The desire to keep up with the times and the ever-increasing competition in the building materials market forces manufacturers to expand their product line and improve those already in production. When a consumer comes to a store, he may become confused by the variety of types and names of flooring materials. For example, homogeneous linoleum. Many people know nothing about this coating.
Distinctive characteristics
This linoleum differs from its “brothers” in its single-layer structure, where the pattern is applied across its entire thickness. This makes it unpretentious in terms of uneven wear, since loss of color or pattern is impossible.
Thanks to this quality, the coating has found application in rooms with high traffic and possible placement of large pieces of furniture on it.
The technical characteristics include the following.
- The average service life declared by the manufacturer is 25 years.
- Environmentally friendly PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is used as a base.
- Does not support combustion and does not emit toxic substances.
Monolithic structure - the result of modern technologies
To visualize homogeneous linoleum, you can take an ordinary pencil eraser as an example. Remember, after use it only shrinks a little, remaining the same in color. In the case of a homogeneous coating, a similar effect occurs. Manufacturers achieved this through the use of modern technologies in working with PVC material. The effectiveness of this technology has been proven practical application and laboratory research.
The thickness of the coating in the traditional version is 1.5 – 3 mm. The composition may contain the following components:
- Lime.
- Dolomite.
- Plasticizers.
- Polyvinyl chloride.
- Quartz sand.
- Coloring pigments.
After laying linoleum, its surface remains elastic, which causes a pleasant sensation when walking. These are the qualities that are good for home and childcare facilities.
Application
Homogeneous linoleums are traditionally durable coatings and are used in various rooms. This is facilitated by quality such as wear resistance, as well as a low price.
The antistatic type of homogeneous coating is relevant for the arrangement of substations and premises where a large amount of electrical equipment is located. It removes statistical charges, as if taking them into itself. The advantages of the thermal insulation qualities of this coating are also obvious. This ensures its demand for finishing various boarding houses and holiday homes.
Increased resistance to high temperatures, allows you to use this material with any underfloor heating systems.
Kitchen in a cafe
Homogeneous linoleum is characterized by high wear resistance, designed for intensive use. On average, the service life reaches 25 years. The time-tested material has found its application in the following premises:
- Schools, kindergartens and hospitals. In such institutions, as a rule, there are increased requirements in terms of material hygiene and fire safety. This coating has all this.
- Banks, offices, commercial establishments. Here, the use of this type of linoleum is justified by its decorative characteristics, which allow for the improvement of large rooms.
- Trading halls, chain stores, airport waiting areas. These rooms require a durable covering. Carts, gurneys and simply heavy things - all this will have mechanical effects on linoleum, and a homogeneous material can withstand them.
Heterogeneous coverage
This is a “brother” of homogeneous material . The difference is in the multi-layer structure and thickness, which is a total of 6 mm. Linoleum of this type has a kind of “skeleton” made of fiberglass, which plays the role of a reinforcement frame. The front side of PVC material is rolled over it. The design is protected by an additional film. A variety of designs and patterns is achieved by including metal dust or stone chips in the decorative layer.
Heterogeneous linoleum
Positive qualities of homogeneous coatings:
- Durability.
- High strength.
- Huge selection of drawings.
- Easy to care for.
- High degree of heat retention in the room due to its large thickness.
Manufacturing technology
Homogeneous linoleum is produced from PVC material and additives. Obtaining the final mixture is achieved by multi-stage mixing of the components in special mixers. Afterwards there is processing in calenders (a machine that passes the mass through a certain gap between the shafts), where the width and thickness of the future coating is formed. The material is then cooled and cut to the required size.
Homogeneous coating
Depending on the production technology, the pattern can be of two types:
- Chaotic.
- Directed.
Both options have color restrictions. Basically, the surface receives abstract images. It can be added that in the first option, with a chaotic pattern, dirt will be less noticeable on the surface. To protect against scratches during production, a polyurethane layer is applied to the surface, making the material smooth and making it easier to care for.
Plasticizers
To impart elasticity, special plasticizers are added to the material. They reduce the ability of molecules to attract, giving the coating the necessary flexibility. These are harmless compounds that provide the coating with additional characteristics:
- Chemical stability.
- Low volatility.
- Low hygroscopicity.
- High melting point.
- UV resistance.
- No odors.
Problems of choice
The only thing that can cause inconvenience when purchasing a homogeneous material is an excess of lime in its composition. If there is too much of it, then over time, under the influence of mechanical stress, white spots or stripes will appear on the surface. This material has one negative property - it absorbs dirt, and therefore such a surface will have to be cleaned more often. And if you start it with cleaning, you will need to purchase special compounds. And sometimes you even have to take pictures top layer grinder. As additional protection special mastics are used to protect against dirt and mechanical stress, but the application procedure must be repeated once every six months or quarter.
In order not to acquire quality material, you can check it yourself in the store. Bend a corner of the linoleum; the appearance of a white stripe will indicate an excess of lime, and a visible break will indicate its high concentration in the composition of the material.
Low-quality coatings, as a rule, cost less, and are produced by companies that are not recognized in the market. Trusted manufacturers do not allow this, so when choosing a material, pay special attention to the choice of manufacturer flooring.
In turn, heterogeneous material is less demanding in care. It does not require rubbing with special compounds for additional surface protection. It is enough to periodically wipe it with a damp cloth. But it is more expensive than a homogeneous one, and if it is necessary to select a material to cover a large area such as a school or hospital, this significantly affects the cost.
By choosing heterogeneous type linoleum for installation, you can win in design, thanks to the variety of shades and textures of this material. This is why designers love it; it allows you to show maximum imagination and simulate almost any interior.
Conclusion
Office space
In general, homogeneous linoleum and its “brother” in the workshop – heterogeneous – have a lot of positive qualities. This allows them to compete really seriously with other, no less practical, floor coverings. If you lay such material in a living space, you can forget about repairing the floor for a long time and enjoy its aesthetic qualities.
Publications on the topic
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 canvas) and non-directional (chaotic). On surfaces with a non-directional pattern, 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 more complex structure(see Fig. 2) than homogeneous. The basis of the 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 “spine” on which the remaining layers of PVC coating are subsequently attached, therefore the density and strength of fiberglass is very important (fiberglass with a density of 30 g/m2 to 55 g/m2 is used).
The first step in the production of 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 smoother it holds the impregnation inside itself).
The second stage is the application of the top foaming layer of PVC on fiberglass, already impregnated with PVC paste. This layer is used for subsequent printing of a decorative design on it. Then this layer, when passing through the oven, will foam simultaneously with the bottom (rear) layer, which gives the finished product heat and sound insulating properties.
The next step is drawing a picture or design. This is done using engraved printing cylinders (up to 6 different colors). 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) made of pure PVC, which has 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 goes through a furnace, where it is heat treated at a certain temperature. This stage is vital to the quality of the material. In the oven, the process of foaming (expansion) of the PVC coating layers occurs. An important aspect this is the length of the furnace: the longer the furnace, the more plasticizers (not entirely useful solvent additives) will be evaporated from the material. If you leave excess plasticizers inside the material, they will begin to evaporate after laying. An excess of plasticizers in the material worsens its environmental characteristics.
To obtain a three-dimensional relief pattern, special substances are added to some paints during printing - inhibitors that inhibit the expansion of PVC in the oven, so subsequently in some places the paste expands fully, but in some places almost not at all (where the reagent is present) - this is how the relief is obtained .
The last stage of PVC coating production is the application of the substrate. The backing is most often foamed PVC, but it can also be jute, felt, polyester, etc. This 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 substrate cells turns out to be closed, and with the mechanical method, it is interconnected (like a sponge) - see Fig. 3. Here is a table comparing the influence of various factors on substrates obtained mechanically and by chemical means(based on materials from Armstrong DLW).
Heterogeneous floor coverings are available in various patterns: “parquet”, “tile”, “marble”, “mosaic”, etc.
The thickness of foamed heterogeneous coatings ranges from (generally) 2 to 6 mm. But it is necessary to pay attention not only to the overall 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 therefore its durability.
Many Russian enterprises also produce heterogeneous economy-class PVC coatings on a needle-punched fiber base made of polyester or other fibers. Such coatings are produced both by the calender method and by contact-coating with the application of polyvinyl chloride pastes on PVC film with multi-color printed design.
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 their pattern extends over 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 amount of time to wear them down. This is because the protective layer of the heterogeneous coating consists of pure PVC, which has extremely high strength properties, 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 coverings.
The question arises: how to choose a coating?
If the coating is intended for premises not only with high intensity of use, but also with a high risk of mechanical damage, then a homogeneous coating will be more appropriate.
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 shock-absorbing properties.
Additional protective layer
Most 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 operational properties: increases wear resistance and makes it easier to maintain the floor covering. The fact is that the top facing layer of polyvinyl chloride has pores, microcavities, and irregularities that may be invisible to the human eye, but where dirt gets in, which causes intense contamination of the coating, which subsequently leads to loss of the appearance of the product and increased wear of the coating. Applying a protective layer smooths out any unevenness and the coating becomes smoother. With such an additional layer, there is no need for primary treatment of the coating with special products immediately after installation (mastics), 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 floor covering.
One more thing should be noted new technology, which appeared quite recently. The protective layer is not polyurethane or polyacrylic, but pure transparent PVC, which is pressed in molten form using colanders (rollers) into the main coating.
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The range of linoleum coverings for floors and walls is huge. Plus there is also specific terminology and production features - it’s easy to get confused. In fact, everything is much simpler. But you need to start not with the design, but with the structure of the coating. According to this classification parameter, two types are produced - homogeneous and heterogeneous linoleum.
Rolled and modular linoleum is a whole class of elastic decorative finishing materials for finishing floors in residential and non-residential premises. All types of this series of products are made from:
There are several other types of elastic floor materials - rubber, colloxylin, rubber and others. But they belong to the highly specialized category, intended for installation at commercial, industrial, sports and public facilities. And the above varieties are manufactured for:
- Household use ( residential apartments, houses, cottages);
- Commercial use (trade and service facilities, as well as public, medical and sanatorium, educational institutions etc.);
- Operation in special conditions(special ones, including current-dissipating, acoustic, sports and many others).
Heterogeneous linoleum
In relation to linoleum coverings, the term “heterogeneous” (from the Greek heteros, a part of compound words denoting different, different) is interpreted as heterogeneous. That is, it has a multilayer structure consisting of different layers that are compatible with each other.
Modern heterogeneous linoleum is a peculiar mix of:
- A protective top wear layer, often called transparency. It is a plastic polyurethane layer, the thickness of which depends on the load class of the floor covering - the thicker it is, the higher the wear resistance category. Some manufacturers integrate into this layer additional ones that improve certain characteristics of the transparency - easy removal of dirt, increased abrasion resistance, bacteriostaticity, etc.
- Facial layer. This is thin, fine-mesh PVC with a decorative pattern.
- Reinforcing fiberglass, which serves as a kind of “skeleton” and neutralizes tensile and tearing loads, and also prevents strong shrinkage of the material during operation.
- The main layer is made of foamed PVC or polyester felt - the so-called heat-insulating base.
In some collections, manufacturers add special layers that increase the properties of the material required by operating conditions. For example, the base is duplicated with a special compact layer of calendered PVC, which increases the overall strength of the floor product and gives the coating shock-absorbing qualities.
Advantages of heterogeneous linoleum:
- Chemical smell (which quality products weathers in the first 1-4 weeks of operation);
- Slippery surface of budget collections;
- Toxicity of smoke during fire.
In some cases, operating conditions do not allow the laying of multi-layer products, even commercial series. Therefore, a completely different class of flooring products was developed from calendered (high-density) thermoplastic vinyl chloride polymer. Unlike a heterogeneous product, homogeneous linoleum is a homogeneous finishing material made of PVC, protected by a transparent polyurethane. Finished products refers to commercial and highly specialized coatings of the following classes: 32-34, 41-43. That is, it is not intended for the domestic sphere.
Homogeneous linoleum has a number of advantages:
- Exclusively high degree wear resistance, including loads on abrasion, compression, shear, etc.;
- Extensive scope of application in industrial, commercial, public, educational, medical and prophylactic, etc.;
- Moderate selection of shades with decors like marble chips, flock, chips. In the assortment of some manufacturers there is homogeneous monochromatic linoleum in a variety of colors - from pastel to bright;
- The pattern is repeated throughout the entire depth of the coating, so the abrasion process is almost invisible;
- Inertness to various aggressive chemical compounds;
- It is allowed to grind and polish the laid coating using professional and household chemicals;
- Long service life - at least 25 years.
The disadvantages of homogeneous linoleum include:
Based on the foregoing, it is clear that the main difference between one type of linoleum covering and another is their structure. The area of use of the material, service life and other parameters depend on this. Therefore, the question “which is better - homogeneous or heterogeneous linoleum” is not entirely correct. The first is rather a special series of coatings from the expensive segment, while in the second you can choose finishing materials for flooring at an affordable price for all occasions.
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Today you can find such a product on the construction market as homogeneous flooring, but not everyone knows what exactly is meant. Next, information will be presented about homogeneous linoleum: its application, qualities, features and installation.
Basic coating qualities
The prefix “homo” means that linoleum has a solid structure in one layer. The pattern of such a coating is drawn through the entire thickness of the canvas, and therefore any abrasions will not be noticeable in the photo and during visual inspection.
This quality of homogeneous linoleum is determined by its high popularity when laying:
- in areas with high traffic;
- under massive pieces of furniture, household appliances etc.
Monolithic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating was created using the most modern equipment. When testing and using homogeneous linoleum, it was proven that the coating has high efficiency. In essence, the resulting coating is an eraser that loses a little volume after installation.
If we are talking about homogeneous linoleum, what it is will help you understand the list of materials included in its structure:
- dolomite;
- lime;
- plasticizers;
- quartz sand;
- pigment dyes.
All this fits into a 1.5-3 meter layer of material. After such a coating is laid, it becomes more elastic and comfortable to use. This material is especially popular as a floor covering for treating floors in educational institutions.
Material advantages
Homogeneous linoleum has a number of positive qualities:
- increased elasticity;
- good preservation of the coating during operation;
- elastic structure;
- does not conduct electricity;
- resistant to chemical attack;
- easy to care for.
Scope of application
Most often, the material is used for industrial purposes, since it has a number of suitable qualities:
- increased mechanical strength;
- resistance to wear during operation;
- low cost;
- full compliance of sanitary and hygienic requirements with established standards.
As mentioned earlier, this material has an antistatic effect, and therefore it is actively used in the arrangement of electrical substations and premises in which there is a high risk of electrical exposure to visitors.
The material also has excellent thermal insulation properties with a clear advantage over tiles and laminated flooring. This parameter creates an increased demand for homogeneous linoleum among homeowners, hotel complexes and other institutions where it is necessary to provide comfortable conditions for residents.
Homogeneous commercial linoleum has an increased level of wear resistance and can be used in harsh environments for approximately 25 years. The most wear-resistant materials can last up to 30 years, which is an excellent value for a material whose structure does not include wood, stone or ceramics.
- educational institutions;
- medical institutions;
- kindergartens;
- the material fully complies with all sanitary and hygienic standards and allows for complete fire safety.
The positive qualities of this material, coupled with its low cost, make it possible to design floors with its help:
- office space in various companies;
- banking institutions;
- hallways in various government institutions;
- other commercial properties.
The list of rooms in which homogeneous coating can be used does not end there. For example, the material perfectly resists the wheels of cargo carts and hospital gurneys.
Assessing the strength of homogeneous linoleum is quite simple. The most extreme conditions for its operation are provided in places with maximum traffic.
We are talking about the following establishments:
- departure waiting areas in airport terminals;
- retail outlets various sizes;
- technical levels in hotel complexes.
Features of homogeneous linoleum
The greatest demand is for the commercial variety of homogeneous linoleum. It is unique in that it is the only polyvinyl chloride material that can be scraped.
The main characteristics of this coating:
- The average service life is about 25 years.
- The basis of the material is polyvinyl chloride.
- The material is not flammable. The process does not release a variety of toxic substances.
- Produced in the form of tiles and rolls.
- It is distinguished by a small pattern that looks original in the photo and upon visual inspection.
Important to know about this material only that it can be laid on top of a perfectly flat base. And in order for the coating to maintain its appearance, it should be regularly treated with a special mastic.
Commercial grade linoleum
There are two main types of linoleum in the commercial category: homogeneous and heterogeneous. Let's look at how homogeneous linoleum differs from heterogeneous linoleum a little later, but first we'll point out their general characteristics.
These include:
- excellent sound insulation properties;
- increased resistance to wear during operation;
- work surface without sliding effect;
- fire resistance;
- water resistance.
If we talk about the difference between homogeneous and heterogeneous linoleum, then first of all it is worth referring to the structure. As mentioned above: “homo” means homogeneous, “hetero” means different. The latter indicates a more complex structure, which means: heterogeneous linoleum is a multilayer material.
Heterogeneous linoleum
Now it’s worth considering heterogeneous linoleum - what it is and how it stands out in comparison with homogeneous material. Essentially this is a layer of fiberglass with a polyvinyl chloride coating applied on top of it.
During production, fiberglass is treated with a special compound (paste) with deep penetration into the pores of the material. Its density depends on how well the material is impregnated with the specified composition. A layer of foamed polyvinyl chloride is applied to the prepared base.
A decorative layer (picture) is applied to a two-layer coating. After the linoleum goes through the oven heat treatment, its structure foams and gains its optimal heat and sound insulation characteristics. Special sand cylinders with engraving are used as a tool for drawing. They currently use 6 different colors.
It is worth noting that another parameter by which heterogeneous and homogeneous linoleum differ is the limited colors of the multilayer material. The processing of the material is completed by applying a transparent working layer of material, which is responsible for maximum coating strength.
It is worth noting a number of imitation linoleum textures:
- tile;
- parquet;
- marble;
- mosaic, etc.
Used in high traffic areas monolithic coating. If we are talking about creating a higher-quality heat and sound insulating coating, then it is recommended to use a multi-layer material, or replace it with a single-layer one, supplemented with a foam backing.
Laying single-layer linoleum
Since the article was initially about homogeneous linoleum, we will next consider the procedure for laying it.
The flow diagram of this process is as follows:
- calculation of required dimensions;
- preparing the subfloor for installation;
- laying the material;
- joining sheets together.
Calculation stage
To cover a room of up to 20 square meters with linoleum, a single roll is enough. If we are talking about laying the material in a larger room, then it is necessary to use several sheets.
It is very important to achieve perfectly even joining of sheets, matching colors of the entire coating and high-quality processing of all protrusions and areas under decorative skirting boards.
Preparatory treatment of the subfloor
Perhaps the preparatory stage is one of the most costly in terms of time and complexity of the work. Carrying out the work on your own is possible, but you should use all the necessary tools and not experiment.
First of all, with the help building level it is necessary to check the horizontalness and evenness of the base (more details: " "). Then, even on the most even base, it is necessary to eliminate cracks and peeling areas.
It is best to use a milling machine and special compounds for leveling, which can simply be used to repair these types of defects. In the absence of specialized equipment, the owner can perform the work independently, but then leveling should be carried out using self-leveling mixtures.
Upon completion of pouring, it is necessary to remove dust from the coating and prime the surface with a special compound. Since laying linoleum can only be done on a dry base, after leveling it will be necessary to wait certain time(indicated on the package with the mixture).
If we are talking about laying the material on top of a wooden base, then it is necessary to remove any unevenness and cracks in the flooring. Any poorly secured elements will make squeaks and other sounds. Upon completion of the preparation of the base, it must be scraped and sanded.
Significant unevenness is best covered with plywood flooring. Similar to finishing concrete base, wooden base also covered with soil mixture.
Laying homogeneous linoleum
The purchased material must be brought into the room where installation will take place so that the linoleum adapts to the temperature and humidity conditions in the room. This is necessary because the material tends to expand with increasing temperature and humidity. It is enough to wait about a day.
When the sheets are prepared for laying, it is necessary to make small reserves in size. In those places where the sheets should be joined, there should be a 2-centimeter margin, and at the joints with the walls - a 3-centimeter margin. The fabric is cut at the corners between the walls and the floor. You can make the joints visually invisible using a construction ruler.
The adhesive mixture for fixing homogeneous linoleum is used only in cases where we are talking about joining several sheets at once. A single sheet is simply spread out. Before using the adhesive mixture, it is necessary to properly prime the rough base for installation.
The work is performed as follows:
- the roll rolls out to the middle of the room;
- using a spatula with teeth, apply the adhesive mixture to it;
- then wait 15-30 minutes for excess moisture to evaporate;
- then the canvas is rolled out and leveled;
- using a long wooden slats or linoleum roller is rolled to remove airy areas;
- proceed in the same way with the loose half of the sheet.
Joining seams between sheets
Joining seams between sheets of linoleum can be done in various ways. It all depends on what equipment and professional skills the employee has (more details: ""). The simplest way is the use cold welding or adhesive mixture for sealing seams.
You can also use hot welding, which involves sealing the seam using a cord heated with a special hairdryer. The easiest way to seal seams involves laying them over linoleum. polyethylene film coated with PVA glue.
Bottom line
The article describes in detail the homogeneous and heterogeneous varieties of linoleum, as well as their main features, qualities and installation procedure. Proper execution all procedures will ensure a high-quality result.
The popularity of linoleum has been on the rise for many years. This is a universal coating that is ideal for covering the floor in any room and can withstand significant loads and impact.
Manufacturers are constantly improving products and increasing their quality characteristics, thereby trying to please all consumers. Homogeneous linoleum has recently appeared. From this article we will learn what it is and what features this material has.
Composition and features of homogeneous type of linoleum
For its manufacture, the main component is polyvinyl chloride, which is highly durable. Typically, various substances are added to it to improve the quality of the coating for use in areas where traffic is high and hygiene requirements are high.
There is a heterogeneous material on the market that consists of several layers. These are: a top protective coating, a layer with a pattern and a base made of foamed polyvinyl chloride. The homogeneous type is distinguished by the fact that the pattern is applied across its entire thickness. This structure is quite practical. For example, if the top layer of a heterogeneous one deteriorates, the design will become unusable. With a homogeneous material, such a problem does not exist and the presentation of the coating will remain throughout its operation, even if the thickness becomes smaller.
Homogeneous linoleum consists of substances such as:
- Polymer plasticizers
- Lime
- Polyvinyl chloride
- Dolomite
- Natural and artificial coloring pigments
Important! If the material is created with anti-slip coating, then quartz sand is also added to it to increase friction.
Here is one tip that will help in choosing high-quality homogeneous material. When purchasing, you need to bend part of the canvas and look at the place of the bend. If a white stripe is visible, then it is better not to buy such material, since it contains too many fillers. If the coating is cracked, then this indicates very low quality with a large amount of chalk and lime in the composition.
The thickness of the material can be from 1.5 to 3 mm. Its further exploitation. If you plan to lay the material in a room with high traffic or in a production workshop, then you should choose the thickest option that can withstand all mechanical impacts.
Pros and cons of homogeneous linoleum
You can buy homogeneous linoleum only in trusted stores or directly from the manufacturer. Only in this case will it be possible to obtain a quality product with such positive characteristics, How:
- A uniform pattern that does not need to be combined.
- High resistance to mechanical stress and wear resistance.
- Excellent elasticity qualities.
- Excellent antistatic qualities, which make it possible to lay linoleum on the floor in rooms where there is a high risk of static charge, for example, server rooms.
- Hygienic and easy to clean.
Very high demands are presented to the base on which the material will be laid. It must be perfectly aligned so that there are no depressions or bulges, since in such places the wear of the coating will be maximum and faster.
The disadvantages of this type of material can be considered high cost, compared to a heterogeneous analogue, and a small range of decorative designs.
Specifications
In order to choose homogeneous linoleum suitable for a particular room in terms of quality characteristics, you need to know technical specifications of this coating. These include:
- Material thickness. If it is from 1.5 to 2 mm, then the layer is considered thin. If the thickness of linoleum is 2 - 3 mm, then such a layer is considered thick.
- Wear resistance, which is expressed in units. 33 - 34 units mean that the material can be used in office premises with a high load share; 41 units are intended for commercial premises where there is a low level of floor load; for an average load level of the same premises, linoleum with an indicator of 42 units is used, and for a high load - 43 units.
- Abrasion. This indicator is obtained by testing the coating with an abrasive wheel and measuring the thickness after exposure. There are 4 categories for this characteristic. These are: category F, showing a very low percentage of strength; category M, representing low strength material; P - medium strength and T - high strength of the coating.
In accordance with the above characteristics, you can choose the most correct and high-quality material for the floor.
Important! If there is a lightning symbol on the package, then this coating has antistatic protection.
The presence of a sun icon on the packaging is also important. If it is not there, then such material will quickly fade, so it can only be laid in enclosed spaces.
Homogeneous linoleum "Tarkett"
The most commonly purchased and widely offered is the homogeneous coating from the Tarkett company. This is exactly what I would like to talk about, since most buyers choose the products of this company. This homogeneous linoleum is of high quality and can last more than 25 years with correct installation. It should only be laid on a dry and perfectly leveled surface without the slightest hint of relief. The base can be anything - concrete, wood or ceramic.
If the room is small and its area does not exceed 25 square meters. meters, then it can be laid on double-sided tape, after first allowing it to rest in a horizontal position. Glue should be used only when covering a room of more than 25 square meters. meters and using several pieces of material.
On Russian market Tarkett company presents three of its collections. One of them is intended for high traffic areas, even in gyms, and also where the risk of static electricity is high. The design of the material is structured, and the color range consists of 18 shades. In addition, this homogeneous linoleum has a special antistatic coating and high fire safety ratings.
The second collection is early version the first and is almost the same coverage. The only difference is the weight. One sq. a meter of such products weighs 300 grams more than in the previously presented collection.
Another popular Tarkett collection is Horizon. Its design is made in the form of imitation natural stone and presented cold color scheme. This linoleum is slightly cheaper than other collections due to the fact that it does not contain antistatic elements.
Caring for homogeneous linoleum consists of periodic washing. In this case, you should not use products that contain abrasive substances that can scratch the surface. It is also not recommended to wash it particularly hot water, and using acid-based cleaning products for cleaning is completely prohibited.
Conclusion
Homogeneous type linoleum is a type of ordinary heterogeneous and consists of one layer of material on which the pattern is applied to its full thickness. This type has a longer service life and is distinguished by high quality characteristics, which allow it to be used even for rooms experiencing a large mechanical load on the floor. Homogeneous linoleum will be an excellent floor covering for both an apartment and a technical room.
