Linoleum is very popular among the population with an average income. First of all, it is not very expensive, and it lasts a long time. This material is available in a variety of colors. It seems that we know everything about linoleum, but there are some nuances that need to be clarified when choosing it. Consider how to choose linoleum in order to buy really good and high-quality material.
Types of linoleum
Many are sure that this material is only synthetic, but this is not true. There are several types of this coverage.
natural linoleum
It consists of wood and cork flour, pine resin, jute fabric and natural dyes. Of course, such a coating is environmentally friendly, durable, and retains its colors for a long time. But at the same time, it is expensive and breaks when bent. In addition, this coating is not suitable for the bathroom.
Synthetic linoleum
Despite the fact that there are four types of synthetic coatings, the most popular is the material in the manufacture of which polyvinyl chloride is used. It has a lot of advantages:
- Low thermal conductivity, which is important for rooms with a cold floor;
- moisture resistance;
- Simple styling technology.
But at the same time, it does not tolerate low temperatures and chemical solvents, alkalis and fats.
Glyptal linoleum
In its manufacture, alkyd resin is applied to the fabric. The main advantage of such a coating is its good thermal insulation.
Important! Glyphthalic linoleum - the material is very fragile, so laying it is quite difficult.
Linoleum-relin
For the production of the first layer, old crushed rubber is used, and for the upper layer, rubber, pigment and filler are used. It, like other synthetic materials, is elastic, durable and moisture resistant.
Important! The composition of linoleum-relin contains harmful substances that gradually evaporate. That is why it is not used for residential premises.
Coating Benefits
The popularity of this material is due, first of all, to its positive qualities:
- Versatility. It is suitable for almost any room: residential, office or public.
- Lots of colors and textures. Thanks to this, a coating is chosen for any interior.
- Ease of installation. This does not require special devices, skills and tools. Suitable for installation on almost any surface.
- Ease of use. Suitable for washing with water and soapy water. This coating is moisture resistant, mold does not grow on it.
- Life time. If the material is laid correctly, it will remain elastic and will not deform. In addition, it is resistant to abrasion.
Coating Disadvantages
There are fewer disadvantages than advantages, but still they are:
- If you put a heavy object - dents remain.
- It is very difficult to get rid of stubborn stains of dust, grease and brilliant green, as they are absorbed.
- Temperature fluctuations lead to deterioration of the material. If the temperature is high, deformation occurs, and if it is low, cracks appear.
Choosing linoleum for the room
Linoleum comes in different thicknesses. Therefore, you need to know how to choose linoleum for an apartment in terms of quality.
Living room
Usually this is a room with medium traffic. It is best to use material with a thickness of approximately 1.5 mm. The top layer is chosen not very thick, 0.15-0.2 mm is enough.
Important! In this room, you can use inexpensive household linoleum, which is based on polyester.
Kitchen, hallway and hallway
A lot of people walk in such rooms, so the thickness of the coating should be over 3 mm. For the top layer, a thickness of more than 0.25 mm is acceptable.
Important! It is better to choose household linoleum, PVC-based.
Children's
For this room, a coating with a thickness of at least 3 mm is used. Otherwise, there will be a frequent change of floor coverings. This room is characterized by medium traffic, it is highly likely to have mechanical damage.
Important! For children, they usually use household linoleum based on expanded polystyrene or a semi-commercial coating, the protective layer of which is more than 0.25 mm.
Bedroom
In such a room, you can lay thin linoleum. It is enough if its thickness is 1.2-1.5 mm.
Important! The best choice would be household linoleum with a PVC base.
Office and public space
In this case, it is preferable to use commercial linoleum, in which the protective layer is thickened.
Important! If the room is subject to high traffic, you need to choose a coating with a thicker protective layer. With medium traffic, you can use semi-commercial linoleum.
How to choose glue?
Of course, when you choose which linoleum is best for an apartment, you need to choose the right glue for it:
- For a coating with a fabric base, a cold mastic is selected, consisting of bitumen, turpentine and white spirit.
- If the coating has a heat and sound insulating felt base, adhesives are taken, which are based on bustilat.
- Dispersion adhesive - a universal composition that is used to adhere the coating to concrete, wood, chipboard, cement-sand screed.
What to look for when buying?
Consultants give advice on how to choose linoleum for an apartment in terms of quality:
- Smell. If it is very sharp, it means that there are harmful additives in the composition of the coating. High-quality linoleum - both synthetic and natural - does not have an unpleasant odor.
- Picture. Pay attention to its clarity.
- Expertise. They confirm that the material complies with safety standards. There is usually a marking on the coating, in addition, the quality is indicated by the presence of a hygiene certificate.
Important! The material is checked in rolled form. It should not appear bumps and delamination of the film. If there are such defects, this indicates a marriage, because it is impossible to get rid of such irregularities.
How to care?
Before laying linoleum, you need to get rid of the waviness. To do this, the roll is rolled out and left on a flat surface for at least seven days. If it was not possible to get rid of the waves, a bag of warm sand is used to iron the problem areas.
To wash linoleum, a damp cloth is used.
Important! For washing, do not use substances with soda and ammonia. They lead to tarnishing of the surface. If there are persistent stains that soap cannot get rid of, special products should be used.
Such a coating is detrimental to dirt, sand and stone powder, which can enter the room with shoes. To protect against minor damage, you should get a grate or a hard rug at the entrance to the apartment.
We lay linoleum with our own hands
Laying linoleum is not so difficult, it is such a versatile material. The whole algorithm of work will look like this:
- When preparing the room, all furniture is taken out of it and the skirting boards are removed.
- If the floor is level, no preparation is required. If there are irregularities, the subfloor is leveled.
- Measurements are being taken. A room plan is drawn, in which all protrusions, openings and openings are taken into account.
- Purchased material.
- Linoleum is rolled out on a clean floor. A special knife is used to cut off excess pieces.
- The coating rests for several days to straighten. Then again you need to cut off the extra pieces.
Important! Remember that the gap between the wall and the edge of the canvas should be 1 cm. This is necessary in order to avoid bending the material.
- Linoleum is attached with a special adhesive.
- Install the plinth back.
We have considered all the nuances of acquiring such an important flooring. We are sure that with the help of our advice you will choose exactly what you need.
