When building or renovating a home or commercial space, Gypcrete is a common material used for subflooring. While it’s a solid choice for underlayment, many people are surprised to learn that Maxxon doesn’t usually warranty Gypcrete as a finished floor.
Why is that? If you’re scratching your head over why this material, often seen as durable, doesn’t come with a warranty when left uncovered, you’re not alone. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the specifics of why Maxxon makes this decision and what it means for homeowners and contractors alike.
What Is Gypcrete?
Before we get into why Maxxon doesn’t usually warranty Gypcrete as a finished floor, let’s first break down what Gypcrete is. Gypcrete is a brand name for a lightweight, cementitious material made primarily from gypsum. It’s commonly used as a subfloor or underlayment because it provides excellent soundproofing, fire resistance, and a solid base for various types of flooring.
In short, Gypcrete is not meant to be the star of the show, but rather the foundation. While it’s great at holding things up, it has limitations that prevent it from being a finished surface, which is why manufacturers like Maxxon shy away from warrantying it in such situations.
Why Maxxon Doesn’t Warranty Gypcrete as a Finished Floor
- Gypcrete Isn’t Designed to Be the Final Layer
First and foremost, Gypcrete was never meant to be a finished floor. It’s a subfloor material that should be covered by another layer, whether that’s carpet, tile, hardwood, or vinyl. The purpose of Gypcrete is to create a smooth, level, and stable base for the actual flooring you’ll be walking on.
Maxxon understands this fundamental role of Gypcrete, which is why they don’t warranty it if left uncovered. They know that without a proper top layer, the Gypcrete won’t hold up well over time. - Durability Issues
Gypcrete is strong, but not indestructible. If left as a finished surface, it’s prone to wear and tear. Scratches, chips, and other damage can occur much more easily than on other types of flooring. Maxxon, as a company that specializes in Gypcrete installation, recognizes this vulnerability. They know that the product is more likely to fail in terms of performance if exposed, and therefore, they don’t provide a warranty. - Moisture Sensitivity
Gypcrete has a notorious sensitivity to moisture. When Gypcrete is exposed to water, it can degrade quickly, becoming brittle or even crumbling apart. This is a significant reason why Maxxon doesn’t usually warranty Gypcrete as a finished floor. Moisture can find its way into a home or building through spills, cleaning processes, or humidity, and without a protective layer, Gypcrete is susceptible to damage. - Aesthetic Concerns
Let’s face it: Gypcrete doesn’t have the polished, refined look most people want for their home or office flooring. While functional, it’s not particularly attractive, and it can be challenging to maintain. Gypcrete can develop cracks or imperfections that would normally be hidden by a top layer of flooring. Maxxon’s lack of warranty reflects this reality—since Gypcrete isn’t built to be pretty, it’s not going to win any beauty contests if left as a finished surface.
What You Can Do Instead
If you’re considering using Gypcrete in your building project, don’t worry—you still have plenty of options. Here’s how to ensure you’re using Gypcrete effectively while still keeping your floor under warranty:
- Install a Top Layer: The best way to protect your Gypcrete and make sure it functions well for years to come is by installing a top layer of flooring. Whether you opt for hardwood, tile, or another surface, make sure it’s properly installed to prevent damage to the Gypcrete below.
- Seal It: If you’re insistent on leaving Gypcrete exposed, sealing it with a high-quality protective coating can help. However, even with a sealant, keep in mind that Maxxon still may not offer a warranty for this kind of application.
- Consult with Professionals: Always consult with flooring professionals who are familiar with Maxxon’s products and their limitations. They’ll be able to provide you with the best advice for your specific situation.
FAQs
1. Can Gypcrete be used as a finished floor?
Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended. Gypcrete was designed to be an underlayment, and it doesn’t hold up well on its own. That’s why Maxxon doesn’t usually warranty Gypcrete as a finished floor.
2. Why is Gypcrete prone to damage when exposed?
Gypcrete is susceptible to moisture, scratches, and general wear and tear when left uncovered. These vulnerabilities are why Maxxon doesn’t provide a warranty for it as a finished surface.
3. What types of flooring can be installed over Gypcrete?
You can install a variety of flooring types over Gypcrete, including tile, hardwood, carpet, and vinyl. These surfaces will protect the Gypcrete and provide a long-lasting, durable floor.
4. Can I seal Gypcrete to use it as a finished surface?
Yes, you can seal Gypcrete, but it still won’t be as durable as other finished flooring options. Maxxon typically won’t warranty the Gypcrete, even with a sealant.
5. Is Gypcrete a good subfloor material?
Absolutely! Gypcrete is an excellent choice for subflooring. It offers great soundproofing and fire resistance, and it creates a smooth, level base for other types of flooring.
6. Can Gypcrete crack over time?
Yes, Gypcrete can develop cracks, especially if exposed to heavy use or moisture. Covering it with a durable top layer will help prevent this.
Conclusion
While Gypcrete is a reliable and versatile material for subflooring, it’s important to understand why Maxxon doesn’t usually warranty Gypcrete as a finished floor. It simply wasn’t designed to be exposed to the elements of daily life. By installing a proper top layer and taking necessary precautions, you can ensure your Gypcrete floor remains strong and durable for years to come.
