Household linoleum

Linoleum - one of the most common types of flooring. Its reasonable price and wide range will satisfy needs of any buyer. In addition, manufacturers offer a wide range of colors of their products.

What only types of linoleum coating can not be found in the consumer market. They are classified according to the class of wear resistance (i.e., resistance to loads), and by abrasion and flammability. There are products made of natural material and artificial. The product is replete with diversity and the surface: it can be matte and glossy, embossed and rough.

Given all the qualities of linoleum coating, it is divided into 3 groups:

1. Commercial. This type of coating is the most dense and durable. It can be used in public and industrial areas with high traffic. Commercial linoleum has a fairly high price. The term of its operation can reach 20 years.
2. Semi-commercial. Suitable for rooms with low traffic, such as a kitchen or a corridor. It consists of 5-6 layers, protective reaches 0.5 mm in thickness. This flooring will last 10 years.
3. Domestic. The most commonly used type of flooring.

The thickness of the sheet of household linoleum can reach up to 5 mm. In most cases, it consists of 5 layers. Its base is represented mainly by polyvinyl chloride, which is a substrate. Also for the base use jute, polyester, felt.

Inside the canvas is fiberglass. It performs a stabilizing function. That is, this layer does not allow the material to deform, spread. The canvas becomes more durable and sustainable. On top of the fiberglass covers foamed PVC.This is, firstly, a barrier to noise. It is especially important for apartments above the second floor in order to reduce audibility from below. Secondly, this layer performs the insulating function.

The next layer is decorative, on which there is a drawing of the product. It is applied using a special machine. It should be noted that it is in household linoleum the widest choice of decor, different colors, ornaments are presented. There are drawings under the laminate and parquet.

On top of the decorative layer is protective. It is also made of PVC and supplemented with a polyurethane film that protects the product from stress. The width of the protective layer for household linoleum cloth up to 0.3 mm. That it provides the durability of the product. The thicker this layer, the higher the price. Experts recommend using products with a protection thickness of 0.15 mm in rooms with the lowest maneuverability (bedroom), and with a maneuver higher than, for example, in a nursery - 0.2 mm. For the corridor and the kitchen is suitable figure of 0.25 mm.

The life of household linoleum is 5-8 years. Of all types, it is the least wear-resistant. Therefore, in rooms where a large number of people accumulate, it is impractical to lay such a canvas: it quickly fails, is erased and deformed. The term of his service in this case is reduced to 2 years.

But for apartments, houses or cottages such linoleum is the best option for several reasons:

• It is easily transported to its destination due to compact twist into a roll and light weight;
• availability in price;
• ease of cleaning: just wipe it with a damp cloth;
• color spectrum for every taste;
• has qualities such as strength, moisture resistance, heat insulation;
• environmental friendliness. This applies to models that contain jute, linseed oil or have a paper base.

To improve the quality of domestic linoleum, manufacturers strengthen it. It is distinguished from the usual increased wear resistance. This product can lay the floor not only in the apartment, but also in schools, kindergartens.

The thickness of the protective layer of reinforced linoleum is 0.5 mm.

It consists of the following layers:

• first comes the base. It can be made of PVC, felt or jute;
• foam layer that will provide sound insulation;
• decorative layer;
• protective.

There are models with foam base. It is a glass fiber coated on both sides with foam. Also among the varieties of this reinforced coating is a canvas on a felt basis. Its base is PVC, reinforced by polyester or polypropylene fibers. Both of these coatings are designed to provide heat and noise insulation. And due to its durability they can be used in industrial premises.

It is best to lay linoleum single cloth.

For this you need:

• After delivery of the material leave it for a day in the spreading form. This will allow the product to even out, get used to the humidity and temperature of the room. The canvas should be slightly larger than the size of the room, so that the edges slightly go on the walls.
• Prepare the surface: it should be flat, dry and free from damage.
• Fit the canvas with a construction knife to fit the room.
• Fix the product. If the floor space is less than 20m², there are enough baseboards for this purpose. If it exceeds this figure, a special glue is used.

If you cover the wooden floor with linoleum, then it must also be prepared:

• fix loose boards;
• cover the gaps between them with a putty consisting of wood flour and PVA glue;
• if any board is badly damaged, replace it with a new one.

Depending on the width of the roll household linoleum, you can put a single cloth (with a width of 4 m) or use several strips, butting them (if the roll width is 1.5 m). This process occurs due to two technologies: hot and cold welding. But since the domestic fabric does not tolerate high temperatures, it is suitable for this type of joining, as cold welding.This is the way in which glue is used for the vault of the edges of linoleum.

Thanks to this method, the joint becomes almost invisible.

There are such varieties:

• Type A is suitable for floor covering with a new product. The glue must be a liquid consistency;
• Type C is used for damaged linoleum. Here the consistency of the adhesive material should be thicker.

This type of fixation must be carried out in several stages:

• remove dirt from the joints of linoleum;
• On the seam impose a wide tape and make a cut at the joints. This will protect the edges of the web from the ingress of glue;
• the distance between the two sheets pour adhesive substance. After it hardens, you can remove the adhesive tape.

The method described above is quite practical, low-cost and does not require the involvement of special teams. Everything can be done by yourself, following simple rules. If your product is damaged - cut with a knife or rupture when rearranging furniture, these flaws can be removed in such ways:

• imposition of double-sided tape. But this is a low-quality option;
• the use of metal or plastic plates;
• You can glue the canvas to the floor surface. Enough durable and reliable method.

Household linoleum - the perfect option for your home. He has all the necessary qualities for flooring, does not require specific care. You can lay it yourself, without the help of experts. And he has a small price. In general, a simple, high-quality and affordable material.

How to lay linoleum in the next video.