Linoleum is considered one of the best, affordable and popular types of flooring. Manufacturers make three of their types. These are commercial or technical coatings, semi-commercial and household linoleum. Each type is distinguished by its special technical characteristics and is intended for rooms with different levels of patency. So, technical linoleums are intended for those rooms where a lot of people walk every day. Household is used only for laying in residential buildings and apartments. Between them is a semi-commercial linoleum. Its characteristics are higher than household ones - the floor covering is resistant to wear. And laying it is easier than commercial.
Device
These floor coverings consist of three layers. Each of them performs its functions.
This is a special polyvinyl chloride substrate - in semi-commercial versions of linoleum it can only be foamed. In some models, the substrate is made using fiberglass. This provides even greater strength and the coating is protected from stretching. Fiberglass enhances sound and heat insulation. Some brands like to highlight this substrate as a separate layer.
Linoleum also consists of a decorative layer. He is fully responsible for the appearance of the material. The decorative layer can be monophonic, multi-color, with imitation of various natural materials (for example, stone, granite, wood). A drawing is applied on the decorative layer.
So that the flooring can withstand loads, the decorative is also covered with a protective layer. It is a transparent polyvinyl chloride or polyurethane. The characteristics of semi-commercial linoleum are such that the thickness of the protective layer is from 0.4 to 0.6 millimeters.
Technical features
The main feature of this flooring is its mass. One meter of ordinary household linoleum has an average weight of 1.8 kilograms. And the mass of the semi-commercial is 2.5 kilograms. The width of the rolls can vary from 2 to 4 meters. Moreover, in appearance, the structure is no different from household analogues. But there are some features. Let's see what they are.
There is a substrate here. Household coatings also have it. The backing is necessary to create a strong and elastic foundation. Due to it, the characteristics of heat and sound insulation increase. High-quality linoleum also has a reinforcing layer made of fiberglass. This has already been noted above. Reinforcement makes it possible to stabilize the linear dimensions of the material, as well as strengthen the strength characteristics. Warranty from manufacturers is 7-12 years.
Classes
Semi-commercial linoleum is divided into classes. Choose the right cover for how the room will be used.
So, for office premises, where patency will be low, it is worth choosing options of the 32nd class. For rooms where the traffic is average, the 33rd class will be enough. 34th choose where attendance will be very high. For offices with low traffic, 31st grade is sometimes recommended.
Cost
Prices for linoleum of this type range from 5.5 to 15 dollars per square meter. The cost depends on how stiff the bottom layer will be. The more porous the substrate, the lower the price.
The most popular are German and Italian products. The cost here is slightly higher. If you need high-quality, but inexpensive linoleum, then you can choose the products of domestic companies or manufacturers from Eastern Europe.
Pros and cons of coverage
Like any kind of flooring, this type also has advantages and disadvantages. Among the main advantages are high wear resistance, heat resistance, good soundproofing qualities, reasonable prices, ease of installation and maintenance. Office linoleum of this type is an excellent choice.
The disadvantage is the only and very minor: the coating is completely synthetic. Not everyone will like it - today there are lovers of natural, ecological materials.
Felt based linoleum
What it is? Felt-based linoleum is another type of semi-commercial flooring. Let's see what this material gave.
Using felt as a basis for linoleum, we managed to get rid of many shortcomings. So, it is known that the coating is characterized by significant residual deformation - felt helped to significantly reduce it due to elasticity, softness and layered structure. The rigidity has also decreased - now linoleum on a felt basis perfectly springs even on a concrete screed.
Using felt, it was possible to improve the sound insulation characteristics. It is believed that such linoleum can be dangerous. But actually it is not. The felt is impregnated with special non-combustible liquids in the production - the risk of fire is minimized.
There are two types of these coatings: the first consists of five layers, the second of seven. Each layer has its own task. Which linoleum is better? You need to choose based on the type of room.
The outer layer is a transparent polymer that reflects all the negative effects. The second performs protective functions - its thickness is 0.7 millimeters. The task of the third layer is aesthetics. The fourth is a layer of felt. Fifth - a dense layer of polyvinyl chloride.
Seven-layer linoleum is slightly different. So, the top layer is made of polyacrylic or PVC. The second is also made of PVC. It enhances the protective characteristics of semi-commercial linoleum. GOSTs oblige manufacturers to make this layer from 0.15 to 0.8 millimeters thick. The third layer is decorative. The fourth is a foam PVC backing, and the fifth is fiberglass. Next is the pad of felt. And the last layer is necessary to provide additional waterproofing.
Application features
If it is necessary to improve the room where the humidity level is increased, it is best to purchase a foamed version. Felt cannot withstand moisture levels above 5 percent. It will begin to mold, rot.
Semi-commercial type felt linoleums have disadvantages. So, there is a need to carefully prepare the base. Welding cloth should be carried out only by professionals. The coating as a result should be monolithic.
If it does not go to lay the flooring without joints, then at the joints, you need to strive for maximum protection against moisture. The first felt production showed shrinkage. Now manufacturers have filled the market with special heterogeneous linoleum. He practically does not sit down.
Mounting
The process is no different from the standard procedure, despite the improved characteristics of semi-commercial linoleum. You can do without outside help. But if you need to achieve absolute results, then you can’t do without the services of professionals.
The best foamed linoleum
Tarkett Magia Viva products are considered one of the best. Heels and legs of even heavy furniture are not afraid of a covering. The structure consists of six layers. It is a warm, waterproof, easy-to-care and styling inexpensive linoleum. But it is not recommended to use it for children's rooms. The material is sensitive to temperature extremes and is not particularly environmentally friendly.
Linoleum in the kitchen
Tarkett's Sintepros coating can withstand severe loads. Its installation is standard for semi-commercial coatings. Among the advantages are affordable prices. A square meter of linoleum will cost much cheaper than tiles or other similar coatings. The material is heat resistant and waterproof. Linoleum is durable and lasts a long time. The colors of linoleum allow it to be used in any interiors.
Of the shortcomings - the products are made only on a synthetic basis. If people who suffer from allergies live in the apartment, it is better to choose something else. Also, sometimes the coating may require treatments with special mastics.
The best linoleum on felt
When choosing which linoleum is better, it is worthwhile to dwell on Tarkett products from the Idilia Nova collection. It is suitable for every room. The protective layer is 0.5 millimeters and is firmly glued to the base of the felt. As for the total thickness, it is 3.5 millimeters. The manufacturer claims that this is the best choice for a children's room.
First of all, the coating is affordable. Also, this linoleum is soft and warm, characterized by high heat and sound insulation characteristics. The colors of linoleum are modern and interesting. There are also disadvantages - this is not a very strong protective layer. The material does not like shock, it can not be mounted in rooms with high humidity. Despite the presence of a protective layer, its service life is short.
Conclusion
So, we found out what a semi-commercial linoleum is and what characteristics it has, as well as features. Progress does not stand still, and new, more technological floor coverings appear every day. This type of linoleum is proof of this. It is perfect for both industrial buildings and residential buildings. It is durable, warm, wear-resistant. This is exactly what you need for cold concrete floors.