In order to get a warm floor indoors, it is not at all necessary to acquire complex and expensive materials and heating systems. Among the assortment of warm coatings, more affordable ones can be distinguished. Insulated linoleum occupies a special place in this category.
Why it is worth choosing a warmed coating
Popularity among consumers and the first position in the market of this flooring are ensured by operational characteristics, ease of installation and general availability. As a rule, the question of using this type of flooring arises when there is a need to warmly, quickly and not so expensively insulate the floors. This material allows laying on any surface made of concrete or wood, but it is recommended to comply with certain requirements for the base.
Warm linoleum is divided into two types, one of them is made on a warm basis, and the other is made as an insulated coating. Between them there are very important differences not only in the structure of the canvas, but also in quality characteristics.
Description of the main types of insulated linoleum: foam-based material
Insulated linoleum can be made on a foam basis. It is used when there is a need to insulate floors without additional costs. Especially often, such a coating is used if necessary to cover the concrete base, and yet it is quite cold. Such linoleum is also used for a wooden surface.
These types of linoleum have a significant thickness, so their use is justified in the case when the rough surface does not differ in perfect evenness, has height differences and cracks, and there is absolutely no time for their elimination. Insulated linoleum on a foam basis has a rather complex structure. For example, the top layer is a decorative surface that can have any color. On sale you can find similar material, which will have a special pattern and texture, it can be traditional and avant-garde options. The pattern is formed over the entire thickness of the layer, which ensures the preservation of an attractive appearance for a long time.
The next layer that goes below is foam rubber. It has excellent sound absorption and heat insulation properties. The thickness of this layer is not so great: from 1.5 to 3 mm. However, this does not indicate at all that the efficiency will not be the same as we would like. In some cases, another layer is added for added rigidity, which is made of fiberglass.
A wear-resistant transparent film is applied on top, which is designed to protect linoleum from mechanical damage, among other things, it eliminates the penetration of contaminants into the structure. This flooring is not only practical, but also easy to maintain, easy to clean, and its strength is at its best.
Description of linoleum on a warm basis
If you are interested in insulated linoleum, then you should pay attention to the material, which is made on a warm basis. It is a film that is glued to the base of felt or jute during production. Such a coating is soft and elastic, it is pleasant to walk on it. Laying this coating is quite simple, since it does not imply the need for laborious gluing on a rough base. However, there are disadvantages, which are expressed in the fact that the top layer does not differ in impressive strength. Therefore, the material can be easily damaged, and in the process of operation requires the need for a careful attitude to yourself.
In those places where there is a high cross, such a coating can quickly lose its attractiveness. Among other things, linoleum on a warmed base cannot be used in rooms with high humidity, because under the influence of water, the base can simply collapse, which is especially true for natural materials. But in a children's room or bedroom, such coverage will be appropriate.
Reviews on the selection of insulated linoleum
If you decide to purchase linoleum on an insulated basis, then consumers recommend that you adhere to the general recommendations that relate to this type of flooring. Thus, for rooms whose conditions are high in humidity, linoleum on a jute or felt basis is not suitable. But in those places where a high load on the floor surface is possible, linoleum on a foam base will feel better.
When choosing material for different rooms, you should pay attention to the patterns and colors that should be combined. Consumers are advised to prefer that covering material, the width of which will allow it to be laid with fewer joints. Before purchasing, it is important to pay attention to the wear resistance class, on which the durability of the product will depend.
Felt-based linoleum reviews
Thick insulated linoleum can be made on a felt basis. According to the manufacturers, it consists of two layers, the lower of which is made of an antiseptic pad. The top layer is made on the basis of a polyvinyl chloride film. In order to lay such a material, it is recommended to clean the base from debris and dust. The rough surface must be firm and even.
Experts argue that it is important to eliminate moisture absorption by the fibrous part of the material. To do this, it is important to ensure that the moisture content of the substrate does not exceed 5%. To do this, it is recommended to use a small piece of glass that is laid on the surface and stays for 2 days. If after this time you notice traces of moisture on the inner surface of the glass, then the base is not suitable for laying a felt base, since such linoleum can simply begin to rot after a while. If you do not dry the surface properly, then in the future this will cause additional costs. In this case, it is necessary to conduct surface treatment with special solutions that prevent the spread of mold.
Linoleum from different manufacturers: Tarkett brand material
If you are interested in the described material, then you can pay attention to the insulated Tarkett linoleum, which has been manufactured for more than 120 years. During this time, the company has established itself as a manufacturer of durable and safe flooring solutions. Today Tarkett is the number one brand in Russia, this title distinguishes it from analog manufacturers of flooring. This linoleum is insulated, the price of which starts from 196 rubles. per square meter, ready to serve more than 10 years with proper installation. It belongs to KM5 fire safety class.
Linoleum of the Komiteks Lin Parma company
You can insulate the floor with linoleum using material from the manufacturer Komitex Lin Parma, which offers its products from 181 rubles. per square meter. This material has a protective layer, the thickness of which is 0.15 mm. The coating belongs to the class G4 in flammability.
Fiberglass is used as a protective layer, and the abrasion is 35g / m 2 . According to tests, the change in linear dimensions can be 0.2%. The manufacturer indicates that the service life of the material reaches 20 years. This linoleum is insulated, the price of which is acceptable for the average consumer, has the quality of moisture resistance and can be used for underfloor heating.
Laying thermal insulation under linoleum
Quite often, home masters wonder how to insulate the floor under linoleum. In order to prevent the material from absorbing moisture, it is necessary to lay a waterproofing film on the concrete coating, for this simple polyethylene is suitable. Linoleum is laid on top of the film, and the joints are glued with construction tape. If you want to additionally insulate the concrete surface, then on the base you first need to apply heat-insulating paint, it will act as liquid thermal insulation. After its application, it is necessary to wait for complete drying, and lay plywood on top of it, on which linoleum will be laid.
Conclusion
For effective insulation of floors, you can use one of the types of linoleum presented above. It will allow to achieve high aesthetic properties of the coating and the practicality of the surface.