Homogeneous linoleum km2 wear 34. Technologies for general cleaning of pvc coatings. Specifications and manufacturing nuances
PVC coatings can be homogeneous or heterogeneous.
homogeneous- this is a coating that is uniform throughout its thickness, durable and elastic (Fig. 1). The pattern permeates the entire thickness of the coating, so even with uneven wear of the material, the appearance of the material remains unchanged. The pattern of a homogeneous coating depends on the production technology, it can be directional (along the web) and non-directional (chaotic). On coatings with a non-directional pattern, dirt is less visible. But it should be borne in mind that in both cases the choice of colors is limited - these are abstract images ("marbled", "speckled", etc.) or "pure" colors.
Homogeneous (homogeneous) coatings are mainly used in places with high traffic, i.e. where the material is subject to intense wear.
heterogeneous PVC coating has a more complex structure (see Fig. 2) than a homogeneous one. At the heart of a heterogeneous coating, as a rule, in its very middle is a layer of fiberglass with a width of 2 to 4 meters, depending on the desired width of the product. It is this layer that is a kind of "backbone", on which the remaining layers of the PVC coating are subsequently attached, therefore the density and strength of the fiberglass are very important (glass fiber is used with a density of 30 g/m 2 to 55 g/m 2).
The first step in the production of a heterogeneous foamed PVC coating is the impregnation of fiberglass with PVC paste. The paste enters the pores of the fiberglass and fills them (the higher the density of the fiberglass, the more evenly it holds the impregnation inside itself).
The second stage is the application of the upper foaming PVC layer on the fiberglass already impregnated with PVC paste. This layer serves for the subsequent printing of a decorative pattern on it. Then this layer, when passing through the furnace, will foam simultaneously with the lower (rear) layer, which gives the finished product heat and sound insulating properties.
The next step is drawing a drawing, a design. This is done using engraved printing cylinders (up to 6 different colors are used). The distance to repeat the pattern depends on the circumference of the cylinders used (from 1 to 1.5 m).
Next comes the stage of applying a wear layer (the so-called "working" layer) of pure PVC, which has a high wear resistance. It is this layer that protects the pattern from wear, and the thicker it is, the longer the floor covering will last. The material - pure PVC - is very expensive, so its share in the total cost of PVC coating is large.
After applying the protective layer, the coating passes through an oven, where it is heat-treated at a certain temperature. This step is vital to the quality of the material. In the furnace, the process of foaming (expansion) of the layers of PVC coating takes place. An important aspect here is the length of the furnace: the longer the furnace, the more plasticizers (not quite useful solvent additives) will be evaporated from the material. If you leave an excess of plasticizers inside the material, they will begin to evaporate after the flooring. An excess of plasticizers in the material worsens its environmental performance.
To obtain a three-dimensional relief pattern, special substances are added to some inks during printing - inhibitors that inhibit the expansion of PVC in the oven, so subsequently the paste expands to the fullest somewhere, and in some places it almost does not (where the reagent is present) - this is how the relief is obtained .
The last stage in the production of PVC coating is the application of the substrate. The backing is most often foamed PVC, it can also be jute, felt, polyester, etc. Such a PVC substrate is applied in two ways - chemical and mechanical. These different ways determine the price and some properties of the flooring. With the chemical method, the structure of the substrate cells turns out to be closed, and with the mechanical method, it is connected (like a sponge) - see Fig.3. Here is a table comparing the influence of various factors on substrates obtained by mechanical and chemical methods (based on materials from Armstrong DLW).
Heterogeneous floor coverings are produced in various patterns: "parquet", "tile", "marble", "mosaic", etc.
The thickness of the foamed heterogeneous coatings ranges from (generally) 2 to 6 mm. But it is necessary to pay attention not only to the total thickness, but also to the thickness of the protective (working) layer, the properties of which and its thickness (0.15 - 0.8 mm) determine the wear resistance of the material, and hence its durability.
Many Russian enterprises also produce economy-class heterogeneous PVC coatings on a needle-punched fiber backing from polyester or other fibers. Such coatings are produced both by the calender method and by the contact-lubrication method with the application of polyvinyl chloride pastes on PVC film with a multi-color printed pattern.
If we will compare heterogeneous and homogeneous coatings, then at first glance it will seem that homogeneous coatings have a much longer service life, due to the fact that their pattern runs through the entire thickness. But this is not entirely true. If we compare two types of coatings of the same class, then their wear resistance will be approximately the same, i.e. it will take the same time for them to wear out. This is because the protective layer of the heterogeneous coating consists of pure PVC, which has extremely high strength characteristics, and the full thickness homogeneous coating is made of polyvinyl chloride with fillers that give the linoleum the necessary mass (due to which it lies flat on the floor), but reduce the strength properties coatings.
The question arises, how to choose a coating?
If the coating is intended for premises not only with a high intensity of use, but also with a high risk of mechanical damage, then a homogeneous coating will be more appropriate here.
If additional heat and sound insulation is required, then it is necessary to use a heterogeneous or homogeneous coating with a foam backing (acoustic).
It should also be borne in mind that the heterogeneous coating also has cushioning properties.
Additional protective layer
Most of the leading manufacturers today offer homogeneous and heterogeneous PVC coatings with an additional protective top layer - polyurethane or polyacrylic.
The protective layer is applied to the top layer of the floor covering during the production process. The result is a very smooth, non-porous surface with completely new performance properties: increased wear resistance and easier maintenance of the floor covering. The fact is that the upper front layer of polyvinyl chloride has pores, microcavities, and irregularities that may not be visible to the human eye, but where dirt gets in, from which intensive contamination of the coating begins, which further leads to loss of appearance of the product and increased wear of the coating. Applying a protective layer smooths out all the irregularities, and the coating becomes smoother. With such an additional layer, no primary treatment of the coating with special means immediately after laying (mastics) is required, the coating retains its appearance longer, and is easier to clean.
Additionally, some manufacturers treat the polyurethane layer with ultraviolet light, which further increases the durability of the flooring.
It is necessary to note one more new technology that has appeared quite recently. As a protective layer, not polyurethane or polyacrylic is used, but pure transparent PVC, which is pressed into the main coating in molten form using colanders (rollers).
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The most popular flooring is linoleum. It was created more than a hundred years ago and every year it becomes more and more perfect. Linoleum has come a long way - from tarred fabric to a coating that is resistant to domestic and industrial influences. Its average service life is at least 10-15 years.
Homogeneous linoleum said a new word in flooring, which, according to its characteristics, turned out to be an ideal option for high-traffic premises, commercial facilities and children's educational institutions.
What it is?
Homogeneous is a homogeneous linoleum. It got its name because its structure is uniform throughout its thickness. It does not have layers, like heterogeneous, so the pattern is unified and cannot be erased. That is why it is in particular demand in children's playrooms, hospitals, schools and other areas where floors are subjected to high abrasion loads.
Judging from the point of view of operational characteristics, we can say that this type of linoleum is eternal. The pattern of a homogeneous coating does not lose its appearance, a decrease in thickness in certain places (punching through furniture legs, abrasion near doors, etc.) can be easily corrected by building up the coating even at home.
An important point is the absence of joints between the canvases, since the coating is soldered using special welding for linoleum. Dirt and debris do not get between the joints, bumps and folds do not form.
Peculiarities
Homogeneous linoleum consists of:
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride);
- plasticizers to give it special elasticity and springiness;
- dolomite (a mineral that not only significantly increases the refractory characteristics of the coating, but also has a detrimental effect on insects with chitinous cover);
- chalk and lime;
- quartz sand (to give the coating resistance to abrasion and chemical attack, as well as giving the coating soft shades).
To give the coating even more strength, a layer of polyurethane and polyacrylic is applied on top of it. This is the only layer that is not built into the structure of linoleum, so it tends to wipe off. For its restoration, special-purpose compositions are used. It is possible to use linoleum without them.
There is also a natural homogeneous linoleum, which is made from jute, linseed oil, resin, wood flour. As part of this linoleum, natural materials occupy 99%.
A feature of the material of which this coating consists is the possibility of its recovery during operation. This is done with a grinder.
Kinds
Homogeneous linoleum is divided into subspecies by the presence or absence of a base, by thickness and wear resistance class.
Linoleum based on fiberglass or polyurethane foam is softer and warmer. Fiberglass used for the production of a homogeneous coating is composed of stone chips, metal dust and plastic granules. This linoleum is almost impossible to tear, push through. Polyurethane affects softness.
The main difference between reinforced linoleum is the price, this option will cost twice as much as usual.
The wear resistance of this coating is in the class of commercial linoleum: 33-34, 41, 42-43 units. Thus, any coating of this type is suitable for use at home.
Each linoleum has a letter marking that indicates the potential degree of wear:
- T (the highest category of wear resistance);
- P (medium);
- M (low);
- F (minimum).
Some types of linoleum are labeled for resistance to fading (pictogram sun) and the formation of antistatic electricity (pictogram lightning).
In thickness, two types of homogeneous linoleum are distinguished: 1.5-2 mm and 2-3 mm. The thicker the linoleum, the more elastic it is.
How is it different from heterogeneous?
The differences between homogeneous and heterogeneous linoleum are in the very method of manufacturing the coating:
- the main difference is that homogeneous linoleum is homogeneous (1 layer), heterogeneous consists of 4-5 layers;
- drawing on a homogeneous linoleum is applied over its entire thickness, on a heterogeneous one it is located on the paint layer;
- service life of homogeneous material is at least 25 years, heterogeneous - 10-15 years;
- a homogeneous coating is completely resistant to fire due to the presence of quartz sand and dolomite in the structure, a heterogeneous coating melts when exposed to fire;
- homogeneous linoleum is never wider than 2 meters, heterogeneous can reach a width of up to 5 meters;
- a homogeneous coating allows flooring with an overlap on the walls, a heterogeneous coating does not;
- homogeneous linoleum cannot be rolled into a roll that is too tight;
- a single-layer coating is easier to cut and it is easier to create complex patterns, including mosaic patterns, from it. Multi-layer coating allows you to create combinations of large pieces.
How to choose?
When choosing, pay attention to quality certificates and compliance with GOST standards. Little-known companies are changing the proportional composition of the coating, adding more lime and even kaolin, reducing the percentage of the most important component - polyvinyl chloride. This reduces the cost of the product and its strength. With prolonged use in places of high traffic, whitish spots begin to appear (this is the appearance of lime).
To avoid buying a low-quality product, you need to familiarize yourself with the average price for this coating in advance, and conduct a simple bending test in the store. If you saw a white stripe at the fold, then the linoleum does not meet the standards. A break at the fold indicates a large amount of lime, much more than required by quality standards.
If you need household homogeneous linoleum, then choose class 33-34, its characteristics are great for houses and apartments.
Laying
The most important part when laying a homogeneous coating is leveling the floor. This linoleum is very sensitive to a flat surface, it is so soft and pliable that it fills all the recesses in the floor very well. Of course, its performance will not be greatly reduced, but the aesthetic appearance will suffer. On such a floor, the slightest unevenness will be visible.
Homogeneous linoleum is placed on glue (preferably from the same manufacturer as the coating itself). The consumption of glue depends on the base - if it absorbs liquids well, then at least 1 liter of glue per 4 square meters of the room will be required. If the base does not absorb as well, then 1 liter per 6 square meters.
At first, the coating goes through all the stages, like ordinary linoleum: keeping it folded indoors for a day, then the same amount of time unfolded. The edges of the linoleum are cut off near the walls or wound onto it. The institution on the walls is used in educational institutions so that children do not dirty the bottom of the wall. For this installation method, a fluted plinth is used. It has a sloping ramp at the base of the wall that prevents the linoleum from sagging. The plinth, which holds the coating at its edge, is attached to the wall at a height of up to 10-15 cm.
If the coating on the walls does not start, then it is cut off at a distance of 0.5 cm from the junction of the wall and the floor. If for some reason it is impossible to remove the plinth, then the linoleum is laid in a joint with the plinth.
If you are laying homogeneous linoleum at home in a small room and you will not have joints, then you can use double-sided tape to fix it.
The application of glue at home is carried out with a notched trowel under the edges of the linoleum, which are bent to half its width. After one part of the canvas is glued, the air bubbles are dispersed from the center to the edges, the second part of the canvas is glued.
Since homogeneous linoleum has a width of no more than 2 meters, joints cannot be avoided. For perfect joining, an overlap of 2-3 cm is required on the first canvas. Joints are additionally glued by cold welding or (in commercial establishments) sealed by hot welding.
After laying, be sure to tap the entire surface of the floor with a mallet. If there is a dull sound in some place, air has accumulated there. It can be removed by extrusion to the edge (joint) or pierced with an awl.
Joints are processed no earlier than two days after laying. Using a construction knife and a ruler, a cut is made along the edge of the linoleum. If it was not possible to cut through two blades at the same time, then cut off the second blade exactly along the line left by the knife.
Glue the joint with masking tape, rolling it tightly with a rubber roller so that there are no air bubbles. Cut the adhesive tape at the joint with a round-bladed knife, insert the needle of the tube of cold welding deep into the seam and move it along the seam, slightly squeezing out the glue. An indicator that you are doing everything right is a 5 mm wide welding layer on the surface of the masking tape. This means that the required amount of glue is present in the seam. The adhesive tape is removed at an acute angle after 30 minutes.
Hot welding is carried out using a machine and a special cord. To do this, the distance between the canvases must be such that the welding cord passes there. After the cord is installed, its protruding part is cut off with a knife, and the surface is heated by the apparatus. The junction becomes invisible.
Homogeneous linoleum is a canvas that is uniform throughout its thickness, made of high-strength polyvinyl chloride with the addition of various components. Such coatings are ideal for technical premises and industrial enterprises.
Let us analyze in more detail its pros and cons, technical characteristics and important points of installation.
Depending on the composition of the material and production technology, linoleum can be homogeneous or heterogeneous.
The differences between homogeneous and heterogeneous linoleum are that the first outer part consists of a single layer, while the second has a multilayer coating. Also, a homogeneous material differs from a heterogeneous one by the predominance of lime in its composition.
Violation of compliance with the requirements of GOST in production leads to the fact that white stripes appear at the bending points, which indicates an overabundance of components.
We wrote in detail about the quantitative composition and parameters that manufacturers are required to comply with in the article.
Homogeneous linoleum lends itself perfectly to restoration by grinding. The multilayer nature of the heterogeneous coating makes it impossible to carry out processes for its restoration.
In the production of the material, reinforcing fiberglass is used. Its composition consists of stone chips, plastic granules with the addition of metal dust. This gives the surface a relief, making it individual.
The quality is influenced by indicators such as strength and wear resistance, depending on the thickness of the coating. This must be taken into account when choosing.
Specifications
The single-layer structure distinguishes linoleum from other "brothers", making it virtually wear-free. During operation, it can be updated by grinding and opening with mastic.
Other technical specifications include the following:
- service life of at least 25 years;
- safe material - polyvinyl chloride;
- absence of toxic substances;
- not amenable to combustion.
When choosing a homogeneous linoleum, you should also pay attention to the following important parameters:
- coating thickness;
- wear resistance (see which ones exist);
- abrasion.
The coating is produced in two thickness ranges: 1.5-2 mm and 2-3 mm.
This type of linoleum is produced in the following wear resistance classes: 33-34, 41, 42-43, which are commercial coatings with medium and high load. Abrasion characterizes how durable the material is, what is its degree of wear. There are such categories of strength:
- higher (denoted by T);
- medium (denoted by P);
- low (denoted by M);
- minimum (denoted by F).
The presence of a lightning sign on the package indicates that the material is not electrified, and the sun sign indicates that the coating is resistant to fading.
Advantages and disadvantages
To obtain a high-quality coating, it is necessary to purchase commercial homogeneous linoleum in stores and trading floors, where the seller can present a quality certificate for the product. Only in this case can it be guaranteed that the material will have the following advantages:
The floor to be covered must be level. - elasticity;
- antistatic;
- pattern uniformity throughout the thickness;
- high wear resistance;
- elasticity and flexibility;
- hygiene.
Homogeneous linoleum has few drawbacks, but among them are the following:
- high requirements for the base for flooring;
- high price;
- Small selection of colors and designs.
The base of the floor for the coating must be perfectly flat, since all the flaws on it will be visible, which will lead to rapid wear of the material. The price per m 2 is higher than for a heterogeneous coating and varies from 10 to 17 dollars. The small color gamut is explained by the fact that an embossed or printed pattern is not applied to such a surface.
Production technology
Among homogeneous coatings, it is especially popular.
Tarkett brand coating indoors The coating is made of PVC material with the addition of various fillers. Additives can be:
- plasticizers;
- lime;
- dolomite;
- quartz sand;
- pigment.
The final mixture is obtained by multi-stage mixing of all components, which are placed in a special mixer. Then comes processing in special machines that pass the mixture through shafts with a small gap, forming the thickness and width of the future sheet. After that, the material cools down and is cut to the desired dimensions.
Top quality Tarkett iQ Zenit 713 coating A characteristic feature of a homogeneous coating is that the pattern is applied to the entire thickness, and not to the top layer. This allows you to keep the picture bright for a long time without fading. The pattern itself is applied in two ways:
- chaotic;
- directionally.
These methods of drawing a picture have limitations in choosing colors. Often abstract patterns are obtained. The first method of applying a pattern is advantageous in that pollution is less noticeable on a coating with such a pattern.
The surface of linoleum is covered with a protective polyurethane layer, which makes it smooth and resistant to mechanical damage, and also makes it easier to care for.
Mounting Features
Laying homogeneous linoleum begins with careful preparation of the base for the flooring. Even with a flat concrete floor, it must be inspected for cracks and delamination of the mortar. Then the floor surface is cleaned of dust, dirt, and coated with a primer.
Hot welding joint Before starting work, linoleum must be kept indoors for a day. The bottom layer of the material must be coated with a primer before laying.
The cutting of the canvas is carried out according to the size of the room, taking into account the margin near the walls of about 3 cm, and at the joints about 2 cm.
During flooring, linoleum is cut along the angle that is obtained between the wall and the floor. If during laying it is necessary to join several sheets, then glue for homogeneous linoleum is used for this. To do this, remove half of the roll, and apply glue to the base of the floor with a spatula. After 20-30 minutes after applying the glue, the canvas must be rolled out and leveled. To remove possible air bubbles on the surface, walk with a roller from the center to the edges. With the second half of the roll, repeat the same steps.
There are several ways to connect seams:
- cold welding;
- hot welding.
When welding in a cold way, glue is poured into the joints between two sheets of linoleum. After drying, the seam is almost invisible.
Cold welding When welding in a hot way, a gap is left at the junction for a special cord in tone that matches the coating. The cord is placed in a building hair dryer, which is passed through the gap, and the seam is filled. The rest of the cord is carefully cut off.
There is also a folk method, which is not recommended because of the possibility of damage to the coating. It consists in the fact that a plastic film treated with PVA glue is laid under the linoleum. Sheets of coating are pressed against it, and they pass from above with an iron, placing paper under it.
Scope of application
Most often, this type of material is used in rooms with high mechanical loads on the floor. But a homogeneous coating can be used not only in such rooms. So, antistatic homogeneous linoleum can be laid not only in electrical substations, but also in apartments or houses where long-haired pets live.
indoor coverage The missing increased load on the floor in an apartment or house is not a reason to refuse it. Linoleum can be safely used because of its excellent thermal insulation, pleasant tactile sensations when walking, and high performance.
Flooring manufacturers are constantly working on the creation of new cutting-edge materials. Such high-tech products include, for example, commercial homogeneous linoleum.
Material Features
This is a type of commercial linoleum, a homogeneous baseless floor covering made from a modified mixture of PVC and fillers, up to 3 mm thick. The coating is characterized by a uniform distribution of color throughout the thickness, so an acceptable appearance is maintained for a long time, even with gradual abrasion of the surface. Belonging to the commercial class gives increased strength and reliability. The wear of such a floor is minimal, therefore, its scope includes complex surfaces with a high load on the surface and high hygiene criteria:- floors in public areas with high traffic: waiting rooms of railway stations and airports, administrative, commercial, educational, medical, sports facilities.
- floors in rooms occupied by heavy large-sized furniture, for example, trading floors with equipment.
Compound
The basis of homogeneous linoleum is high-strength polyvinyl chloride; also included: chalk, lime, plasticizers, dolomite and natural or artificial colors.To give anti-slip properties, quartz sand is added to the mixture, which increases friction. Fillers have a weak bond with PVC, which causes the porosity of the material.
During the pressing process, a homogeneous structure is formed with the same properties at any point. Manufacturing technology is different for different types of coatings.
Budget linoleum is obtained by mixing the components, followed by pressing into a homogeneous sheet. Suitable for arranging technical rooms, as well as - as a decor - for transport. A protective layer is not provided, so regular application of a protective mastic is required.
Upon receipt of linoleum of the middle and high price segment, mineral granules are first sent under the press, which are melted with plastic under pressure. Such coatings are used in offices, medical centers, etc. The high cost pays off with a long service life, which is 30–50 years (depending on the brand and model). To increase the strength, the finished linoleum array is covered with a layer of polyurethane or polyacrylic, which protects against physical influences, the appearance of lime stains and black marks from shoes with rubber soles. This layer is quite thin and quickly erased, but it is easy to restore using special formulations.
Design
Due to the lack of a decorative layer, the variability of the pattern is limited. It is usually a solid color with an abstract "granular", "marble" pattern or "pure" colors. When choosing, the patency of the room and the expected loads should be taken into account.- Non-directional (chaotic) pattern - for places with low traffic and stable static mechanical loads;
- Directional (passing) pattern - dirt is less noticeable on such coatings, therefore they are suitable for places with high traffic and dynamic loads.
Advantages and disadvantages
Modern production technologies and innovative materials have provided homogeneous linoleum with a number of advantages:- Homogeneous pattern that does not require alignment when laying;
- The pattern permeates the entire thickness of the coating, therefore it is preserved throughout the entire period of operation;
- Neutral colors are great for walkable spaces. They are almost imperceptible dust and small pollution.
- Increased wear resistance due to the presence of modified PVC and plasticizers in the composition;
- Resistance to mechanical influences, such as friction, pressure, bending, impact from falling heavy objects, the weight of passing carts and gurneys;
- Depreciation properties - flexibility, elasticity, elasticity;
- Resistant to the formation of dents;
- Antistatic, which allows you to lay linoleum in server rooms, switchboards and other rooms where there is a high probability of accumulation of an electrostatic charge.
- Hygiene. The cover is easy to care for; antibacterial components in the composition prevent the occurrence and development of a fungal infection.
- The possibility of restoring the surface, as the coating allows for scraping.
- Durability. With proper installation and proper care, the service life reaches 25 years or more.
- Lime included. Pure PVC is expensive, so the linoleum mass is diluted with limestone, lime, kaolin. The higher the percentage of fillers, the lower the quality of linoleum and the cheaper it is. With an excess of lime, worn whitish paths appear on the surface; they absorb dirt, are not removed by detergents, floor polishing is necessary to clean the surface. The new coating is protected by a polyurethane layer, but after abrasion, it is necessary to apply mastic, having previously sanded off the old layer.
- Rapid abrasion of the protective polyurethane layer. In rooms with high traffic, it disappears in 1.5–2 months. What happens after? Water seeps into the open pores of the surface and dirt gets clogged, as a result, trodden dark paths of an unsightly appearance appear. The way out is in the use of special mastics. It takes time and effort, but linoleum looks decent.
- A limited set of colors, which makes it difficult for the material to fit into rooms with a non-standard design;
- Foundation requirements. High-quality laying is possible only on a carefully leveled floor.
Specifications
Consideration of technical properties will begin with fire safety.
Fire qualities
Fire safety class KM-2 means low flammability and moderate flammability (B2), smoke formation (D2), and toxicity (T2). The flame does not spread over the surface (RP-1).Lifetime
Commercial homogeneous linoleum is comparable in service life to ceramic or marble tiles. According to European standards, this means that for 10 years, 1 m² of coating can be subjected to a daily load of up to 10 tf, remaining intact after that, without external changes. The warranty period of the coating is up to 10 years, with proper care it increases up to 25–30 years.Environmental friendliness
Safety for human health is ensured by multi-stage quality control and full compliance with international environmental standards (ISO 14001 and ISO 9001). If there are supporting documents, linoleum can be safely laid in residential premises, without fear of an unpleasant odor or the release of toxic substances.Release form
In addition to rolls, commercial homogeneous linoleum is also produced in tiles. They are convenient in that you can replace a damaged fragment and install a new one, without having to cut the coating, adjust the size and pattern.Other characteristics
- Roll width - 2 m;
- Coating thickness - 1.5–3 mm;
- Absolute residual deformation - up to 0.2 mm;
- Sound absorption 6-10 dB;
- Weight 2.8 kg/m²;
- Change in linear dimensions - no more than 0.4% for rolls, 0.25% for tiles;
- Abrasion group - T, which means a product of the highest category of strength.
When buying a floor covering, you should make sure of its quality. Conscientious manufacturers have an established reputation, but it's still good to get acquainted with the reviews of customers who have already purchased the goods of this company.
High-quality linoleum should not have:
- White streaks and cracks when bent. Their presence indicates a violation of the requirements of GOST, in particular, an excess of lime or chalk. Such a coating will soon be covered with spots.
- Crushing deformations.
- Dull colors and blurry contours. Bright colors and clear outlines are a sign of good quality.
- Oily sheen. Preference should be given to a material with a matte surface.
- After running your fingernail over the top layer, there should be no traces - scratches or dents.
- A high price is not always a guarantee of quality. It is better to purchase linoleum in trusted stores or directly from manufacturers.
Required documents:
- Fire safety certificate (KM-2) - it is required for all premises with an evacuation plan. Without it, linoleum is not allowed to be used for commercial purposes.
- Sanitary and hygienic certificate - is required if the coverage is purchased for a children's or medical institution.
Laying
Installation of homogeneous commercial linoleum takes place in several stages:- counting the amount of material;
- arrangement of the base;
- linoleum flooring;
- seam connection;
- installation of skirting boards.
Material Quantity Calculation
In rooms with a footage of up to 20 m², it is convenient to lay linoleum in a single piece. On large areas, several canvases are laid. Dimensions are calculated taking into account all protrusions and places under the plinth. An approximate calculation formula is to add 10 cm of margin to the maximum length and width of the room. In addition, the material must be from the same batch and not differ in color.Foundation preparation
Homogeneous linoleum needs a carefully prepared base. The old coating should be dismantled and poured with a fresh screed; after complete drying, it is dedusted and primed. Wooden floors as a base must be even and without cracks. After repair, they are cycled and polished, the height differences are leveled by laying plywood or a chipboard sheet, which are also primed.IMPORTANT! The surface for laying homogeneous linoleum is required to be absolutely dry, therefore, at the end of all work, the floor must be allowed to dry.
Linoleum flooring
Prior to laying, the rolls are kept warm for at least a day. Flooring with a single sheet is carried out in one of two ways:- With a bend of a linoleum sheet on the walls;
- No bend.
The first way is to cover public places. Linoleum laid in this way is easy to clean and protects the walls from splashes.
When laying without a bend, linoleum is cut either at the baseboards, if they are not dismantled, or at the wall, if the baseboards are removed before laying. In the latter case, a gap of 0.5-1 cm should be left between the edge of the linoleum and the wall in order to prevent the appearance of bubbles during the thermal expansion of the linoleum.
At the joints of the canvases, 2 cm overlaps are left, near the walls 3 cm. The linoleum is cut strictly along the “wall-floor” angle.
Fix the coating with special glue, otherwise it may not be fixed. Universal adhesives should be discarded, since their composition is not intended for gluing commercial linoleum. For better adhesion to the floor, the sheets are rolled with special 60-kilogram rollers.
Fastening the first canvas
The canvas spread on the floor is cut off at the wall, carefully bent from the wall by 2/3 of the width. The adhesive is applied to the floor surface with a notched trowel.
The amount of adhesive required and the method of flooring depends on the absorbent properties of the floor:
- For a floor with good absorption - 1 liter of adhesive per 4–5 m². The material can be immediately put on the glue.
- In other cases - 1 liter of glue per 5–6 m². After applying the glue, you need to let it dry a little.
Laying the rest of the sheets
The steps are the same as the above process. The overlap on the previous canvas is done in the joint area - to preserve the continuity of the ornament. With a uniform color that does not require matching the pattern, the overlap width will be 2–3 cm. The edges of the last canvas are cut off at the walls in the same way as it was done for the first canvas.
After finishing the flooring, check for air bubbles. To do this, the floor surface is tapped with a rubber mallet; the presence of a bubble is indicated by a hollow sound. The air is removed by squeezing it to the edge of the coating, if it is impossible to do this, the bubble is pierced with an awl. Another way to remove bubbles is to walk on the surface with a heavy roller, moving from the walls to the center.
Joint processing
After 2 days, the joints are processed. First, with a sharp knife, 2 overlapping layers of linoleum are cut simultaneously. Then unglued edges are folded over and the floor surface under them is covered with glue. The edges of the coating are fixed end-to-end; Wipe off excess adhesive with a soft cloth.
The gaps at the junction of the panels are eliminated by cold welding. Its essence lies in filling the gap with liquid glue, which soon hardens. Welding is almost imperceptible in correctly fitted linoleum according to the pattern.
Assembly of skirting boards
Skirting boards are attached to the walls with self-tapping screws in pre-made holes where dowels are placed. With a wooden base, a small allowance is left between the baseboards and linoleum for air exchange, preventing mold and air bubbles.
Knowledge of the specifics of commercial homogeneous linoleum, the choice of a high-quality product and competent installation will preserve the aesthetics of the floor for decades.
Linoleum - the strength of this flooring has already become legendary, because not every material is able to withstand such loads that go to linoleum, which is used for floors in many supermarkets, offices and similar premises. It's no surprise that his popularity hasn't waned. Even despite the fact that the flooring market is simply saturated with a variety of products.
In addition, this coating is constantly being improved, new types are being developed, and performance is also being optimized.
What is homogeneous linoleum?
Homogeneous linoleum is a solid homogeneous layer with a uniform color throughout the entire thickness of the coating
Material composition
The basis of homogeneous linoleum is polyvinyl chloride, which is filled with various components during the manufacturing process:
- chalk;
- dolomite;
- lime;
- plasticizers;
- pigments;
- quartz sand.
Production technology
The main difference between a homogeneous material and a heterogeneous one is that during its production a homogeneous structure is formed (regardless of thickness), while in the second variant a 4-layer coating is created.
As for the drawing on such linoleum, when it is applied, the thickness of the material is completely penetrated. This leads to the fact that as the linoleum wears out, the pattern remains almost in its original form. Drawing a pattern can occur in two ways:
- Directional - applied along;
- Chaotic.
The practical advantage of the chaotic version is that dirt is much less visible on it. On the other hand, the range of colors is quite narrow. It can be either plain linoleum, or marbled, etc. materials.
Advantages and disadvantages
Homogeneous linoleum has an impressive number of advantages:
- antistatic qualities;
- wear resistance;
- elasticity;
- ease of maintenance and care;
- elasticity.
Regarding the disadvantages:
- narrow range of colors;
- high requirements for the surface on which the laying will take place - it must be as even as possible;
- the periodic appearance of white stripes on the coating, which are difficult to eliminate.
Homogeneous linoleum: technical specifications
You should definitely pay attention to them, so as not to make a mistake when choosing and purchasing products.
Coating thickness:
1.5-2 mm - thin layer;
2-3 mm - thick layer.
Wear resistance:
33-34 units - for office premises with a high level of load;
41 units - for commercial premises with a low level of load;
42 units - for commercial premises with an average load level;
43 units - for commercial premises with a high level of load.
Commercial homogeneous linoleum Tarkett iQ Granit
Abrasion
To do this, special tests are carried out using an abrasive wheel, after which the loss in thickness is measured. The test is necessary to determine the degree of resistance of the material to rapid wear. Categories:
F- the lowest indicator (losses no more than 0.6 mm). This linoleum will contain a large amount of impurities (about 65%);
M- characterized by low strength (losses from 0.15 to 0.3 mm). Contains from 40 to 65% impurities;
P- average strength index (loss from 0.08 to 0.15 mm). It contains about 40% impurities;
T- high strength characteristics (losses not more than 0.08 mm). Extremely low content of impurities.
Commercial homogeneous linoleum Polyflor Mistique
Based on these data, you should choose products. In addition, you need to pay attention to whether there is a lightning icon on the package. In its absence, linoleum will generate an electric current (static). Such a coating is not recommended for laying in places with a large flow of people.
It is also worth inspecting the packaging for the presence of the sun painted on it. Its absence means that this product will actively fade in the sun, so it should only be laid in closed offices and other premises.
Photo: homogeneous antistatic linoleum
Laying homogeneous linoleum
The process of laying this material involves a number of successive stages.
Calculation of the required amount
To begin with, it is recommended to measure the area of \u200b\u200bthe room. If it is less than 20 m², then you can fit into one sheet. Otherwise, you will have to purchase 2 or more paintings. When buying, the first attention is paid to the width - if its parameters are suitable, then the choice regarding the length begins. The main thing is to take into account the distance that the skirting boards cover, as well as the configuration of the room, with all the bends and protrusions.
In addition, the shade of the material may differ, depending on the batch of goods, so you should only purchase products from one batch.
Preparation
Before installing linoleum, a thorough adjustment of the base is carried out, on which the slightest chips, potholes, sags and bulges are removed. As a rule, craftsmen use special self-leveling compounds for this. You can also use the milling method. After the completion of these works, it is required to clean everything from dust and prime it with high quality.
As for the wooden coating, squeaks, deflections of boards, etc., defects are unacceptable. Rotten boards need to be replaced, and the rest sanded. If there is a strong slope of the coating, the angle must be leveled with plywood.
flooring process
Homogeneous linoleum cannot be laid immediately after purchase and delivery to the address. First you need to let him rest at room temperature, which will take at least 24 hours.
After alignment, you can start working with fitting the material. Near the walls, it is necessary to create laps of 3 cm, and 2 cm at the joints of the homogeneous linoleum canvases. Next comes the cutting of the material, which is carried out exactly at the angle between the wall and the floor. They work in the same way at the joints of the sheets.
Then the gluing process begins - it is required to prime both the reverse side of the linoleum and the floor surface. After that, you need to roll up the roll by 50% and evenly apply glue to the base, for which it is recommended to use spatulas (notched). You can’t stick it right away - you need to let the glue mature for about 15-35 minutes (at the same time, excess moisture also evaporates).
Homogeneous linoleum can be easily cut in any direction
Next comes the leveling step. After gluing the web, its surface is leveled with rollers to remove air bubbles. It is necessary to work from the center of the canvas to its edges, and then go across the stripes.
Docking linoleum
It is necessary when several panels are pasted at once. For docking, several options are used:
- Hot welding- this will require a building hair dryer with a special nozzle, as well as a cord similar to the color of linoleum. You should fill the cord in the hair dryer, and lay the linoleum so that there is a gap between the sheets exactly under the cord. Next, a hair dryer is carried out directly along the gap, filling it, after which the excess is cut off.
- Cold welding- in this case, liquid glue is used, which is poured into small gaps between the canvases. After drying, no traces will remain.
- Iron- This is a popular method, when a plastic film smeared with PVA glue is placed under the seam. Linoleum is applied to it, after which it is ironed with a hot iron (but not too much so as not to melt the material).
As you can see, homogeneous linoleum fully justifies the money and time invested in it.
