What is Stone Polymer Core Flooring?
Stone polymer core flooring is laminate flooring that has a core made from stone, usually limestone, and polymer resin. Crushed limestone is mixed with a polymer resin and used to produce sheets, usually planks. The edges of these planks are given locking tongue and groove profiles, allowing them to be locked together. To these planks, a visual layer is applied. This visual layer gives the “wood look” to the planks. On top of the visual layer is a wear layer. The ware layer is generally transparent and made up of a material that is highly scratch and abrasion resistant. Wear layers often contain mineral like silicon dioxide or aluminum oxide to enhance the wear resistance. On the reverse a thin, resilient pad is often applied to provide some sound deadening qualities. This pad also provides a softening of the feel of the floor, under foot.
Standard Laminate Flooring
Most standard laminate flooring uses wood fibers mixed with a binder, possibly resin. The problem is that any material in the core that absorbs water, or softens when wet, or deteriorates upon getting wet, makes the floor vulnerable to moist or wet conditions. The visual layer will delaminate from the core and/or the entire plank will swell or deform. SPC flooring is generally immune to this type of failure.
Waterproof Floor
If I install waterproof flooring, is my floor waterproof? Probably not. Even with stone polymer core flooring installed, it is likely the sub-floor underneath is not waterproof. OSB and standard plywood are both very susceptible to water damage. Any water that penetrates the seams of the flooring can cause damage to the sub-floor. Some modern SPC and petroleum based core flooring have specially designed locking edges that help prevent water from migrating to the sub-floor, but it is unwise to expect a 100% waterproof seam, right out of the box. Caulking the seams during installation can help and putting down a moisture barrier under the flooring can also help. Our Neptune and Terradura offering are good examples of waterproof flooring.
The Best Defense Against Water Damage
Use common sense when installing waterproof flooring. Understand its limitations, and take measures to mitigate these limitations. Clean up spills immediately. Keep your expectations inline with the product’s abilities and seek out professional advice if you are unsure of a particular application.
