We tell what parameters of the household linoleum need to ask if you are going to purchase and put this coating on the floor of the apartment or at home.
Photo: Juteks.
In the floors of urban apartments, we most often use multi-layer (heterogeneous) PVC coatings, calling them the usual word of linoleum. In modern PVC linoleum, the number of layers can reach up to 10 layers. Those thoroughly understand the structure of the material is not necessarily, but there are several important points that the consumer should know.
Photo: Tarkett.
Important parameters when choosing a linoleum
1. Wear resistance
PVC coating wear resistance is determined mainly thickness of the working layer (for multi-layered and upper protective (transparent) layer). The thickness of the material may vary from 0.6 to 2 mm and how it is more, the better with the combination of other indicators (mass, density, etc.). Focusing on the thickness of the working layer in heterogeneous coatings, it is necessary to correlate this parameter with a group of wear resistance of a particular material.
Photo: IVC.
2. Density and evenness of the back layer
Pay attention to the back layer of floor covering. Most products today are produced based on foamed vinyl. So, the more denser and even the layer of foam, the better the material leads from the point of view of recovery after loads.
Photo: Juteks.
3. The presence of glasses
In high-quality PVC coverage, the role of the reinforcing layer plays a glass cholester. Only with its presence in the composition of the material you can be sure that the linoleum will not respond to changes in temperature and humidity, and the linear dimensions will not change.
Photo: Tarkett.
These are the three most important parameters that you need to ask when choosing a linoleum. Another question can be asked about the additional protection of the floor covering, which increases wear resistance, facilitates cleaning and prevents the penetration of pollution inside the material, which is especially important in the hallways and kitchens.
Photo: IVC.
Is the safety margin important?
For use in the house, PVC coatings of 21-23 wear resistance classes, in public spaces - 31-34 grade. However, consumers often choose material with a margin of strength and, accordingly, more expensive at the price. Is it reasonable instead of the material of 21-22 wear resistance to take 32? According to experts, if there is extra money, then this does not interfere with this. But when one or two people live in the apartment, then the Class Class 21 will serve 10-12 years without any problems, of course, with competent laying. That is, under the observance of two conditions: the material from the reliable manufacturer and high-quality laying is absolutely not necessary to overpay for the margin of safety. However, there are aggravating circumstances, for example, the owners of large dogs, it is better to purchase a coating class above, for example, instead of a linoleum of grade 23 to take 31-32.
Photo: Juteks
How not to damage PVC coverage?
Made from frost in a warm apartment twisted into a roll of PVC-coating cannot be deployed immediately. The fact is that the material includes two groups of components. Some are responsible for the density and rigidity of the linoleum, the second for its plasticity. Any plastic substance during freezing loses these qualities, respectively, the flexibility of the coating and it can be simply broken.
Photo: IVC.
The "skeleton" of the linoleum is the glass cholester - thin, but very durable from the point of view of longitudinal loads material. It is located inside the multi-layer structure and is covered with foamed vinyl on both sides. If the coating is 180 °, and simply put to fold, the glass cholester is deformed or breaks, which will definitely affect the structure of the coating and on its properties both in these places and in general.