Linoleum is one of the most popular materials for flooring. It has not lost its relevance for many years, as manufacturers are constantly improving products, releasing new types with improved performance.
One of the latest developments is commercial linoleum. The characteristics of this variety are several times higher than the previous options. What exactly is the superiority of commercial type coatings and what types of coatings does it happen, we described in our article.
The main differences between commercial type linoleum
The main feature of the commercial variety of flooring is its high abrasion resistance. This material is intended for use in rooms with high traffic and increased floor load.
The characteristics of commercial linoleum will ensure the safety of the coating for 10 years. At the same time, its appearance will remain almost unchanged.
You can use this material both for the decoration of living rooms, and for the arrangement of flooring in public premises and production shops. In apartments, the improved type of linoleum is laid in places where the finish is subjected to maximum load: in the bathroom, kitchen, hallway.
Such linoleum is also popular in enterprises. It is often used in office premises, shops, banks, in warehouses, in hangars with heavy equipment and other places.
The characteristics of commercial linoleum depend on its type and structure. According to these parameters, the material is divided into 2 types:
- homogeneous;
- heterogeneous.
Each of them has its own characteristics and functional differences.
What is homogeneous linoleum?
Homogeneous linoleum is a monolithic material. Its structure consists of a single continuous layer having uniform coloring throughout its thickness. A similar finish is made on the basis of polyvinyl chloride with the addition of sand, lime and dolomite.
High technical characteristics of commercial homogeneous linoleum contribute to the fact that during its abrasion the coloring of the floor covering does not change. Walking on such a floor is quite pleasant, since the coating is soft and springy.
The disadvantage of homogeneous linoleum is its poor color scheme. This is due to the special production process of the rolled product. It is unlikely to be able to create an unusual design from such a material, since most often it imitates marble coating and stone chips. Sometimes there are options with a simple abstraction.
Features of heterogeneous material
Heterogeneous linoleum has a multilayer structure. It consists of several materials that give the coating special properties.
Most often, such linoleum has 4 layers:
- Base made of foamed PVC or felt material. This layer acts as a heat insulator.
- Fiberglass reinforcing layer. It gives the product resistance to tearing and stretching, prevents its shrinkage.
- Decorative layer. Presented in the form of a PVC layer with a printed pattern.
- Protective coating made of polyurethane. It prevents rapid abrasion, is responsible for the safety of the picture.
The technical characteristics of a heterogeneous commercial linoleum depend on the thickness of the finish layer: the thicker it is, the more wear-resistant the material. The performance of the protective coating is determined by the class of product.
Linoleum class
All rolled products for flooring are divided into several types. The classification is carried out in accordance with European standards according to EN-685. The basic properties and characteristics of commercial linoleum are regulated by GOST. This document states the following:
- For domestic use, products from 21 to 23 classes are used.
- For laying in public places designed linoleum 31-34 class.
- For industrial applications, products of class 41-43 are suitable.
Commercial linoleum is labeled at least class 34. For flooring in laboratories and industrial premises, the most durable class 41-43 variants are used. For installation in residential buildings with high traffic, you can choose an economical laminate of class 34.
Technical characteristics of commercial linoleum
The performance of the material depends on its type. However, average indicators can be distinguished. They are as follows:
- linoleum thickness - from 3 to 7 mm;
- the thickness of the protective coating is from 0.8 to 1 mm;
- working layer - from 3 to 4 mm;
- base - from 2 to 3 mm;
- average weight 1 m 2 - 3 kg;
- noise absorption - in the range from 7 to 10 dB;
- the width of the roll of multilayer material - from 2 to 4 meters;
- the width of a single-layer linoleum is 2 meters.
Some manufacturers add additional components to the protective layer that give the material hygiene, antistatic, and the ability to repel dust. In such cases, the total linoleum thickness is increased.
How safe is commercial linoleum?
When choosing material for residential and public buildings, its safety is first of all evaluated. Roll finishing is carried out in accordance with the standards governing the technical characteristics of commercial linoleum - GOST 11529-86. It defines the following product properties:
- flammability - low (class G1);
- flammability - moderate (class B2);
- ability to form smoke - moderate (class D2);
- emission of harmful substances during combustion - moderate (class T2);
- flame spread - absent (class RP1).
In case of fire, the coating does not spread flame. As soon as the source of fire disappears, the material immediately fades. Excellent linoleum can withstand cleaning using abrasives, is not afraid of contact with chemicals.
In addition, modern products do not contain harmful formaldehydes, which allows it to be used in all residential premises. This finish does not have a pungent odor and does not emit toxic substances when heated. It can even be used with a warm floor system.
Additional positive qualities
The benefits of some types of commercial linoleum include antistatic. This quality is extremely important when using the coating in rooms with various electrical equipment. Linoleum of this kind is not electrified, so it can be used in X-ray rooms, in server rooms, in operating rooms and other places.
The characteristics of commercial linoleum can be supplemented with bactericidal properties. The coating contains special substances that prevent the growth of bacteria. This finish is used in laboratories and medical institutions.
Among the various types of commercial type linoleum, there are also variants with anti-slip coating. The front side of such products has a diverse relief, which does not allow the legs to slide on a wet surface. These options are ideal for use in the bathroom, near swimming pools, in unheated rooms (where frost can occur), and in the toilet.
Which linoleum to choose?
Choosing between homogeneous and heterogeneous linoleum, it is necessary to take into account the features of each of them and the specifics of the room.
Homogeneous linoleum has a longer service life (up to 25 years), can be sanded and placed in any room. However, it requires careful preparation of the substrate before installation and the use of special adhesives. The material itself has a high price tag, which is why it is rarely used in private construction.
Heterogeneous linoleum is characterized by a rich color scheme, ease of use and affordable price tag. But immediately after installation, the coating can give off a pungent odor. After a couple of days, it completely evaporates, but being in the room at this time is not very comfortable.
Based on this, it’s impossible to say exactly which option is better. Choose products based on your capabilities and preferences.
The cost of linoleum commercial type
The price of a laminate depends on its properties and the popularity of the manufacturer. For example, commercial Tarkett linoleum is considered one of the most common options. The characteristics of the products of this company are high, while the price tag is quite acceptable.
So, the price of heterogeneous class 43, 44 linoleum is 750 rubles per m 2 . The manufacturer gives a 15-year warranty on his product and offers the buyer a wide variety of collections.
The cost of homogeneous coverage of this company starts from 600 rubles and can reach 1,500 rubles per m 2 . It should be remembered that this variety is mounted on glue, which will cost the buyer about 1,500 rubles for a 10-liter bucket. This item of expenses must also be taken into account when drawing up the estimate.
Commercial linoleum is a durable and practical material. High performance allows you to use it in most rooms. So, this coating should be considered as a finish.