Vinyl floors are among the most popular types of flooring material for both commercial and residential properties. Not only is vinyl flooring durable and resistant to stains and scuffs, it comes in a wide range of colors, styles and textures. However, one thing that vinyl floors can’t resist is extreme heat. Like many other flooring options, extreme heat is a quick way to ruin even the most durable flooring material.
Extreme Heat Sources
There are many different ways that vinyl floors can be exposed to extreme heat. Vinyl in the kitchen can become scorched by dropping a hot pan. Other heat sources could be a dropped cigarette, lit match, tipped candle or even a high heat device like a curling iron. Appliances can sometimes generate impressive levels of heat, especially if they are malfunctioning. Refrigerators, dryers and ovens that aren’t working properly can generate lots of heat that can melt vinyl. It is unfortunate that melted vinyl can’t be fixed, just replaced.
Results of Extreme Heat on Vinyl Floors
Extreme heat and vinyl floors don’t mix. When the flooring is exposed to high temperatures, it can melt or discolor permanently. In a patterned vinyl floor, it can also distort the pattern because the heat penetrates the multiple layers of the vinyl product. Because the composition of the vinyl itself is affected, there’s no way that it can be fixed as is—it must be replaced. When the damage is done, the melted areas of the vinyl may be replaced with another piece of vinyl. Installers should take great care in matching the pattern of the patch with the pattern of the existing flooring for the most seamless look.
