What Everyone Must Know About Pros & Cons Of SPC Flooring
Benefits of SPC Flooring
A wide range of options and styles
The wide variety of styles gives you the freedom to choose your favorite patterns and arrangements. If you’re adventurous, you can be bold and mix and match different colors to create the effect you want and let your creativity run wild.
Designed to look like solid wood
Timeless designs that mimic the beauty of nature have made SPC flooring a hit. We’re proud to say it’s “solid wood” flooring without all the drawbacks of solid wood. Isn’t that great?
Affordable.
Generally speaking, SPC flooring is more affordable than hardwood flooring, but you can still get the natural wood look you want. It’s also cheaper to install, and you can even save on labor costs if you do it yourself. Needless to say, it’s an alternative to expensive flooring.
Resistant to high traffic.
Don’t be surprised to learn that SPC flooring can withstand higher foot traffic than other types of flooring. In fact, this characteristic is one of the main reasons why SPC flooring is so popular. Its ability to withstand higher foot traffic makes it ideal for large families and active people.
Durability and longevity.
Don’t be surprised to learn that SPC flooring can last more than 20 years if properly maintained. For this reason, some of the leading SPC flooring brands offer 15+ year warranties. Speaking of quality, here are some SPC materials with remarkable durability that you don’t want to miss.
Solid and Composite SPC: A homogeneous SPC that is highly resistant to scratches and surface damage.
Fiberglass Reinforced SPC: Fiberglass is one of the most durable types due to its strength and flexibility. This SPC material is extremely durable and can withstand heavy loads.
It is easy to maintain.
If you are not a homemaker or have little time for housework, SPC flooring may be just what you need. Simply sweep and mop regularly to keep your home neat and organized.
If tiles or other areas of the floor are damaged, you don’t have to remove the entire floor, just replace individual pieces, and you’ll find that SPC flooring is easier to maintain than other types of flooring.
Click here for 17 tips on how to care for, clean and maintain your SPC flooring.
Comfortable underfoot
SPC flooring is not as hard as wood flooring; SPC flooring is usually backed with a layer of foam or felt.
This backing adds softness and flexibility to the floor, making it comfortable to stand on for long periods of time.
Easy to install
SPC flooring can be laid directly over an existing floor, as long as the floor is flat and smooth.
Stain resistance.
Some SPC flooring is known for its stain resistance, such as printed SPC tiles or sheets, because the wear layer on the SPC surface provides protection against stains and spills.
Not all types of SPC flooring are highly stain-resistant, so if this feature is a major concern for you, you can opt for laminate SPC or solid SPC.
Water Resistance.
An interesting advantage of this type of flooring is that it can be installed almost anywhere in your home, including the laundry room. Disadvantages of SPC Flooring
Subfloor preparation is difficult.
Before installing SPC flooring, the subfloor must be leveled and cleared of dust and dirt. This process takes time and effort to achieve perfect results.
If the subfloor is not properly prepared, the particulate matter underneath can create lumps and bumps in the SPC surface. Over time, these conditions can cause serious flooring problems and can even lead to wear and tear of the SPC components.
Many people may think that installing SPC flooring will increase resale value. Unlike hardwood floors, SPC flooring will not give you additional value if you plan to resell your property.
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emissions
Because SPC flooring is manufactured with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), it can release VOCs into the air, especially during installation. Doors and windows should be opened for ventilation after installation.
Most manufacturers are aware of this problem and have made many improvements since 2010.
If you plan to remove installed SPC flooring yourself, you will need time and patience. Depending on the type of SPC flooring installed, removing adhesive type flooring can be difficult.
Vulnerable to sharp objects.
Heavy furniture, pets’ claws, sand and sharp objects can leave scratches and abrasions on the surface of your SPC flooring.
Care should be taken when coming into contact with sharp objects; SPC flooring surfaces should be covered with felt, mats or rugs to keep the surface smooth.
Don’t be misled. Not all SPC flooring is susceptible to moisture. However, lower grades of SPC flooring may swell or discolor when exposed to moisture for extended periods of time.Moisture under SPC flooring can also promote mold growth and unpleasant odors.
