Liquid linoleum is also called self-leveling polymer floor, which is extremely comfortable to use. In interior design, this is a completely new word. For industrial buildings, such a coating is a real find, since it does not have to be repaired and changed during operation due to its long service life. Such floors can give a unique visual volume to any interior due to the seamless surface and soft sheen. That is why they are often used in small spaces. After installation, shrinkage will be minimal, and the appearance will be excellent.
Positive features of different types of liquid linoleum
Liquid linoleum today is on sale in a wide range. Each type is distinguished by different ingredients in the base. For example, polyurethane floors are characterized by excellent performance. Such material can be laid independently in rooms for various purposes. Epoxy urethane floors are particularly resistant to abrasion, which is why they are used inthose areas that are subject to increased stress. This includes warehouses, workshops and corridors. However, you should be prepared for a fairly high cost.
If you decide to choose liquid linoleum for repairs, but are very limited in terms of work, then you can choose methyl methacrylate floors, which can be used within two hours after application. Such a coating is characterized by frost resistance and perfectly tolerates aggressive influences. That is why liquid linoleum of this type can be used in particularly difficult conditions.
If you need to create a heavy-duty floor, it is best to choose cement-polyurethane coatings that perfectly cope with exposure to high temperatures and effectively protect the concrete screed from destruction. That is why this material is successfully used for car service premises. The most common today and polyurethane floors, the thickness of the coating which can vary from 0.5 to 6 millimeters. But epoxy ones have a higher hardness. They cost less, while polyurethane is more scratch resistant.
Key features
The described floor covering has many positive characteristics, among them: higher softness compared to linoleum and outstanding thermal insulation characteristics. You can even combine such material with a warm floor system. The coating is wear-resistant, environmentally friendly, hygienic, and easy to clean. Surfacediffers in the absence of traumatic sliding, and also does not contain toxic substances among the ingredients. In addition, the material can be used as a rough base for laying any topcoat.
Liquid linoleum, the price of which depends on the ingredients, can have any image on the surface, which is convenient when there is a need to use the floor without further finishing. Consumers really like the high level of waterproofing and fire safety, as well as the absence of joints and seams that do not collect dirt and bacteria. Polymer floors are extremely resistant to low temperatures. That is why they can be used even in freezer conditions. This floor covering also differs in that it can be operated in a wide temperature range, which varies from -60 to +90 degrees. And even outside these values, the floor will not ignite, smoke or release toxins.
Technology of work: preparation
Floor coverings of bulk type can be additionally insulated, for this it will be necessary to backfill the rough base with an even layer of expanded clay. After the thermal insulation is poured with a cement-sand screed, which you can prepare yourself. Experts advise purchasing purchased mixtures for arranging a rough coating screed. As soon as this layer is completely dry, you can begin to equip the floor using the "liquid linoleum" technology.
The consistency of the composition should resemble liquidsour cream. But it is important not only to prepare it correctly, but also to make the rough surface suitable for further work. There should be no defects on the base, and the most practical solution is just a concrete screed. Some masters use a wooden coating, but sometimes it is sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature.
Features of the preparatory phase
Floor coverings like liquid linoleum must be poured onto a concrete surface, which has special requirements. Among them, residual moisture does not exceed 4%. After pouring the screed, it is necessary to wait a certain time, which is required to remove residual moisture from the concrete. If there is no time, and the deadlines are running out, then it is recommended to use a two-component epoxy preparation in the form of a primer. If there are irregularities on the surface of the screed, it must be primed, which will close the pores and contribute to better adhesion of materials. On the old finish coating in the form of ceramic tiles, you can fill the floor. However, it is first necessary to wash and degrease the surface, and then treat it with primer. Peeling tiles must be removed and then filled with cement mortar.
Need for priming
Bulk linoleum is most often laid on a pre-primed base. This prevents the formation of bubbles. The primer itself must be applied to a clean surface with a roller. In order toto increase adhesion with the self-leveling floor, it is necessary to pour fine-grained sand onto the dry soil. To carry out the primer, you should use a composition for concrete, on which it is not recommended to save. If the primer is quickly absorbed, its application must be repeated.
Filling the base layer
Liquid linoleum, reviews of which are only the most positive, should be poured in several stages. This is necessary for the rational use of materials. The floor surface will be smooth, without clots and swellings, if the rough base is leveled. Self-leveling floor will consist of two layers: base and finish. The first should have a thickness within 3 millimeters, it should be applied 6-12 hours after priming is completed, which is true for a polyurethane floor. If you intend to use an epoxy coating, then you need to wait about 12-17 hours before applying it.
It is necessary to build a floor according to a special technology, which provides for the initial creation of a base layer in the form of a continuous coating. The material must be applied by pouring. After the composition is evenly distributed over the surface. If a fairly large area is to be covered, then the polymer mass should be applied in alternating stripes. The mass should be allowed to spontaneously spread and level off. Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare a special tool, which is a squeegee with an adjustable gap. With it, you can apply a layer of the desired thickness.
Work methodology
In order to remove air bubbles, the surface of the mixture must be treated with a roller with long spikes. These manipulations must be carried out in different directions without lifting the tool. It is necessary to complete the process within 15 minutes until the composition begins to increase in viscosity. Self-leveling floors, the cost of which can average 3000 rubles. per square meter, along with work, are often stacked using a two-component composition. In this case, the mixture must be kneaded in the amount that you have time to work out before the moment of hardening. In the processes of rolling the surface with a roller, shoes should be worn with devices that have metal spikes, they will exclude the violation of the integrity of the self-leveling coating. Before a break in work, the tool must be thoroughly rinsed in a solvent.
Filling layer fill
Liquid linoleum, the price of which can reach 6000 rubles. per square meter, along with work, is poured in two stages. A day after applying the base base, but no later than 48 hours later, you can start applying the finishing layer. Its thickness can vary from 1 to 2 millimeters. In order to improve the chemical characteristics of the coating and maintain the gloss, it is recommended to complete the casting with a thin layer of polyurethane varnish. The resulting coating will be monolithic and will almost not shrink with temperature, but along the walls and in the doors the layer must be cut, and then filled with sealant.
Conclusion
Seaming floors, the cost of which is in the most economicaloption can be equal to 410 rubles. per square meter, are quite often equipped by property owners on their own. The cost mentioned above is relevant for a thin floor, the layer of which will be 0.5 mm.
