Vinyl flooring was invented in 1930. In the architectural world, it began to be used after the Second World War. It was the main competitor to other flexible floor coverings. However, linoleum has become more common as a cheap, waterproof option. Vinyl flooring has many advantages, thanks to which it is very popular. But along with this, it also has disadvantages. So, consider the pros and cons of vinyl floors.
Panel structure
Vinyl panels are used for a long time. However, before such a material was used as an economy class coating. He did not have durability, strength, attractive appearance. Old tiles were a dull green color. Such characteristics were dictated by a simple structure. After all, the panel was an ordinary sheet of polyvinyl chloride, the thickness of which was 0.5-0.7 mm. Of course, such a material could not be called high-quality.
Considering the pros and cons of vinyl floors, you should initially dwell on the structure of modern material.
It consists of several layers. These include:
- The basis. This is a high-quality PVC, the thickness of which reaches 0.8 mm. The basis is completely dependent on the type of product. It can be either very elastic or extremely stiff.
- Second layer. Soft polyvinyl chloride containing reinforcement is applied on the base. This structure protects the material from mechanical damage and discrepancies of the edge during the cut. Reinforcement is high-strength fiberglass.
- Third layer. Next is the base panel. It is made from PVC and mineral additives. Filler is quartz fine sand. This layer provides strength throughout the structure. Vinyl allows the material to cushion while walking.
- Decorative coating. This layer is made of paper on which the drawing is depicted. On top of it, protection is applied - polyurethane containing mineral additives. The finish is very thin, but has high strength. Thanks to this, the material does not wear and completely protects the decorative layer.
The highest quality panels are textured material. The relief gives the floor a beautiful appearance. Such material is much better bonded to the sole. Sliding on panels with a polyurethane coating is quite difficult.
Types of Coatings
There are several varieties of materials to create a vinyl floor. Which is better? It is difficult to answer the question, since each of them has certain external data, a form that allows them to be used for specific rooms.
The main types:
- Vinyl flooring. This coating is in great demand and has gained particular popularity among the population. The appearance of the material is practically no different from wooden parquet. They release it in the form of a square tile or board. Vinyl flooring is very durable and easy to install. Despite the chemical composition, this floor covering is completely safe for humans.
- PVC tile. Vinyl material is used to create an imitation of natural stone or ceramic tiles. This type is characterized by the highest durability, because it is supplemented with polyurethane protection. The tile is resistant to chemicals and mechanical stress.
- Sheet coating. This material is produced in the form of long rectangular plates imitating wood. This type is called vinyl laminate. The material is supplemented with a felt or fiberglass backing, which provides additional softness. Using a vinyl laminate, you can get a floor that is practically no different from a wooden one.
Benefits of Vinyl Floors
The popularity of vinyl floor is not inferior to linoleum. It is a waterproof and inexpensive coating. In addition, you can choose the material of various textures and colors. This all made the vinyl floor a fairly versatile floor covering.
However, before applying it, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the strengths and weaknesses of the material. In other words, the pros and cons of vinyl floors should be explored.
Initially, we will analyze the main advantages of the coating.
A wide range of
Considering the vinyl floor, the pros and cons of this coating, it is impossible not to touch on the variety of patterns and colors. The range of materials is almost unlimited. Vinyl tiles can be selected plain or multi-colored. The buyer is provided with materials that amaze the eye with various textures and sizes. This diversity allows you to create quite unique patterns.
In addition, vinyl can print any pattern. This material will allow you to apply the most sophisticated ornament, and even a photograph. It perfectly imitates natural materials: stone, wood, marble. Using this coating, you can even create a 3D effect in the room. Of course, any buyer will be interested in a vinyl floor (pros and cons).
The photo posted in the article allows you to consider how designers design this coverage.
Easy care
Many owners, before choosing a vinyl floor, the pros and cons of coating carefully weighed. And, of course, for most of them, one of the decisive advantages of this material is ease of care. Dirt, sand to vinyl tiles do not stick. This is very true for people in whose house children and animals live.
This coating is perfectly cleaned with a wet mop using a special tool for vinyl flooring.
High water resistance
Vinyl material can be laid on the floor in any room. If it is correctly laid, then such a coating is practically waterproof. That is why it can be used to decorate the kitchen and bathroom.
Comfort and convenience
Analyzing the pros and cons of vinyl floors, it should be emphasized that such a coating can create special comfort in the apartment.
Material is never cold even in winter. It is slightly soft to the touch. Therefore, walking on the vinyl floor is quite pleasant.
Low cost
Certain types of vinyl are fairly cheap. However, elite high-quality tiles can be of high price.
The difference in cost is due to the quality of the material, design options, styling and design.
Material strength
Above, we examined the structure of vinyl panels, which allows us to verify the reliability of this coating. A properly laid vinyl floor can last about 20 years.
The tile is scratch and damage resistant. At the same time, the material with the printed pattern is durable, as well as monophonic.
Fiberglass reinforced vinyl sheets are extremely durable. They are resistant to any damage and have the necessary flexibility.
Stain resistant
Vinyl coating has a layer of wear. It acts as a surface barrier that protects the floor from various stains.
Vinyl-coated is easy enough to keep clean at home. However, when choosing a material, remember that hard tiles are more susceptible to stains. She often needs to be cleaned and polished.
Disadvantages of coatings
Be sure to consider if you choose a vinyl floor, the advantages and disadvantages of this material. Despite the fact that the advantages are so obvious, the coating also has disadvantages.
The disadvantages include such moments as:
- Volatile organic matter. In the production of vinyl coatings, chemical components are used that can cause toxic gas evolution after installation. Such substances can lead to respiratory diseases, eye irritation, exacerbation of asthma. Gas emission during operation gradually decreases, and eventually disappears completely.
- Recycling problem. Biodegradation is unusual for vinyl flooring. In the environment, it does not collapse. In addition, such material is not a recyclable material. This means that worn floors will be rubbish that will clog the environment for decades. Another disadvantage is the fact that vinyl floors are made from oil and natural gas. And such natural resources are not renewable.
- Floor requirements. When installing vinyl, you must ensure a perfectly flat surface. Since this material is quite soft, even a small roughness can lead to destruction of the surface.
- Contact with rubber. Vinyl flooring is quite resistant to various substances. However, this does not apply to rubber. It is she who can lead to discoloration of the material. Thus, if you plan to decorate the floor with vinyl, then forget about rubber mats and do not walk on the surface in rubber shoes.
- The complexity of the repair. High quality vinyl is strong enough. But if you choose less reliable material, then it can crack and scratch. Repairing it is almost impossible. In case of damage, the old coating must be completely removed and replaced with a new one. It is much easier to repair vinyl tiles. In this case, it is enough to replace one segment. Difficulties arise if vinyl sheet is used.
- Home use. Over time, poor quality materials may turn yellow. The vinyl floor is able to protect glass objects from breaking. But sharp details that have fallen to the surface will leave a mark on it. Unpleasant enough if the vinyl floor begins to burn. After all, at this time he releases very toxic substances.
Now that we’ve covered such a coating as a vinyl floor, pros and cons, you can adequately assess whether this material is right for you.
Vinyl floor Berry Alloc
These coatings managed to gain special popularity. Berry Alloc vinyl flooring features:
- High wear resistance. The top layer protects the material from wear in everyday life.
- Resistance to light. Vinyl does not fade under the influence of artificial light or sunlight.
- Resistance to pollution.
- The strength of the docking joints. Damaged segments are quite easy to assemble and dismantle.
- High moisture resistance. The material can be used for bathroom, kitchen, corridor, public places.
Laminate or vinyl?
This is a rather difficult choice. What to prefer: a vinyl floor or a laminate? The pros and cons of the first coating, we examined in detail. Therefore, we will focus on the laminate.
Strengths of the coating are:
- moisture resistance;
- great design;
- strength;
- ease of installation;
- a wide range of.
But a cheap laminate is not durable. Therefore, if you plan to decorate the floor in public places or in rooms with high traffic, it is better to choose vinyl.
How to choose a vinyl floor for your home?
This coating is suitable for any room. However, experts give several recommendations for its arrangement (and do not forget to consider such a coating as a vinyl floor, pluses and minuses):
- Self-adhesive tiles are suitable for the kitchen. The material is easy to care for, waterproof and excellent abrasion resistance.
- For the living room, choose a vinyl laminate or castle vinyl. The material is stable and reliable. And its appearance corresponds to an expensive repair.
- For the bathroom, ordinary vinyl tiles are preferred. Use glue waterproof, antifungal. A tile with an adhesive base is not suitable for such a room. It does not tolerate excess moisture.
Consumer Opinions
Many people use this material. At the same time, they carefully study the vinyl floor, the pros and cons. Customer reviews indicate that the material really meets all the characteristics described above. It is durable, reliable, moisture resistant.
The vinyl floor was appreciated by the owners of offices in which a fairly high cross. Kindergarten teachers are very pleased with such coverage. The vinyl floor protected them from the need to constantly make repairs.