The construction market provides almost limitless options for choosing flooring: solid boards, parquet, linoleum, carpet and others. But many modern developers prefer laminate flooring. Its popularity, first of all, is provided by excellent aesthetic properties, affordable cost and ease of installation. Perhaps the most popular today is PVC laminate.
Its base is represented by polyvinyl chloride, which has impeccable strength characteristics. Innovative developments that form the basis of the production process of a truly unique material ensure its impeccable quality, practicality and durability. Positive feedback from developers who have seen a lot in the history of their work only confirms the characteristics declared by the manufacturer. As part of this material, we will evaluate the PVC laminate for the floor, the appropriateness of its use, as well as the features of installation. You can rest assured that we will provide a complete and as objective review as possible.
Moisture and laminate
Classic laminate is represented by ordinarypanels. It is certainly endowed with a number of advantages, but the low level of moisture resistance still limits its scope. Constant contact with water after some time of operation leads to significant deformation of the material, so it is simply impossible to avoid replacing the panels in this case.
In modern hardware stores you can find a coating with a special protective layer, but even this option is not able to withstand regular exposure to moisture. PVC laminate differs from the traditional version in a high level of moisture resistance. Now he is not afraid of prolonged exposure to moisture, modern housewives can wash it at least every day, without fear of swelling and deformation. This allows the use of plastic laminate in those rooms in which it is strictly forbidden to lay ordinary lamellas.
Structure
In many ways, the distinctive properties and characteristics of plastic laminate are provided by the multilayer structure of the material. The basis of the design is a PVC panel, and due to the air chamber, it is possible to endow it with excellent heat and sound insulation properties. Such a floor will be warm even in the coldest winter without additional heating.
The stabilizing layer serves as a substrate for PVC laminate, which eliminates the use of isolon. The decorative layer is covered with a special protective film, usually with a corrugated anti-slip surface. Along with the main layers, it is assumed that there are additional layers that increase the performance of the material. So, let's say some manufacturers offer an additional soundproofing layer, UV protection.
All layers are pressed together, which ensures the uniformity of the structure and the much-needed durability of the material.
About the benefits
The best PVC laminate is the one made with the basic requirements in mind. Only in this case will it be possible to endow it with advantages. Users note such advantages:
- Moisture resistance. Plastic laminate is not afraid of moisture, and all thanks to the waterproof base of polyvinyl chloride. It definitely does not swell or deform when exposed to moisture, so it is suitable even for bathrooms.
- Resistant to temperature extremes. A special PVC coating is able to withstand drops from -20 to +60 degrees.
- Easy installation. PVC laminate with a lock connection greatly simplifies installation work, providing the necessary tightness and moisture resistance. At the same time, the slats remain mobile: if necessary, the floor can be disassembled and moved to the desired location.
- Exterior aesthetics. PVC panels are in no way inferior to the classic version. Quite often, modern buyers prefer a coating that imitates natural solid wood.
- Security. A special anti-slip coating is especially valuable for rooms with high humidity.
- Wear resistance. Laminate is assigned class 33-34, whichguarantees the duration of its operation while maintaining the original appearance.
- Chemical neutrality and resistance to hot objects.
- Easy maintenance. Washing off dirt, dust, pollution of any kind from the surface of the PVC laminate is no longer difficult.
Flaws
Are there any disadvantages of PVC laminate? Reviews of those who managed to work with this material indicate that there are still shortcomings. First of all, it is high cost. PVC laminate with a lock connection is an order of magnitude more expensive than the classic version, so not everyone can afford it for repairs in an apartment or house. Any contact with rubber is dangerous for the material - it can change its shade.
If you plan to lay a room facing the sunny side, pay attention to models with special UV protection. The fact is that the PVC lamellas themselves are not protected from direct sunlight, so over time they may lose the brightness of the original shade.
Mounting Features
How to lay PVC laminate? Many people ask this question. In fact, due to a simple locking connection, every man can cope with the installation - this does not require special skills and expensive tools.
Preparation
Not all floors in our homes meet the requirements for laying laminate, so often you simply cannot do without a stabilizing layer. ATas it can be used roll material - isolon. Its strips must be laid in a direction perpendicular to the future location of the laminate panels. To connect the strips to each other, you can use ordinary construction tape. In order to prevent deformation of the material, small wedges 1 cm thick must be laid along the entire perimeter of the room along the walls.
Getting Started
The very first lamella must be placed in the far corner of the room. To evenly distribute the load, each subsequent row must be laid with a slight shift of 300-500 mm. Row after row you will lay the panels using the locking mechanism. After 2-3 hours, you will receive a finished spectacular floor covering.
Tricks of the trade
Externally, PVC panels are not much different from classic ones, which is why one simple rule applies to their installation: in order to hide the joints, at least visually, the panels should be placed parallel to the light fluxes, which is why work must be taken during daylight hours days.
Flexible material
Have you heard about flexible PVC laminate slats? We would like to present you a hybrid that combines the strength characteristics of plastic laminate and the flexibility of linoleum. Let's dwell on the main characteristics of such a bright novelty in the building and finishing materials market:
- Slight thickness. The thickness of the lamellas is only 5-9 mm, due to which an ordinary construction tool can be used to cut them.knife.
- No need for ground preparation. You do not have to carefully level the base, such a coating can be laid directly on the old floor. The basic rules for laying the material remain the same, but there is no longer a need to use an underlay.
- Adhesive smart tape. It is used to connect panels in series with each other. The new lamella should be carried at an angle of 45 degrees to the already fixed one, after which, carefully lowering, fix it.
- Using a rubber roller. After one row of material has been laid, it is necessary to go over the joints with a special rubber roller for greater reliability.
If you follow the instructions exactly, you can get a perfectly flat surface in a short time.
Summing up
PVC laminate is a modern material that combines the advantages of traditional laminate with the latest innovations. If you are looking for a spectacular, reliable and practical flooring in your home, do not want to deal with the deformation of the lamellas, pay special attention to PVC panels. Each man will be able to cope with the installation on his own, without resorting to the help of professionals. Be sure to visit the nearest hardware store and personally get acquainted with the innovative material. We are confident that you will be pleasantly surprised by the range of clear and undeniable benefits.
