Question About Waterproof Vinyl Flooring
I recently experienced a pipe burst in my attic that resulted in about 40 minutes of flooding in my home. This caused significant damage to the insulation in the attic, all ceilings in 80% of my house, the walls, and the baseboards. The adjuster from Farmers Insurance believes the floors are waterproof vinyl, so he’s claiming they haven’t sustained any damage and can simply be dried out. However, when they removed the baseboards, I noticed that the corners of the flooring are peeling up and that there’s water underneath. This issue appears to be consistent throughout the entire house without any breaks. I’ve searched online but couldn’t find any information on this topic. Has anyone else experienced this? Can waterproof vinyl flooring truly be undamaged underneath? I’m a new homeowner and I’m not very knowledgeable about this situation. Thanks in advance for your help!
I’m sorry to hear about your situation—flooding can be incredibly overwhelming. To answer your question: While many vinyl floors are marketed as “waterproof,” it mainly refers to their surface resisting water and moisture to some extent. If the edges of your flooring are peeling up and there’s water underneath, it’s likely that the moisture has seeped through the seams or edges, which could indeed cause damage.
Even if the vinyl itself is waterproof, the substrate (the material underneath the vinyl) may absorb water, and prolonged exposure can lead to mold or mildew growth and compromise the integrity of the floor. Additionally, the adhesive used could break down if exposed to excessive moisture for a prolonged time.
Since this is a widespread issue throughout your home, I recommend taking further steps:
Get a Professional Assessment: Consider hiring a flooring specialist to inspect the vinyl flooring. They can provide a more informed opinion on any potential damage that may not be visible at first glance.
Consider Mitigation: If there’s significant water underneath, proper drying and mitigation are crucial. This may involve lifting the vinyl to ensure the subfloor dries out completely, especially if it’s wood or composite material.
Document Everything: Keep records of all communications with your insurance adjuster and take photos of the damage. This documentation will be important if you need to dispute any assessments.
Explore Your Insurance Policy: Understand what your insurance covers in terms of flooring replacement or repair. It might be worth discussing your concerns about the adjuster’s assessment with them.
Ask for a Second Opinion: If you feel that the adjuster’s assessment doesn’t fully account for the visible damage, you may want to get a second opinion from another adjuster or a contractor.
Navigating these situations can be challenging, but taking the right steps can help you get the resolution you need. Good luck!