Waterproof flooring will not get damaged even when it’s submerged in water for a long time.
Water-resistant flooring, on the other hand, can handle spills and splashes that are cleaned
within a short period.

There are of course other differences between these two. Let’s get some elaborate ideas on waterproof vs water-resistant flooring.

Waterproof Vs Water Resistant Flooring: 5 Key Comparison Points

Apart from the ability to survive against liquids, what are the differences between waterproof and water-resistant flooring? Let’s find out.

ASPECT	WATERPROOF FLOORING (VINYL)	WATER-RESISTANT FLOORING (LAMINATE)
Water Resistance	Fully waterproof, does not absorb water.	Resistant to water, but not fully waterproof. Can withstand water for a limited time.
Cost	Generally higher cost due to waterproof properties.	Generally lower cost compared to waterproof options.
Suitability	Ideal for rooms with high water exposure (kitchens, bathrooms).	Suitable for areas with less water exposure.
Appearance	May have a limited wood-like appearance compared to laminate.	Can mimic a hardwood floor appearance, offering a wood-like look.
Materials	Made of PVC core and other waterproof materials.	Made of fiberboard core with a water-resistant coating.
Durability	Typically more durable, can last longer due to waterproof nature.	Less durable compared to fully waterproof options.

Options

The two most common flooring options that can be used as examples for waterproof and water-resistant floorings are laminate flooring and vinyl flooring.

There are variations between these two options. But the basics are the same for all variations. Laminate floorings are never fully waterproof whereas vinyl floorings are.

There are laminate floors that may be more water-resistant than basic ones. But that only means the time they can withstand having water on the surface.

Sooner or later, the flooring will get damaged if you leave the liquid for too long. You can usually steam clean these floors but that’s all the benefit you can get.

Vinyl floor variations are more about appearance than water resistance. Most vinyl floors are completely waterproof so you can choose any option that suits your need.

Cost

One of the most important things to consider when you are choosing floors is the cost. Waterproof floorings certainly cost more than water-resistant ones.

So, if you are thinking about getting an option that will allow you to enjoy the waterproof feature, be ready to spend more.

Suitability

Which room you are considering the floor for will determine the better option. For instance, if you are selecting a floor option for your kitchen or bathroom, it’s better to go for a waterproof option.

The reason is clear. Your floor will face more liquid spillage in these areas compared to your bedroom, dining room, or living room.

Another thing to consider when you are choosing floors is whether you have kids or not. For a family with kids, a waterproof option is clearly smarter than water-resistant flooring.

With waterproof flooring, you may have to compromise a wood-like look. Vinyl floors will not give you a hardwood floor-like appearance compared to laminate flooring.

So, make sure to consider it before selecting the floor.

Materials

The core of the floorings is what’s responsible for making a flooring option waterproof or water-resistant. For instance, laminate flooring is made of fiberboard on its core.

This is a byproduct of wood that reacts extremely poorly to water. Laminate does come with a coating that prevents water from going to the core.

However, once the top coat is penetrated by water, the core will get damaged. As a result, the floor will warp.

On the contrary, vinyl flooring is made of PVC on its core along with other materials. So, this floor will not absorb any water whatsoever, making it completely waterproof.

Durability

The last significant difference between waterproof and water-resistant floors is durability. As you can imagine, a waterproof option will certainly last longer than a water-resistant option.

So, if that’s one of your primary concerns, maybe it’s time to change your flooring to a waterproof one.

References

1. https://www.flooringamerica.com/flooring-faq/cleaning-and-maintenance-
   faq/waterproof-vs-water-resistant-flooring
2. https://www.urbansurfaces.com/resource_center/kb01-005/
3. https://www.avalonflooring.com/blogs/blog/water-resistance-vs-waterproof-flooring

Well, we are here to answer all those answers and more. There is, in fact, a difference between these two, and we are going to go into a great deal about what those are. For more information, you need to keep reading to get all the details about the distinctions found in these two.

What Is Water Resistant?

If you are familiar with the concept of showerproof, then understanding water resistance is not going to be too difficult. The term showerproof is basically used for clothing items, the outer layer of fabric protects the wearer from drizzling rain. And the fabric does not allow the little bit of water to get through and soak you up.

It is able to do so as it has been treated with a special coating that doesn’t absorb the water, it merely slides off.

Now, let us move to water resistance. This is very similar to showerproof and does not have a hydro-static head, and thus, it does not get a waterproof rating. In this case, the fabric is not only treated with the coating, rather it is made of a coating that stops it from absorbing the water.

The cloth is so densely knit, no water can get inside.

When it comes to smartphones, the water-resistant feature means that the phone will be able to resist the penetration of water for some time and to a certain degree. Your phone will not be able to withstand being dipped into water or anything. But if some waterfalls on your phone, it should be just fine.

What Is Waterproof?

It is commonly seen that people view waterproof as some type of invincible armor against water, that is not true. The object might be able to withstand water to a large extent, but that does not mean it will do so infinitely.

For fabric, the outer layer has taped seams, so no water can get in. Along with that, it is made of a membrane lining, which has a lot of very small holes, these holes allow air to go in and out, increasing breathability. Otherwise, you would feel suffocated inside.

But on the plus side, these holes are microscopic, too small for water from entering through it.

This very similar system is applied to different technological devices, which stops the water from entering. Even though being waterproof doesn’t mean your phone is 100% safe against water, but it will be able to protect is from most situations. If it happens to fall into a pool, you should still be able to use it properly after.

What Are the Differences between Water Resistant and Waterproof?

From the definition provided above, you have a general idea that water-resistant and waterproof are not the same things, there are differences when it comes to water-resistant and waterproof.

• Protection

The main difference between these two lies in the amount of protection each of these providers. If your device or fabric is water-resistant, then you will have a certain degree of protection against the water. You will be fine if it is drizzling, and there is a splash of water here and there. But that is about all.

As for waterproof material, you will get much more protection against water. You should be able to withstand the rain for some time until you reach some form of shelter. And your phone will survive falling into a puddle or worse, a pool.

• Making

The reason why you will get to experience these two is mainly due to the way they have been made. And the water-resistant items have a hydro-static head that stops the water from entering.

Whereas when it comes to the waterproof items, they are lined with a material with tiny holes which do not allow water to pass. Along with that, the seams of the fabric are tapered. Meaning water is unable to penetrate from those parts either.

Advantages of Using Water-Resistant Products

The number of advantages you will get from using water-resistant cloths or smartphones are many. But we are going to list a few down here, so it is easier for you to make a comparison

• Provides a level of protection from water or the rain
• Enables us to be anywhere without having a fear of getting drenched
• It allows us to use our phones everywhere, and we do not have to worry about it getting wet
• Gives you security against different unforeseen situations
• Much lighter fabric in comparison to the waterproof ones

Advantages of Using Waterproof Products

Among the countless benefits of using waterproof clothes and devices, we have a list of a few that should be enough to demonstrate why people need these.

• You feel safe and liberated when you know taking your phone near the pool can cause no harm.
• Very convenient; you can take calls while you are in the shower and can even keep it close by if you wanna listen to some music while showering
• Can be suitable while working out, both the fabric and the phone
• You can take amazing underwater pictures with a waterproof smartphone or camera

Waterproof Rating

You will see that waterproof objects will have different ratings, these ratings are provided so that users are able to understand what kind of condition your clothes or your devices can take. 5,000mm means that the jacket can only withstand light rain, and it will not be appropriate for something heavy.

10,000mm-15,000mm means the jacket or waterproof item should do fine even if there is a heavy downpour, will even be fine in the snow, but not for a very long time.

20,000mm+ means that you should be absolutely fine even in the worse conditions without any problem.

Final Words

And with that, we are done. We have covered almost all the basics in this article, and you should be able to have a very clear idea about what water-resistant and waterproof means.