Homogeneous linoleum: a review of the “eternal” coating + installation technology
Linoleum has long been used as flooring. It is perhaps difficult to find an alternative to this practical and durable product for such a price. It has been used for over a century in many countries. However, the production of linoleum does not stand still. Its characteristics and design are improving. One of the options for modern flooring is linoleum homogeneous. It belongs to the category of PVC coatings and has a lot of advantages.
What is this kind of linoleum good for?
The basis of homogeneous linoleum is polyvinyl chloride. Fillers and plasticizers are added to it. As fillers are lime, dolomite, sand. Despite the fact that heterogeneous and homogeneous linoleum consists of a polyvinyl chloride base, the first is made of 4 layers, and the second has a uniform structure. In addition, the pattern of a homogeneous product penetrates the entire depth of the material. Therefore, even after several years of operation, it does not lose its external advantages. The color of linoleum remains the same. The variety and scope of this PVC coating is quite wide. For example, a homogeneous antistatic linoleum is used in substations or rooms with the likelihood of a static charge.
In addition to the described features, a homogeneous coating has a number of advantages:
- elasticity;
- elasticity;
- antistatic;
- resistance to chemicals;
- wear resistance;
- ease of care.
Homogeneous linoleum also has disadvantages, but not significant:
- the basis for laying the product should be perfectly flat;
- meager selection of colors.
The technical characteristics of this linoleum make it possible to cover the product in rooms with high attendance, such as classrooms, gyms and clinics. The thickness of linoleum is different and ranges from 1.5 to 3 mm, a width of 1.5 to 6 meters.
Laying homogeneous linoleum
Such a process as laying a homogeneous linoleum consists of several stages:
- Linoleum calculation
- Foundation preparation
- Homogeneous linoleum flooring
- Seam Docking
Calculation of the required amount of coverage
In rooms with an area of less than 20 m2, linoleum can be laid with one canvas. Large areas require laying several canvases. If it was possible to choose the appropriate width of the product, select the required length. In this case, all the protrusions and places under the baseboard must be taken into account. Make sure that the material is from the same batch and does not differ in color.
We suggest you use our online calculator to calculate the required amount of linoleum:
Foundation preparation
The base under the flooring of homogeneous linoleum should be carefully prepared. On the concrete floor, all defects are eliminated: cracks, bumps, delamination. The floor itself is leveled using milling or special compounds, which are best suited for self-leveling mixtures. Then the base is removed from dust and primed.
Keep in mind that laying homogeneous linoleum is carried out only on a dry surface. Therefore, after carrying out all work, the floor should dry.
Wooden floors, which plan to lay linoleum, should not creak, have cracks and any irregularities. Therefore, after eliminating all defects, they are cycled and sanded. Floors with large differences in height are leveled with plywood. Before laying linoleum, they are also primed. Homogeneous linoleum should not be laid on old flooring. It must be dismantled.
Homogeneous linoleum flooring technology
Before laying linoleum, it should be laid in the room at room temperature for at least a day. Work is started after the PVC coating is completely leveled. The first step is to fit linoleum to the size of the room. In the places where the product is docked, they make overlaps of 2 cm, near the walls of 3 cm. Then linoleum is cut strictly according to the angle between the floor and the wall. At the joints, a ruler is applied and the excess cut off.
Typically, glue for homogeneous linoleum is used in cases where the coating is laid out in several pieces. With this method, the base and the reverse side of the product are primed. A roll of PVC coating is rolled up to half. Under it, with the help of a notched trowel, glue is applied to the base. Stand for 15-30 minutes. This time is necessary for evaporation of excess moisture and technical aging of the adhesive.
Then the linoleum sheet is rolled out and leveled, squeezing out air bubbles. To do this, the glued part is rolled with rollers, first from the center to the edge, then across the strip. After that, they roll up the second half and repeat the whole process.
Seam Docking
If linoleum is laid from several panels, it is necessary to dock the formed seams. There are several ways to do this:
- Cold welding. A homogeneous commercial linoleum is usually joined by this method. Liquid glue is poured into a narrow slot between the panels, which hardens over time, leaving no residue.
- Hot welding. For such welding, a slot for the cord is left between the panels. It is selected to match the color of the PVC coating. The cord is tucked into a building hair dryer with a special nozzle and held through the slot. Excess cord is cut off until the connection has cooled. Welding, it forms a strong connection.
- Handicraft way. Bending the joined panels, a dense cellophane film is placed under the seam. Top it is coated with PVA glue. Joined panels are pressed to the film. A newspaper is placed on top of them and ironed. The iron should be hot enough. But make sure that it does not melt the linoleum.
The latter method is not recommended.
Video instruction with installation example
Public funds are not always enough for a quality repair of budget rooms. Floor coverings subject to the greatest wear require frequent repairs. Therefore, the well-known flooring company Tarkett has developed a coating for schools, hospitals and clinics. The new linoleum product, a homogeneous horizon, combines excellent quality at an affordable price. The material is unpretentious and has a long service life. Homogeneous linoleum is unpretentious. Nevertheless, the polyurethane coating of the product wears out faster than we would like. Dark trampled spots appear in places of wear. To avoid this, it is necessary to periodically treat the surface with mastics. Then a homogeneous linoleum will retain its appearance for a long time and will last at least 30 years.
Yuri 
Alexei
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