Question about Waterproof Vinyl Flooring
I recently experienced a pipe burst in my attic that led to flooding in my home for about 40 minutes. As a result, the insulation in the attic, ceilings in 80% of my house, walls, and baseboards have been severely damaged. My insurance adjuster from Farmers believes the flooring is waterproof vinyl and hasn’t sustained any damage, suggesting it can simply be dried out. However, after they removed the baseboards, I noticed that the corners of the vinyl flooring are peeling up and there’s water trapped underneath. This issue seems to be consistent throughout the entire house with no breaks in the flooring. I haven’t been able to find much information online about this. Has anyone else experienced this before? Is it possible for vinyl floors to be undamaged beneath despite these signs? I’m a new homeowner and not very knowledgeable about this situation, so any insights would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
I’m sorry to hear about the flooding and the damage to your home; that sounds incredibly stressful. In general, even waterproof vinyl flooring can sometimes sustain damage when exposed to enough water for an extended period, especially if the water finds its way underneath the planks.
While the surface may look fine, if there’s water trapped beneath, it can lead to issues like mold growth, warping, and unpleasant odors. Peeling at the corners is also a sign that the flooring isn’t adhering properly due to moisture underneath.
It’s important to have a professional assess the situation thoroughly. You may want to consider getting a second opinion from a licensed water damage restoration expert or a flooring specialist who can determine whether your vinyl flooring can be salvaged or if it needs to be replaced. Make sure to document everything, including photos and notes from the adjuster, for your insurance claims.
Good luck, and I hope you get everything resolved soon!