Vinyl flooring: the pros and cons, especially the structure

The structure and manufacturing technology vinyl floors

Advantages of vinyl flooring explained by the peculiarities of their structure. They constitute the laminate, the major components of which are polyvinyl chloride and mineral (usually quartz) chips. Also in the vinyl flooring includes stabilizers, inert fillers, resins and plasticisers. By hot pressing these components combined into a new material with a multilayer structure.

The basis consists of PVC and silica fume, which gives the floors the necessary elasticity and strength. It is because of the presence of such quartz flooring called

Quartz-vinyl. In some models have another lower layer - adhesive substrate with a protective film.

Above is the colored decorative layer. In the drawing it is applied, simulating the tile, board, parquet, cork, stone, pebbles, strict geometric or abstract pattern bright. To protect the image from abrasion is applied on top of a special polyurethane film.

The uppermost layer protects kvartsvinilovoe transparent coating from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

This complicated structure can achieve incredible strength and wear resistance of the material. He does not lose species for decades.

Interesting fact! The vinyl floors is possible to combine the advantages of many kinds of flooring. Flexibility they resemble linoleum, Strength - the stone, ease of installation and shape - laminate. Only, unlike the latter, vinyl tile has no locking system. It is replaced by a special hollow sinuses, coated with adhesive. Another difference is in the thickness of the coating - it is twice thinner than the laminate.

Vinyl flooring: the pros and cons of using the coating in a residential area

Vinyl flooring came back in the second half of the last century. Over the years, it greatly modified and gradually acquired the unique characteristics, which guaranteed him a popularity today. They are used in offices, industrial buildings, in apartments. More and more people prefer this type of floor covering. What are the pros and cons of vinyl flooring, in the opinion of these people have been identified for the period of their use?

Advantages of vinyl flooring

One of the main advantages of quartz vinyl floor is its amazing strength and durability. It serves for decades without losing its original appearance. Thanks to the included in its composition mineral crumb, it is almost not subject to abrasion, and special film protective layer does not allow him to fade from intense exposure to sunlight or harsh detergent funds. However, this is true only in respect of expensive vinyl flooring (with the review can be found on specialized forums).

Coating of vinyl is also characterized by an increased resistance to wear, not afraid of scratches and cracks, it is not formed dents from furniture legs, as is the case with cork floors.

Among the other advantages of the fabric, it is worth mentioning watertight. It allows you to lay the vinyl cover on the floor in rooms with high humidity and significant temperature changes, such as bathrooms or open areas. The coating will provide a sufficient level of waterproofing for many years, since not afraid of water and can not be deformation due to the effects of steam or heat.

Judging by the numerous reviews of the vinyl floors in the Internet, they are not formed by mold or fungus. And the fact that it does not find attractive for himself small pests, such as mice and rats, allows the use of this type of coverage in private homes.

Specialist shops offer a large selection of kvartsvinilovogo cover of various colors and textures. The range is so diverse that it is often difficult to understand when you look at vinyl flooring, what it is - wood, stone or leather. Photo Quartz vinyl flooring on the Internet demonstrate how easily and very believable they mimic any natural and synthetic materials.

If desired, you can find vinyl tiles, reminiscent of fine wood, gravel, natural or artificial stone, as well as bright abstractions or an unusual pattern. This will allow to design the interior in any style from classic to hi-tech and cost-effectively. Aesthetics of the material is not limited to a wide color palette. This coating has no visible seams and joints.

If you compare the cost of vinyl tiles and other types of flooring, it will appear that it is roughly equivalent to the cost of ceramic tiles and parquet or less than the cost of the cork floor.

Related article:

Wide outdoor plastic plinth: characteristics and selection of intricacies. The benefits of the variety and standard sizes of plastic moldings. installation methods.

Cons of vinyl flooring

Despite indisputable advantages of the coatings of vinyl laminate disadvantages well known.

Given the composition of the vinyl covering, consider it harmless - it is impossible. This entails several problems. First, the composite material is not subject to degradation, and therefore it can not be recycled. Second, new vinyl flooring for some time produces toxins. Adult they will not cause harm, but in children's rooms it is better not to use. It will not work for asthmatics, allergy sufferers, and people with weakened immune systems, because the substances secreted by them can irritate the mucous membranes and provoke the development of respiratory diseases.

Useful advice! Before you buy vinyl coatings should ask a health quality certificate. Its presence ensures the safety of use of the fabric in the apartment.

Not recommended for vinyl fire hazard in the kitchen, as in this room, we can not exclude the possibility of fire, and the material in combustion emits toxic substances.

Vinyl tile is a tough, durable and hermetic coating. But because of these qualities of the dismantling of the floor covering is associated with difficulties. Even if it is damaged only a small section of the floor, it can not be replaced. Necessary to remove completely all vinyl.

Vinyl floor resistant to mechanical stress and aggressive chemical attack. However, there are substances and materials which contact with a negative impact on the form and quality of vinyl tile. One such material is considered unsuitable tires. From contact with her vinyl discolor and tarnish. For this reason, it is not necessary to get to the bathroom vinyl floor mats.

Due to the small thickness of the coating can not be made vinyl floor warm. Gender necessarily have extra insulated, which will increase the cost of repairs.

Depending on the level of wear resistance of vinyl flooring used in homes and offices, airports, schools, shops. Correctly select the desired option allows you to divide coverage into several classes:

1. The average level of use, durability class 23-31. It is used in a residential area with a small cross. The service life of the coating thickness of 2 mm is not great (only 6 years old), but it represented a huge range of colors and textures.
2. Intense level, class 32-42, coating thickness of 2.5 mm. It is used in public and commercial buildings - offices, schools, shopping centers, etc... It can last up to 15 years, and in the flats up to 30 years.
3. The maximum level of 43 grade, thickness 3 mm. It was created specifically for rooms with high traffic and high mechanical loads - at work, gyms, airports, garages. Its distinctive features - high elasticity, good anti-static and anti-slip properties.

Tips for laying vinyl floor with their hands

Before laying the vinyl flooring (videos can be found on the Internet), you must carefully clean the floor of any debris and dry. Otherwise, even fine particles can spoil the soft bottom layer and lead to deformations and ruptures the coating during further operation.

The surface on which it is planned to lay vinyl tiles must be perfectly flat. Since differences floors should not exceed 3 mm, the concrete floor should be leveled self-leveling screed, then primed. The wooden base is also suitable for gluing tiles, but its pre-aligned by a thin veneer. Instead of plywood can be used chipboard (ADI), but they are not suitable for mounting adhesive laminate because of its rough and uniform surface.

Useful advice! To facilitate the work with the finishing material, vinyl after the purchase should be left for some time in the room, without removing it from the packaging. If the outside temperature at the time of the tiles transportation was below 10⁰C, this time should be not less than two days.

Necessarily it is necessary to put on the floor layout, if work is to be coated with an adhesive. The room should be divided into 4 sectors relative to the center. Installation of tiles start from the site, which is located furthest away from the door and carried out from the center to the corners of the room. Self adhesive is applied on the concrete floor for a quarter hours, then tiles laid and pressed with a rubber roller or a flat plaque. It is necessary to completely remove it from under the tape, otherwise the surface will be uneven. It is necessary to apply the adhesive comb with very fine teeth.

Mounting of the tool joint is the same as the conventional laminate assembly. By projecting edge strip of protective coating disposed covering the adhesive edge. It must be removed, put in a projection-laid laminate groove and knock a rubber mallet to connect the edges.

When laying the tiles on the adhesive film is removed and the substrate is pressed down to the floor. It is important to do it right the first time, because if you stick tiles several times and tear, the quality sticking it will not work. To avoid this, you must first remove the narrow edge of the protective film and attach the vinyl to the already laid tile. Then remove the entire film and firmly press it down to the floor. It is important to trim the edges and fit the tiles before the adhesive film is removed.

Important! During installation of quartz vinyl coating needs to move on already-laid laminate. This is primarily due to the necessity to comply with perfect surface finish, to be coated.

Immediately after installation it is necessary to check the quality of stacking so there were no depressions or bulges. Corners and joints should be neat and tidy.

Remove excess adhesive can cloth moistened with an alcoholic solution or soapy water. Wash the floor can be a day after the laying of the floor and arrange the furniture - in two days.

Proper care of quartz vinyl floor coverings

for quartz vinyl floor care, reviews of the internet, is not complicated. They can be vacuumed, including using a vacuum cleaner for wet cleaning, sweep, wash with a damp cloth. Gloss will give them special facilities for linoleum (Various solutions and mastics).

In spite of the excellent wear resistance and durability of vinyl flooring (photo presented in this article), they can not wash their aggressive abrasive detergents and industrial cleaners. They not only can lead to discoloration of the coating, but also to deform it. If such a tool is still spilled, it should be immediately removed.

Although vinyl flooring is not afraid of hard mechanical impact, yet when moving furniture should use special suede lining for feet or plywood sheets.

These simple rules will help keep the vinyl floor in perfect condition for many years.