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Despite the fact that manufacturers have provided the flooring market with a diverse range that meets all requirements and building codes, when choosing a flooring for their home, the consumer still opts for traditional linoleum. This is due to the fact that using this flooring as an example, the manufacturer has the opportunity to demonstrate optimal combination price and quality, which is not always possible in relation to similar materials. In addition, linoleum is one of the most unpretentious and, unlike parquet, easy to install materials. It would seem that the choice is obvious, but there are pitfalls here too. The flooring market is developing, and linoleum also continues to improve. All this leads to the fact that the consumer has to deal with a large number of varieties of linoleum, each of which is characterized by its purpose, advantages and disadvantages. Faced with a choice, an inexperienced master who does not have theoretical knowledge O various types linoleum, often unable to quickly navigate, which leads to various kinds of difficulties and errors when choosing suitable material. To prevent them, and to help inexperienced craftsmen in the process of choosing a popular floor covering, our experts have prepared this article telling about the purpose, advantages and disadvantages of each type of linoleum.

Linoleum: main advantages and disadvantages

Linoleum, rightly called one of the most economical and popular materials among those offered by the construction market, is characterized by certain advantages and disadvantages, which we will consider further.

Fundamental advantages of linoleum:

• The ease of installation of flooring is one of the main advantages of linoleum, thanks to which you can install the flooring yourself;
• Ease of operation and low maintenance, since, unlike laminate or parquet, traces of street dirt are less visible on linoleum, which is especially important for rooms with high traffic;
• No application required protective coating, mandatory for parquet;
• Moisture resistance and resistance to acids, which makes it possible to lay linoleum in rooms with frequent wet cleaning;
• Elasticity and low slip level, ensuring the safety of people’s movement, which allows the use of linoleum as flooring in gyms and in public places;
• High heat and soundproofing characteristics, which is also relevant not only for residential but also public premises;
• Thanks to the variety of decor and colors, designers have an inexhaustible field for realizing their most daring ideas.

Disadvantages of linoleum:

Before you lay linoleum, you need to make sure that the base on which you will lay the linoleum is perfectly level. But in general, this applies to any floor covering;

• In the process of using synthetic linoleum, chemical components are used, but PVC coatings comply with sanitary and hygienic requirements and standards;
• If furniture is moved, you may find dents in the flooring left by the furniture.

Important! If you carefully analyze the disadvantages and advantages of linoleum, you will notice that the latter predominate and are more convincing, and therefore not every floor covering is able to compete with linoleum.

Scope of use of linoleum: main varieties

In the process of choosing linoleum for residential or public premises, it is important to consider not only external characteristics material, but also its physical properties. Elastic PVC coatings, in accordance with the degree of wear resistance, distinguish several classes of linoleum application. In accordance with European standards, linoleum is classified into 21-23, 31-34, 41-43 use classes. Russian standards suggest the division of linoleum in accordance with the scope of its use, that is, there are three main types of flooring, each of which includes linoleum of a certain class.

In accordance with this characteristic, household linoleum, commercial and semi-commercial linoleum are distinguished, each of which is intended for installation in rooms with varying traffic levels. In addition, special-purpose linoleum is distinguished separately.

Under the concept household linoleum This means a floor covering of class 21-23, made on a foam base and characterized by a multi-layer structure. Among the advantages of this class of material are high-quality sound insulation properties, environmental friendliness, high decorative characteristics and pleasant tactile sensations upon contact with the surface of the coating - these are the main characteristics that the manufacturer provides in the process of manufacturing cheap linoleum. However, it is impossible to create a material that meets all requirements, and therefore, a budget option loses to its more expensive counterparts. The thickness of the protective layer of household linoleum does not exceed 0.1-0.35 mm, as a result of which this material suffers from low wear resistance and an insufficiently impressive appearance. Used for residential premises only.

Commercial linoleum, also called technical, is a floor covering with increased wear resistance, belonging to application class 41-43. The manufacturer guarantees at least 10 years of service in areas characterized by high traffic. These include school corridors and classrooms, reception areas, trading floors and even airports. The strength of this coating is ensured different ways. If the strength of homogeneous (single-layer) linoleum is ensured due to the density and uniformity of the material, then to ensure the reliability of the heterogeneous material, the manufacturer uses additional strengthening and stabilizing layers. Environmentally friendly technical linoleum in no way inferior household varieties, and therefore, it can also be used for domestic purposes, which is significantly limited due to the high cost of the material.

In addition to technical and household linoleum, there is a “golden mean” - semi-commercial linoleum, implying material with 31-34 application class. It is characterized by greater wear resistance compared to household linoleum, and less demanding installation than commercial flooring. Semi-commercial linoleum can be used both in domestic and public spaces characterized by average traffic.

Types of linoleum photo

Layer composition and technical characteristics of semi-commercial linoleum

This type of flooring consists of three layers:

• PVC backing(for the semi-commercial variety, only foamed). Some models are characterized by the addition of glass fiber to the foam backing, which increases the strength of the material and allows it to avoid stretching. In addition, fiberglass performs heat and sound insulation functions, which even allows it to be separated into a separate, independent layer;
• Decorative layer responsible for the appearance of the floor covering. It can be either monochromatic or include several colors, and also imitate any natural materials, including stone, granite or wood;
• PVC or polyurethane protective layer , preventing premature wear of the coating. For semi-commercial varieties of linoleum, its thickness is 0.4-0.6 mm.

Technical characteristics of semi-commercial linoleum:

• Weight 1 sq. meters - 2-2.5 kg, unlike household linoleum, weight 1 sq. meters of which does not exceed 1.2-1.8 kg;
• When choosing semi-commercial linoleum, the width of which is from 2 to 4 meters, you should know that thanks to optimal thickness the protective layer is resistant not only to temperature, but also to mechanical influences;
• The warranty for this linoleum is from 7 to 20 years.

Types of linoleum according to the material used

Taking this feature into account, the following types of linoleum are distinguished:

• Natural linoleum;
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC linoleum);
• Colloxylin (nitrocellulose linoleum);
• Glyphthalic (alkyd linoleum);
• Rubber linoleum or so-called relin.

Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Natural linoleum, the distinctive feature of which is the presence of only natural components, is considered an absolutely harmless and environmentally friendly material. For its production, wood and limestone flour, flour obtained from balsa wood, linseed oil, natural resins coniferous trees and natural dyes. For the manufacture of load-bearing base natural materials are also used - most often jute fabric. Sometimes, to increase the wear resistance of natural linoleum, it is coated with a polymer, but you can purchase flooring without a varnish layer. Natural linoleum can be either baseless or fabric-based. Natural linoleum has the following advantages:

• High wear resistance combined with a spectacular appearance;
• Optimal fire resistance and resistance to flame spread in case of fire;
• Easy to maintain, limited to dry or wet cleaning, and long-term preservation initial characteristics;
• Bactericidal properties provided by linseed oil included in its composition;
• No tendency to accumulate static electricity;
• Resistant to ultraviolet radiation, non-concentrated acids and ethyl alcohol.

Important! Despite undeniable advantages, this material has one significant drawback - insufficient plasticity, and therefore difficulties often arise during its transportation, since careless handling can cause kinks.

PVC linoleum, just like natural material, can be produced with or without a base. Natural materials are now rarely used as a basis, which have been replaced by synthetic ones. There are baseless synthetic linoleum, linoleum on a foam, fabric or heat-sound-insulating non-woven base.

Important! A popular representative of linoleum using a non-woven heat and sound insulating substrate is PVC linoleum on felt base, in the manufacturing process of which a thick artificial felt backing is used. Thanks to its unique structure When laying linoleum on a felt base, there is no need to glue it or use a screed. This type linoleum, the dimensions of which vary from 1.5 to 3.5 m in width, has a transparent protective layer, as well as a needle-punched heat and sound insulating base made of polypropylene and lavsan fibers, and is used mainly for domestic purposes.

An important disadvantage of synthetic linoleum, with the exception of those models for which a foam or fiberglass base is used, is the large shrinkage when used at elevated temperatures and the presence of artificial components in its composition. Despite the fact that they meet all quality standards and are absolutely harmless, there is a stereotype in the world that the presence of artificial components in the composition of the material affects not only its quality, but also environmental safety. Besides, characteristic feature Such floor covering has a specific smell that disappears during its use.

According to the number of layers, PVC linoleum can be divided into two groups: homogeneous, consisting of one layer, and heterogeneous, which includes several layers.

• Homogeneous linoleum is a panel with a thickness of 1.5 to 3 mm, characterized by a monochromatic pattern. Limestone, talc and kaolin are used for its production. To prevent the fillers that make up linoleum from reaching its surface, polyurethane protection is applied to it. A significant disadvantage of such linoleum is the need to sand off the protective coating at least once every 3-6 months;
• Heterogeneous PVC linoleums are a more versatile and practical floor covering with a multi-layer structure. The basis for this floor covering is fiberglass impregnated with polyvinyl chloride paste, covered on the front side with a PVC layer with a different composition. It is on this that the manufacturer applies a design, which is protected by a transparent high-strength polyvinyl chloride layer, the thickness of which does not exceed 0.15 mm.

Important! Linoleum, the pattern on which is applied not chemically, but mechanically, is more consistent with quality standards and is a more reliable floor covering.

In addition to fiberglass, the production of linoleum uses a backing that can be foam, polyester, fabric or jute. It is applied to the fiberglass base from the reverse side and prevents the linoleum from deforming when exposed to high temperatures.

Less common, but still used in construction practice, varieties of linoleum are the following types of flooring:

• Colloxylin or so-called nitrocellulose linoleum, which is a thin baseless floor covering characterized by elasticity and high moisture resistance. But, despite these advantages, it is not resistant to fire;
• Glypthal linoleum, superior to polyvinyl chloride varieties in terms of heat and soundproofing indicators, are made using a fabric base. Characteristic feature of this variety is its increase in width and decrease in length of the stripes;
• Relin - rubber linoleum is a material consisting of two layers, the bottom of which is made of crushed rubber bound with bitumen-containing materials, and the top is a mixture of synthetic rubber, fillers and pigments. Distinctive feature RELINA is elastic and highly moisture resistant.

Types of linoleum according to the type of base

To fully answer the question: “How to choose linoleum?”, you need to familiarize yourself with its varieties depending on the type of base used, systematizing the information already obtained previously. In accordance with this feature, there are:

• Baseless linoleum, which is a thin single-layer coating without a base. It is characterized by low cost and is used for domestic premises with high humidity such as kitchens and bathrooms. Due to its small thickness, it should only be laid on a completely flat base;
• Foamed linoleum It is a multilayer structure with a thickness of 2 to 3.5 mm and does not require gluing over the entire area of ​​the canvas, but only along the diagonals and corners. Just like the previous variety, it is used in domestic premises with high humidity levels, where the joints of the panels are welded hot welding or cold, using specialized liquid formulations;

• Linoleum on warm basis is a floor covering consisting of a base made of natural or artificial jute or felt, and a top protective polymer layer. The thickness of felt-based linoleum is at least 5 mm. Due to its elasticity and ability to retain heat, warm-based linoleum is used in domestic premises with normal humidity levels. Experts recommend laying it in a single sheet, without joints, as this will prevent moisture from getting through the joint onto the base. Since it expands slightly during operation, this must be taken into account during the installation process, leaving a small gap between the coating and the wall, not exceeding 5 mm.

Special types of linoleum: brief description

Antistatic linoleum characterized by a structure that prevents the accumulation of static electricity associated with a large number of operating electrical appliances. Due to the fact that dust negatively affects highly sensitive devices, the antistatic coating of linoleum prevents its accumulation. Unlike other types of linoleum, antistatic linoleum can be used in rooms where high-precision equipment is located;

Sports linoleum- material intended for installation of flooring in sports premises. Due to the fact that high-strength polyvinyl chloride is used as the top layer of sports linoleum, it is able to withstand increased loads and at the same time maintain its original performance characteristics. It is characterized by strength, elasticity and safety;

Liquid linoleum, also called polymer self-leveling flooring, is an innovative development and does not differ in appearance from ordinary linoleum, but feels reminiscent of ceramic tiles to the touch.

What are its main advantages?

• Due to the fact that the floor is poured at the same time, there are no gaps or joining seams;
• You can use it in rooms with varying configuration complexity without wasting time on joining the pattern;
• Due to the inclusion of various dyes and decorative pigments in its composition, it is characterized by the widest color palette;
• High strength, reliability and impact resistance of the coating, due to its significantly greater thickness compared to other varieties (more than 1.5 mm);
• Absolute waterproofness, ensuring the effectiveness of its use in rooms with high humidity;
• Environmental safety, making it possible to use it in children's rooms.

3D linoleum- another innovative development of flooring manufacturers that allows you to emphasize unique style any room. The ability to visually increase the space of a room several times, thanks to 3D effects, is not the only advantage of this material. Thanks to the use modern technologies, the manufacturer, taking into account the wishes of the customer, applies drawings with 3D effects to the linoleum, which, when viewed, will create the impression of volume. Like others innovative developments, 3D linoleum is characterized by high wear resistance, impact resistance and resistance to temperature fluctuations.

Currently, there is an intensive development of the linoleum market. Moreover, high-quality linoleum is now represented not only by well-known foreign companies, but also by domestic manufacturers. The market offers huge assortment of this product with the most different characteristics, so there is plenty to choose from. You can buy natural or synthetic, expensive heterogeneous or cheaper homogeneous linoleum - the main thing is that the coating is practical to use and quite durable. Optimal choice knowledge of the main types and characteristics of linoleum will help.

Natural linoleum is the most environmentally friendly and safe finishing material

Types of linoleum based on binding material

So, linoleum - what is this amazing finishing material that has gained enormous popularity among millions of consumers?

Modern linoleum is divided according to the composition of the binding components into five large groups:

1. Natural linoleum consists of natural ingredients - linseed oil, pine resin, oak bark flour, wood flour, limestone powder, natural dyes. Available with base and baseless. The base is made of jute fabric. Natural linoleum does not fade, does not change color with use, and is resistant to acids, alkalis, ethyl alcohol, and fats.
2. Polyvinyl chloride linoleum, there are several types of it. It is made on non-woven, fabric and foam bases. There are also baseless, single-layer and multi-layer options. The main disadvantage of PVC linoleum is shrinkage, which must be taken into account when laying the material.
3. Colloxin(nitrocellulose) linoleum is a thin baseless material with excellent moisture resistance and elasticity. Its main disadvantage is its high flammability.
4. Glypthal linoleum is produced on a woven base and has high heat and sound insulation properties. Over time, the glyphthalic linoleum sheet decreases in length and increases in width (this must be taken into account when laying).
5. Rubber linoleum (Relin) is made in two layers: the bottom layer is made of crushed wood, the top layer is made of synthetic rubber and filler. Characterized by excellent elasticity and moisture resistance, but living rooms it is not used because over time it begins to release substances harmful to humans.

The first 2 groups are most widespread in the construction industry. Of all linoleums, natural linoleum is the most environmentally friendly and safe finishing material.

Nevertheless, PVC coatings are much more popular among Russian consumers, since they have a much lower cost.

The range of roll widths is also quite convenient for the consumer - 1.5-5 meters (for homogeneous linoleum standard width – 2m). The basis of such linoleum is its top layer, consisting of pure polyvinyl chloride (sometimes with the addition of granules to give a 3D effect). This working top layer is reinforced with polyurethane to add more high performance wear resistance. For the substrate in this coating, non-woven fiber, natural fabric or foamed PVC is chosen. To preserve the material from compression and tension, these two layers are bonded together with fiberglass. The decorative layer contains a printed design. Thanks to him heterogeneous linoleum has thousands of colors, manufacturers offer a colossal number of coating designs to suit any most sophisticated taste.

Heterogeneous commercial linoleum - durable, wear-resistant flooring material With original design

According to the presence of a basis

According to the presence of a basis PVC coatings are divided into:

• linoleums without base;
• linoleum based

Baseless linoleum has several layers and may have a rough surface. It is characterized by the best wear resistance qualities. Usually used in places where there is heavy traffic.

Linoleum based can be produced on a foam or jute (fabric) basis. The first of them has good flexibility, good durability and various color options. Usually used in residential areas. Linoleum based on jute is laid in rooms with little traffic and where there is a need for improved thermal insulation.

By area of ​​application

By area of ​​application, linoleum is classified into:

• domestic;
• semi-commercial;
• commercial;
• specialized.

can have either a foam or polyester base. The thickness of such linoleum is 1-4 millimeters. Big variety design, ease of installation, softness and, most importantly, the most low price among linoleums - all this attracts the attention of buyers, despite the short service life of such linoleum under intense load conditions - only 2 years.

Household linoleum is popular for its wide variety of designs and low cost.

Commercial linoleum – the characteristics of which are radically different from those of other types of linoleum, it is a coating with very high wear resistance, which is painted through the entire thickness and has the thickest possible protective layer. Its main application is public areas, in which there is high traffic and the floor covering should have the highest wear resistance. This could be the floors of hospital rooms, school hallways or dance classrooms. In those places where durable linoleum with a not very rich palette of colors and paints is needed, commercial PVC linoleum is used. Among commercial linoleums there are both homogeneous and heterogeneous coatings. The service life of this group of coatings is 10-25 years.

the structure is similar to the household one (consists of a base, a decorative layer, a protective layer), but differs from it in the increased thickness of the protective top layer (up to 0.7 millimeters).

Semi-commercial linoleum is used in office premises

It is used in public and office spaces, it is also recommended for use in passage rooms of the house (corridor, staircase, kitchen). Semi-commercial linoleum - the characteristics and colors of which allow you to create unique and stylish patterns on the floor in hotels, small offices, preschool institutions, is also a durable coating with a service life often exceeding 10 years.

designed for special tasks:

The polyurethane layer gives sports linoleum additional wear resistance

• Sports linoleum is covered with a protective polyurethane layer, which gives the material wear resistance and also protects against dirt.
• Linoleum, which has a bactericidal coating (it contains antibacterial and antifungal additives), has a sterilization effect and is used in medical and medical institutions.
• Linoleum with an anti-slip coating is produced with the addition of corundum or quartz chips, which form a relief surface.
• Linoleum with a coating that has increased sound insulation is intended for rooms that have special requirements for acoustics.

Linoleum with anti-slip (embossed) surface in the kitchen

Linoleum with a bactericidal protective layer is used in medical institutions

Technical characteristics of linoleum

Linoleum is characterized, first of all, by such indicators as the length and width of the roll, the thickness of the coating, the thickness of the protective layer of the material, and service life.

The main technical characteristics of linoleum are:

• water resistance;
• density;
• resistance to abrasion and indentation;
• flammability;
• resistance to chemicals;
• sound and heat insulation performance;
• antistatic;
• color characteristics.

Foreign manufacturers who produce linoleum explain the technical characteristics of their own products with expressive cryptograms. This is clear and, in addition, the consumer is able to understand the features of the material without translation.

Width of linoleum: what is it?

As you know, the width of linoleum should be equal to the width of the room, so that during the installation process you do not have to glue the pieces together.

The width of linoleum is chosen according to the width of the room to avoid joints

Modern stores offer a huge selection of all kinds of linoleum and each coating has different widths and certain features. Therefore, considering the consumption of this coating, you need to choose optimal width. A natural question arises: how wide is linoleum?

1. Alkyd linoleum, which can be single-color, multi-color or with printed design, is offered in rolls, the width of which is 2-4 meters.
2. The width of multilayer polyvinyl chloride linoleum can be 1.5 - 4 meters. The width of PVC linoleum on a heat-insulating basis is 1.2-3 m. Polyvinyl chloride linoleum, made on a fabric basis, is available in widths of 1.6–3 m.
3. Rubber linoleum (Relin) is available in both plain and multi-colored and the width of the rolls varies in the range of 1-1.6 meters.

When choosing linoleum, it is advisable to take into account its characteristics and special qualities in order to use each specific coating for its intended purpose.

Despite the fact that linoleum has been used as a floor covering for over 150 years, it still remains one of the most popular finishing materials for flooring. And this is not surprising, given the almost unlimited number of colors, affordable cost and ease of installation. To choose the right linoleum for your home, apartment or technical room, it is advisable to study in advance all existing types of material, its properties, characteristics and purpose.

We study the types of linoleum - a variety of compositions and binding materials

If we consider the varieties of linoleum, we can distinguish at least five groups.

These include:

1. Natural linoleums.
2. PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
3. Alkyd (glypthal).
4. Colloxylin (nitrocellulose).
5. Rubber (relin).

As the name suggests, each type contains absolutely different materials and binders.

1. Natural linoleum

In its production, linseed oil, crushed lime and cork tree bark, shell rock powder, coniferous tree resin, and natural dyes are used. Jute fabric is most often used as a base, although this floor covering can also be baseless.

If we focus on European standards, then natural linoleum should contain at least 30% flax oil and no more than 30% binders.

The main components of linoleum are special plasticizers, stabilizers, cork flour, pigments, mineral additives, acrylates. After mixing, the composition is applied to a pile, polyester, jute or PVC foam base and sent under the press. The flooring is ready.

According to statistics, PVC linoleum is so popular among consumers that it has confidently held the leading position in terms of production volumes for several years now.

3. Glypthal (alkyd) linoleum

The main binder of the material today is alkyd resins, which is where the second name for linoleum comes from - alkyd. Before the advent of new technologies, glyphthalic resin was used in the manufacture of linoleum in combination with wood flour, but such a coating was unstable to temperature changes and high mechanical loads. Replacement natural oils components obtained during production fatty acids, made it possible to improve the performance characteristics of the material and reduce the price of linoleum.

It is not as popular compared to previous groups, however, its sales account for 20% of the total volume of similar coatings made from other materials.

The main component of the material is nitrocellulose, therefore finished products has a characteristic shine. Colloxylin (nitrocellulose) is obtained by nitration of wood or cellulose from cotton. In addition, plasticizers, fillers, and pigments are added to the composition of linoleum.

The finished products are a single-layer baseless fabric with a smooth front surface. Standard colors are red or brown and their halftones.

It is also called relin. It usually consists of two layers, the production of which uses bitumen, recycled rubber, synthetic rubber, fillers, and pigments.

Since there is a danger of releasing toxic substances, this group of linoleums is prohibited for use in residential premises.

Properties of linoleum - why is this flooring attractive to buyers?

The use of modern technologies and materials makes linoleum interesting for buyers in terms of consumer properties:

• Easy to install allows you to refuse to hire specialists and do all the work yourself. The only thing a home craftsman should understand is how to choose the right linoleum and install it. The rest is a matter of technique.
• Relatively low price makes linoleum competitive in comparison with more expensive floor coverings such as parquet and laminate. Moreover, the variety of colors and textures “like wood” allows you to choose the most suitable option for any interior.
• Caring for linoleum is easy , which is why many housewives prefer it. The coating easily tolerates wet cleaning, is not afraid of dampness and detergents. It's pretty long time keeps his original appearance.
• Resistance of linoleum to temperature changes , humidity and mechanical abrasion makes it possible to use it in various rooms.
• Almost immediately after installation, the coating can be used for its intended purpose. . The minimum service life of linoleum is 10 years.

Characteristics of linoleum - the main parameters that determine the quality of the coating

The choice of linoleum should begin with a study of its technical characteristics, on which the service life of the coating and its performance will largely depend.

Comparative characteristics for different types of linoleum according to their intended purpose are given in the table.

Purpose of linoleum - which is better for a home, an apartment, or technical premises?

Depending on the purpose, there are three classes of linoleum: commercial, semi-commercial and household. This division is used for the convenience of buyers and sellers.

Commercial linoleum includes coatings of classes 32-34, 41-42. This is the most durable material, the wear resistance of which is comparable even to marble tiles. In addition to high wear resistance, the coating also does not support combustion and does not lose its qualities under the influence of acids. Its surface is very durable and does not leave dents from furniture or heels. The service life of linoleum is identical ceramic tiles, and the price is much more affordable. Typical places of application are the halls of hotels, hospitals, public buildings, shopping centers.

Commercial linoleum is produced in two types:

• Homogeneous.
• Heterogeneous.

Homogeneous linoleum is a baseless homogeneous fabric, the thickness of which is no more than 3 mm. An important feature is that abrasion of the coating does not affect the design due to the uniformity of the layer. This means only one thing, no matter how the linoleum wears out, it will always look like new.

Heterogeneous linoleum consists of several layers laid on a base. The thickness of the coating can reach up to 6 mm. The material is heterogeneous in composition, so the pattern is covered with a film on top to protect it from mechanical influences. As the film wears, the pattern fades. However, there is an undoubted plus - a wider range of colors and a choice of patterns than homogeneous linoleum. Various additives can also be used to impart certain properties to the coating (antistatic, antiseptic, anti-slip, etc.).

Semi-commercial linoleum corresponds to classes 31-33, combining simplicity and convenience with sufficient strength and resistance to mechanical damage. Thanks to the decorative layer, it comes in many colors. The pattern is protected from abrasion by a special film, which makes the linoleum surface more durable. The coating is made on a jute or foam base.

Semi-commercial linoleum feels most comfortable in places not connected to the street. It is used in rooms with average traffic: kindergartens, school classrooms, offices. It has also proven itself quite well at home, where there is increased load on the floor. This great option for arranging floors in corridors, kitchens, hallways.

• For bedrooms and living rooms, this layer should be 0.15 mm.
• For children's rooms - 0.20 mm.
• For corridors, hallways and kitchens - 0.25 mm.
• For service and office premises with average traffic – 0.30 mm.
• For service and office premises with heavy traffic - from 0.50 mm.

Household linoleum has a minimum wear resistance class of 21-23 units and is intended for finishing floors in residential premises. You cannot move heavy furniture on it or walk on it in stiletto heels; otherwise, with proper care, the coating will last quite a long time. Caring for it is quite simple. It is enough to carry out wet cleaning using standard detergents, and, if necessary, wiping with a special mastic.

Linoleum consists of several layers, i.e. refers to heterogeneous coatings. It can be baseless (1.5-3.0 mm thick) and with a PVC foam or fabric base (3.5-4.0 mm thick). The thicker the layer, the greater the load it can withstand, providing, in turn, better thermal insulation. In addition, thick linoleum easily hides minor defects floor.

A foam-based coating has a longer service life than a felt (jute)-based coating. It can be used in bathrooms and on verandas as the material is moisture resistant. Linoleum with a felt base has a more elastic and soft structure; walking on it barefoot does not cause discomfort. But in places with high humidity its use is undesirable.

Video tips for choosing linoleum, which linoleum is better

Wear resistance, moisture resistance, aesthetics, safety and reliability are properties that you need to pay attention to if you need to buy material for flooring. A good option is linoleum. But on construction market There are many types of this product, so you should study its characteristics in more detail. If the question arises about how to choose linoleum, the classification of this coating is given in this article.

Technical properties

Before purchasing linoleum, you should pay attention to the following parameters: roll length, thickness of the protective layer, degree of wear resistance and guarantee period. The material retains its attractive appearance for 10-15 years, but this indicator depends on the type of building, since in an industrial environment it will deteriorate faster than a product laid in a residential building.

The main characteristics of the linoleum classification include following parameters:

• density;
• wear resistance class;
• flammability and toxicity;
• heat and sound insulation properties;
• moisture resistance;
• resistance to harmful substances;
• thickness of the protective layer;
• the presence of an antiseptic coating;
• tendency to burn out;
• abrasion.

Product marking

When purchasing material, the seller is required to present certificates that confirm its quality. The document indicates the fire safety characteristics of linoleum, since manufacturers are required to label their products. The following should be indicated symbols:

• for domestic products these are GOSTs and TUs.
• foreign products are marked in accordance with European quality standards (EN).

Materials for making the coating

Linoleum is produced in industrial conditions using modern technologies and mechanical devices. Reliable and harmless materials are used for its production. In addition, manufacturers treat products with antifungal solutions.

The modern classification of linoleum by type of film former includes five groups:

1. Natural material Produced using environmentally friendly ingredients such as pine resin, linseed oil and limestone powder. This product does not fade or change color over time; in addition, it is resistant to alkalis, fats and acids. This is a safe material, so they cover floors in children's rooms.
2. PVC linoleum (polyvinyl chloride) is made on fabric, foam and non-woven bases. In addition, there are baseless, single- or multi-layer options.
3. A two-layer rubber coating (relin), the bottom layer of which consists of crushed wood (sawdust, shavings, wood chips), and the top layer of colored rubber. High moisture resistance, strength and elasticity are the advantages of this type of linoleum. However, over time, the material begins to release harmful substances, so it is not used in residential premises. But for industrial buildings this is an ideal option, since Relin is resistant to harmful reagents.
4. Colloxylin linoleum - thin material without a base, the main disadvantage of which is high flammability. For this reason, it is prohibited to cover wooden floors in rooms with explosive objects.
5. Glypthal coating is made on a woven base with the addition of coloring pigments and alkyd resins. It should be taken into account when laying: over time, the material will decrease in size.

These are the main types of classification of linoleum by composition. As a rule, coatings made from natural and polyvinyl chloride materials are used in construction, since the first product will be environmentally friendly, and the second will be cheap and of high quality.

Structure of PVC linoleum

Depending on this characteristic, the coating is of two types:

• homogeneous;
• heterogeneous.

A homogeneous product is a single-layer material 2 mm thick, in the manufacture of which dyes and PVC granules are used. The pattern on such a floor covering will remain for a long time, since it permeates the entire layer. Such linoleum is restored by sanding, removing about 10% of the thickness of the material.

Homogeneous roll coating is used in rooms with intense loads and in buildings where gurneys or carts are used. The lower the specific gravity of the product, the more PVC it ​​contains, and the wear resistance of the material depends on this indicator. The flooring will retain its attractive appearance for about 25 years.

Heterogeneous linoleum is a universal finishing material with a thickness of 6 mm. The top layer is made of pure PVC, which is supplemented with polyurethane to increase wear resistance. The backing is natural fabric, foamed polyvinyl chloride or non-woven fiber. The decorative layer is made in colors to suit every taste.

Application area

The classification of linoleum by application is as follows:

1. Household look.
2. Commercial (industrial).
3. Specialized.
4. Semi-commercial.

Household roll covering has a thickness of 1 to 4 mm. A variety of colors and styles, softness, easy installation and low price are the advantages due to which this type of material is very popular in construction. However, such a coating will deteriorate within a few years under intense load.

Commercial linoleum is a durable material, the protective layer of which is thick. They cover floors in school corridors, hospitals or dance halls. The service life of the product is from 10 to 20 years.

Classification of linoleum by special types next:

1. Covering with a protective layer for sports halls. This material is better protected from contamination and has a high wear resistance class.
2. Anti-slip linoleum with corrugated front part. The product is made with the addition of quartz chips.
3. Roll coating, which has high sound insulation properties, is used to cover the floor in a recording studio.
4. A product with a special antibacterial layer, which is used in hospitals and pharmacies.

Abrasion of linoleum

This technical parameter- an excellent indicator of how long it will take for the top layer of coating to lose its original appearance. When purchasing, you should take into account the classification of linoleum according to the degree of abrasion, which is divided into 4 key types:

1. Group T is the category of the most durable products.
2. P - low abrasion linoleum.
3. M - materials that are subject to moderate abrasion.
4. F - coatings that deteriorate the fastest.

It is important to know: the level of abrasion depends on the thickness and quality of the top layer of linoleum, and wear resistance depends on the size of the entire coating. The second parameter will be discussed in more detail.

Classification of linoleum by wear resistance

The material must be purchased taking into account the type of room in which it will be used as flooring. During operation, the product is subject to mechanical stress, which includes moving furniture and simple walking.

The wear resistance of the coating is determined using the European system EN 685. The classification of linoleum types in this case consists of a two-digit number, the first digit of which indicates the type of room, or more precisely:

• 2 - residential buildings (apartments, private houses, dormitories, cottages);
• 3 - office and public premises (schools, institutes, hospitals, etc.);
• 4 - industrial facilities, as well as train stations, airports, subways and other places where people gather at the same time a large number of of people.

The second digit is responsible for the load:

• 1 - low;
• 3 - intense;
• 4 - extremely high.

The main thing is to know the meaning of these numbers in order to understand what classification of linoleum is for wear resistance. In addition, using this data, you can select the required material, taking into account the type of room and the degree of load on the coating.

Fire safety characteristics of linoleum

If the flooring in an industrial building is made of this material, then the owner of the premises must have a product certificate confirming its quality. Fire safety classification of linoleum includes the following parameters:

1. Flammability of the material (G) — important characteristic, since a product with a G1 index can be installed in industrial premises and places intended for the evacuation of people during a fire. But highly flammable linoleum (G4) is prohibited from being used in the construction of public buildings.
2. Toxicity (T) is a parameter that can be used to determine how many harmful substances are released by burning material. This characteristic varies from low-toxic (T1) to highly toxic (T4) linoleum. On evacuation stairs and landings, a coating with a characteristic of no more than T2 is laid.
3. Ignition (B) is an indicator of the material's ability to burn. The lower it is, the safer the linoleum.
4. Smoke production (D) is a characteristic that helps determine how much smoke there will be in a fire. There are three options here, so a small number in this case is an indicator safe material.
5. Flame propagation speed (FP) — important parameter, which should not be higher than RP2 when installing flooring in a public building.

It is recommended to attach linoleum with reaction glue, since it contains no solvents. In addition, some manufacturers make special fire resistant material, having increased fire-fighting properties.

Linoleum thickness

This parameter depends on the quality and structure of the material. The thickness of modern coating is usually 2-3.5 mm. Thicker versions have low strength, so such products are practically not produced.

The quality of the coating depends on the thickness of the technological layers, but the size of the protective layer should also be taken into account.

The classification of linoleum by thickness has the following variations:

1. Thin roll coating is a material 1-2 mm thick with a protective layer, the dimensions of which range from 0.15 to 0.2 mm. Heavy furniture cannot be placed on such a product.
2. The medium type coating has a thickness of 2-3 mm with a top layer of more than 0.3 mm. This material is used to lay floors in the hallway or hallway.
3. Thick linoleum is a durable roll covering, the thickness of which is about 3.5 mm. The product can withstand long-term loads, while its front layer does not deform.

Linoleum width

To avoid having to connect individual pieces, you should buy material whose dimensions correspond to the dimensions of the room. Depending on the width, the classification of linoleum is as follows:

1. Alkyd monochrome or decorative material Sold in rolls, the width of which ranges from 2 to 4 m.
2. Multilayer PVC linoleum is produced in 1.5-4 meter lengths.
3. Relin can be monochromatic or multi-colored, and in hardware store Rolls from 1 to 1.6 m are sold.

Antistatic linoleum

This material is the optimal solution for rooms where a lot of working electrical equipment is installed. Devices sometimes catch fire due to dust accumulation, so the linoleum contains a special antistatic protective coating.

The key advantage is the ability to lay floors in rooms where high-precision equipment is located. This material is reliable, but its cost is significantly higher than other types of products.

Finally

The article provides the main criteria and properties by which you can determine the required type roll covering according to the classification of linoleum. The main thing is to carefully study the requirements and recommendations so as not to waste money, since for each type of building you should purchase a certain type of linoleum. This is a popular material, so there shouldn’t be any problems choosing the right product.

For many years, linoleum has remained a fairly popular floor covering. The construction market offers various types of linoleum with a variety of shades and textures. This makes it possible to find a solution for any interior. In addition, it has a number of advantages: affordable price, durability and ease of installation.

Based on the components that make up the flooring material, all types of linoleum for flooring can be divided into 5 groups.

Natural

Made from natural ingredients: flax oil, pine tree resins, oak bark flour, limestone and natural pigments. Can be with or without base. Jute fiber is used for the base.

Made from ecological raw materials

The advantages of this material include: environmental friendliness, resistance to fading, resistance to aggressive chemicals and fats. Has bactericidal and antistatic properties. When transporting, try not to bend it, otherwise the coating may crack. You can install it in an apartment where there are increased requirements for the naturalness of the floor (children's room, bedroom).

PVC coating (Polyvinyl chloride)

It is made from a synthetic substance (polyvinyl chloride) with the addition of inexpensive plasticizers, various additives, fillers and dyes. It is produced on different bases (foam, fabric or thermal insulation). Can be single-layer or multi-layer.

This material is quite cheap

Among the advantages are low price and variety of designs. The disadvantages of this type of linoleum include flammability, high shrinkage, and the presence of a synthetic odor that is present for a long time.

Relin

This flooring is made from bitumen or crushed rubber. It is a two-layer material, where the top layer is synthetic rubber with additives. Advantages include moisture resistance and plasticity. This type of flooring is used in public places (hospitals, airports, garages, elevators). The durable composition of linoleum helps to easily cope with mechanical stress, from shoe heels to car studs.

Suitable for high traffic floors

Hypthal or alkyd linoleum

This type of flooring consists of alkyd resins and pigments applied to a woven backing. Heat and sound insulating linoleum has increased fragility. Over time, it can change its size (narrow in length and expand in width). If you maintain the optimal temperature for the flooring, it can last quite a long time.

Warm and soundproof

The coating can be single-color, multi-color or with a pattern in the form of tiles, marble or wood.

Nitrocellulose and colloceylin

Has no basis. Thin nitrocellulose coating. Among the advantages are elasticity, resistance to moisture, and shine. Disadvantages include easy flammability. To reduce flammability, flame retardant boric acid is added to the composition.

Flooring is not recommended for use at home

This type of flooring is prohibited for use at home, children's institutions, only in public and industrial places.

Depending on the area of ​​application and ability to withstand loads, flooring is divided into these types of linoleum.

Semi-commercial

This linoleum contains the properties of both commercial and household materials. It is recommended for use in living rooms with high traffic. You can buy such material for any interior, because the variety of designs is amazing: from plain without a pattern to linoleum in the form of tiles, marble or other material.

The canvas is suitable for busy residential areas

The peculiarity of this linoleum is that it can be purchased at the same price as a household material. To produce such a coating, various components are used, but mainly it is polyvinyl chloride, as produced by the Tarkett company. Linoleum has a protective layer that gives it wear resistance and durability.

Commercial

Commercial linoleum has increased abrasion resistance. The synthetic material used for production is polyvinyl chloride. The pattern is applied over the entire thickness of the layer, which makes erasing the image invisible. The service life of such flooring can be about 25 years.

Has a long service life

The excellent characteristics of the coating allow it to be installed in hospitals, offices, retail outlets and other premises. The presence of anti-slip properties also makes it safe to use.

The design and color scheme of commercial coatings is varied. You can choose linoleum in the form of laminate, marble, wood, or opt for flooring without a pattern. Interesting ideas come from combining different patterns and flowers. Thus, the room can be divided into zones perfectly. To do this, sheets of different designs are hot welded to obtain a single piece.

Safe due to non-slip

Typically, the canvases have a thickness of 1.5-2 mm and a roll width of 2 m.

Domestic

Unlike commercial coatings, this type of coating is used mainly in residential buildings and apartments due to its low strength and wear resistance. It quickly loses its attractiveness and appearance. It can be used in public places, but only where there is low or medium load on the floor.

Mainly used in homes

TO positive properties can be attributed:

• Moderate price compared to other coatings;
• Unpretentious material to care for;
• Variety of colors and designs;
• Moisture-resistant, heat-insulating and elastic flooring;
• Easy to transport.

It's inexpensive and varied

It has a wide range of colors and designs: plain linoleum in the form of parquet, with wood imitation, structured, smooth.

Let's find out what types of linoleum there are in structure. There are two types of them: homogeneous and heterogeneous.

Homogeneous

This linoleum is a homogeneous material with a thickness of 1.5-3 mm. Its peculiarity is that the design is not diverse. This is either a plain flooring or a covering with a simple pattern. The applied pattern or uniform color makes the coating resistant to abrasion, which allows it to retain its original appearance for a long time.

This type of flooring will retain its appearance for a long time.

Remarkable technical characteristics make it possible to use the material in rooms with increased load(airport, shop, hall, public buildings). Over time, to improve its appearance, it is covered with a special mastic that fills the pores. This makes it possible not to absorb dirt and maintains an excellent appearance for a long time. Instead of mastic, manufacturers apply a special layer of polyurethane film to the linoleum.

Heterogeneous

This type of coating has a structure consisting of several layers. Because of this, its thickness varies between 2-6 mm. Complex technology production makes such linoleum more expensive. The components in the layers may differ, as well as the thickness of the protective layer, which provides wear resistance and a variety of patterns. Among the advantages are resistance to damage and the availability of a variety of designs.

This canvas has many layers

A variety of colors will help realize the most daring design ideas. So, dark linoleum will help create a soft and cozy atmosphere in the bedroom. The contrast between a dark floor and light, bright elements in the interior will highlight the dignity of the room.

Baseless

A material consisting of one layer 1.2-1.6 mm thick with a pattern applied along the entire length. This type of flooring is used in rooms with a high degree of moisture and pollution. Recommended for kitchen or bathroom. Operational life 5-7 years. Since the flooring does not have a base, it must be laid on a flat base.

Recommended for installation in the bathroom or kitchen

Foam based

The main layer is fiberglass, and chemical foam is applied to it on both sides. It makes the coating soft and elastic, at the same time warm and soundproof, and fiberglass prevents the material from changing its size.

The top layer has a decorative pattern, onto which a protective transparent polyvinyl chloride coating is applied.

Thanks to the multilayer structure, the service life is about 10 years. It can be laid in the kitchen, hallway, toilet or bathroom.

On a warm basis

This material contains a layer of polymer 1.5 mm thick, which is glued to a natural jute or felt base, which increases the thickness of the flooring to 5 mm. It can be plain or with a pattern. It has excellent thermal conductivity, elasticity and softness. Used for rooms with low humidity. During service, it can expand, which should be taken into account when laying, leaving a margin between the wall and the covering. When laying, it is better to lay the whole canvas without joints, otherwise moisture that gets in can cause the base to rot.