True waterproof flooring can handle standing water indefinitely without damage to the planks or tiles themselves. Water-resistant flooring might survive brief exposure to spills but can fail during floods or prolonged moisture exposure.The key difference is in the core material and manufacturing process. Genuine waterproof options like quality luxury vinyl plank and certain engineered products use cores that won’t absorb water, swell, or deteriorate even when submerged. Many products marketed as “waterproof” are actually just water-resistant, which leaves you vulnerable when you need protection most.For Centereach homes, this distinction matters because of our area’s humidity levels, occasional flooding, and basement moisture issues. You want flooring that protects your investment during Long Island’s unpredictable weather patterns, not just during everyday spills.