Vinyl is beloved by Buffalo homeowners. Waterproof, durable, affordable and designed to handle our changing seasons, it’s hard to say anything bad about it. While vinyl is tough, it’s not indestructible. Certain conditions and habits can cause it to wear out faster than expected.
What ruins vinyl flooring in Buffalo?
At our Buffalo flooring shop, we help homeowners choose vinyl flooring around Buffalo that lasts and avoid the mistakes that shorten its lifespan. Here’s what you should watch out for!
When winter hits Buffalo, road salt, melting snow and gritty slush spell trouble! Those elements can wreak havoc on vinyl flooring if they get inside.
Salt and grit plus vinyl are a terrible combination. It’s like rubbing sandpaper on your floors. When the top layer starts to wear out, your floors become more vulnerable to staining and long-term damage.
Melting snow creates moisture that dries into dirt streaks residue, especially in entryways and hallways. Over time, such buildup can result in premature wear.
The problem areas tend to be:
Entryways
Mudrooms
Hallways
Back doors and garage entries
Want to protect your entryways from Buffalo’s winter grime? Our West Seneca showroom has stylish mats and runners made for moisture-prone areas.
Vinyl flooring is easier to maintain than the majority of other materials. That said, using the wrong cleaner can damage it. Many Buffalo homeowners are unaware that they’re using products that damage vinyl’s surface.
Cleaners that ruin vinyl include:
Bleach or ammonia
Vinegar-based sprays
Steam mops (the heat damages the core)
Wax-based products that cause buildup
Abrasive scrub pads
Using these products has consequences. It can cause the vinyl to look cloudy, streaky, sticky or dull. After the wear layer gets damaged, replacement is the only option.
How do you protect your vinyl flooring from damage? Use vinyl-safe cleaners only and stick to gentle tools like microfiber mops. The flooring team at Tontine Carpet One can help you find what you’re looking for.
One of the quickest ways to ruin vinyl flooring is dragging furniture across it. Couches, fridges, beds and even dining chairs can scratch or dent your floors if you don’t take precautions.
Here are some tips to prevent damage:
Lift, don’t drag furniture.
Put felt pads under chair and table legs.
Use sliders when moving heavy items like appliances.
The little things make a huge difference. They are often one of the best ways to prevent premature wear, especially in homes with active families.
Vinyl flooring thrives when you have a smooth, level subfloor. If the subfloor has dips, bumps, cracks or moisture issues, which are common in older homes, your vinyl can:
Lift
Separate at the seams
Shift underfoot
Develop hollow spots
Wear unevenly
Floating vinyl has to lock together perfectly. Meanwhile, glue-down vinyl needs an even subfloor. Improper installation will cause your vinyl to not last as long.
A professional flooring installation from Tontine Carpet One prevents shifting, warping and premature wear. It also ensures your floors last the intended 15–25+ years.
Despite vinyl flooring being tough, dirt and grit are like tiny abrasives that dull the surface over time. Regular sweeping goes a long way, especially during winter when salt and slush are tracked inside regularly.
A quick daily sweep or light vacuum helps prevent:
Micro-scratches
Loss of shine
Surface wear
Premature dulling
With vinyl, there’s no need for harsh chemicals or waxing. The secret weapon is consistency.
Buffalo gets all sorts of weather! Between freezing winters and humid summers, seasonal shifts can happen overnight. Although vinyl can handle it better than most flooring types, extreme changes can make a difference.
When vinyl doesn’t have time to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the room, it can:
Expand in heat
Contract in cold
Cause gaps or slight lifting
SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) and WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) vinyl are best equipped to handle Buffalo’s climate because of their stable cores.
Vinyl flooring tends to fade or discolor when exposed to prolonged direct sunlight. South-facing rooms with large windows often experience the most fading.
How do you protect your floors from the sun? Check out these tips:
Close blinds during peak sunlight
Add area rugs near sunny windows
Consider UV-filtering window film
These are the best ways to keep your floors looking rich and vibrant for longer.
What ruins vinyl flooring in Buffalo? A combination of snow, salt, moisture, harsh cleaners, dragging furniture, incorrect installation, dirt buildup, varying weather conditions and sun exposure do it all. However, you can easily prevent these issues with simple habits and support from Tontine Carpet One. We understand our city and how to keep vinyl floors in top shape.
Want your vinyl floors to last longer? Contact us or visit our West Seneca showroom to get started!