Waterproof Carpet: A buyer’s guide and review to products

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
25 min read

If you have kids or dogs, you know how difficult it is to maintain a clean carpet. Every time you turn around, you’re scrambling to pick up something that’s been spilt. It’s a good thing there are carpets that are water-resistant!

Spills are kept on the carpet’s surface, where they may easily be wiped up with a paper towel if necessary. This is the actual deal, despite the fact that it may seem too good to be true. Manufacturers have come up with carpets that can withstand anything life throws at them.

Are you tired of worrying about carpet stains all the time? Discover the many types of waterproof technology, and learn about your installation options, with this handy guide. What are we waiting for?

What is Waterproof Carpet?

It would be easy to suggest that water-resistant carpet was a magical substance. In reality, it’s just science.

In terms of residential waterproof carpet, Shaw is the industry leader. Nothing can get through their carpet, thanks to their patented RX2 technology and Lifeguard backing.

Waterproof Carpet Buyer's Guide

Telling you what that means is perhaps more important than my saying it.

Is this the new RX2? In other words, it’s a stain and soil repellent for carpet fibers. The entire carpet fiber is protected by this durable technology, which has a total fiber coverage.

Summertime sangria may be quickly cleaned up thanks to the carpet’s ability to re-wick any spills that have gotten to the bottom of it.

In other words, what does Lifeguard stand for? When it comes to waterproof carpet, it’s the backing that makes the difference. In order to provide a durable and long-lasting foundation, we used commercial grade thermoplastic backing. That’s impenetrable to any liquid.

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant Carpet

Water-resistant carpet is sometimes mistaken for waterproof carpet, but there are critical distinctions to be aware of. Water-resistant carpets lack the protective backing found on waterproof carpets, which keeps moisture from penetrating the subfloor.

Waterproof Carpet

Unlike an indoor/outdoor carpet, a 100% waterproof product is designed exclusively for indoor usage. This is what you may expect from it:

  • Spilled liquid will be absorbed by fibers with a stain-resistant coating, which may then be blotted away.
  • Waterproof backing, such as that used by lifeguards As long as the carpet is intact, water will not be able to reach the padding or subfloor below.

Water-Resistant Carpet

When it rains, you don’t have to worry about ruining your indoor/outdoor rug or carpet tile. Because of this, they’re ideal for usage in the great outdoors. Yet this does not guarantee that the carpets will keep moisture from seeping into the floorboards beneath them. These carpets have the following characteristics:

  • Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers that do not absorb water: The carpet will not be harmed by any water that spills on it. There will be no protection for the surface below.
  • Because PET does not absorb moisture, stains and soiling are resisted, and the carpet is also less prone to mold or mildew because of this.

Types of Waterproof Carpet

Tiles

Water-resistant carpet tiles are possible, but they are not 100% waterproof. Carpet tiles provide other advantages besides moisture resistance, if that’s all you need. In addition to being simple to set up and cost-effective, many of them may be used both indoors and out.

Rolls

It’s important to note that waterproof carpet rolls are not merely water-resistant. This high-quality carpet is suitable for use in every room of the house, including the basement. Installation is more time-consuming than with carpet tiles, and waterproof broadloom rolls are normally more expensive, but it’s worth it to ensure that your carpet is completely water-resistant.

Waterproof Carpet Pros

All the advantages of having waterproof carpet should be clear to you by now. However, in order to summarize:

  • Antimicrobial: This carpet is resistant to mold and mildew, making it safe and sanitary.
  • Your flooring and carpet are completely watertight and will not absorb any wet.
  • Stains are a thing of the past because to the material’s ability to repel liquids.
  • This carpet may be installed on any level, even in a damp basement, so there’s no need to worry about that.
  • Cleanup is a breeze because to the waterproof fibers’ ability to wick away moisture.
  • Finally, you can enjoy the comfort of carpet without having to worry about messes being made in the process. You don’t have to go for a hard floor if you want it to be easier to clean.

Waterproof Carpet Cons

However, I’m aware that this carpet is a technological marvel, yet there are some downsides:

  • If you’re looking for a floor that is completely impervious to water, look for something that isn’t only water-resistant.
  • It’s a little more expensive than other carpets, but it’s worth it if you want a stain-free surface.

Installation

Carpet Rolls

There are two methods for installing carpet rolls: stretch-in and adhesive. A stretcher (which can be hired), knee kickers, and melt tape for the seams are required for both kinds of seaming.

To help you decide whether or not to engage a professional, I’ll explain how the two techniques function.

Stretch In

Glue the seams together with melting tape or similar adhesive in this method of installation. Use a power stretcher or a knee kicker to secure the carpet in place. Attach the carpet to the wall tracks that keep the carpet in place.

It is less likely to sag or have air bubbles when the installation is complete if the carpet is stretched before it is laid.

Adhesive

The carpet is attached to the floor with this method of installation. It may appear simple, but it’s actually quite difficult. For a perfectly smooth carpet, you must also have a knee kicker or a stretcher.

Begin at the center of the room and work outwards in both directions to avoid air bubbles. A 75 lb. roller can be used in both directions if the manufacturer specifies this.

Carpet Tiles

As a reminder, carpet tiles are not totally waterproof, but they are water-resistant at the very least. When it comes to installing carpet tiles, water-resistant carpet tiles are a breeze.

Peel and Stick

Only water-resistant carpet tiles can be installed using a peel-and-and-stick method. An adhesive or stretch-in installation method is required for a completely watertight product.

The backs of most carpet tiles are self-adhesive. After removing the plastic cover and pressing the tile firmly into the subfloor, the installation is complete. Easy!

Waterproof Carpet Buyer's Guide

Waterproof Carpet vs Stainfree

Here, the difference between the stain-proof and water-resistant carpets should be highlighted. If you’re looking for rot-proofing, look no further than a carpet with a sealed PVC backing, which ensures that no spills will ever get beyond the pile.

Stainfree technology, on the other hand, refers to the construction of the carpet pile and the materials used to prevent spills, marks, or accumulation from penetrating the carpet, making cleanup easier and ensuring a longer carpet lifespan and a more vivid carpet over time.

Both of these technologies can be utilized for a variety of purposes, such as in commercial or residential settings, or in regions with high or low foot traffic.

Flotex by Forbo

Bricoflor sells Flotex by Forbo, a bionic-based waterproof carpet line made of PVC, linoleum, and textile composition. As with biomimicry, which we discussed in this piece, bionic technology turns to nature and animals for inspiration when developing new goods.

As a gecko’s feet are non-slip, so is Flotex, which has a structure similar to how bees collect pollen on flower stems as they fly over them and deposit it on the end of their threads.

Velvet, a PVC backing, glass fiber reinforcements, and a 100% PVC underlay make up the carpet. For a 100% waterproof and rot-proof carpet that is not only visually appealing but also allergen-free, flame retardant, and essentially indestructible, it has a life span six times longer than the usual carpet.

Flotex carpets are available in a wide variety of colors and designs, so they may be used in any setting, regardless of the purpose or location. However, if you’re searching for a waterproof bathroom or kitchen carpet, this could be a good choice.

Stainfree Abingdon Carpets

However, Bricoflor’s Abingdon carpet is a stain-resistant carpet. With its lifelong stain-resistance guarantee and stain-resistant polypropylene and polyamide fiber yarn composition, this pile is known as the “Stainfree twist.”

The carpet’s construction prevents spilt food and drink from entering the pile, making cleanup a cinch. The yarn used in Abingdon Carpets is also bleach-cleanable, ensuring that it can withstand even the most corrosive chemical agents.

To top it all off, the air-purifying properties of the flooring help keep your home’s ambiance fresh while preventing you from being restricted to the drab and out-of-date designs often associated with practical flooring.

Abingdon Flooring is an excellent investment because of its long-lasting resilience and resistance to wear and tear, making it ideal for today’s heavy foot traffic. Stain-resistant carpets can survive the normal wear and tear of a home. If you want a carpet that is soft and plush, but yet easy to maintain, look no further than Abingdon carpets.

Stain-proof Carpet vs. Waterproof Carpet

Waterproof and stain-resistant carpets provide a wide range of advantages that standard flooring does not. For the sake of comparison, let’s take a closer look at the two possibilities.

Carpets of a bygone era
Abingdon Carpets That Don’t Stain

Flotex Carpets that Are Waterproof

Composition

polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with olefin (OLE)

Carpet selection may be overwhelming, and we typically focus our selections on surface aspects like how the carpet looks or feels underfoot, rather than taking a closer look at the fibers’ composition and pattern.

These new carpet technologies mean that you no longer have to forego the visual joy that comes with new flooring, while also considering the hygienic and functional advantages that your floor covering can bring.

For more than just softness under your feet, waterproof and stain-resistant carpets employ their innovative composition to ensure that the home or workplace is well-cared for.

Aside from keeping the air clean and adding additional safety features beyond the usual carpet, they’ve also made it easier to maintain and upkeep an expensive part of your home.

When it comes to changing your carpets, like we are, make sure you do your research and buy ones that will last, match your home’s specific needs, and have all the attributes that such an investment deserves.

Alternatively, have you considered investing in stain-resistant or waterproof carpet? If so, please tell us what you think! Also, don’t forget to pin the image below to your Pinterest board so you can refer back to it later.

Waterproof carpeting: A buyer’s guide to products for high-moisture environments

Commercial carpeting is a good investment because of its affordability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. However, excessive wetness might have a negative impact on your carpet’s performance in heavy-duty commercial settings.

That’s why facility managers often seek out waterproof carpeting solutions — avoiding moisture problems such as stains, delamination and soiling is an attractive proposition for any building owner.

The reason facility managers generally seek out waterproof carpeting solutions is because moisture concerns such as stains, delamination, and soiling are appealing to any building owner.

  • Resilience to stain
  • Moisture-tolerance is high
  • Value that endures
  • A strong manufacturer’s guarantee provides peace of mind.

Despite the fact that many goods give all of these advantages (and more), there are now no “waterproof” carpeting options available.. As a result of this, they are regarded to as “moisture resistant” and are capable of withstanding high levels of stains and moisture.

Carpet that is resistant to stains, spills and wear is ideal for heavy-duty applications, such as schools, nursing homes and workplaces. For example, these carpets may withstand ketchup and water spills that are applied topically. Protecting your flooring from the bottom up, they’ll also stick to your subfloor no matter how wet the ground is.

Moisture-resistant carpeting offers all the benefits of a “waterproof” carpet without the high price tag. When apparent moisture or hydrostatic difficulties are present, it isn’t a substitute for remedy.

As a buyer’s guide to moisture-resistant carpeting, this buyer’s guide will show you how to avoid moisture problems and maximize value for your property.

How moisture affects the performance of your carpet (and why surface prep matters)

Moisture can affect the performance of your carpet in two ways: from the top and from the bottom of the carpet. Carpet that is resistant to both water and stains can help keep your home dry.

Moisture from above: Stains and spills

The impervious backing of a moisture-resistant carpet prevents fluids or food from seeping into the subfloor when spilled on it. Until you clean up the spill, it will remain on top of the carpet and not show up as a stain. There’s no replacement for good maintenance when it comes to any type of flooring system, so you’ll need to wipe up any spills as soon as possible to avoid stains and soiling.

Moisture from below: Vapor from your concrete subfloor

When it comes to your flooring’s performance, the most serious concern is vapor from the concrete subfloor beneath it. Your flooring system will fail if your adhesive breaks down due to excessive dampness.

Concrete subfloors are common in commercial structures, and all concrete is formed by combining cement, aggregate, and water in the proper proportions. As soon as the concrete is poured, it has a high relative humidity (RH), which indicates that the slab will contain a greater amount of water than usual. As water evaporates from your concrete subfloor, the relative humidity (RH) will decrease. Prior to the installation of flooring goods, the relative humidity (RH) must normally be below a particular threshold.

Why testing your subfloor is vital to the performance of your carpet

Using a slab with a higher relative humidity (RH) when installing carpet will violate your product’s guarantee and cause your flooring to fail.

Before installing your carpet, your flooring contractor should do a RH test on the subfloor. However, there are some products rated for up to 100% RH, as long as there is no apparent moisture present in the area where the carpet is to be laid. Visible wetness is sometimes a sign of more serious structural problems, such as a broken pipe or hydrostatic pressure, which must be remedied before installation can proceed.

In nine out of ten cases, the relative humidity (RH) is below the product’s threshold, allowing for installation. The manufacturer’s warranty will be fully backed if you do a pre-installation test and avoid any damage.

Get a better understanding of how to prevent moisture problems in your home by reading our in-depth explanation of moisture treatment.

Product selection: What to know when selecting a moisture-resistant carpet

More than just a water-resistant carpet, the appropriate one should resist stains and wear, as well as stand up to the specific difficulties of your application.

Waterproof Carpet Buyer's Guide

The backing and glue do most of the hard lifting in a water-resistant carpet. Moisture can enter your carpet from both the top and the bottom, but certain backings can keep it dry in both directions. Aside from that, moisture-resistant adhesives can withstand high RH conditions—typically between 95% and 100%, though certain formulations have been rated as high as 100%.

It’s important to think about more than just adhesive and backing when choosing a carpet type for your design, budget, and performance needs.

Broadloom vs. carpet tiles: Which is better for moisture resistance?

The same level of stain, spill, and moisture resistance can be found in both broadloom and carpet tiles. For how long you need it to endure and how much you’re willing to spend, there are a variety of options available.

As a general rule, broadloom is less expensive than carpet. Carpet tiles, on the other hand, take the cake for ease of installation and upkeep. The weight of a box of carpet tiles is about 10 to 15 pounds, whereas a forklift is required to move broadloom carpet throughout the warehouse. In the event of damage, a 2×2 carpet tile can be removed and replaced far more easily than a 12-foot broadloom roll.

A high-end carpet tile may be necessary if you’re running a Class A office building and expect the product to be in use for 15 years. Broadloom, on the other hand, may be a better choice for a company that only needs something to cover the concrete for the foreseeable future.

Stain resistance considerations: Solution-dyed vs. piece-dyed carpeting

The type of face material (the yarn that is visible when your carpet is placed) and colour you choose will have a significant impact on the carpet’s surface-level stain resistance.

Commercial carpeting in the United States is dominated by nylon, despite the fact that other materials are available. For good reason: it’s extremely long-lasting and resistant to stains. You’ll probably want to go with a solution-dyed nylon fabric for the best stain resistance.

The term “solution-dyed” refers to the method of adding color to the yarn. As opposed to piece-dyed carpets in which the color is printed on top, solution-dyed yarn is heated, colored, then re-spun into thread. Color is woven into the strands of the carpet, so wear on the surface is barely evident.

Moisture-resistant carpet backing

Moisture cannot penetrate an impermeable moisture-resistant backing and permeate into your concrete subfloor. Reduces wick-back stains and soiling by keeping spills on top of the carpet.

High-moisture settings can be accommodated by a wide range of manufacturers’ goods. Waterproof backings are typically made up of several layers, including thermoplastic laminates to avoid delamination, fiberglass for additional durability and cushioning that helps alleviate foot stress.

Look for a high-performance backing that fulfills your moisture needs and is warranted for the length of time you’ll be utilizing the product. Choose a floor covering that is both durable and affordable by consulting with a flooring contractor.

Water-resistant adhesive

Even in high-moisture conditions, a water-resistant glue should be able to maintain its adhesion to the subfloor.

To prevent water from dissolving the adhesive, carpet manufacturers used solvent-based adhesives. The use of water-based flooring adhesives rather than solvent-based adhesives has been mandated by new environmental requirements. A higher relative humidity (RH) can cause water-based adhesives to disintegrate, despite the many environmental advantages they offer (improved indoor air quality, points toward LEED certification).

The relative humidity (RH) of the floor must be measured. Full-spread water-based glues from a variety of manufacturers have RH ratings of up to 95%, indicating that anything below 95% is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Adhesives rated up to 100% RH should not be used if there is visible moisture in the environment.

A professional flooring contractor can help you select the proper adhesive for your carpet system and guarantee it is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s warranty criteria.

When choosing a moisture-resistant carpet, you need to go beyond the initial cost. Examine the product’s features and warranty terms carefully before making a purchase decision. Your choice of a product should have a guarantee that will protect it throughout its useful life. Don’t overlook the advice of your flooring contractor, either. They’ll be able to tell you which items are the most cost-effective and resistant to moisture.

Download our Purchasing Commercial Carpets 101 guide for more information on choosing the perfect carpet for your budget, design needs, and facility environment. You’ll discover the benefits and drawbacks of various carpet varieties, as well as how to evaluate the quality of a carpet.

FAQs

What is the longest lasting type of carpet?

Frieze and Berber carpets are the most durable. Most materials have a lifespan of five to ten years, however these could last twenty to twenty-five years or longer.

What is the most durable carpet material?

When treated with stain protection, nylon is the most durable and stain-resistant carpet fiber available. If you live in a household with pets or children, this is the fiber of choice. Nylon carpet is ideal for high-traffic areas like stairwells and corridors because of its long-lasting resilience.

How can I make my carpet water resistant?

Put a waterproof fabric underneath the rug, and then seal the rug’s upper side with a waterproof fabric seal. There is no limit to how long you may leave it outside in the rain. To waterproof the rug, you’ll need a fabric seal spray, vinyl grip pads, and a waterproofing fabric.

Is Marine carpet waterproof?

Reef is a marine carpet with wide ribs. This carpet is not only stain resistant, but it will not sag or fray, either. A great choice for small boats, outdoor decks, garages, and commercial floor areas, this non-skid material is also water resistant.

What is the best grade of carpet to buy?

You can expect the following with high-end carpet grades:

Wool and Stainmaster nylon 6.6 are two of the highest-quality options. They’re well-made, easier to clean, more resilient, less likely to fade, and available in a wider range of colors and styles than ever before. You’ll always get a better support system if you pay more.

What is the most popular carpet right now?

Natural fiber carpets, such as jute, sisal, and seagrass, are among the most popular carpet trends. Jute rugs are so popular because of their durability and versatility, so why not go all out and cover the entire wall?

What kind of carpet does not mat down?

While nylon carpet is more expensive, it can withstand far more abuse than polyester. Polyester, on the other hand, is more difficult to clean and tends to become matted with time.

What is sisal carpet?

Eco-friendly and fashionable sisal rugs are a perfect match. This cactus plant, Agave sisalana, produces the natural plant fiber sisal, which is used to make these bags. Adding a sisal mat to your home is a great way to “get green.”

Is Berber carpet good for high traffic areas?

For high-traffic areas, Berber carpet is a wonderful option because of its durability, visual appeal, and stain-resistant qualities. Loops are used instead of strands in this carpet. The loop makes it more durable and sturdy. Areas with a lot of foot activity, children, and dogs can benefit greatly from this product.

Conclusion

Because of all of this information, waterproof carpet is clearly the greatest option available. Think of this as the end of your carpet complaint. Waterproof carpet is there for you.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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