Why Waterproof Vinyl Flooring is a Smart Investment for Rental Properties
When it comes to getting a rental property’s floors ready, you have to balance the need for value with the need for attractive, durable materials. Spend too little on your rental property’s floors, and your unit won’t get any attention. Spend too much, and it could take years to see a return on your investment. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution: waterproof vinyl.
Waterproof vinyl flooring for rentals just makes sense, letting you get the look of a natural wood floor at a fraction of the cost, all with enhanced durability and lifespan. Keep reading to find out what makes this material the best flooring for rental properties, vinyl vs. tile flooring, and other ideas for adding flooring to your rental.
Why Waterproof Vinyl Flooring is Gaining Popularity Among Landlords
As costs for lumber, ceramic tile, and even labor are on the rise nationwide, landlords are searching for lower-cost flooring materials that can still stand up to daily wear-and-tear. Because these properties are investments, vinyl flooring stands out as a cost-effective flooring for landlords thanks to its extremely low maintenance requirements, lower upfront cost, and impressive durability. Because this material is completely waterproof, it’s very difficult to damage, meaning the most you’ll have to do between tenants is sweep and mop the area to get it looking new again.
Key Benefits of Waterproof Vinyl for Rentals
Let’s explore the advantages of this low-maintenance flooring option.
Highly Durable for High Turnover and Traffic
One of the main benefits of waterproof vinyl floors is their durability. Durable flooring for high-traffic areas is a necessity for any landlord, and this material is an excellent choice. Unlike hardwood and tile, which can be scratched, dented, or chipped, vinyl is practically impervious to damage.
Waterproof Protection in Kitchens and Bathrooms
Water damage to your subfloor and underlying structure can be a massive expense. Vinyl is a great choice for waterproof flooring for apartments, houses, and condos, offering high water resistance at a relatively low price point.
Affordable to Install and Replace
Affordable flooring installation is a must for landlords looking to keep costs down. Fortunately, it doesn’t get simpler than vinyl, which a professional can install far more quickly than most other types of flooring. Because of this, you can expect installation and any future replacements to be very cost-effective.
Low-maintenance for Property Managers
Unlike warping wood, cracked tile, or stained carpet, vinyl flooring requires very little maintenance. In general, it just needs to be periodically cleaned, which will typically fall to the tenant. This reduces the maintenance needs (and costs) of your rental property significantly.
Attractive Look that Mimics Hardwood or Tile
Your property needs to be aesthetically pleasing to catch the eye of tenants. Fortunately, you have many options with waterproof vinyl, including flooring that mimics the look of hardwood and tile. Although the cheapest option is to install vinyl flooring in sheets, you also have the option of buying faux tiles and planks that are made of waterproof vinyl. There are pros and cons of vinyl plank flooring, such as their higher upfront cost, but they’re still far less expensive than opting for real wood floors.
Common Concerns with Waterproof Vinyl (and Why They’re Overblown)
Despite their obvious value as a rental property flooring idea, there are still a few misconceptions and overblown concerns about waterproof vinyl.
One common concern is if water gets underneath the floor — since the material is waterproof, won’t it get trapped underneath and cause mold growth and rot? The answer is that, yes, that will happen, but only if water is allowed to seep in due to poor installation. While it may be tempting to try and DIY vinyl floor installation, you’re far better off hiring a professional and saving yourself this issue down the line.
Another common concern about this material is volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These hazardous compounds are found in all kinds of places, including paint, dry-cleaned clothing, tobacco smoke, gas stoves, photocopiers, and certain flooring products. Some vinyl flooring does emit VOCs, but only for a short time after installation, after which the space is completely safe to be in. And if you need to move a tenant in more quickly, there are also vinyl floor options that emit far fewer VOCs.
How to Maximize ROI with Waterproof Vinyl in Your Rentals
Waterproof vinyl floors can be a great investment for your property, offering a durable material for high-traffic areas that will last for years. To ensure a solid ROI, we strongly recommend investing in quality materials and professional installation, ensuring a dollar saved today doesn’t lead to extensive repairs or replacement tomorrow. Be sure to periodically inspect the floors to ensure there are no seams for water to enter, and make sure the floors are regularly cleaned to maintain their appearance as well.
Work with Hernandez Wholesale Flooring
We know that costs are a major concern for landlords, which is what makes waterproof vinyl flooring such a great solution. Of course, to ensure your floors can remain durable and attractive, even over multiple tenants, you’ll need to make sure they’ve been correctly installed in the first place.
With the expert flooring services from Hernandez Wholesale Flooring, you can get this material installed in your rental unit quickly and correctly, letting you start to see a return on your investment far sooner. For more questions on the best flooring for rental properties or to schedule an installation, contact us today!