MSI Acclima Glue-Down Luxury Vinyl Plank

What dryback (glue-down) vinyl means

MSI Surfaces Acclima is a dryback luxury vinyl plank, also called glue-down vinyl. Unlike rigid-core SPC planks that click together and float, dryback planks are bonded down with a full spread of adhesive. A glued floor has no hollow click underfoot, no expansion gaps to design around, and excellent dimensional stability, which suits large open areas and floors with heavy rolling loads. Glue-down installation needs a clean, dry, very flat subfloor and is more labour-intensive than a click floor, which is why it is best handled by our in-house vinyl installation team.

Decision line: choose Acclima when you want the most stable, fully bonded result over a properly prepared subfloor.

100% waterproof, and what that actually covers

Acclima carries a 100% waterproof rating, and that claim holds for the plank itself. The vinyl plank does not absorb water or swell, so spills, mopping, humidity, and damp conditions will not damage it. One honest clarification still applies, explained in our guide on whether flooring is truly waterproof: a waterproof plank is not a waterproof installation. The floor has seams between planks, and while a full-spread glue-down bond leaves less open path than a floating floor, standing water left long enough can still reach the subfloor. For a shower pan, a sealed tile system with a waterproofing membrane remains correct.

What the 20 mil wear layer tells you

The wear layer is the clear coating that absorbs surface abrasion, and it is the most important durability figure on any vinyl plank. Acclima carries a 20 mil wear layer, a genuinely commercial-grade thickness well above the 12 mil layers common on residential-focused vinyl. If you are weighing a glue-down plank against other options, our comparison of vinyl vs laminate flooring is a useful next step.

MSI Acclima Collection FAQs

Is MSI Acclima waterproof?

Yes. Acclima is rated 100% waterproof. The vinyl plank does not absorb water or swell, so spills, mopping, and humidity will not damage it. Note that a waterproof plank is not a waterproof installation, so a shower pan or area with constant standing water still needs a sealed system with a separate waterproofing membrane.

What is the difference between dryback and click-lock vinyl?

Dryback vinyl, also called glue-down, bonds directly to the subfloor with adhesive. Click-lock vinyl floats on top of the subfloor and snaps together at the edges. Glue-down floors like Acclima are more stable and quieter underfoot, but they need a very flat subfloor and a more involved installation.

What subfloor does Acclima need?

A clean, dry, and very flat subfloor. Because Acclima is a glue-down plank, it will telegraph bumps or dips beneath it, so proper subfloor preparation and leveling are essential before installation.

What does a 20 mil wear layer mean?

The wear layer is the clear protective coating on top of the plank that absorbs surface abrasion. At 20 mil, Acclima has a commercial-grade wear layer, well above the 12 mil common on residential vinyl, for stronger everyday durability.

Where can I see the MSI Acclima collection in person?

Acclima is available at both Squarefoot Flooring showrooms: 700 Dundas St E in Mississauga and 112 Saunders Rd in Barrie. Visiting in person lets you compare the full range of finishes under real lighting.