Resilient vinyl flooring gets its name because it ‘bounces back’ to its original form after being compressed. In terms of makeup, its main component is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a synthetic plastic polymer. Polymers are both durable and resilient which gives this type of flooring its strength, flexibility, and also its waterproof quality. Interestingly, vinyl was discovered by accident when in 1926, the BF Goodrich scientist Waldo Semon failed at creating an adhesive and discovered the rubber-like vinyl (polyvinyl chloride) instead. Thank you, Waldo!
Layers of Resilient Vinyl
There are typically 5 layers that make up resilient vinyl. The topmost layer is either a urethane or aluminum oxide finish which gives the product the appropriate sheen depending on the desired style. Directly underneath the finish is a clear PVC film layer called the wear layer, the most important layer of the product as it determines its durability over time. A vinyl product with a thin wear layer will be less expensive, but it won’t last as long. The wear layer provides a high degree of protection against scuffs, scratches, stains, and well, wear, and can range in thickness from 6 mils to 12 mils for residential flooring and 20 mils or more for commercial flooring. (Mils are distinct from millimeters. Mils is a measurement of plastics like grocery bags and plastic drop cloths. For you math people out there, 1 mil is equal to .0254 millimeters.) Except for VCT and rigid core vinyl with wood veneers, each vinyl product will have a wear layer. Both the finish and wear layer work together to prevent damage to the rest of the material. The third layer is the print layer which gives the resilient vinyl flooring its look. Among the most popular looks are wood, stone, or patterned designs. Because the third layer is printed, vinyl can have any look people can dream up! Underneath the print layer is the middle or core layer, the real “meat” of the product. The core gives vinyl most of its thickness and adds to the product’s durability. Thicker vinyls like those in the rigid core family score high in the durability category while also doing an excellent job at hiding subfloor imperfections. Last is the backing layer which is the bottom-most layer that rests against the subfloor. Resilient vinyl backing can include felt, PVC, rubber, or cork materials, the purpose of which is to insulate sound, protect against mold, and increase comfort underfoot. Depending on the product, the backing is either glued down to or ‘floated’ on the subfloor.
