Stop Curling Before it Starts!

The Quartz PC Difference

Quartz PC has one of the lowest swelling rates ever recorded in resilient flooring — just 0.08% after 24 hours submerged in water. That's up to 20× more dimensionally stable than vinyl and over 100× more stable than laminate. Quartz PC flooring is engineered with a quartz-infused surface that dramatically reduces moisture expansion, and the proprietary core absorbs minimal moisture.

Independently Tested Dimensional Stability

Testing performed by Intertek using ISO 24335 measured thickness swelling after 24 hours of water immersion. Our 0.08% swelling indicates exceptional dimensional stability. Here's how Quartz PC stacks up to other "waterproof" floors:

Dimensional Stability Comparison — 24-Hour Water Swelling

Flooring Type	Typical 24-Hour Water Swelling
Porcelain Tile	~0.00–0.02%
Quartz PC	0.08%
SPC Vinyl	0.5% – 1.5%
WPC Vinyl	1% – 3%
Waterproof / Water-Resistant Laminate	3% – 8%
Standard Laminate	8% – 18%
Engineered Hardwood	2% – 6%
Solid Hardwood	6% – 12%

Quartz PC is closer to porcelain tile than to regular SPC floors when it comes to stability. Mineral surfaces absorb far less moisture than plastic, dramatically reducing movement. The Quartz Core was engineered to be the most technically sound core in the industry — a proprietary blend of minerals and stabilizers designed to support the heavy quartz wear layer. All test results are available on the Testing tab.

The Industry Problem — Why Do Vinyl Planks Curl?

1. Plastic Expands with Heat — Quartz Stays Stable

Vinyl plank floors (LVP/SPC/WPC) curl primarily because vinyl expands and contracts significantly with temperature changes. When expansion forces become uneven across the plank, the board relieves the stress by lifting or curling at the edges. This is a very common issue in resilient flooring.

Vinyl is thermoplastic, meaning it softens and expands when heated. When sunlight, radiant heat, or seasonal temperature swings hit a floor:

• The vinyl wear layer expands
• The SPC or WPC core expands at a different rate
• This mismatch creates internal stress
• The plank relieves that stress by cupping or curling upward at the edges

Example scenario: Sunlight through a sliding door heats a floor to 120–140°F. The vinyl layer expands more than the rigid core, causing edges to lift or curl. This is why many manufacturers include sunlight disclaimers in their warranties.

Thermal Expansion Comparison — How Different Flooring Materials React to Heat

Flooring Type	Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (approx.)	Relative Movement	Curling Risk
Vinyl (LVP/SPC/WPC)	50–80 µm/m°C	Very High	High
Waterproof Laminate	15–25 µm/m°C	Moderate	Moderate
Engineered Hardwood	8–15 µm/m°C	Low–Moderate	Low
Quartz PC	5–10 µm/m°C	Very Low	Very Low
Porcelain Tile	4–8 µm/m°C	Extremely Low	None

(µm/m°C = micrometers of movement per meter per degree Celsius)

What This Means in the Real World

For a 6ft plank experiencing a 40°F temperature swing from sunlight or radiant heat, here is the estimated movement:

Flooring	Estimated Movement
Vinyl plank	~2.0–3.5 mm
Waterproof laminate	~0.8–1.4 mm
Engineered hardwood	~0.4–0.9 mm
Quartz PC	~0.25–0.6 mm
Porcelain tile	~0.2–0.4 mm

This is why vinyl floors push up against each other, locking systems stress and peak, and edges curl upward. Quartz PC behaves closer to porcelain tile than to vinyl.

2. Layer Imbalance (Bimetallic Effect)

Most vinyl floors are multi-layer composites with the following structure:

• UV Coating
• Vinyl Wear Layer
• Printed Vinyl Film
• SPC/WPC Core
• Attached Foam Pad

Each layer reacts differently to heat and moisture. When one layer expands more than another, it creates a bimetallic strip effect (similar to a thermostatic coil), causing the top layer to expand while the core resists — bending or curling the board.

3. Memory of Vinyl

Vinyl has a memory characteristic. When heated, stressed, or compressed, it tries to return to its original manufactured shape. This can create edge lift, end curl, and joint peaking — especially after repeated temperature cycles.

4. Locking System Stress

Floating floors rely on locking joints. When vinyl expands, planks push against each other, pressure builds at the joint, and the plank bows upward — a phenomenon known as joint peaking or edge curl.

5. Environmental Triggers

Curling is most often triggered by:

• Direct sunlight and large windows
• Radiant heat
• Seasonal temperature swings
• Dark floor colors absorbing more heat

Most vinyl floors have maximum surface temperature limits around 85–90°F — well below what sunlight through a window can generate.

Sunlight Stress Test

Test Conditions: Simulated sunlight exposure | Surface temperature: 120°F – 140°F | Exposure time: 8 hours

Flooring Type	What Happens Under Sunlight	Result
Vinyl (LVP / SPC / WPC)	Plastic wear layer expands rapidly	Edges curl, joints peak
Waterproof Laminate	Core expands moderately	Minor movement possible
Engineered Hardwood	Wood fibers react slowly	Slight seasonal movement
Quartz PC	Quartz mineral surface resists expansion	Remains flat
Porcelain Tile	Fired ceramic structure	No movement

Stability Ranking

Most Stable
Porcelain Tile → Quartz PC

Moderate Stability
Laminate → Hardwood

Least Stable
Vinyl / Plastic Floors

Stability Approaching Mineral Surfaces

Quartz PC's quartz-infused technology delivers dimensional stability approaching stone and tile, while maintaining the comfort and installation advantages of resilient flooring. Stop buying and selling plastic surfaces — start installing Quartz surfaces.