Liquid linoleum is also called a bulk polymer floor, which is extremely comfortable to use. In the design of the premises is a completely new word. For industrial buildings, such a coating is a real find, since it does not have to be repaired or changed during operation due to its long service life. Such floors can add a unique visual volume to any interior due to their seamless surface and soft shine. That is why they are often used in small rooms. After installation, shrinkage will be minimal, and the appearance will be excellent.
Positive features of different types of liquid linoleum
Liquid linoleum today is on sale in a wide range. Each species has different ingredients at its base. For example, polyurethane floors are characterized by excellent performance. Such material can be laid independently in rooms for various purposes. Epoxy-urethane floors are especially resistant to abrasion, so they are used in rooms that are subject to increased stress. These include warehouses, workshops and corridors. However, you must be prepared for a fairly high cost.
If you decide to choose liquid linoleum for repair, but are very limited in the timing of the work, then you can choose methyl methacrylate floors, which can be used within two hours after application. Such a coating is characterized by frost resistance and excellently tolerates aggressive influences. That is why liquid linoleum of this type can be operated in particularly difficult conditions.
If it is necessary to create a floor with a difficult operating mode, it is best to choose cement-polyurethane coatings that perfectly cope with the effects of high temperatures and effectively protect the concrete screed from destruction. That is why this material is successfully used for car service premises. The most common today are polyurethane floors, the coating thickness of which can vary from 0.5 to 6 millimeters. But epoxy have a higher hardness. They cost less, while polyurethane is more scratch resistant.
Main advantages
The described floor covering has many positive characteristics, among them: higher softness compared to linoleum and outstanding thermal insulation characteristics. You can combine such material even with a warm floor system. The coating is durable, environmentally friendly, hygienic, and easy to clean. The surface is distinguished by the absence of traumatic slip, and also does not contain toxic substances among the ingredients. In addition, the material can be used as a rough base for laying any finishing coating.
Liquid linoleum, the price of which depends on the ingredients, can have any image on the surface, which is convenient when there is a need to use the floor without further finishing. Consumers really like the high level of waterproofing and fire safety, as well as the lack of joints and seams in which dirt and bacteria do not collect. Polymer floors are extremely resistant to low temperatures. That is why they can be used even in freezer conditions. This flooring is also distinguished by the fact that it can be operated at a wide temperature range, which varies from - 60 to +90 degrees. And even beyond these values, the floor will not ignite, smoke or emit toxins.
Work technology: preparation
Floor coverings of the bulk type can be additionally insulated, for this it will be necessary to fill the draft base with an even layer of expanded clay. After thermal insulation is poured with a cement-sand screed, which can be prepared independently. Experts advise to purchase purchased mixtures for arranging screed rough coating. As soon as this layer completely dries, you can start arranging the floor using the "liquid linoleum" technology.
By consistency, the composition should resemble liquid sour cream. But it is important not only to prepare it correctly, but also to make the rough surface suitable for further work. On the basis there should not be defects, but just the concrete screed acts as the most practical solution . Some craftsmen use a wooden coating, but sometimes it is sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature.
Features of the preparatory phase
Floor coverings of the type of liquid linoleum must be poured onto a concrete surface, to which special requirements are imposed. Among them, residual humidity not exceeding 4%. After pouring the screed, it is necessary to wait a certain time, which is required to remove residual moisture from the concrete. If there is no time, and the deadlines are running out, it is recommended to use a two-component epoxy preparation in the form of soil. If there are irregularities on the surface of the screed, it must be primed, which will close the pores and contribute to better adhesion of the materials. On the old finish in the form of ceramic tiles, you can fill the floor. However, first you need to wash and degrease the surface, and then treat with soil. Exfoliating tiles must be removed, and then fill the voids with cement mortar.
The need for priming
Bulk linoleum most often stacks on a pre-primed base. This eliminates the formation of bubbles. The primer itself must be applied to a clean surface using a roller. In order to increase adhesion to the self-leveling floor, fine-grained sand must be poured onto dry soil. For the primer should use a composition for concrete, which is not recommended to save. If the soil is quickly absorbed, its application must be repeated.
Base layer fill
Liquid linoleum, reviews of which are only the most positive, should be poured in several stages. This is necessary for the rational use of materials. The surface of the floor will be smooth, without clots and swelling, if you level the rough base. The bulk floor itself will consist of two layers: base and finish. The first should have a thickness within 3 millimeters, it should be applied 6-12 hours after the completion of priming, which is true for a polyurethane floor. If you intend to use an epoxy coating, wait about 12-17 hours before applying it.
It is necessary to build the floor using a special technology, which provides for the initial creation of a base layer in the form of a continuous coating. It is necessary to apply the material by filling. After the composition is evenly distributed on the surface. If you have to cover a fairly large area, then the polymer mass should be applied in alternating strips. The mass should be allowed to spontaneously spread and level out. Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare a special tool, which is a doctor blade with an adjustable gap. With it, you can apply a layer of the desired thickness.
Methodology
In order to remove air bubbles, the surface of the mixture must be treated with a roller with long spikes. These manipulations must be carried out in different directions without lifting the tool. It is necessary to complete the process within 15 minutes, until the composition begins to increase the viscosity. Bulk floors, the cost of which can amount to an average of 3000 rubles. per square meter along with work, quite often stacked using a two-component composition. In this case, the mixture must be kneaded in the amount that you have time to develop before the hardening. In the process of rolling the surface of the roller on shoes should wear devices that have metal spikes, they will eliminate the violation of the integrity of the coating. Before interruption of operation, the tool must be thoroughly rinsed in solvent.
Topcoat
Liquid linoleum, the price of which can reach 6000 rubles. per square meter, along with work, is poured in two stages. A day after applying the base foundation, but no later than 48 hours later, you can begin to apply the finish layer. Its thickness can vary from 1 to 2 millimeters. In order to improve the chemical characteristics of the coating and maintain its luster, it is recommended that the filling be completed with a thin layer of polyurethane varnish. The resulting coating will be monolithic and almost will not give temperature shrinkage, but along the walls and in the doors the layer must be cut through, and then filled with sealant.
Conclusion
Bulk floors, the cost of which in the most economical version can be equal to 410 rubles. per square meter, quite often settled by property owners on their own. The cost mentioned above is relevant for a thin floor, the layer of which will be 0.5 millimeters.