There is opinion that linoleum is remnants of the past. I dare to assure you: it not so! Modern linoleum is not worse (and in something better) than tile or, let us assume, laminate. As to choose linoleum so that it has served to you for many years? The answer in this article.
So, and that in general it linoleum?
Linoleum - the floor covering which has appeared about 200 years ago represents peculiar ""puff pie"". First of all we are interested in the top layer called transparent. This working layer is made of pure PVC, and the wear resistance of covering depends on its thickness. Also determine class by thickness of the transparent: - 21-23 class - thickness of layer of 0.1-0.3 mm - household linoleum. The cheapest of presented at the market. From advantages: variety of design decisions. From shortcomings: fragility (life cycle at intensive loading - 2 years).
- 31-32 class - 0.4-0.5 mm - semi-commercial. And let you are not confused by the name: such linoleum is ideal for the apartment, especially for kitchen and the hall. - The 33rd class above - layer thickness not less than 0.6 mm - commercial. It is used for flooring in places of big congestion of people, for example, in conference - halls. As a rule, does not differ in original design. Let's understand also from where such numbering of classes has undertaken. The fact is that all linoleum is classified under the European EN 685 system. All rooms in it are divided into three types (first digit of class): 2 means premises, 3 – office, 4 – production. The second digit speaks about expected loadings: from 1 to 4. Then in our ""pie"" there is center - fiberglass. Exactly thanks to it linoleum is not deformed. In the market still it is possible to meet linoleum without this layer, but it is quite rare. Well and, at last, back layer. Depend on it, first, zvuko- and thermal insulation. And than the layer, that heat-insulated floor is thicker. When choosing be guided by material thickness, but keep in mind that important role is played by density of foam of which the layer consists. If it is small, then sound level - and thermal insulations will be lower. Also density of foam protects covering from deformation. How to check density? Squeeze linoleum fingers. The less linoleum is deformed, the density is higher. Well and the weight of more dense will be, respectively, more. If you beret linoleum to the room with big drop of temperature and humidity, you have to pay attention to covering which has additional polyester layer. It will protect linoleum from freezing and ssykhaniye, from cracks (PVC-foam badly transfers differences!). Both layers are connected at the molecular level so are afraid of stratification is not necessary. Pay attention to additional protection. Especially it is relevant for kitchen and the nursery: there are, for example, coverings with antibacterial protection. Well and finally about environmental friendliness. Ask the seller to show the hygienic certificate. Look for special signs on the label. On quality products there will be marker "Life leaf". Also it is easy to determine harmlessness of material by smell, to be exact, on its absence. I hope, my article will help to make you right choice.