In the market of building( finishing) materials, PVC products have been known for a long time. Many of them are used, including, as a floor covering. The most striking example is the traditional linoleum( not to be confused with natural!), Which we encounter almost daily. Even if not in their own home, then in various institutions and organizations for sure. What is so great about vinyl tiles as a floor covering, that she should devote a separate article, considering that there are more than enough written about different materials from PVC?
By the way, its correct is "quartz-vinyl".Many of its advantages are explained by the fact that production technology provides for the use of marble chips or sand as one of the components. Naturally, quartz. We will not follow the "advertisers" to repeat already "beaten" and orderly podnadoevshie language, which can basically apply to most materials. This is easy to check if you compare the descriptions of some similar products( in terms of use) - durability, environmental friendliness, fire safety and the like. It is unlikely that their simple transfer will be not only interesting, but also informative.
Therefore, we will evaluate all the pros and cons of this product from the point of view of the master-practitioner with the "decoding" of certain provisions. We note at once that the main feature of vinyl tiles is that it successfully combines many characteristics of completely dissimilar materials. In this regard, it is universal in application.
Advantages of
Simplicity of finishing the floor
- All products are characterized by strict geometry, so their installation, adjustment of the complexities is not. The dimensions of linoleum linen are also standard, but it is much more difficult to work with them than with piece material. It does not require proof.
- The material is easily cut with a conventional knife.
- Elasticity allows you to lay vinyl tiles, even where "hard" types of coating can not be used.
- Important factor - for a quality installation, the "substrate" is not required, and the backing material can be any( with rare exceptions).
- Do not have to do and screed the floor. This is sometimes a big problem, as it is not always easy to do or convenient, or it is possible( after all, this is an additional burden on the overlap).
- Fixing of products can be made in different ways, depending on the type of tile - "landing" on the glue, lock connections. There is an option "self-adhesive", when the composition is already applied to the back side and covered with a protective film, which is removed immediately before installation.
Wear resistance and increased strength
These qualities can not boast of all materials for flooring. Already the fact that individual manufacturers give their products a guarantee of at least 30 years, speaks volumes.
Comfort of use
If you compare this product with ceramic tiles, which are often laid out in bathrooms and toilets, the advantage is undeniable. Quartz-vinyl - "warm"( as in its structure polymers), and what our feet feel on the "ceramic" floor, everyone knows. Especially "nice" to attack him after taking the procedures in the bath. Perhaps the extremals are just right, but most people are forced to use different "mats"( mats, rugs, gratings).And this - additional hassle and dampness, because under them regularly accumulates moisture and dirt. A PVC tile eliminates the need to cover the floor with something else.
Care
You can do anything with such a floor - wash, clean, vacuum. In addition, the products are protected by an external layer( "antistatic"), therefore, dust on the joints of plates will not accumulate.
Repairability
Who changed the damaged panel, board or strip of linoleum, knows what it's worth, especially on the site, furniture-packed. Items in terms of replacement are much more convenient.
Traumatic safety
This can not be said about every material for "finish" finishing of floors. In this regard, there can be no claims to the vinyl tile - the legs will not slide on it. Considering the dimensions of the products, they are very convenient, for example, for stacking on stairs.
Resistance to external factors
Liquids
It is the inadequate water resistance indicators that limit the choice of materials for "finish" finishing of floors in rooms with excessive humidity. Vinyl tiles can be laid in the kitchen( like moisture resistant laminate), in the bathroom, sauna, swimming pool - anywhere.
Chemical compounds
There is no sense in talking about all substances without exception. But as for household "chemistry", acids, alkalis, then with respect to them the vinyl tile is inert. Of course, if it's quality products, not falsification. Tested in practice.
Thermal action
Firstly, , such a term as "temperature deformation", does not exist for "quartz-vinyl".Consequently, during the operation there will be no gaps between the samples or the effect of "warping" the cladding.
Secondly, , the proportion of minerals( including sand) can reach up to 75%.And they, as you know, do not burn.
Thirdly, , unlike many materials, does not have harmful vapors at high temperatures.
Mechanical effects
Defects such as chips, scratches, dents - are excluded. Unless specially to try.
Ultraviolet
Vinyl tiles do not burn out in areas where sunlight is falling. Therefore, the coating remains invariably homogeneous.
Large assortment of
There are samples on sale that imitate almost any material - wood, stone, plastic. The surface is monophonic, textured or with patterns, of different shades. This greatly simplifies the choice of the best option for finishing the floor.
It should also take into account the fact that vinyl tiles are also divided into categories - for domestic use, commercial and so on. This greatly expands the possibilities for selecting the finishing material.
"Cons" tiles
Disadvantages can be found everywhere and in everything, especially if you try. But all the same it is necessary to pay attention to such moments:
- it is necessary qualitative alignment of a basis. The tile is elastic, so all the "mounds" and "depressions" will be noticeable, since the thickness of the products will not hide them;
- on the surface of concrete( cement screed), it should not be glued, as there will be problems if you need to replace one or more samples. Therefore in such cases it is better to purchase products with fastening "spike-groove".
