In hardware stores today there are many floor coverings that we call linoleum. But most of them are PVC coated and made from synthetic materials. Natural linoleum is produced by only three major manufacturers. This is the Forbo concern, which occupies the main market share, Tarkett and DLW companies. Let's take a closer look at this flooring.
History of occurrence
Oiled linen for flooring began to be used in 1627. In 1843, the forerunner of linoleum was created, which was called camptulikon. The rubber in its composition gave the material flexibility. In 1863, Frederick W alton from Great Britain received a patent for the production of linoleum, so he is considered the founder of this coating.
Production
Modern natural linoleum is a jute canvas, a bit like burlap. It is applied with a mass of wood flour, cork oak bark, mineral additives, natural dyes, resin asfastening element.
The basis for the mixture is linseed oil. The mass for linoleum should mature in the bunker for a week. Dyes are added to the matured mixture, pressed in a calender machine. Next, the material is cut into meter-long strips, overlapped on a jute base and pressed again. This is followed by drying and aging for 14 days. The resulting linoleum undergoes a special treatment to increase strength and wear resistance. It can be produced in tiles and rolls, the thickness varies from 1.5mm to 4mm.
Material features
Natural linoleum has the following positive properties:
- Durable through manufacturing technology.
- Sustainable through the use of natural raw materials.
- Flame retardant through special processing.
- Easy care with easy-to-clean surface.
- Bactericidal due to linseed oil, which prevents the growth of bacteria.
- Anti-static as a property of constituent products.
- High chemical resistance due to its composition and surface treatment.
Use area
Natural linoleum is widely used in children's and medical institutions. It is also convenient to use it in bars, cafes, dance floors. This material can be laid in those rooms where specialized equipment is located.
Now natural linoleum can be seen not only in administrative institutions andoffices, but also in private homes and city apartments. Such popularity is due to durability. The service life of linoleum is 20-30 years.
Different colors, imitation of wood, sand, stone, cork allows you to use it in almost all interiors.
Natural linoleum. Reviews. Advantages, disadvantages
Almost all citizens who have laid natural linoleum at home leave positive feedback. They highlight moisture resistance, surface quality, as well as thermal insulation properties. Office workers commented on the ease of cleaning.
Of the minuses, one can single out the laboriousness of laying. Some clients laid natural linoleum themselves, did not follow the recommendations for laying, as a result, after a while, a “wave” formed.
Therefore, it is better to stick the coating to the floor, leave a small gap from the wall or entrust the laying of natural linoleum to a specialist.
