Is it possible to lay laminate on linoleum?

Laying the flooring is one of the most important steps in the repair process. Often, people are wondering whether it is possible to lay laminate on linoleum. According to experts, the process itself seems to be quite real, the main thing is to approach the matter correctly. In the process of laying it is necessary to rely on several important features that will help to achieve a positive result.

Most often when laying a new flooring material, the old coating is dismantled. But this decision is not always the right one. This is due to the fact that the same linoleum, which meets all the necessary building codes, can be used as the basis for a new material. Due to this, it is not necessary to buy materials for arranging the layer under the laminate.

When using linoleum as a substrate, it is not necessary to spend additional time on various processes.In particular, this applies to the installation of the depreciation layer and the leveling base. Such work is carried out in apartments where there are problems with noise insulation.

In addition, you should pay attention to such factors as heat loss indicators. If you put a new material on the old linoleum, you can easily avoid such a problem. This moment is especially important in those situations when it comes to repairs in individual low-rise buildings. Owners of apartments located on the first floor face high heat losses.

In addition, you can significantly reduce the cost of additional materials. But before you lay a new floor, make sure that the old linoleum is still suitable for use. In the presence of material breaks or severe damage, it is worth abandoning such an idea. Otherwise, problems may arise when using new flooring.

Also, linoleum must be securely attached to the concrete base. If you notice that in some places the material has moved, you need to firmly fix it.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that not always laminate can be put on linoleum. In this case, you need to focus on several important factors:

• The first point is the quality of the old coating. Of course, worn and deformed linoleum in no case can not be used as a basis for installation. Especially it concerns those moments when the surface does not differ in flatness.
• In the presence of severe deformation, the old coating must be completely removed. The concrete surface on which the linoleum was laid, must be carefully polished. Experts recommend further equipping the polymer screed.
• Particular attention in this matter should be paid to the "age" of linoleum. Even if the coating is even and strong, it does not mean that the material is suitable for further repair manipulations. For example, if linoleum was released 15-20 years ago, it must be dismantled. Such an “age” suggests that the coating has long expired operational period.

• Also note that for the manufacture of old flooring most often used fabric bases.During long-term operation, the material wears heavily.
• The important point is the ecological side. With prolonged use under linoleum, pathogenic bacteria begin to develop. No exception is the appearance of mold and mildew. Such sanitary violations can adversely affect people's health.
• Particular attention should be paid to the height differences in linoleum. According to building codes, indicators should not exceed 2 mm.
• A significant point in laying new material is the rigidity of linoleum. Soft coatings are not suitable for laminate installation.
• If the linoleum has retained its quality and good appearance, you can safely proceed to the laying of a new material. Compliance with all standards set makes the old coating suitable for further work.

Often, people who plan to put laminate on top of linoleum, ask the question: in which premises such an idea would be the most successful? For example, such a decision would be appropriate in the bedroom, living room or hallway. Experts do not recommend laying laminate on linoleum in areas where high humidity is present.

Basically, this moment concerns the kitchen and bathroom.Here, the flooring is affected not only by high humidity, but also by temperature changes. In addition, in the kitchen laminate will quickly lose its beauty and functional qualities. If you still decide to install new material in rooms with high humidity, be sure to use double polyethylene as a waterproofing layer. It must be placed under the substrate.

It is worth noting that in comparison with laminate, linoleum is more susceptible to moisture. And if the material has already managed to deform during use, it is necessary to abandon the installation of a new coating. It is quite simple to check linoleum for moisture: lay an oilcloth on the surface, fix the edges well. If a few days later there are drops on polyethylene, you should not turn to such a solution. It is best to dismantle the linoleum before starting work.

Please note that when laying laminate on a wet base, with time the boards begin to deform. The surface becomes swollen and uneven. In addition, stacking a new material, you must first pay attention to several important features.Decide in advance on the thickness of the laminated coating.

Before you deal with the question of whether the substrate when laying laminate on linoleum, you need to understand what constitutes such a foundation. To create a thin layer under the flooring used different types of materials. Most often used for these purposes foam or cork.

The substrate performs several functions simultaneously. It is intended for depreciation, improvement of moisture insulation. The use of the substrate reduces heat loss in the room. Many experts say that even when using linoleum, the use of such a layer is necessary.

Often the substrate is used in the presence of old linoleum. Also an additional layer is required if there are irregularities on the surface.

Modern manufacturers of building materials offer buyers several types of substrates for laminate flooring, the features of which are worth exploring in more detail. One of the most common options is traffic jam.The substrate of this material has a good sound insulation properties.

In addition, the advantages of cork options include:

• the substrate retains heat well;
• cork does not rot even with prolonged use;
• Insects do not start in the substrate.

In addition, the layers of cork perfectly retain their shape even with prolonged use. Under heavy loads, the substrate is not deformed.

Often when laying laminate used polystyrene layer. Like the previous version, this substrate has excellent performance. Polystyrene foam retains heat well, provides good noise insulation in the room. In comparison with the cork options, these substrates have a lower cost.

For finishing subfloor quite often used polyethylene layer. Such a substrate provides excellent thermal insulation properties of the coating. Materials are available in several forms, which differ in the method of foaming.

The advantages of this option include high resistance to moisture. The substrate is not deformed even by contact with chemicals.Polyethylene foam perfectly fills the space under the laminate.

The peculiarity of the substrates of this material is that they are used in rooms with high humidity levels.

Being engaged in laying laminate on linoleum, it is necessary to pay attention to several important points:

• First you need to do the preparatory stages. At the beginning, it is necessary to determine the level of differences using the building level. It is applied to the floor to obtain indicators.
• If the level of irregularities exceeds the permissible norms, then it is impossible to lay the boards on the old floor. In this case, the complete dismantling of linoleum is required. The floor is then leveled in accordance with the minimum requirements. Laying laminate produced by standard technology.
• If the linoleum is sufficiently smooth, but there are damaged areas or other deformations on it, it is necessary to tackle them. Bare surface should be cleaned from dirt. Then the surface must be treated using a primer.You also need to pierce the concrete throughout the level.

• If the material is peeled off, it is necessary to treat the areas with glue. Often, for these purposes, special formulations are used, designed exclusively for linoleum. To material firmly fixed, you need to press the surface with a heavy object.
• Experts recommend using the substrate in any room. Laying laminate can be done immediately after the preparatory activities. You also need to purchase materials for work.
• It is worth noting that the laminate for laying is best to purchase in advance. The material should be left in a closed dry room for 2-3 days.
• For laying used a special set, which is based on several important elements. Wedges are used to create technological gaps. Also present in the set stitching bar. For installation of panels in hard-to-reach places it is necessary to use brackets.

• To begin work it is necessary with cleaning of a surface. The floor must be cleaned from dust and sand. Please note that the adhesive used for the work must be completely dry.
• After that, mount the substrate under the laminate.Roll with the material you need to roll out and fit the length of the room. Do not allow launching and the appearance of various defects. The steps must be repeated until the substrate is completely laid. To handle the joints, you must use paper tape.
• After completing all of the above steps, you can proceed to laying laminate.

For tips on laying laminate to linoleum, see below.