The construction market provides almost unlimited possibilities for choosing flooring: an array of boards, parquet, linoleum, carpet and others. But many modern developers prefer the laminate. Its popularity, first of all, is ensured by excellent aesthetic properties, affordable cost and ease of installation. Perhaps the most popular today is PVC laminate.
Its base is represented by polyvinyl chloride, which has impeccable strength characteristics. Innovative developments, which formed the basis of the production process of truly unique material, ensure its impeccable quality, practicality and durability. Positive feedback from developers who have seen a lot in the history of their work only confirm the characteristics declared by the manufacturer. As part of this material, we will evaluate PVC laminate for the floor, the appropriateness of its use, as well as the styling features. You can rest assured that we will provide a complete and most objective overview.
Moisture and Laminate
The classic laminate is represented by ordinary panels. Of course, it is endowed with a number of advantages, but the low level of moisture resistance still limits the scope of its use. Constant contact with water after some time of operation leads to a significant deformation of the material, so it is simply impossible to avoid replacing the panels in this case.
In modern construction stores, you can find a coating with a special protective layer, but even this option is not able to withstand regular exposure to moisture. PVC laminate differs from the traditional version with a high level of moisture resistance. Now he is not afraid of the prolonged exposure to moisture, modern housewives can wash him at least every day, without fear of bloating and deformation. This allows you to use a plastic laminate in those rooms in which ordinary lamellas are strictly forbidden to lay.
Structure
In many respects, the distinctive properties and characteristics of the plastic laminate are ensured by the multilayer structure of the material. The basis of the design is a PVC panel, and due to the air chamber it is possible to endow it with excellent heat and sound insulation properties. Such a floor will be warm even in the coldest winter without additional heating.
The stabilizing layer serves as a substrate for the PVC laminate, which eliminates the use of isolon. The decorative layer is covered with a special protective film, usually with a corrugated anti-slip surface. Along with the main layers, it is assumed that there are additional layers that increase the operational characteristics of the material. So, say, some manufacturers offer an additional soundproofing layer, UV protection.
All layers are pressed together, which ensures the uniformity of the structure and the much-needed durability of the material.
About the benefits
The best PVC laminate is one that is manufactured in compliance with basic requirements. Only in this case will it be possible to endow it with advantages. Users note such advantages:
- Moisture resistance . The plastic laminate is not afraid of moisture, but all thanks to the waterproof base of polyvinyl chloride. It certainly does not swell and does not deform under the influence of moisture, therefore it is suitable even for bathrooms.
- Resistance to temperature differences . The special PVC coating is able to withstand drops from -20 to +60 degrees.
- Easy installation . PVC laminate with a castle connection greatly simplifies installation work, providing the necessary tightness and moisture resistance. At the same time, the lamellas are still mobile: if necessary, the floor can be disassembled and moved to the desired location.
- External aesthetics . PVC panels are in no way inferior to the classic version. Quite often, modern buyers prefer a coating that mimics a natural solid wood.
- Safety The special anti- slip coating is especially valuable for rooms with high humidity.
- Wear resistance . The laminate is assigned grade 33-34, which guarantees the duration of its operation while maintaining the original appearance.
- Chemical neutrality and resistance to hot objects.
- Ease of care . Rinse off dirt, dust, pollution of any kind from the surface of the PVC laminate is now not difficult.
disadvantages
Are there any flaws in the PVC laminate? The feedback of those who managed to work with this material suggests that there are still flaws. First of all, it is a high cost. PVC laminate with a lock connection is much more expensive than the classic version, so not everyone can afford it for repairs in an apartment or house. Any contact with rubber is dangerous for the material - it can change its shade.
If you plan to cover a room facing the sunny side, pay attention to models with special UV protection. The fact is that the PVC lamellas themselves are not protected from direct sunlight, so they may lose their original shade over time.
Mounting Features
How to lay a PVC laminate? This question is asked by many. In fact, due to a simple lock connection, every man can cope with the installation - this will not require special skills and an expensive tool.
Training
Not all floors in our homes meet the requirements for laying laminate flooring, so often you just can not do without a stabilizing layer. As it is possible to use rolled material - isolon. Its strips must be laid in a direction perpendicular to the future arrangement of the laminate panels. To connect the strips together, you can use ordinary construction tape. In order to prevent deformation of the material, small wedges with a thickness of 1 cm must be laid along the walls of the room along the walls.
Getting started
The very first lamella must be placed in the far corner of the room. To evenly distribute the load, each subsequent row must be laid with a slight shift of 300-500 mm. Row after row, you will use the lock mechanism to lay the panels. After 2-3 hours you will get a finished effective flooring.
Little tricks
Externally, PVC panels are not much different from classical ones, which is why there is one simple rule for their installation: in order to hide the joints, at least visually, you should place the panels parallel to the light fluxes, which is why it is necessary to take up work in the daytime.
Flexible material
Have you heard about the flexible lamellas of a PVC laminate? We want to introduce you to a hybrid that incorporates the strength characteristics of a plastic laminate and the flexibility of linoleum. Let's dwell on the main characteristics of such a bright novelty in the market of building and finishing materials:
- Insignificant thickness. The thickness of the lamellas is only 5-9 mm, due to which an ordinary construction knife can be used to cut them.
- No need for foundation preparation. You do not have to carefully level the base, such a coating can be laid directly on the old floor. The basic rules for laying the material remain the same, but there is no longer any need to use a substrate.
- The presence of adhesive smart tape. It is used to connect panels in series with each other. The new lamella should be carried at an angle of 45 degrees to the already fixed one, after which, gently lowering, fix.
- Using a rubber roller. After one row of material is laid, it is necessary for greater reliability to walk along the joints with a special rubber roller.
If you carefully follow the instructions, you can get a perfectly flat surface in a short period of time.
To summarize
PVC laminate is a modern material that has absorbed the advantages of a traditional laminate and the latest innovations. If you are looking for a spectacular, reliable and practical floor covering in your home, do not want to deal with the deformation of the lamellas, pay particular attention to the panels made of polyvinyl chloride. Each man will be able to cope with the installation independently, without resorting to the help of professionals. Be sure to visit the nearest hardware store and personally get acquainted with innovative material. We are convinced that you will be pleasantly surprised by the set of clear and undeniable advantages.