brand and type on Monday- it’s worth checking out.

[@alexisrussell1429]

The Funny Carpenter recall the brand? Also looking to replace carpets, trying to figure out the best vinyl plank to use. Thanks!

[@daleludtke7803]

@@TheFunnyCarpenter cork back? Probably Coretec.

[@dawncawthra3519]

Thanks for comparing these again, as a mom of two water bugs, it's hard to know what will work the best in a bathroom that will undoubtedly see it's fair share of water. I have laminate I installed a few years back, but I want to find something like hardwood for the entire house. This is a good option. Thank you!

[@safffff1000]

I want to see the results of vinyl plank. over hard wood floors getting wet over night. Does much water go thru to damage the wood?

[@bradbeaton6144]

My basement flooded due to drain tile back up in big rain here in BC and the glued down LVP did real well. Was 2” underwater for 36 hours. It still looks good. Only issue is it’s a bit shiny and gets buffed up a bit and smooth in traffic areas.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Wow

[@ananelson8752]

@@TheFunnyCarpenter My basement flooded and i have carpet. Now I am looking for good option in case we get water again. Can you do this type of floor under a sub Premium Subfloor Specialty Panel ? thanks

[@papalouie5187]

Definitely agree. When I moved into my current house I didn't understand why the one room had bouncy a laminate floor. 2 heavy rainstorms later I found a water leak from a main-floor window... fixed the leak and replaced the laminate with a vinyl plank floor. The same summer that I replaced the AC I discovered the furnace drain line was backed up... you guessed it.water under the vinyl floor. I cleaned the drain line and now no water. All I had to do was open the floor where the water was and carried on with life.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Papa Louie thanks for the info!

[@daleludtke7803]

You got very lucky the subfloor wasn't damaged. That is what causes your floor to bounce.

[@derrickanderson2783]

I just discovered your channel and I like it already. I buy old homes and completely redo them so I'm pumped to watch your videos and learn some cool stuff :)

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Thanks a lot Derrick!

[@cbrusselssprouts8056]

Awesome information of new home owners out there! Thanks for the content!

[@TisiphoneLuv]

Ok I’m starting to get the picture that vinyl plank is almost indestructible 🥳

[@vegasrenie]

Can the vinyl be used outdoors? I have a small patio that I would love to cover the bare concrete. Because I live in Las Vegas, outdoor rugs simply die. Every 2 to 3 years, they have to be replaced because the sun is brutal. What are the chances with vinyl? So far it looks like tile is my only option, but I know having someone to professionally install it would be very expensive.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

I not sure about that. I imagine that Las Vegas sun would not be great for the VP. Perhaps your best bet is to email one of the manufactures?

[@dalepritchard3335]

@@TheFunnyCarpenter UV's would fade it out quickly I suspect.

[@daleludtke7803]

LVPs will bleach, and most of them can take ambient temperatures of a little over 100 degrees. I have been into homes with higher end LVPs that were installed with no climate control and had no window coverings, and have seen floors basically lift off the floor as they swelled in the heat. That being said, they do make commercially rated VCT that is glued down that are exterior usage. They will not do the warping thing, but they can still bleach in the heavy sun.

[@mrsmucha]

Thank you for this video. Now I know which floor to put in my kitchen.

[@pnhnut]

Vinyl plank for the win every time. FYI, always think about the unthinkable. In our rental, we went with the cheapest composite flooring in the living room and dining room...and had to replace it all a year later after we had frozen pipes that burst! So yeah, it happens even in non water areas.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

ouch!

[@mryan4452]

Vinyl in general is not good with floor imperfections. More cheap / tacky looking than laminate (no exceptions, you can just tell). And I've heard stories of vinyl expanding a good deal, and the clicking mechanism susceptible to cracking and warping. Although not perfect, I think I'll stick with laminate.

[@RadDadBuilds]

Great video my dude

[@1batgirltl]

We have home depot "Allure" vinyl plank flooring 15yrs now. We caulked the entire edge to the baseboards. We had a flood in kitchen from turn off valve of dishwasher fail. We came home to a lake....A Lake!!!...A completely contained 1 1/2 inch lake. NO water anywhere else! Wet vac and 30 min later.. not a trace. We also have had 3 Danes,a Sheppard,a Pit bull and 3 cats (fosters) at same time. Pet accidents clean right up no problem. No scratches either!! We swear by Allure floor! Way better than the hard wood we had to sand and refinish periodically!!

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

That’s amazing! We’ve been happy with our Vinyl Plank in the basement for sure!

[@Sarah-ww1te]

Just moved to a home with hardwood floors- my kitty keeps having accidents and the floors soaked it up. Definitely thinking of covering the floors with vinyl plank now

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Sarah Beth ahhh pets:(

[@1batgirltl]

Allure plank from Home Depot looks just like wood and is pet proof 100%. We have fostered 5 dogs, 3 cats same time. Keep them in kitchen. No pet damage....ever! We swear by this foor!

[@Sarah-ww1te]

@@1batgirltl thank you I’ll check out!!

[@cheriwilliams7001]

Thank you for this video. I live in a place where there are convector units. When the change over from heat to air conditioning occurs my living room floor usually gets water damaged and I have to have the whole floor replaced every year. This year my bedroom floor suffered water damage and the rug in my bedroom was water damaged and has to be replaced. Learning about the vinyl is a blessing. Now I may go to a flooring business and ask about vinyl flooring as a replacement. Many thanks.

[@hhova29]

Nice review. Very informative. I just got about 1/4 inch of water in my basement after the hurricane. (Consider myself lucky) removed flooring immediately and cleaned. Instead of tiles I presume vinyl might be the better option for me. What do you recommend?

[@ericstevens8744]

LVP VINYL

[@NAFO_Badger_Brigade]

Vinyl plank so good in water but not suitable on floors that are in direct sunlight as it does expand along its length.

[@jesser9134]

Of course your subfloor, baseboards, and drywall will be wrecked after being flooded for 2 days...

[@toddwmac]

Thanks. I'm starting to wonder if I should replace my aging Trex decking material or cover it in some vinyl flooring for a couple years. Thanks!

[@berthamilo6525]

If water gets under my waterproof vinyl flooring in a small space 6x15 feet, can my air mover fans and lg dehumidifier dry it up without removing any of it?

[@villagiz2296]

Dude straight gd content man just what i was looking for man gd looking out and putting em to the test like that nice 👌👌

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Cheers, glad the vid was helpful, thanks for checking it out.

[@shilohbell1573]

Thank you! Doing vinyl in my house and this cemented my decision

[@hstrinzel]

SHEET VINYL woould have done MUCH BETTER than any of these.

[@trashking8544]

So what you’re saying is….vinyl planking all fucking day bro

[@thai7162]

Hi! watched a few of your videos. was wondering if you could advise on steam mopping floors - which is best for surviving a steam mopper? i think my builder used vinyl planks but i see some edges peeling up. wanted to know for future home. thanks!

[@NAFO_Badger_Brigade]

Vinyl may distort with the heat from a steamer.

[@daddylogan]

I thought Lifeproof from Home Depot was luxary vinyl planking??? I just layed a floor and saw no MDF....it looked vinyl through the whole plank and had underlayment built in. It also says it is waterproof with a lifetime guarantee. Maybe this was a different style of Lifeproof babck in 2020?

[@daleludtke7803]

They own the name, they probably slap the name on everything. Same with Lowe's since they bought the Stainmaster name.

[@CriaAndKiddFW]

Ok, but what happens to the water under the vinyl plank?

[@featheredfriend1711]

Why didn't you include hybrid planks?

[@WowRixter]

I had no idea vinyl plank was so good with water. May have to consider it for our bathroom

[@AbsolutelyJason]

Very useful! Thank you!

[@hannahyun0]

Thank you! I recently installed SPC hybrid floor. My dishwasher was leaking and part of the floor flooded. I know the water got under the floor. Can I let it dry itself without taking out planks?

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Hmm that’s tough, if it’s a small amount it’s probably fine.

[@richardwilliams5608]

Do I need to put underlay under vinyl plank when putting over 'marley tiles'If so ,what type? Cheers, Richard

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

I think the underlay depends on the type of vp floor you are using.

[@teerexness]

An open or leaking window in a rain storm. Wood is exceedingly vulnerable as a flooring product, in almost any room, for many reasons. Luxury vinyl is the only way to go.

[@daleludtke7803]

If your window is leaking for to long, it doesn't matter how waterproof your flooring is. If the subfloor goes, you are losing the floor anyway.

[@teerexness]

@@daleludtke7803 True, but with wood flooring, you don't have to wait.

[@imaqu33fer]

Thanks subscribing person

[@npursuit]

Thanks for doing this. I recently had to take up flooring AGAIN in my basement office due to flooding. The 1st time, laminate flooring had to be removed due to leaking window during heavy rains. The 2nd time, a leaking spigot, and had to remove carpet squares. I'd given up on actual flooring and was planning to paint (or epoxy) the floor. I have real options now.

[@TheEtbetween]

Thanks so much! Just brought a house trying to figure out which one is better for the basement.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

VP is a good choice for basements.

[@rodn5616]

You the man! I'm tomorrow installing vinyl floor in the laundry room.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Best wishes on the install Rod!

[@jose09841]

I purchased Mowhawk Solidtech Vinyl Planks which already have some padding in them do you know if I still need underlayment with this?? If so what do you recommend and where Can I buy?

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

I don't think you do, but best bet is to check the installation sheet in the boxes.

[@daleludtke7803]

If you are installing on a slab, you should be putting down a vapor barrier (usually a 6mil plastic sheet). Recommended for all subfloors, but in some areas where its not crazy wet its not usually an issue.

[@noninoni9962]

How about a NEW type of flooring that DOESN'T have water/moisture/mold problems?? All of these suck in the long run.

[@daleludtke7803]

Most of these floors are fine with moisture. At the point where your floors begin to fail you are usually into the catastrophic water issue and insurance claims. At this point, your home 's structure is being damaged (subfloor, joists, ceilings etc). Even a concrete slab causes issues if its wet.

[@CamberRockerCamber]

Glad my wife and I chose vinyl plank for our main floor. Yes, real hardwood adds more value and looks nice, but it's too much maintenance. Vinyl planks can look just as nice and there's so many more options in colors and look. Also love how it's so flexible too.

[@Mratfresh]

can you put the vinyl floor right onto the concrete layer in the basement? Should you use a moisture barrier underlay? Or is wodden a subfloor required? thanks...great video.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

If the Conrete floor is fairly flat then yes.

[@daleludtke7803]

You should use a vapor barrier. LVPs are rated to take a certain amount of moisture, if that slab is over that the LVP boards can warp. I recently did a house where the slab was 100% saturated (had puddles under the flooring) with moisture, with LVP installed with no vapor barrier. The boards were warping. We checked three neighboring houses. Same issue. I have also ran into this with a couple other clients who bought floors, but did not have us install... went cheap on the install, no vapor barrier. Months later, floors started to warp. Not having a vapor barrier will probably void your warranty as well.

[@astoquillca1]

I was trying to decide on what flooring to purchase and you definitely made it easier for me to decide on Vinyl. However, I'm unable to find the flooring in Home Depot, do you happen to have the link? Thank you.

[@christianmedina233]

Did you ever find it

[@astoquillca1]

@@christianmedina233 no, I didn’t. I decided to stay with the same brand but different style. www.homedepot.com/p/Home-Decorators-Collection-Almond-Truffle-Maple-7-in-x-42-in-Rigid-Core-Luxury-Vinyl-Plank-Flooring-20-8-sq-ft-case-VTRHDALMTRU7X42/309260891

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

The flooring is called Vinyl Plank Home Decorators Collection- Grey Fig is the colour.www.homedepot.ca/product/home-decorators-collection-gray-fig-7-5-inch-x-47-6-inch-solid-core-luxury-vinyl-plank-flooring-24-74-sq-ft-case-/1001120540

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Sorry I missed your question!

[@daleludtke7803]

It all depends on what kind of water we are talking about. As a flooring specialist, I pitch Laminate for pretty much every home application except for bathrooms. Not because a water resistant laminate, that is properly installed and maintained can't do the job.... but because the home owner is not going to maintain the floor like it needs to be. That being said. LVP is functionally waterproof (it can still be damaged by excess moisture, like being installed on a saturated slab with no vapor barrier). You can huck it into a pool for a week, dry it out and install it.... but that doesn't matter at all if you have a catastrophic flooring issue and the water damages your subfloor. I love using it in bathrooms as they are not heavy traffic areas, so their more prone to scratching wear layers are not going to take a beating from furniture... and that ambient moisture won't damage the floors (you still need to maintain your expansion gaps, and seals around things like your shower/tub and toilet) But if you have a catastrophic issue, you are going to lose LVP, Hardwood, Tile, Sheet Vinyl etc.

[@BonBon770]

Water will get underneath it. And then there's the problem

[@daleludtke7803]

My bread and butter now is helping people select floors for Restoration jobs. I tell people this all the time.

[@BonBon770]

@@daleludtke7803 I'm a tile guy and not just because I'm a title guy do I think tile is the best but if tile is done correctly it outperforms basically any other floor the problem is very few tile guys are actually setting tile they're just laying tile.

[@daleludtke7803]

@@BonBon770 your not wrong. Tile doesn't usually wear out if installed right, it styles out. Just, where I live people don't feel like dropping 18 dollars a square foot for a standard tile install withi product and sundries.

[@BonBon770]

@@daleludtke7803 around where I'm at the owner of the tile company is roughly getting 10 bucks a foot for let's say a porcelain plank wood look. Like a 47x8. On the other hand there's guys around here that do "lvp" and get seven bucks a foot or five bucks a foot so it's not that much cheaper, so if you have to redo a lvp floor every 3 years and you only have to do a tile floor every 20. Lvp is just very popular because it's fast and easy, there's no thinset there's no grout you can walk on it right away, it's literally simple, a 15 year old boy can put down lvp correctly. Tile on the other hand is an actual art.

[@daleludtke7803]

@@BonBon770 youa re only paying your installers 4 dollars a square foot to install tile? And if their flooring is only lasting three years, they were sold the wrong floor... or they value shopped to the point of buying garbage. Tile will last longer. I admit that. But to many people, its cost prohibitive. Or they don't like how cold it feels (it transmits thermal energy faster) and don't want to drop another $10-13 bucks a square foot for a quality floor heating system. Or they want something that is softer to walk on. Or quieter. Or they don't like grout lines, and don't want to pay the additional labor (about a buck a square foot) of install of Epoxy grouts and the expense of grout itself. You are also right, tile setting is an art. Which is why if you are on ly paying your guys 4 bucks a square foot, they should go lay LVP which they could get paid nearly as much and finish a job three times faster. I help people select floors that will work best in the rooms that they want, in the budgets they can afford.

[@jelensuriel2349]

Thank you this experiment was great

[@T.e.s.s-v.s]

My laminate floor got flooded. I cleaned it up really quick. The water was on the laminate for maybe 10 minutes. I’m afraid the water got under the laminate and will cause troubles later on. Can I just let it dry out naturally?

[@DaveIrish66]

Wrong. LVP will distort if you hhave water damage. Installed in real world situation and not glued to a board. Not the same thing

[@daleludtke7803]

It absolutely can. Nothing is 100% waterproof. I have had several situations where I have gone to replace flooring in people's homes who had issues with moisture. All moisture takes is time.

[@aqueoushumour4504]

Mate, you are a legend! I've been procrastinating, chewing over, wrestling with this choice of floor, for months. Vinyl it is........cheers!

[@geyser3445]

I am going to put flooring in the lower level / basement. Would you suggest ceramic tile? Would that survive a flood without having to remove it?

[@crosisofborg5524]

Vinyl plank from Pergo looks and feels cheap and installs poorly. It’s not worth the price.

[@lindamedina3178]

Thank you. I will be using vynil Plank in-house in Puerto Rico.

[@priyachandrasekaran4752]

How can we clean an engineered hardwood? Mop or steam mop? Can you please post a video on it.?

[@shilohbell1573]

Lol

[@alex-sd]

That answers my question on the water effect in LVP seams. LVP really is waterproof and looks great!

[@twistedstyles]

Can you test vinyl where they are paste together, if the water penetrates the steams?

[@angelaangella24]

Hello What do you think of the new water proof laminate flooring