VCT Flooring for Commercial Use: Benefits and Drawbacks
April 30, 2021
If you have a commercial business, like a restaurant, you want to find durable flooring for your space. Vinyl composition tiles (VCT) are a great choice. As one of the most recent additions to the marketplace, VCT is gaining in popularity. Before you add this flooring option to your commercial business, here are a few benefits and drawbacks of this product.
What Is VCT Flooring?
You might have already guessed, but vinyl is the main ingredient in these tiles. Pigments, resins, inorganic fillers, and plasticizers are added to the vinyl. With that, you have a durable product that can take a lot of everyday abuse. They also have a higher resilience than those standard vinyl tiles.
You often find VCT in those high-trafficked areas. For those worried about sustainability, these tiles are the ideal choice. VCT comes in various colors, textures, and patterns, so you can find the perfect product to match your decor. Some of these VCT tiles can mimic the appearance of wood or stone.
You can even choose from different grade systems that will work well in a commercial setting. This flexible flooring is quickly becoming the ideal choice for institutional and retail areas. They also are ready to install or replace without much effort.
As previously stated, there are plenty of benefits to installing VCT flooring for your commercial space. Here are a few more reasons to choose these VCT flooring tiles for a room.
Resilience
Commercial spaces see more heavy traffic than a home. For that reason, these places need flooring that can handle all the hard work. The VCT floors can hold up to all that heavy traffic.
Unlike other types of vinyl, these tiles will not wear out quickly. Plus, they are durable due to the added ingredients to the vinyl. You can count on these tiles to last for a long time at your business.
If the product was installed correctly and maintained, it is not uncommon to have a floor with a lifespan of 15 years or more. Even if there was damage, you could replace this flooring in your commercial space.
Safety
VCT tiles are a safe choice for a commercial business. These tiles are water-resistant and will not become a slipping hazard like concrete or wood. If your retail space sees a lot of wear and tear, these tiles can hold up.
They are an excellent choice for spaces that need an impact-resistant option. If you are concerned about employee and customer safety, the slip-resistant tiles can prevent accidents. For those kitchen areas, heating from ovens and stoves is always a concern. However, VCT floors are resistant to excess heating and can last without fading away or buckling like other types of flooring options.
Design Choices
Commercial flooring does not have to be plain. With VCT flooring, there is a wide range of styles, colors, finishes, and patterns with these selections. Some tiles can even be customized for a unique addition to your building’s decor.
Low Noise Levels
Many people are concerned about the noise levels of vinyl. However, with vinyl composition tiles, you don’t have to worry. When you walk on these tiles, there is little to no noise. As a result, your space will remain quiet throughout the day, and your customers can focus on their shopping, meals, or other activities in your business.
Eco-Friendly
Like most businesses, you are probably concerned with your sustainability. There is no need to worry about these tiles; they are 100% recyclable. If you ever want another product for your flooring, they can be easily replaced and used for another purpose. In turn, VCT tiles are hardly ever earmarked for a trip to the local landfill.
Vinyl Composition Tile Drawbacks
Now that you know about the benefits, here are some drawbacks to these popular flooring options.
Weather Limitations
For those businesses thinking about adding this flooring as an outdoor option, you might want to reconsider. If you live in a very cold or hot environment, VCT might not hold up for your needs. In some cases, the bright sunlight can fade the color of the tiles.
The structural integrity of the tiles can weaken and become brittle in colder weather. In turn, your tiles could start to break. While they are durable under normal conditions, those weather extremes can make your floor look dull after a few years.
Proper Subfloor Preparation
VCT is easy to install, but some preparations must be made to the subfloor. The subfloor must be completely level. Any uneven surfaces, nail edges, or humps can cause damage to the tiles, and you will have to deal with broken tiles. Other types of tiles do not require this type of preparation before installation.
If you don’t check the subfloor’s surface, it will lead to irregularities in the tiles and reduce the aesthetic appeal of the flooring. Along with that, an improperly installed VCT floor will become brittle over a period of time, and that leads to unnecessary repairs for your floor.
In some cases, the subfloor cannot be leveled, and plywood must be added to the surface. All the nail heads must be covered before installation. With this extra work, you will add time and money to the installation process.
Hard To Remove
Due to the adhesives used in the installation process, this vinyl composition tile will become strong and almost impossible to remove. Over time, the glue creates a solid bond to the surface. To remove them, you might need a combination of tools and techniques to pry them loose from the floor. Some of these methods might involve a heat gun, scraper, and chemical adhesive removers. In other words, VCT tile removal will turn into a labor-intensive job.
What is VCT? Now you have the answer. With all these benefits and drawbacks, you can make an informed decision for your commercial space. VCT is a durable option, but it is not the right choice for everyone.
