Can You Use Vinyl Resilient Tile in a Garage?

Vinyl Resilient Flooring

• According to the World Floor Covering Association, all vinyl flooring is resilient -- the term refers to its flexibility and durability. Vinyl flooring for homes can be rolled out in sheets or installed as planks or tiles. It is made in layers, the bottom layer is a felt or fiberglass backing designed to facilitate adhesion to the substrate. Next is a vinyl filler, followed by the design layer. The design layer is a sheet printed with one of the myriad of designs possible in vinyl flooring. On top of the design layer is the wear layer, a protective layer of clear vinyl.

Vinyl Garage Flooring

• In contrast to vinyl flooring designed for homes, vinyl garage flooring is not made in layers. Instead, it is a single, thick sheet of polyvinyl that greatly increases its durability. It can be rolled out as a sheet or installed as interlocking tiles. Vinyl flooring for garages does not offer a design layer, but offers a slip-resistant, tread surface instead.

Benefits

• There are several benefits to installing vinyl flooring in your garage. It is non-porous, so harsh chemicals, like anti-freeze, battery acid or even road salt can't damage it. Vinyl garage flooring is not glued down, but is simply laid over the existing concrete floor so it can be pulled out and hosed down if necessary. Slip-resistant surfaces and a range of colors are available.

Disadvantages

• Manufacturers include several additives in vinyl flooring products to increase their durability and performance. Many of these chemical additives are toxic and are known carcinogens, like cadmium and lead. Flame retardant chemicals used in vinyl production, like paraffin, are also known toxins. According to the Healthy Building Network, evidence suggests that some of the plasticizers used to make naturally brittle PVC flexible, are linked to cases of rhinitis, asthma, obesity and insulin resistance.