Linoleum is a popular flooring. It has many advantages, including relatively low cost and excellent performance. Various types of linoleum for the floor can be confusing, so it is very important to figure out how to choose the right one depending on your needs, so as not to overpay, and the flooring lasts as long as possible.
Since the time of Frederick Walton, the British inventor of flooring, who gave it the Latin name linumoilum (linum – flax and oilum – oil) in 1861, a lot of water has flowed. But until now, this material, obtained, however, using modern technologies that have gone far from the production capabilities of the second half of the 19th century, enjoys constant success with consumers. Such love is instilled and securely fixed by time thanks to the outstanding characteristics of the material, most of which are closely related to its durability, sufficient strength, affordable pricing policy of modern manufacturers, simple laying method and unpretentiousness in use.
However, the wider the range of a particular product, the more difficult it is for the buyer to make his choice of a practical and durable coating. Moreover, the questions of how to choose the color of linoleum or a pattern suitable for the interior can be compared with a game of roulette, which, as you know, with bad luck can lead to an unfortunate mistake. Therefore, it is also important to pay attention to the methods of manufacturing the material, the thickness of the wear layer, its strength characteristics – indicators on the basis of which this or that class is assigned to linoleum. In a word, without basic ideas about the types and characteristics of linoleum, it is difficult to talk about the components of the right choice.
Types of linoleum according to the composition of the components
According to the composition of the components, linoleums are divided into five groups, the names of which are derived from the presence of natural, polyvinyl chloride, colloxin, glyptal and rubber fillers. The first two groups are most widespread due to the safety and environmental friendliness of natural material, and the democratic prices of PVC coatings. The difference in the structure of the second group gave rise to a division into homogeneous and heterogeneous types of linoleum, which linoleum is better to choose from these two?
Homogeneous linoleum
A homogeneous coating with a thickness of 1.5 -2 mm is distinguished by the uniformity of the structure of the PVC sheet and additives in the form of kaolin, talc or limestone, working to reduce its cost. The simplicity of the through pattern is more than compensated by the phenomenal wear resistance of the product. It is used in rooms with increased operational requirements for such coatings: in corridors, gyms, shopping centers, station buildings, airports.
heterogeneous linoleum
The heterogeneous appearance of linoleum combines several layers in one coating at once with a total thickness of 2 to 6 mm. The role of a flexible frame is performed by fiberglass with a coverage width of 1.5 to 4 meters. A more sophisticated production technology makes the heterogeneous look of linoleum more expensive than the homogeneous one. However, she also turns it into a higher quality product with a wide choice of colors and a rich set of patterns. Therefore, when deciding which linoleum to choose for your home, you can safely opt for this type.
The composition of the heterogeneous coating is formed from the following terms:
- purl layer;
- foam layer;
- flexible fiberglass reinforcing frame;
- polyvinyl chloride layer with a pattern;
- decorative painted layer;
- transparent protective layer.
The basis of such a coating can be made of foamed PVC, as the most moisture-resistant material, as well as felt, polyester, cork or jute. Depending on the presence or absence of such a base-substrate, linoleum is classified as basic or baseless coatings.
Heterogeneous linoleums can be household (from 21 to 23 class) with a thickness of the protective working layer (transparency) from 0.1 to 0.3 mm, light commercial or semi-commercial (from 31 to 32 class, 0.4-0.5 mm thick). ), as well as commercial (starting from class 33 and above, and with a thickness of 0.6 mm). This characteristic is very important, since choosing linoleum for the floor is not enough simply by color or composition, it must also have sufficient protection for operating conditions, i.e. you need to pay attention to its purpose.
Types of linoleum by purpose
So, let’s figure out what thickness to choose linoleum. By appointment, linoleums are of the following types:
- household;
- semi-commercial;
- commercial;
- specialized.
Household linoleum
Household types belong to the category of coatings of medium strength (1.25-2.25 kg / m2) with good soundproofing characteristics and a width of one and a half to four meters. It is recommended to use in bedrooms, children’s rooms, hallways – rooms with minimal operational loads.
commercial linoleum
A distinctive feature of commercial linoleum is its good sound insulation, increased resistance to wear (due to a special protective layer), mechanical stress and stress. Therefore, his canvases with a width of 2 to 5 meters are used in offices, bars, restaurants, cafes, corridors and other premises where the abrasion rates of the coating are especially high. For a house, this option is simply not rational, since you will simply spend extra money on durability, which is not needed at all in a residential area, unless more than 5 people live in one room at once.
semi-commercial linoleum
Semi-commercial linoleum (with a protective layer of 0.5 mm) occupies the golden mean between the two types of coatings listed above. With a small thickness and excellent strength, the material is intended for use in rooms with medium operating loads, namely: in lobbies, corridors, living rooms, halls, kitchens.
Specialized linoleum
The specialized types of linoleum include:
- Sports linoleum with a protective coating of polyurethane, designed to increase its resistance to wear and various kinds of pollution.
- Linoleum for medical facilities with bactericidal protection in the form of a coating with antifungal and antibacterial components.
- Linoleum with anti-slip embossed texture, formed by special additives from crumbs of corundum or quartz.
- Acoustic linoleum for floor coverings with high requirements for sound insulation.
Carefully study the listed classifications, since choosing the right linoleum is very important, because the quality of your floor will depend on it, and how long it will maintain a beautiful appearance.