Linoleum homogeneous km2 wear 34. A practical solution for flooring - homogeneous linoleum
The high performance characteristics of homogeneous linoleum are legendary. They say he can withstand an elephant. Indeed, this flooring is very durable, because it is not for nothing that it is used in many large shopping centers, shops, train stations. To withstand the daily "trampling" of thousands of pairs of shoes and shoes is possible only for floor ceramic tiles, but homogeneous linoleum may well compete with it. What is commercial (homogeneous) linoleum, its advantages and installation features will be discussed in this article.
Only tiles and homogeneous linoleum can withstand the physical impact of thousands of feet, hundreds of counters and carts.
The composition of homogeneous linoleum, its advantages and disadvantages
The composition of homogeneous linoleum includes:
- polyvinyl chloride
- plasticizers
- dolomite
- lime
- quartz sand
- coloring pigments
To give additional strength to the rolled layer of fresh linoleum, a layer of polyacrylic and polyurethane is applied, which also protects the coating from physical influences. True, this layer is quite thin and wears out quickly, but it can always be restored with the help of special compounds.
Homogeneous linoleum has the same pattern throughout its entire thickness
In its pure form, polyvinyl chloride is an expensive pleasure, so some manufacturers who are not quite clean on their hands are trying in every possible way to save on it, in particular, they add various fillers in the form of lime and kaolin to the mixture in proportions that do not meet the standards. A large number of additives are reflected not only in the cost of the product (of course, it becomes much cheaper), but also in its quality: as the top layer is erased, whitish spots begin to appear, which give the linoleum an untidy look.
Important: in order not to buy low-quality homogeneous linoleum by mistake, do a small test right in the store. Fold the linoleum and look at the fold. If you see a white strip, then fillers are abundant in the coating. And if the linoleum on the fold is completely torn, then there is much more lime in it than is required by GOST.
The thickness of homogeneous linoleum usually ranges from 1.5 to 3 mm. The thicker the coating, the more loads it will be able to "endure". In addition, there are two types of such a coating: without a base and based on foamed PVC, fiberglass reinforced... The latter is somewhat softer than the first, but no less durable.
Benefits of homogeneous linoleum:
- uniformity of the pattern throughout the entire thickness of the coating
- high strength characteristics
- wear resistance
- elasticity
- elasticity
- flexibility
- antistatic
- low abrasion
- ease of care
Flaws:
- quite high price
- strict requirements for the base of the floor (it must be perfectly flat)
- a small assortment of designs (manufacturers managed with a small speck, marble, abstraction and monochromatic options)
The choice of homogeneous linoleum is small, but such a coating is ten times stronger and more reliable than ordinary household linoleum
If we are already talking about the shortcomings, one more point can be noted: after abrasion of the protective polyurethane layer, the surface of the linoleum becomes porous. Water and dirt easily penetrate into these micropores, which in turn spoils appearance Coating: Dark spots and streaks appear on it. It is difficult to get rid of such a defect, but mastics can work wonders, including removing dirty stains and stains.
Cold welding of linoleum allows you to completely hide the seam
- Hot welding. To connect two panels of linoleum by hot welding, a special welding cord is used and construction hair dryer... Having connected the two canvases, cut a straight line between them for the cord. Next, tuck the cord into the nozzle and run it along the line - the cord will remain there. Dry the area with a hairdryer and that's it! Ready. If the color of the cord is chosen correctly, then you will not notice the seam.
During hot welding, the welding cord remains visible, but it does not spoil the picture at all
Do not think that homogeneous linoleum can only be used in rooms with high traffic - in an ordinary city apartment, its use is also quite justified. In terms of its thermal insulation characteristics, such a coating can be equated with ceramic tiles, parquet and laminate, which means that it will “feel” great on the floor of the living room, kitchen, and corridor. And if you also take into account that the load in an apartment is hundreds, or even thousands of times less than in the same office or shopping center, then it will serve faithfully for more than a dozen years. Isn't it a benefit?
The origins of the popular flooring are rooted in the distant past. For more than two centuries, production technology has been acquiring new and improved characteristics and qualities. With the development of the chemical industry and the advent of artificial materials, the structure of the previously patented oil-based canvas - linoleum - has changed.
Linoleum remains one of the most demanded floor coverings to this day. This popularity of the product is due to the fact that linoleum is considered a fairly durable and highly functional material.
The versatility of linoleum is that it allows you to choose from a wide range in favor of a suitable option for the solution.
The main differences between products
Linoleum is a material with general consumer availability. Modern flooring is quite popular. This is facilitated by a wide selection of existing coatings, which have the following characteristics:
- Color solutions. The variety of shades and patterns of the material allows you to make a choice, focusing on the taste and style of the selected option for various types of premises. In terms of drawings, this material can imitate any natural materials: stone, wood, or simply have an original ornament.
- Strength. Unlike natural flooring such as wood or ceramic tiles, linoleum does not crack over time.
- Softness. The structure has a springy base, which is the reason for the pleasant and comfortable tactile feature.
- Price. Along with budget options, linoleum is also represented by premium options.
- Easy to install. The flooring technique is simple to perform. To date, it is possible to lay this material as professional craftsmen, and a common man in the street.
IN modern production commercial linoleum should be distinguished, which is divided into two groups:
- Homogeneous linoleum.
- Heterogeneous linoleum.
Homogeneous and heterogeneous linoleums differ in composition and technological characteristics:
- Homogeneous linoleum is essentially a single-layer coating. The structure of this linoleum is uniform throughout its thickness. Also, the material has special strength and elasticity. Basically, the texture of the homogeneous coating is a simple marble pattern. This material is used as flooring in rooms with great cross-country ability and industrial load: trading floors, halls of large premises, railway and bus stations, airports.
Consider the composition of the elements of homogeneous linoleum:
- PVC. The polyvinyl chloride used protects the coating from mechanical damage. The disadvantage may be a slight odor that disappears over time.
- Quartz sand.
- Industrial lime.
- Tint pigment.
The constituent components are mixed in a multistage way, and then the mixture is processed in special apparatus. Then the mixture is passed through rollers, which give the material the desired width and thickness of the future flooring. The durability of homogeneous linoleum is influenced by the thickness of the coating. The thicker the product, the stronger and more resistant the flooring will be.
Over time, the coating, subject to huge production loads, can be damaged, but this issue is also being resolved positively. It will not be difficult to restore linoleum, it is polished, thereby removing the upper damaged layer, and a special protective mastic is applied.
Heterogeneous linoleum is a coating consisting of several layers (heterogeneous means heterogeneous in composition). Modern, heterogeneous flooring allows it to be installed on any type of surface. The method of its manufacture is much more complicated than the production of homogeneous linoleum.
Heterogeneous linoleum is divided into the following types:
- commercial;
- semi-commercial;
- domestic.
The types of heterogeneous coating differ only in the thickness of the protective layer, which significantly affects the price of the product.
The composition of heterogeneous linoleum includes the following components:
- The base consists of polyvinyl chloride.
- The next layer of fiberglass, it is it that allows you to maintain the desired surface dimension.
- Next comes the embossed layer. The thin layer of PVC is not limited color solutions and decorative elements.
- The outer layer of PVC is a protective layer. Thanks to the top film, the coating is protected from external damage and wear.
The number of layers applied by each manufacturer is different. It usually ranges from 2 to 6.
Heterogeneous coatings are suitable for absolutely any kind of premises. Linoleum has proven itself well in rooms with a large crowd of people, it can withstand any mechanical stress. The positive characteristics were also influenced by the fact that the material is resistant to fire, and this is an important fact, since the coating is widely used in children's institutions.
The operational period exceeds more than ten years.
Difference in technical characteristics
Giving preference to such a floor covering as linoleum, you should thoroughly study all the features and specifications of this product. Of the widely used types, each of the presented coatings deserves special attention.
A homogeneous single-layer coating, in fact, is the most wear-resistant, since the pattern is practically not erased.
The constituent characteristic properties include the following indicators:
- Long operational period of service, more than twenty-five years.
- PVC is relatively safe for health.
- There are no toxic substances.
- Protected against fire.
The advantages of homogeneous linoleum include, first of all, its high strength, color fastness is dense and evenly distributed throughout the entire layer. Since the product contains industrial lime, it is not recommended to allow excessive contamination, this is fraught with deep contamination of the canvas. It will be possible to remove dirt from the surface only with the help of a grinding machine, followed by the application of special mastic.
Functional and technical characteristics of heterogeneous linoleum are in great demand among consumers. When purchasing this type of linoleum, carefully study all the letter designations and the classification scale. Depends on these parameters right choice purchased canvas.
For example, if the packaging is labeled with class 21-23, then the product is used only in households. If the class is 31-34, then the installation is carried out exclusively in public places. Class 41-43 is used in industrial premises, in chemical laboratories, as these types are resistant to chemical reactions... The service life of a PVC coating is much shorter than that of a homogeneous material, it is only 10 years.
Household linoleum is probably the easiest to classify characteristics of all PVC coatings. It is used only in domestic premises, as it is not designed for serious loads and high traffic. The coating of the protective PVC layer varies from 0.15 mm to 0.35 mm.
When giving preference to household flooring, keep in mind that the service life will be short. However, there is a huge choice colors and the budgetary cost of the material will appeal to everyone.
What is the difference between laying linoleum?
As mentioned above, interest in linoleum does not subside to this day. Gone are the days of the Soviet Union, where flooring was not distinguished by intricacy. design solutions... Such a coating evoked sadness and dullness. IN modern world shopping arcades were replenished with a variety of materials that satisfy any consumer whim.
Since this type of flooring is quite flexible, laying it will not be difficult, even for novice craftsmen. First of all, you need to stock up on all construction equipment: a knife for cutting linoleum, a substrate (if necessary), an iron ruler, a plinth, glue, a roller for rolling the surface, a hammer.
Following the exact dimensions of the room, the floor covering should be cut correctly.
The main types of linoleum laying should be highlighted:
- Dry styling method.
- With glue.
- Simple styling.
The dry method of laying consists in laying the material without the use of glue or mastic. You will also have to take into account the fact that the canvas shrinks. When unfolded, the cover must remain for several days to "acclimatize". Be sure to leave allowances at the edges.
If the web has a pattern, the parts are adjusted accordingly to the elements of the web. You will need double-sided tape for bonding.
Laying on glue is the safest of all methods. The method is also quite simple to use. By applying glue to inner side canvases, note that the draft will interfere with the installation process. As you apply the blade to the surface, roll it over with a rolling roller. Further, it is necessary that the surface is completely dry.
How to take care of them?
Indicators of quality and structure of the material, as well as the methods of care, differ significantly. Polyvinyl chloride has a unique property of protection against premature coating defects. The top layer prevents dirt from getting into the linoleum structure, thereby simplifying maintenance. Cleaning is carried out, depending on the use in a particular room. The material is unpretentious and does not require professional detergents and cleaning agents; cleaning is carried out with water and a soft cloth.
Compared to homogeneous linoleum, the use of special mastic is not required for this type of coating.
According to its characteristics, homogeneous linoleum has a porous structure, which makes the surface easily contaminated with long-term use. For this, it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the surface. If, nevertheless, heavy contamination cannot be avoided, then cleaning will come to the rescue. grinder with a cleaning agent. She thoroughly clean the top, contaminated surface layer. Further, a layer of mastic is applied, which will protect from dirt in the future and increase the period of use of the coating.
How to choose the right product?
Taking care of comfortable living conditions, people are careful about the choice of any building material, which not only saves the budget, but also does not harm your health.
To do this, it is necessary to rely on the characteristics of the offered products:
- The presence of an unpleasant odor. If there are irritating odors, which speaks of harmful chemical constituents, then it is better to refuse this material.
- Weight. Famous manufacturers do not violate the technological process of the manufactured products. Therefore, a high-quality coating is heavy, because all layers are observed and correctly applied.
- Products should be purchased only in specialized stores... After all, only there you can get reliable information about the availability of certificates.
- The surface pattern must be clear and evenly applied.
- The thickness of linoleum should be within the limits of GOST. For homogeneous flooring, it is 1.5-2 mm, for heterogeneous flooring it varies from 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm.
PVC coatings can be homogeneous or heterogeneous.
Homogeneous is a coating that is uniform throughout its thickness, strong and resilient (Fig. 1). The pattern permeates the entire thickness of the coating, therefore, 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 directed (along the web) and non-directional (chaotic). On non-directional surfaces, dirt is less noticeable. 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 used mainly in areas with high traffic, i.e. where the material is subject to intense wear.
Heterogeneous The PVC coating has a more complex structure (see Fig. 2) than the homogeneous one. At the heart of a heterogeneous coating, as a rule, in the very middle of it there 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 rest of the PVC-coating layers are subsequently attached, therefore the density and strength of the fiberglass are very important (fiberglass with a density of 30 g / m2 to 55 g / m2 is used).
The first step in the production of a heterogeneous foamed PVC coating is the impregnation of glass fiber 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 keeps 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 is used for subsequent printing of a decorative pattern on it. Then this layer, when passing through the oven, will foam simultaneously with the lower (back) layer, which gives the finished product heat and sound insulating properties.
The next step is drawing, design. This is done using engraved impression cylinders (up to 6 different colors are used). The circumference of the cylinders used (from 1 to 1.5 m) determines the distance to the repetition of the pattern.
Next comes the stage of applying a wear layer (the so-called "working" layer) of pure PVC with high wear resistance. It is this layer that protects the pattern from wear and tear, 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 a protective layer, the coating passes through the oven, where it is heat treated at a certain temperature. This stage is vital to the quality of the material. The process of foaming (expansion) of the PVC-coating layers takes place in the furnace. An important aspect 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 degrades its environmental performance.
To obtain a volumetric relief pattern, special substances are added to some inks during printing - inhibitors that restrain the expansion of PVC in the oven, so later somewhere the paste expands to the fullest, 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 floor covering. With the chemical method, the structure of the cells of the substrate is closed, and with the mechanical method, it is communicating (like a sponge) - see Fig. 3. Here is a table comparing the effect of various factors on substrates obtained by mechanical and chemical methods(based on materials from Armstrong DLW).
Heterogeneous floor coverings are available in different patterns: "parquet", "tiles", "marble", "mosaic", etc.
The thickness of the foamed heterogeneous coatings ranges from (mostly) 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) depend on 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 made of polyester or other fibers. Such coatings are produced both by calendering and by contact-coating with the application of polyvinyl chloride pastes on PVC-film with a multicolor printed pattern.
If we will compare heterogeneous and homogeneous coatings, then at first glance it will seem that homogeneous coatings have a significantly longer service life, due to the fact that the pattern they have passes 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 abrade. This is because the protective layer of the heterogeneous coating consists of pure PVC, which has extremely high strength characteristics, and the homogeneous coating throughout the entire thickness is made of polyvinyl chloride with fillers that give the linoleum the necessary mass (due to which it lies flat on the floor), but lowering the strength properties cover.
The question is how to choose a coating?
If the coating is intended for rooms 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 a heterogeneous coating also has cushioning properties.
Additional protective layer
Most of the leading manufacturers today offer homogeneous and heterogeneous PVC coatings with additional protective top layer- made of polyurethane or polyacrylic.
A protective layer is applied during production to the top layer of the floor covering. The result is a very smooth, non-porous surface with completely new performance characteristics: increased wear resistance and easier maintenance of the floor covering. The fact is that the upper face layer made of polyvinyl chloride has pores, micro cavities, irregularities that may be invisible to the human eye, but where dirt gets, from which intensive contamination of the coating begins, which further leads to the loss of the appearance of the product and increased wear of the coating. The application of a protective layer smoothes out any irregularities, and the coating becomes smoother. With such an additional layer, no primary treatment of the coating is required. special means immediately after laying (with mastics), the coating retains its appearance longer, it 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 which has appeared quite recently. As a protective layer, not polyurethane or polyacryl is used, but pure transparent PVC, which in molten form is pressed into the base coating using colander (rollers).
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Companies that produce linoleum are constantly improving its consumer characteristics. Now on the market you can find a large selection of this finishing material. And the quality of many product samples is such that consumers increasingly prefer this particular floor covering. Among different types linoleum deserves special attention such a novelty in the building materials market, like homogeneous linoleum. It has several advantages over other types of linoleum traditionally used in flooring. Its main difference is its increased wear resistance.
Homogeneous linoleum includes the following components:
- polyvinyl chloride;
- dolomite;
- quartz sand;
- plasticizers;
- lime;
- coloring pigments.
Particular strength to this finishing material is given by layers of polyurethane and polyacrylic, which cover the surface of linoleum during the manufacturing process. A thin layer of polyurethane provides additional protection against mechanical damage. After wear, it must be restored. For this, special means are used.
The most expensive component of homogeneous linoleum is polyvinyl chloride. Some manufacturers, wishing to reduce the cost of linoleum, reduce the percentage of PVC in the composition of building materials, compensating for this by including various additives. From this, the quality of the products is significantly reduced. The content of lime in linoleum in quantities exceeding GOST leads to the fact that when the top layer wears out, whitish spots begin to appear on the coating.
homogeneous linoleum
Note! When buying homogeneous linoleum, it is recommended to test its quality. This can be done right on the trading floor. It is necessary to bend a sheet of material. If a white stripe appears at the place of the fold, this will indicate that during the production of linoleum, lime was added to it in quantities exceeding the norm.
Typically, a sheet of this finishing material has a thickness of 1.5-3 mm. The higher this figure, the stronger the linoleum.
In addition, improved varieties of homogeneous linoleum can be found on sale:
- with fiberglass, which serves as a reinforcing element, making the coating even stronger;
- foamed which makes its cushioning properties better;
- with polyurethane top layer, which allows you to withstand constant loads for quite a long time.
Where is homogeneous linoleum used?
This finishing material most often used in rooms in which the floor surface experiences increased mechanical stress. These can be both places of frequent gathering of people and production workshops.
Prices for homogeneous linoleum Tarkett
homogeneous linoleum tarkett
Homogeneous linoleum is also chosen for flooring in residential premises. Its anti-static qualities come in handy in homes with long-haired pets. In addition, this coating has excellent thermal insulation properties.
Benefits of homogeneous linoleum
Thanks to the advanced technologies used in the production of building materials, as well as its innovative composition, homogeneous linoleum has the following advantages:
- surface pattern and color saturation remain unchanged even after many years of operation;
- increased wear resistance due to the inclusion of modified polyvinyl chloride and plasticizers in the composition;
- good shock absorption properties such as elasticity, flexibility and resilience;
- resistance to mechanical damage, such as bends and impacts from the fall of heavy objects;
- antistatic;
- unpretentious care.
Disadvantages of homogeneous linoleum
While there are a number of obvious advantages, there are also several minor disadvantages of this material:
- relatively high cost;
- the need for a thorough leveling of the floor before laying linoleum;
- a very modest choice of design solutions.
Laying methods for homogeneous linoleum
The material is made up to 2 m wide, so joints may form when it is laid. It is permissible to use one of the following flooring methods:
- with a bend of linoleum sheet on the walls;
- without bend.
The way in which occurs bend on the walls, preferred when laying homogeneous linoleum in public areas. The floor covered with this method is easy to clean. At the same time, the walls are protected from moisture ingress.
At flooring by the second method it is cut off against the wall. Trimming is done either near skirting boards or near walls. If flooring is made fast way without dismantling the skirting boards, then the linoleum is laid so that the canvas is tightly adjacent to them. It is necessary to circle the edge of the coating with a drag and cut off the excess. But it is still advisable to remove the skirting boards before laying the coating. In this case, when laying linoleum, a distance of 0.5-1 cm should be left between its edge and the wall in order to avoid the occurrence of bubbles due to expansion of the coating under the influence of heat.
The procedure for laying linoleum - pruning
Important! When laying, it is also necessary to take into account the increased fragility of homogeneous linoleum compared to its household counterpart. It is undesirable to allow strong bends, as well as fold linoleum into a too tight roll.
Homogeneous linoleum flooring in private houses or apartments is made using:
- glue;
- double-sided adhesive tape;
- dry method.
In public premises, the material is laid, fixing it with glue. Both in residential and office premises, the joints of linoleum must be fixed to the floor with glue or by welding.
The procedure for laying homogeneous linoleum on glue
For laying such a covering in rooms with a large area, several canvases are needed. As a result, joints will inevitably form.
Bonding the first linoleum sheet
First, you need to spread the canvas on a flat base of the floor. The edges of the linoleum should be trimmed near the walls in accordance with one of the methods described above. Then you need to carefully bend the covering from the wall by 2/3 of its width. Using a notched trowel, apply acrylic adhesive to the floor surface.
Adhesive may be required in the following amounts:
- if the material of the treated floor surface has good absorbent properties, then you need to stock up on 1 liter of glue for 4-5 m 2 of the room;
- otherwise, you will need 1 liter of glue for 5-6 m 2.
Depending on the material of the floor surface, the method of flooring is also chosen:
- in the case of good absorbent characteristics of the material, the coating can be directly applied to the glue;
- otherwise, wait until the glue dries a little.
Note! In the area of panel joints, it is necessary to leave a non-glued strip from 10 to 15 cm. The joints are processed separately using a special technology.
Laying subsequent linoleum canvases
After completing the laying of the first panel, you can start laying the next one. In this case, it is necessary to overlap the first canvas in the joint area. The overlap is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of the coating pattern. In accordance with this, its width is also determined. If linoleum is used, painted in a uniform color, you can make an overlap with a width of 2-3 cm.
Otherwise, the process of laying the second and subsequent linoleum canvases is similar to the process of laying the first. For the last canvas, you will need to trim the edges at the walls in the same way as the processing of the first canvas was performed.
After finishing the flooring of the covering over the area of the entire room, it will be necessary to check whether air bubbles have formed anywhere under it. Use a rubber mallet to tap the entire surface. The presence of bubbles can be identified by the dull sound that occurs when you hit this place. If the air cannot be removed by extrusion towards the edge of the cover, you can pierce this place with an awl.
After laying the coating, you can use a heavy roller along it, moving to the walls from the center, expelling all air bubbles from under the coating
Coating joints processing
2 days after the laying of the building material was carried out with the help of glue, you can start processing the joints. First, you need to cut the edge line with a sharp knife, attaching a ruler to it. If you can't grab two layers of linoleum with an overlap with a knife at the same time, then after cutting the first layer, you can start cutting the second, focusing on the trail left by the knife. Next, bend the edges that have not been glued and apply glue to the floor surface under them. The edges of the flooring are fastened end-to-end according to a method suitable for the surface of the given floor.
On a note! Any excess glue that appears on the linoleum surface after the edges have been pressed to the floor can be removed with a soft cloth. Sometimes, when laying this material, gaps can form at the junction of the panels. They can be eliminated using joint welding methods.
Cold welding of linoleum - master class
Cut the overlapped strips of flooring (3-5 cm) using a knife and a metal ruler / plank (overlapping method) 
If PVC floor covering not glued to the floor, fix the seam area with suitable double-sided tape. Firmly press the PVC strips laid tightly to each other to the adhesive tape 
Clean the seam from any dirt and stick paper tape in the middle of the tightly cut seam 
Roll the tape thoroughly onto the coating so that the cold welding agent does not drip under the tape. 
Use a round-bladed knife to cut the tape at the seam. Knives with trapezoidal or hook blades can also be used. 
In case the PVC floor covering is not flexible enough (for example, a semi-commercial PVC floor covering), it is recommended to heat the seam area with a hairdryer or iron (no more than 40 ° C) 
Press the needle deep into the seam so that the cold welding agent flows into the hole. Move the needle along the seam in this way, adjusting the amount of product by lightly pressing on the tube 
A thin layer of the product, approximately 5 mm wide, should remain on the surface of the tape: this means that a sufficient amount of product has entered the seam 
After about 10 minutes, when the cold sealant is dry on the surface of the tape, remove the tape by pulling it back at a sharp angle
cold welding for linoleum
Installation of skirting boards
Upon completion of the flooring of the material and the processing of joints, it is required to install skirting boards and strips along the thresholds. The skirting boards are attached to the walls with self-tapping screws in pre-drilled holes, into which the dowels are placed. If the main surface of the floor is wooden, then some distance must be left between the covering and the skirting boards. This will allow the air to enter to keep mold from growing. This gap will also prevent air bubbles from forming as the material expands from heat.
Flute skirting board, which can be successfully used to plant linoleum from the floor to the side surfaces
Important! At the threshold, the coating is attached using a threshold strip. It is necessary in order to hide the joint with the floor covering of the room adjacent to the given room.
Table. Homogeneous linoleum flooring by welding.
| Steps, photo | Description of actions |
|---|---|
| Acrylic glue is applied to the base of the floor. |
| Linoleum is pressed tightly to the floor. |
| A special cord is installed in the gap. |
| With the help of a knife, the remnants of the cord are removed. |
Video - Laying homogeneous linoleum with a bend on the wall
In the construction industry there are materials and coatings called "eternal", and one of them is homogeneous linoleum made from PVC. In addition to polyvinyl chloride, it includes sand, dolomite, lime and a number of other materials. Due to the presence of a 4-layer structure, the guaranteed service life of the material exceeds 4 decades. In order to fully appreciate its benefits, a homogeneous coating must be selected correctly.
As mentioned earlier, PVC, made in accordance with the requirements of GOST, acts as a base. Further production cycle may vary depending on the specified parameters.
For example, we can talk about the addition of plasticizers and various fillers. The latter are used sand mixtures, whose task is to increase the strength of the material.
Layering has a positive effect on the aesthetic characteristics of linoleum. Regardless of the complexity of the pattern, it can be applied to a sufficiently large depth. As a result, the coating retains its original strength and appearance for many years.
In addition to the characteristics already mentioned, such linoleum has several other strengths:
- Elasticity;
- Elasticity;
- The material does not collect static electricity;
- The coating can be installed in workshops where there is always a risk of spillage of aggressive chemicals;
- Low cost of care.
Correctly selected homogeneous linoleum is a long-term investment in your own future. An environmentally friendly, durable, pattern-retaining material, you don't have to worry about re-repairing for decades. Its installation is allowed in apartment buildings, private buildings and enterprises.
If there is an increased likelihood of formation in a workshop or residential building static electricity, then the choice is made in favor of homogeneous linoleum.
Homogeneous and heterogeneous linoleum: what is the difference
Attention to detail is the key to choosing a durable coating for an office, apartment or industrial enterprise... Quite often, beginners confuse 2 common types of linoleum - homogeneous and heterogeneous. If the first variety includes about 2-4 layers, then heterogeneous linoleum consists of 6-8 layers. As a result, the average floor thickness is about 6-7 mm.
Its basis is reinforced fiberglass, which is first processed with PVC paste.
In addition, the material includes a number of other building blocks:
- Protective canvas layer;
- Layer with a decorative pattern;
- Pigment layer;
- Polyurethane protective film- is used to maximize the service life;
- A coating that smooths out existing irregularities.
The use of a heterogeneous floor covering is justified in the case when there is no time to carry out the necessary initial and final processing, but at the same time it is necessary to ensure the maximum strength of the linoleum. Due to the presence of a 6-layer structure, the coating does not require additional maintenance for 25-30 years.
Choosing homogeneous and heterogeneous linoleum: what you need to remember
Builders with and without experience often cannot make the right choice between the two common types of linoleum. When it comes to living quarters, everything is simple.
The technical characteristics of the room are studied, on the basis of which the optimal type of coverage is determined. The situation is more complicated at industrial facilities.
In this case, it is necessary to analyze the situation in context.
- Maximum and minimum level of dynamic and static loads;
- Estimated operating temperature range;
- The activity of using much coverage;
- The number of people who are in one room during the day is planned;
- The presence of static voltage;
- Humidity level;
- The need to strengthen individual elements.
In order for the installation of heterogeneous / homogeneous linoleum to be successful, a project must be developed. The document takes into account the significant characteristics that affect the degree of activity in the operation of the floor covering. For example, in the chemical industry, where it is necessary to exclude even the slightest probability of static stress concentration, the homogeneous type is used.
The choice in favor of heterogeneous linoleum is justified, for example, within the warehouse. There is always the danger of heavy falling on the floor, which requires increased durability.
At the same time, it must be remembered that the floor covering will cope with the task only if the technology of its installation is observed.
Correct laying of homogeneous linoleum
Having figured out what homogeneous and heterogeneous linoleum is, you can proceed to the stage of determining the required amount... The calculation is done in two ways. The first assumes that the flooring is installed for commercial use. This means that the focus is on durability and good looks. The second calculation method is used for residential and industrial premises.
For example, a room with a total area of 20 square meters allows the use of a solid canvas. This means that you do not need to spend a lot of time matching the line segments. In addition, the glue is consumed more economically.
The further procedure is as follows:
- Measure the actual width and length of the room;
- Take into account the protrusions existing under the skirting boards in the measurements;
- A whole piece is bought in the store, otherwise different suppliers may offer linoleum with a not identical pattern or shade;
- Make sure that the concrete base there are no even minor defects;
- If necessary, future Euro-floors are leveled by milling;
- If the budget allows, then you can use mixtures to level the base;
- Dust removal and priming;
- Dry the base - even slight traces of moisture will lead to a decrease in the degree of resistance of the material to the surface;
- If you plan to lay linoleum on a wooden base, then you need to make sure that it does not hold together and does not have cracks;
- A certain difficulty is presented by floors that differ significantly in height;
- If something like this takes place, then they need to be brought to a common denominator using plywood;
- The laying technology provides for a "rest" of linoleum in the unfolded state before installation for 2-3 hours;
- Fit Tarkett linoleum or another selected brand to the size of the room;
- Remove excess pieces at the joints and apply glue to the base;
- The minimum required time for technical aging of the glue is 30 minutes;
- Roll out the linoleum and weld the seams.
It must be remembered that cold welding is better for a homogeneous coating, and hot welding is better for a heterogeneous one.
Characteristics of homogeneous linoleum (video)
Durable, environmentally friendly and versatile - all of the above epithets refer to homogeneous and heterogeneous coating. The differences between them are in the degree of strength of the material. In this regard, it is worth developing a construction project before buying. His task is to determine the parameters of the room and the requirements that the coating must meet.