What Causes Shrinking in Resilient Flooring

Hardwood flooring is probably best known for shrinking and expanding, but resilient flooring can also suffer from shrinking when exposed to the right conditions. Resilient flooring is made of highly durable synthetic material and it is a popular choice among customers for both business and commercial installation. The increase in technology surrounding the manufacture and installation of vinyl flooring has made even the most skeptical customers into believers after they see how unique and special this resilient flooring really is.

Installing Resilient Flooring

Flooring installers face many challenges when installing vinyl flooring, and one of these is making allowances for shrinking. Newly installed vinyl flooring can shrink if it is not properly acclimated to the temperature and humidity of the room where it will eventually be placed. Sometimes, the plastic layer of the vinyl shrinks but the felt backing doesn’t causing curling.

Taking every precaution for the best possible outcome is very important for those that work with resilient flooring. It’s best for installers and customers to be aware of what can cause shrinking in resilient floors:

· Sunlight

· Changes in humidity

· Temperature changes

· Hot liquid spills

· Flooding

· Chemical spills

· Overuse of cleaning products

· UV light

These reasons and more may be what is causing shrinkage in resilient flooring.

Preventing Shrinking in Resilient Flooring

While it is impossible to prepare for every single factor, flooring installation experts, flooring inspectors and even customers can have a much better chance of preserving the flooring when they know about the causes. It’s especially important for flooring experts to educate their customers on what is possible when they don’t take care of the floor the way the manufacturer recommends. Of course, sometimes customers simply don’t listen and they suffer the consequences of ill treatment of the flooring.

Even though vinyl flooring is among the most affordable and most durable, there is always room for problems when the conditions are conducive to shrinking. Whether installers use sheet vinyl or vinyl tiles, taking precautions against shrinking will ensure happy customers and a beautiful floor that will last for years to come.