Heated & Waterproof Floors
Comfort, durability, and protection against moisture
While heated and waterproof floors are two of the most sought-after features for homeowners, they are typically sold separately. This page covers both topics in-depth but is divided into two sections to make it easier for you to find the most relevant information. In the first section, we’ll dive into waterproof flooring options and their benefits. The second section will focus on heated floors and how they can enhance your home’s comfort. Feel free to jump to the section that interests you the most!
The Benefits of Waterproof Floors
Water is one of the most damaging elements to flooring, and areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements are particularly vulnerable. Installing waterproof floors can save homeowners time, money, and stress by preventing water-related damage like warping, swelling, or mold growth.
What Are Waterproof Floors?
Waterproof floors are designed to resist moisture and prevent water from seeping into the subfloor, unlike water-resistant floors, which only protect against light spills or splashes. The key difference is that waterproof flooring can endure prolonged exposure to water without compromising the structure or appearance of the floor.
Common Types of Waterproof Flooring
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) & Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): One of the most popular choices for waterproof flooring is LVP/LVT. It mimics the look of natural wood, tile, or stone but is fully waterproof. Luxury Vinyl is ideal for areas prone to spills, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Vinyl Flooring: This is a more general category that includes vinyl sheets. Vinyl flooring offers a variety of styles and is affordable, easy to clean, and durable.
Tile Flooring: Porcelain and ceramic tiles are naturally water-resistant, making them an excellent choice for bathrooms and kitchens. However, installing a waterproof tile underlayment, like the Schluter waterproof underlayment, is recommended to ensure no moisture reaches the subfloor.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant Floors: What’s the Difference?
It’s important for homeowners to understand the difference between waterproof and water-resistant floors. Waterproof flooring is impervious to water, meaning it can handle standing water for extended periods without damage. Water-resistant floors, on the other hand, are designed to handle small spills but may suffer damage if exposed to large amounts of water.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Waterproof Floors
Not Verifying the Flooring Is Truly Waterproof: Homeowners can easily confuse water-resistant with waterproof, so it’s crucial to verify that the flooring materials are fully waterproof, especially in areas with high moisture.
Using Incorrect Adhesives: For glue-down flooring options, it’s important to use high-moisture adhesives. The flooring might not fail, but many adhesives are not rated for high-moisture areas, leading to failure over time.
Ignoring the Subfloor: Even if your floor is waterproof, your subfloor likely isn’t. That’s why we recommend installing a Schluter waterproof underlayment for tile flooring. The underlayment prevents water from seeping into the subfloor and helps prevent cracks in the tile by absorbing movement.
Schluter Waterproofing System: Why It’s Important
The Schluter waterproof underlayment is an advanced system that offers comprehensive protection for tile installations. It’s designed to ensure that your flooring and subfloor remain protected from moisture while reducing the risk of tile cracks. Many contractors use rigid underlayment, which can transfer movement through the tile and lead to cracks. Schluter underlayment helps absorb this movement, providing long-term durability and a waterproof barrier.
Heated Floors – The Ultimate Comfort
While waterproof floors protect your home from moisture, heated floors provide warmth and comfort. If you’ve ever stepped onto a cold tile floor in the middle of winter, you’ll understand the appeal of electric heated floors. This luxury feature is becoming more accessible and popular among homeowners who want to add extra comfort to their living spaces.
What Are Heated Floors?
Heated floors, also known as underfloor heating, use a system of electric cables installed beneath the flooring. This system generates heat that radiates upward, warming the floor and the room. Other types of heated floors exist, but we only offer an electric cable system.
Benefits of Heated Flooring
Energy-Efficient Heating: One of the key benefits of underfloor heating is its energy efficiency. Unlike traditional forced-air heating systems, which heat the air around you, heated floors directly warm the surfaces and objects in the room. This means your home stays warmer for longer, and you can reduce energy consumption by lowering your thermostat.
Even Heat Distribution: Unlike radiators or vents, which tend to create hot and cold spots, heated floors provide consistent heat throughout the room. This ensures that every corner of the space is equally comfortable.
Compatible with Various Flooring Types: Heated floors work well under various materials, including tile, stone, and even luxury vinyl. Heated tile floors, in particular, are a popular choice for bathrooms, where cold surfaces are a common issue.
Why Choose Floor It for Your Flooring Needs?
At Floor It, we understand that choosing the right flooring involves more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that’s functional, comfortable, and built to last. Whether you’re looking for waterproof floors for your kitchen or bathroom or want to experience the luxury of heated floors, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
We offer free in-home consultations, where our flooring experts will bring our mobile showroom directly to your door. You can explore hundreds of flooring options in the comfort of your own home, and we’ll provide a free instant estimate with no obligation to purchase. Our team frequently travels to cities across Nebraska, including Omaha, Lincoln, Fremont, Grand Island, Hastings, North Platte, Kearney, Aurora, Central City, Palmer, and St. Paul.
Our experts have decades of experience and are committed to helping you find the perfect flooring solution for your home. With a 5-star rating on Google and thousands of satisfied customers, Floor It is the trusted choice for homeowners across the state.