There is no doubt that parquet is one of the most elegant types of flooring and one of the best appearances that you can use to decorate your home floors, but is parquet waterproof?
Parquet is always a subject of concern, which is its sensitivity to water. Is there a waterproof parquet? Is it possible to protect the floor and parquet from water and moisture?
You will discover all the mystery surrounding this problem with Al-Ghamlas in this article, so that you can learn how to enjoy the advantages of parquet and its unique appearance without suffering from water and other parquet defects.
Does water ruin parquet?
The short answer is: Yes, water can ruin parquet if not handled properly.
Does water ruin parquet? This is an important question that should be on the mind of anyone considering installing parquet.
Wood, the basic material of parquet, is affected by moisture and water, which leads to swelling, deformation and mold, so some measures are taken during installation to increase its resistance to moisture.
But how does water ruin parquet?
Regardless of its type or quality. When parquet is exposed to water, the following happens:
- Swelling and deformation of the boards: Do not forget that parquet is basically wood, its fibres absorb moisture, which may lead to swelling and deformation of the boards, and the appearance of gaps between them.
- Wood Rot: Excess moisture provides an ideal environment for fungi and bacteria to grow, causing wood to rot and deteriorate.
- Discoloration: Water may cause discoloration of parquet, especially in areas that have been exposed to wetness for a long time.
- Loss of shine: Water removes the protective layer on the parquet surface, causing it to lose its shine and luster.
Therefore, it is necessary to protect the parquet from water and moisture as much as possible.
What are the disadvantages of parquet?
In addition to its sensitivity to water, parquet suffers from some other disadvantages, such as:
- Sensitivity to scratches: Parquet is easily affected by scratches, especially in areas with heavy traffic.
- Expansion and contraction: Parquet is affected by changes in temperature and humidity, which causes the boards to expand or contract.
- Difficulty of repair: If part of the parquet is damaged, it is difficult and expensive to repair.
What do we put under the parquet?
To ensure that the floor is protected from moisture, an insulating layer must be placed under the parquet.
There are many insulating materials available, such as:
- Foam: Provides good sound and heat insulation, and protects the parquet from moisture.
- Polyethylene: A thin plastic material that provides a barrier against moisture.
- Asphalt: An adhesive used to bond parquet to the floor and provide additional insulation.
The question "What do we put under the parquet?" is an important question to ask the place where you will buy the parquet from or the party that will install it, to learn about the insulation options that will be provided to you.
Is there a waterproof parquet?
Excellent question!
Simply put, there is no natural parquet that is completely waterproof .
Natural wood is naturally porous, which means it absorbs moisture easily.
When exposed to water, wood expands and contracts, causing the boards to crack and deteriorate.
Why?
- Wood structure: Wood is an organic material that contains small pores that absorb water.
- Suitable environment for fungi: The saturation of wood fibers with water makes them a fertile environment for the growth of some fungi and undesirable things.
Alternatives similar to natural parquet:
However, there are several options that mimic the look of natural wood and provide better water resistance, such as:
- Engineered parquet: consists of a top layer of thin natural wood bonded to a base of HDF (high density fiberboard). This top layer gives the appearance of natural wood, while the base provides stability and greater resistance to moisture.
- Parquet made of treated wood: Natural wood is treated with special chemicals to increase its resistance to water and mold.
Other wood-free alternatives:
- Rigid PVC Parquet: Made of PVC, it is completely waterproof and easy to clean.
- Flexible PVC parquet: Also made from PVC, but more flexible and easier to install.
- SPC waterproof parquet: SPC waterproof parquet is one of the newest and most popular types, as it is highly resistant to water and moisture, in addition to its attractive appearance and durability. The price per meter of SPC waterproof parquet may be slightly higher than other types, but its benefits are worth the price.
So if you are looking for the look of natural wood with water resistance, engineered parquet or treated wood is the best choice.
If you are looking for a complete alternative to natural wood, solid, flexible or three-layer parquet is the perfect choice.
In short, there is no 100% natural waterproof parquet, but there are many alternative options that mimic the look of natural wood and offer better water resistance.
Price per meter of waterproof parquet
The price per square meter of waterproof parquet varies depending on the type of parquet, quality, and brand.
Generally, the price of waterproof parquet is slightly higher than regular parquet, but this difference in price is worth it due to its many advantages.
How can we make parquet waterproof?
Even if you choose a type of parquet that is not specifically designed to resist water, you can take some steps to protect your floor:
- Correct installation: The parquet must be installed correctly, leaving a small space between the boards and the walls to allow for expansion and contraction.
- Insulation: A good insulating layer should be placed under the parquet to protect the wood from moisture.
- Regular cleaning: Parquet should be cleaned regularly using special parquet cleaning products.
- Avoid spilling liquids: Avoid spilling liquids on the parquet, and if this happens, wipe them up immediately.
Choosing the right type of parquet for your home depends on many factors, including budget, design, and the humidity level in the area.
If you are looking for a waterproof and modern flooring, waterproof parquet types will be the perfect choice.