What should your know about SPC flooring before installation

SPC flooring is the well known name of almost every household. You will find SPC flooring widely used almost everywhere… commercially in automotive, health care, manufacturing, retail, education as well as for residential purposes.

In fact, SPC flooring is so popular that it has been produced massively in various parts of the world especially North America.

You probably might be thinking such hype is a norm towards this new type of resilient flooring. To be honest, SPC flooring has been around for more than a century and… yes… way earlier before you were born.

When Was SPC Flooring Discovered?

Lets take a look at it’s fascinating past and how it has evolved over time to become the superstar of home improvement today!

Year 1926: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), better known as SPC was discovered. It was first used to create synthetic tires, an alternative to rubber.

World war II: SPC is commonly used to insulate wires.

Around 1950s: Production of SPC tiles increased after the end of World war II. This is a transition phase of SPC to become famous and commercially used for flooring purposes.

1960s: SPC gained its popularity and became an important element in household design ever since. SPC flooring technology was developed and introduced SPC flooring of different features like “no-wax” floors and cushioned SPC floors.

1970s: First SPC plank flooring was born with it’s stylish and realistic look of wood flooring… and better off it costs just a fraction of the price paid for a real hardwood floor.

1980s: Asbestos content which is health hazardous were removed completely from the making of SPC tile flooring. SPC flooring has remained to become the important element in household design ever since.

As SPC flooring continues to be the top option for most homeowners today, there are several aspect of SPC flooring you should know. Trust me, you do not want to made up your mind hastily and regret later.

What Is SPC Flooring and How It’s Made?

SPC flooring is a form of resilient flooring. It is made with different layers compressed together.

Typically, the process of making SPC flooring begins with the base layer. Materials that provide flexibility and dimensional stability like felt or fiberglass acted as a backing.

SPC backing should be impact resistant and moisture-resistant layer. These features offers a perfectly balanced floor board and prevents problems like cupping or warping.

Some flooring is enhanced with an extra stabilizing layer made out of super dense fiberglass which is placed on top of the backing for additional dimensional stability.

It is then topped with the PVC core layer which is waterproof and effective in sound-reducing. Certain flooring comes with core layer made out of virgin SPC.

Decorative designs are printed on the next layer and rested on top of the PVC core layer. This fine-printed layer using high-grade printing technique provides an unique and authentic real wood effect.

Lastly, it is topped with the wear layer before finished off with a top coat of polyurethane. Wear layer of SPC flooring for commercial usage should be at least 0.5mm thick. This is one of the important criteria you should look into if you wish for a durable SPC flooring.

Wear layer determines the flooring durability. The thicker the wear layer is, the more durable it will be.

Generally, SPC flooring consist of 4 main layers and depending on the quality and brand, some can even made up to 8 main layers. Once the finishing is done, SPC flooring can be categorize according to specification like thickness, application type, functionality as well as installation method.

Common Specification of SPC Flooring

Commercial Application: 1. Overall Thickness: 5 to 7mm; 2. Wear Layer Thickness: 0.5 to 0.7mm

Residential Application: 1. Adhesive thickness: 2 to 3mm; 2. Click and Lock Type: 4 to 5mm; 3. Wear Layer Thickness: 0.3 to 0.5mm

What to Expect After SPC Flooring Installation?

SPC flooring is definitely value for money. Here’s why…

1: Heart-winning Real Wood Look-alike Design

Not just that… Some SPC flooring even comes with embossed surface of real wood “feel-alike”, as if you are stepping on a real wood flooring! Up-to-date, wide range of unique patterns and designs are easily available in the market.

You may also use your creativity to mix and match with colors and pattern to create your personal style.

2: PVC Out Beats Hardwood

You might be saying yes.. I know. But wait, let me explain it further..

SPC flooring is cost-effective in a few ways. Not just the fact that it’s one of the cheapest flooring type, it’s also budget friendly as the installation is easy and you do not need to spend much on regular maintenance.

You may want to try diy installation which can helps you save up more than hiring professionals. All you need to do is choose the right SPC flooring type that do not require any skills on installation.

Certain type of SPC flooring even allow you to dis-assemble and re-use it when you move out!

If you happen to order more than you need, no worries! You can always follow our recycle and repurpose ideas here. No waste at all! So, you can say that it’s a pretty economy option!

4: A New Type Of Resilient Flooring

Resilient feature helps to reduce the impact from heavy objects by providing a flexible, cushion like effect. This helps to reduce the chances of slipping and accident which is an ideal option for old folks home, clinics and hospitals.

5: Durable

SPC flooring is extremely durable and able to sustain high traffic environment. This features allow it to be widely used in commercial areas like office, retail shops and restaurants.

Pet lovers shouldn’t be worried about your flooring as it is also not easily stained and scratched.

Not just that, certain brands provide years of warranty for it which makes it even more ideal for both residential and commercial purposes.

SPC flooring can last for many years… possibly up to 10 or more as long as it is installed correctly and maintained properly.

Of course, it’s durability is very much depending on the quality of that you purchase.

6: Health Hazard Free

If you are concern towards the health impact that SPC flooring could bring you, look for SPC flooring with labels like formaldehyde free, free of volatile organic chemical (VOC), ordourless and non-toxic. Formaldehyde may be air borne and cause skin irritation.

7: Safe

SPC flooring is made from fireproof material which will hinder the spread of fire.

Depends on the type of SPC flooring that you choose, embossed surface of SPC flooring offers firmer grip and anti slip. All these features make it a safe flooring for family with elderly and toddlers.

8: Sound Proof

This special features absorb noise from outside helps make your surrounding a peaceful and serene place to stay. With the feature of reducing indoor noise, you will not have to worried if your neighbors were affected by any noise.

9: Water Proof Flooring

As long as SPC flooring is properly installed, it is almost impermeable. This is one of the feature that helps extend its durability by preventing penetration of water. It is definitely an ideal option for kitchen and other slippery area. Such amazing feature also makes cleaning and maintaining much easier … Household hygiene can be well monitored.

10: Environmental Friendly

Depends on the brand of SPC flooring you purchase, some of the material used in SPC flooring are from recycle source with major eco-credential. Choosing SPC flooring reduces the usage of wood and this could help conserving the environment with lesser logging on forest.

11: Underfoot Comfort

SPC flooring is not easily affected by weather. It remains in a constant temperature throughout the year, be it in hot summer or cold winter. It means your floor will never be too cold or too hot to walk on.

Here’s a tip that makes your steps feel even more comfortable… you can always pad your flooring with cushion or softer underlayment underneath your SPC flooring.

12: Quick and Hassle-free Installation

The whole process of installation is simple and quick. It is especially convenient for house owner as they can move in sooner. Installation can be done by professionals which include both pre and post installation service.

If you wish to save more time and cost, this is definitely the flooring you should go for.

13: Easy Maintenance

Again, thanks to the water proof and anti-stain feature of SPC flooring, it requires simple or no maintenance at all.

Easy cleaning tools like mop, broom, vacuum cleaner are enough to keep dust away. Diluted or mild detergent is also recommended to clean your floor.

Where To Install?

Due to its diverse functionality, SPC flooring is an ideal option for both residential and commercial purpose. It can be installed in almost every part of the house including kitchen, living room, bedroom and walkway. However, it is not recommended to be installed close to fire source or outdoor.

Currently, SPC flooring is commercially used in retail shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, hospitals, clinics, schools, churches and studios.

How Much Does The Material Cost?

The price range is widely different depends on the quality, brand and type of SPC flooring that you choose. Check out our SPC flooring gallery for specific SPC floor piece that you desire and we can provide you a quotation based on your space area.

If you want to learn more about other advantages you can enjoy after installing SPC flooring, you may contact with one of our flooring expert for any enquiry (marketing@vanjoin.com)!