Areas of the home that are damp or completely damp present challenges for the soil. Many soil materials are susceptible to mold, rotting or mechanical decomposition of materials when subjected to moisture.
Organic versus inorganic materials
As a general rule, floor coverings made from inorganic materials, such as synthetic plastics, will be better than floors that contain organic materials. The term organic technically refers to any material that is carbon-based and was once alive, but when used to describe flooring materials, it generally refers to plant-based materials.
When subjected to moisture, organic materials will begin to decompose rapidly, and can soon become hosts for a variety of molds and bacteria. Most inorganic materials, on the other hand, are products made from synthetically refined chemicals, and they are largely immune to the effects of humidity.
Not all flooring materials are completely organic or inorganic, of course, and the ratio of organic to inorganic will affect their ability to handle moisture. Plastic laminate flooring has a synthetic surface that is completely 100% inorganic, but the thickest underlayment on the floor is usually wood grain.
Laminate flooring, therefore, is generally a poor choice for wet locations. Bamboo, on the other hand, is a completely organic material, but because bamboo flooring is made from a large proportion of synthetic resins and glues, it's actually relatively good at controlling humidity compared to “inorganic” plastic laminate flooring.
An exception to the rule is carpeting. Except for the relatively rare wool and cotton carpet blends, most rugs are synthetic and completely inorganic. But Because rugs trap and retain moisture, it is a very poor choice for humid locations.
Good floor coverings for damp / damp locations
All floor coverings in this category provide excellent moisture protection. All materials are 100% waterproof. These floor coverings can be used with confidence in kitchens, full family bathrooms and basements.
- Porcelain tile- Porcelain tile is a form of ceramic tile that is often used in showers, bathtubs, swimming pools, and other pure water areas. This material is highly resistant to intense water, thanks to the very fine clays and the high firing temperatures used in its creation. Porcelain tile is arguably the best material for chronically wet locations, as long as the bunched seams are properly maintained. Cracked grout joints can provide a path for moisture to seep into the subfloor
- Ceramic tiles- As with porcelain, regular ceramic tiles are a great option in areas that see puddles or standing water. The only difference is that non-porcelain ceramic tiles have a slightly higher water absorption rate, although this is generally not a problem. As with porcelain, the weak point of ceramic tile is not the tile itself, but the clumped seams between the tiles.
- Vinyl sheet: Vinyl sheet is a 100% waterproof solid surface. It generally has very few or no seams that allow water to penetrate the substrate.
- Luxury vinyl flooring planks: luxury vinyl flooring comes in long plank strips. Woodworking lock and fold style provides a fairly watertight seal. The entire floor layer is completely waterproof, including the core, which makes it a much better floor for wet areas than plastic laminate flooring. Luxury vinyl sits slightly behind laminated vinyl and ceramic tiles because the seams between the planks sometimes allow water to seep into the subfloor, especially if the installation is not perfect.
- Vinyl tiles: vinyl tiles, like the other stretch floors here, are a 100% waterproof material. However, the many seams in a tile installation allow more opportunities for water to seep underground.
- Concrete: Properly sealed concrete is excellent against water. Except in utility areas, concrete is gaining popularity for living areas thanks to new options for coloring and texturing it.
Anyway, if you are thinking of putting a floor in your home and it is an area where there may be movement of water on a regular basis ... Talk to a professional in the sector for advice, also taking into account the characteristics of the room, your home and the climate of your area. These are aspects to take into account to choose the best material in each case.