Why the Vinyl Flooring In Your Mississauga Home May Be Shrinking

Summary: While vinyl flooring is a durable option, it can shrink and cup when exposed to certain external stressors. So, if you have chosen vinyl flooring installation for your Mississauga home, be wary of exposing it to rapidly changing temperatures, floor damage, and breakdown of esters. 

Vinyl flooring is made from a variety of synthetic materials such as PVC vinyl, plasticizer, and fibreglass. It has multiple layers, including a sturdy wooden core, which creates a durable product that stands up well to wear and tear. And it is available in many styles, designs, and colours which helps homeowners not only update their interiors but freshen the space. Being an artificial material, it’s more affordable than natural flooring options like hardwood. 

However, vinyl flooring is known to shrink after just a few years of use in certain conditions. 

What causes this? And how can it be prevented? 

Experts at a leading vinyl flooring store in Mississauga, Ontario, have researched the answers to these questions.

 

Let’s find out what they are. 

Why Does Vinyl Flooring Shrink? (Advice from Experts in Mississauga)

There are a few reasons why your vinyl flooring planks may be shrinking. Let’s look at some of the most common ones. 

1. Exposure to Fluctuating Temperatures

One primary reason that your vinyl flooring may expand or contract is exposure to heat and sunlight throughout the day. When vinyl becomes warm, it expands slightly which causes buckling over time. 

Moreover, if your vinyl flooring was glued down or came with a self-stick option, sunlight, and heat can release the glue bond and cause the tiles to shift. When it’s exposed to colder climates, this flooring will contract, resulting in gaps becoming visible between the planks or tiles. 

If you live in an area that experiences frequent temperature fluctuations, choose luxury vinyl tiles. While they may be slightly more expensive than regular vinyl tiles or planks, they are more durable, making them a suitable option. 

2. Floor Damage

Your vinyl flooring can sustain damage from furniture being moved around, when it is exposed to water, or when heavy objects are dropped on it. The result is gaps appearing between the planks.

If you need to move heavy furniture around, it’s better to either carry them or place furniture sliders or pads beneath them before sliding it across the floor. They will reduce friction on the planks and diminish chances of them sustaining damage. 

Alternatively, if your flooring has sustained water damage because of a leaking water heater or busted pipe, make sure you mop the area promptly; failing to do so can cause separating and cupping. 

3. Breakdown of Esters

Esters are also known as plasticizers. These liquid solvents are added to synthetic resins to promote elasticity and flexibility in vinyl planks. They allow the material to offer superior durability and to expand and contract easily. 

But this can also have the reverse effect when the planks are exposed to a drastically changing environment. Over time, these esters break down, resulting in gaps appearing and edges cupping. 

Vinyl flooring is one of the most durable options available, but it can shrink and cup when exposed to external stressors. This makes it necessary to have experienced professionals install your vinyl flooring in Mississauga and elsewhere. Along with ensuring they look beautiful, it will also help the material last for many years to come.