The range of modern high-quality floor coverings in the construction supermarkets of our country is steadily growing. Nevertheless, many buyers prefer the time-tested linoleum. And this is understandable. Household linoleum is an ideal combination of quality and price. It is considered the easiest to care for coating of all currently in existence. In addition, it is much cheaper than parquet, laminate, tiles, and it is much easier to lay it. And from a huge variety of types and textures, each buyer can choose the option that is suitable for his home.
Views
All currently produced linoleum can be divided into three main groups:
- Linoleum household, which is used in residential premises.
- Semi-commercial (used in medium traffic areas).
- Commercial - designed for areas with intensive use.
In this article we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of these species.
Linoleum household
This type of material is characterized by 21 or 23 wear resistance class. Affordable price, highsound insulation, pleasant to the touch surface, environmental friendliness - these are the criteria that manufacturers of this type of material are guided by. Linoleum from the middle price segment looks very impressive. At the same time, models of this type of coating are characterized by low wear resistance. This is due to the small protective layer, which does not exceed 0.35 mm.
It should be noted that household linoleum is suitable for laying only in residential premises. In the kitchen, hallway, it is desirable to lay material with a high level of wear resistance.
And at the same time, this is a very popular material - household linoleum. Customer reviews indicate that it has undeniable advantages. This is a variety of textures that is rarely seen in commercial series. For example, you can buy household linoleum in the form of tiles, with imitation of stone or wood. Household linoleum imitates not only color, but also texture.
Reinforced household linoleum
This coating is used for floors in rooms where the level of traffic is quite low. Such linoleum is very affordable. Its structure consists of three layers:
- substrate;
- drawing layer;
- protective coating.
Felt, jute, polyvinyl chloride can be used as a substrate. The patterned layer defines the appearance of the coating. The protective layer (depending on its thickness) guarantees durability. For reinforced linoleum, it is up to 0.3 mm. In this case, the total thickness of the material is not more than 5 mm.
The advantages of this coating include a variety of colors, ease of installation, heat and sound insulation, and fairly simple maintenance. For a dwelling with an area of \u200b\u200bno more than 20 sq.m, it is enough to fix it with skirting boards. Such a coating will not last too long - no more than ten years.
Commercial linoleum
Commercial linoleum has completely different characteristics. Household is significantly inferior to it in durability and wear resistance. This is a great option for creating floors in offices and salons, since it can be applied to any pattern or company logo. At the same time, it is often used in residential areas with high traffic (hallways, kitchens, swimming pools, etc.) According to the production technology, this type of linoleum is divided into hetero- and homogeneous.
The second option is a panel with a thickness of no more than 3 mm. The drawing is always monochromatic. The composition of this material includes talc, limestone, kaolin. If the specifications are not met, the fillers come to the surface and form a dirty coating. Therefore, in the manufacture of this coating, polyurethane protection is applied to it. The disadvantage of this protective coating can be considered the need to polish it once every six months.
Heterogeneous linoleum is a truly versatile material. It has a multilayer structure. The basis of this coating is fiberglass. The front side of heterogeneous linoleum is impregnated with PVC paste. The first layer is covered with another layer of PVC. Thenthe surface is shaped with a pattern, which is fixed with the next layer of PVC, very durable and transparent. The reverse side of the material is a fiberglass base equipped with a backing. It can be jute, fabric or PVC (foam).
Semi-commercial linoleum
This variety is very similar in structure to household linoleum. The semi-commercial analogue is distinguished by a thicker protective layer. This material is used in public spaces, as well as in residential and walk-through rooms. Distinguish between synthetic and natural.
The advantages of this coating include ease of care - it is easy to clean, it is not scary to spill water on it. In addition, it has high sound insulation. However, this coating has plenty of disadvantages.
In the manufacture of synthetic linoleum, some toxic resins are used that can be released into the atmosphere. Toluene and xylene, which are part of it, irritate the eyes, cause serious skin diseases and can even cause some disorders in the nervous system. Polyvinyl chloride is able to decompose even at room temperature. When inhaled by the decay products, it enters the human body, and through the pores of the skin it enters the bloodstream, poisoning the liver. Therefore, it is better to choose natural samples.
Natural linoleum
This is an environmentally friendly and harmless material. It is not subject to deformation, wear and tear. The composition of this coating includes linseed oil, cork flour, resins, limestone powder, jute fabric, naturaldyes. Often this type is covered with polymers, but in large specialized stores you can buy natural linoleum that does not have a varnish layer.
Linseed oil gives the material unique bactericidal qualities that do not disappear with time. This linoleum is fire resistant and easy to care for wet or dry.
Natural linoleum does not change color, does not fade, is resistant to ethyl alcohol, fats and non-concentrated acids. Only alkalis and mechanical impact can damage it. Therefore, many believe that this is the best household linoleum.
Producers
Today, five major linoleum manufacturers are fighting for the championship on the Russian market, with which we want to introduce you.
Gerflor (France)
Gerflor, a world-famous company, has been fruitfully working in the flooring market for 70 years. The brand has been a market leader for a long time thanks to a huge range of unique solutions that fully comply with regulatory requirements. The company pays great attention to product quality.
Customer Reviews
Gerflor products are of impeccable quality. In addition, the coatings of this company have different widths - 2, 3 and 4 meters, an adhesive side that fits snugly to the floor. Many buyers note that even a non-professional can lay Gerflor linoleum.
Grabo (Hungary)
One of the most famous companies in Europe. Its products are durable and strong. Many buyers believe that the main advantage of Grabo linoleum is that, being heterogeneous, it perfectly resists deformations, having high thermal insulation characteristics.
Juteks (Slovenia)
Linoleum of this company has been known for over 70 years. Modern equipment and advanced production technologies have taken the company to the international level. The main advantage of this product is the special PU protection.
Armstrong
The products of this international concern are well known to Russian buyers. This is one of the most time-tested and experienced manufacturers of linoleum. The main advantages of this material are excellent sound insulation and thermal protection. Linoleum Armstrong is great for underfloor heating systems.
Tarkett (Russia)
Linoleum from this company is a quality product. The latest innovative technologies are used in production, the latest trends in the field of design are being studied. The popularity of Tarkett is due to the perfect quality of its products and compliance with world standards.
Today, the company produces eight collections of this coating, each of which includes sixty design options. According to buyers, these are the best products of Russian manufacturers.
