What Are The Benefits Of Lvt Flooring That are High-Performance, Durable And Low-Maintenance Alternative To Traditional Hard Surface ?

 

LVT Flooring is a high-performance, durable and low-maintenance alternative to traditional hard surface flooring materials. It is a great choice for most residential and commercial applications, especially those where water resistance is an issue such as kitchens, bathrooms and other wet areas.

There are a variety of LVT products available in the market, but you need to know the difference between luxury vinyl planks (LVP), luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank-tile (LVPT). This will help you choose the right flooring for your needs and budget.

The Core Layer

LVP and LVT Flooring are composed of many layers that work together to create a strong, durable and low-maintenance floor that lasts for years. They consist of a wear layer, an image layer, a resilient core and a backing board for stability underfoot.

These layers work in conjunction to give the floor a high level of durability and design realism that closely mimics natural flooring choices such as wood or stone. In addition, they come in a wide array of styles and color choices to best suit your decor and lifestyle needs.

The Product Construction

Luxury vinyl flooring is available in both glue-down and click-together options. Glue-down options are thin and lightweight, while click-together versions are thicker and range from flexible to rigid planks.

The Corelayer

A core layer is typically made of a strong but flexible Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) material for sturdiness and to give the flooring an even appearance on the subfloor. It also helps provide strength to hold the other layers in place, which makes it a good choice for areas with heavy foot traffic or rolling loads.

The Wearlayer

The wear layer is the most important part of any LVT Flooring, and it is what will keep it looking beautiful for years to come. It is a strong layer that protects the printed vinyl image and prevents deep gouges or tears. The thickness of this wear layer varies from 6-10 millimeters for residential use to about 30 millimeters for commercial applications.

Depending on the type of wear layer and the overall thickness, LVT may be scuff, stain or scratch resistant, which will improve its performance. Some brands, including Armstrong, offer 100% waterproof flooring, meaning it won't swell, buckle or lose its integrity if exposed to moisture.

Installation Methods

The most common LVT construction is the glue-down method, where a strong adhesive is applied to the underside of the flooring and then the plank or tile is installed with a nailer. This is usually the preferred method for commercial applications that have heavy foot traffic and rolling loads. Other constructions such as loose lay are often promoted for residential applications with minimal foot traffic or rolling loads since the adhesive is not needed around the perimeter of the room.

In addition to being a highly durable, low-maintenance and versatile flooring option, LVT is also one of the most eco-friendly options on the market. It is manufactured from recycled plastics and can be recycled or reclaimed for reuse. In addition, it is often made using sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood and cork underlays.