Like most rv owners, you have likely spent countless hours of your time trying to find the right living situation you and your family can be happy with. You've almost certainly spent many hours researching flooring options available for you home on wheels. And while you might not be thinking about it now, eventually you will come across the option of vinyl wood floors in a mobile home (aka rv). But don't rush into this decision without a little research. Because the facts are quite different than what the commercials would have you believe.
If you choose to go with vinyl wood flooring, then you will want to be sure you install it in a way that it is safe. However, some people have found issues with this type of flooring, and in this article, we are going to discuss what those problems are and how you can solve them.
We have compiled a list of nine problems with vinyl plank flooring in RVs and why they are not as bad as they seem!
- It can be slippery when wet
Vinyl plank flooring may be slippery when wet, but this is a common problem with any type of flooring. The best way to fix this issue is by installing non-slip mats underneath your furniture or appliances so they do not slide around while you're using them.
- Vinyl Plank Flooring Is Expensive In RVs
It's true that some types of vinyl plank flooring are expensive in RVs, especially if you want high-quality material like the ones we recommend on our site. However, there are cheaper alternatives out there such as laminate or carpet which will still give you an amazing look for much less money than buying brand new planks from scratch every time."
- It won't last if you don't take care of it
The biggest problem with vinyl plank flooring is how quickly it starts to look old and dirty. It needs to be cleaned regularly to preserve its beauty. However, it can also get scratched and worn, which makes it harder to clean and maintain. That's why it's important that you keep your RV in good condition before installing vinyl plank flooring in it.
Vinyl plank flooring is durable and will stand up to heavy use, but like any flooring, it won't last forever. You may have a problem with the planks coming loose after several years of use or even sooner if not properly maintained. You need to inspect them regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as discoloration or bubbles forming on top of the surface due to moisture seeping through from below. To prevent this from happening, make sure there's no standing water under your RV when parked on an uneven surface like gravel or dirt roads.
- Delamination of Vinyl Plank Flooring
One of the most common defects of vinyl plank floors that is reported are the planks coming apart. This happens when there is a defect in the glue and it begins to come undone. This can be caused by the heat or cold, and even the weight of heavy furniture on it or a pet scratching it up.
- Edge Gaps From Temperature Changes
This occurs because vinyl plank flooring expands and contracts from temperature changes. If you have been living in your RV, you know how hot they can get in the summer and how cold they can get in the winter. When this is happening, it causes gaps along the edges of your flooring that you can see through.
- Vinyl Planks Curling at Edges
This problem is caused mostly by moisture getting underneath your flooring causing it to curl up on the edges. Moisture causes this problem because it gets under your floor during installation or from spills that were not cleaned up immediately and allowed to dry out completely before being cleaned up.
- Cracking of Vinyl Plank Flooring
If you have vinyl plank flooring in your trailer, you may begin to notice cracks starting to form. These are caused by a number of factors including improper installation, temperature and moisture fluctuations as well as heavy foot traffic, furniture placement and even sharp pet nails. While some cracks will be repairable with professional help, others may require replacement of all or part of the flooring.
- Staining of Vinyl Plank Flooring
Because vinyl plank flooring is porous by nature, it can easily be stained if certain steps are not taken during installation or cleaning. Experts recommend using a cleaner that contains a wax or sealant that will help to protect against stains so it is important to choose one carefully when cleaning your floors. You should also avoid using too much water when cleaning since this can actually cause more staining.
- Vinyl Plank is Not Made Specifically For RVs
This is an important statement because there are a wide variety of vinyl planks on the market. Some are better quality than others. Some will have more layers than others. And some will hold up better than others.
The point is that you need to make sure you're buying a good quality vinyl plank flooring that will stand up over time in an RV environment and not just what looks good at the store or online.
