Sometimes, when choosing a floor covering, consumers are faced with the question of which one to purchase - homogeneous or heterogeneous linoleum, semi-commercial (the price of which is mentioned in the article) or commercial. Before you make an acquisition, you need to become familiar with the quality characteristics of each coating. In order to eliminate a homogeneous variety, it is worth mentioning that the prefix "homo" means "homogeneous". Thus, the coating is uniform in chemical composition and is based on polyvinyl chloride.
Such linoleum is characterized by elasticity and durability, and its color palette is vast and varied. But homogeneous linoleum is uniform in terms of patterns, it can be a pure shade, marble or speck. Therefore, such a coating can often be found in rooms whose floors are subjected to high mechanical stresses. If even in some places the surface is badly worn, the pattern will remain unchanged. Homogeneous linoleum can have a certain pattern direction, for example along the entire canvas. However, you can find a randomly located pattern. The latter is considered not so easily soiled.
What is heterogeneous linoleum
If the store is interested in heterogeneous linoleum, what it is, you need to know in advance. After all, you need to make a purchase with knowledge of the matter. Such a floor covering has several layers, their number can vary from 4 to 6. The thickness of heterogeneous linoleum is approximately 3.4 mm. The main layers are:
- protective covering;
- decorative layer;
- foamed polyvinyl chloride, which is a canvas layer;
- fiberglass, which may be absent, but it is a substrate.
Each of the above layers performs its role. In some cases, a sixth is added, which is for special-purpose material. It can be anti-static or anti-slip. However, it may be absent, and the special component will be contained in another layer. When it comes to anti-slip coating, the appropriate ingredients can be added to the protective or topcoat.
Structure
If you decide to purchase a heterogeneous linoleum, what it is, it is imperative to find out. A more complete picture will become after you consider in more detail each layer. The bottom is the substrate, which is polyvinyl chloride, the latter can be chemical or mechanical. It is PVC that is responsible for sound insulation. In mechanical foam, the cell structure has a communicating structure, like in a sponge. Whereas if you choose a coating with chemical foam, the cells will be isolated from each other.
The latter option is able to absorb water, but is characterized by higher strength and comfort during operation. If dents form on the surface, they will straighten out within a few hours. Quite often, consumers acquire heterogeneous linoleum, what it is, is described in detail in the article. From it you can learn that jute and felt are used along with foamed polyvinyl chloride .
The next layer is the support, in its basis - fiberglass. It can be called a skeleton, to which the remaining layers are fixed. As for the canvas layer, a decorative coating is applied to it. The material undergoes high temperature effects, the layer foams and gives the coating heat and sound insulating qualities.
What else you need to know about the structure
The heterogeneous Tarkett linoleum also has the structure described above, and its decorative layer is applied using cylinders. If we compare with a homogeneous variety, then heterogeneous has a variety of graphic patterns, it can be a simulation of floor coverings like stone or parquet, as well as geometric patterns.
In the manufacturing process of linoleum, the manufacturer can add inhibitors to the composition, even volumetric patterns are created with their help. The protective coating is the last layer, it is transparent and consists of pure polyvinyl chloride. It is with the help of it that it is possible to protect the material from abrasion and give it high wear resistance. How thick this layer is will affect the durability of the coating.
For reference
If you decide that you need heterogeneous linoleum, what it is, you should find out before you visit the store. This will allow you to understand that in more expensive commercial coatings, a layer of polyurethane or polyacrylate is applied over PVC. This coating increases wear resistance and does not require processing after installation. As practice shows, the surface is easy to wash. In some cases, the polyurethane coating is treated with ultraviolet light, which makes linoleum durable.
Application
Commercial heterogeneous linoleum has a wide area of use. Usually it is placed in rooms whose floor is subjected to strong and constant loads. However, on sale you can find varieties of linoleum, which have additional properties that determine the area of use of the material. For example, a non-slip coating is intended for:
- showers;
- saunas;
- bathrooms;
- pools.
If the floor of the room is constantly in contact with water, then an anti-slip coating will be the best option. Commercial heterogeneous linoleum may also have antistatic properties, in which case it is placed in X-ray rooms, where such an effect is necessary.
Cost and thickness
Before purchasing, consumers pay attention not only to the cost, but also to the thickness of the material. The last parameter can be limited to a minimum mark of 0.7 mm, due to this, the service life is significantly increased. Semi-commercial linoleum possesses such characteristics, the price of which is approximately equal to 350 rubles. per square meter. It can be laid in rooms with medium load. Such material can be attributed to middle class coatings, and its main difference is weight. A square meter will weigh about 2.5 kg, while in the case of household this parameter is limited to 1.8 kg.