If you’re working on a construction project, you’ve likely heard about Maxxon, a leader in underlayment systems like Gypcrete. While Gypcrete is a popular material for leveling floors and providing a smooth surface, you might be surprised to learn that Maxxon doesn’t usually warranty Gypcrete as a finished floor. This can cause confusion for contractors, homeowners, and builders alike. In this post, we’ll explore why Gypcrete isn’t typically warrantied as a finished floor, what Maxxon’s products are intended for, and what your best options are for finished flooring.
What is Gypcrete?
Gypcrete is a brand name for a type of gypsum-based underlayment used in flooring systems. It’s a lightweight, self-leveling compound that creates a smooth, solid surface over wood subfloors, concrete, or radiant heating systems. It’s widely praised for its fire resistance, sound-dampening qualities, and quick installation process. But here’s the catch—Gypcrete isn’t designed to be a finished surface. In most cases, it serves as a strong, durable base that requires an additional layer of flooring on top.
Why Maxxon Doesn’t Warranty Gypcrete as a Finished Floor
The most important thing to understand is that Gypcrete is not made to be a standalone finished surface. Maxxon doesn’t usually warranty Gypcrete as a finished floor for several reasons, including:
1. Surface Durability Issues
Gypcrete is incredibly strong as an underlayment, but it lacks the durability needed to serve as a finished floor that will experience daily foot traffic, furniture placement, and wear and tear. Without a protective top layer, Gypcrete is prone to chipping, cracking, and surface imperfections. Maxxon knows this, which is why they don’t offer warranties for Gypcrete when it’s left exposed as a finished floor.
2. Moisture Vulnerability
Gypcrete is not water-resistant, which makes it highly vulnerable to moisture. Even small amounts of water from spills, humidity, or condensation can weaken the integrity of the surface, causing warping, bubbling, or cracking. If you were to use Gypcrete as a finished floor, moisture damage would quickly become a problem, and this is another reason Maxxon doesn’t provide warranties under these conditions.
3. Not Aesthetic Enough
A finished floor isn’t just about function—it’s also about appearance. Gypcrete is engineered for performance beneath other flooring materials, not for its looks. It doesn’t have the polished, refined appearance that homeowners and businesses typically want in a finished surface. Tiles, hardwood, carpet, or even polished concrete provide the aesthetic appeal that Gypcrete lacks. So, Maxxon steers clear of offering warranties on Gypcrete when it’s used as a visible, final floor surface.
What is Gypcrete Best Used For?
Gypcrete is ideal for a variety of applications, but they all have one thing in common: Gypcrete is always intended to be covered with another flooring material. Here are some examples of its best uses:
- Subflooring: Gypcrete serves as a great leveling base for wood or concrete subfloors. It creates a flat, stable surface for installing finished floors like tile, hardwood, or laminate.
- Radiant Heat Systems: Gypcrete is often used in radiant heat flooring systems because it helps distribute heat evenly across the floor. It’s a perfect companion for floors that need warmth, but again, it requires a top layer like tile or engineered wood.
- Sound Control: Gypcrete has excellent sound-dampening properties, making it a good choice for apartment buildings, hotels, or multi-story homes where noise reduction is a priority.
What Should You Use as a Finished Floor?
Once you’ve installed Gypcrete, you’ll need to choose a finished floor that complements it. Some great options include:
- Tile or Stone: These materials work well over Gypcrete and provide a durable, water-resistant surface.
- Hardwood or Engineered Wood: Both options offer aesthetic appeal and durability, making them popular choices for living spaces.
- Carpet: In bedrooms or living rooms, carpet adds warmth and comfort, and it works nicely with Gypcrete.
- Vinyl Planks: For a cost-effective, moisture-resistant solution, vinyl planks are a great option to install over Gypcrete.
Conclusion
In summary, Maxxon doesn’t usually warranty Gypcrete as a finished floor because it’s simply not designed for that purpose. Gypcrete is an excellent underlayment, providing a solid foundation for a variety of finished floor materials, but it lacks the durability, moisture resistance, and aesthetic appeal needed to function as the final surface. By understanding the role of Gypcrete and selecting the right top layer, you can ensure that your flooring system performs well and looks great for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Gypcrete be used as a finished floor?
No, Gypcrete is designed as an underlayment, not a finished floor. It requires a top layer of flooring like tile, hardwood, or carpet to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
2. Why doesn’t Maxxon warranty Gypcrete as a finished floor?
Maxxon doesn’t warranty Gypcrete as a finished floor because it’s not durable enough for daily use, is prone to moisture damage, and lacks the polished appearance most people want in a finished surface.
3. What happens if Gypcrete is left exposed?
If Gypcrete is left exposed, it may crack, chip, or become damaged by moisture. It’s not engineered to withstand foot traffic or other wear and tear without a protective top layer.
4. What are the best flooring options to use over Gypcrete?
Great options include tile, stone, hardwood, carpet, and vinyl planks. These materials provide the durability and appearance that Gypcrete lacks.
5. Is Gypcrete water-resistant?
No, Gypcrete is not water-resistant, which is why it requires a protective top layer to avoid moisture damage.
6. How long does Gypcrete last?
When covered by a proper finished floor, Gypcrete can last many years as an underlayment, offering a stable and durable surface.
