Insulated linoleum: types and features of the material, manufacturers, installation rules

Properties of linoleum

Linoleum with a dense base consists of 5 layers.

1. A protective coating that protects against abrasion and mechanical stress.
2. Decorative. It looks like a film decorated with ornaments.
3. The third layer is made of polyvinyl chloride. Thanks to it, the coating is soft and has the ability to insulate sounds.
4. Fiberglass. It provides the coating with strength.
5. Insulation. Of all the layers, it is the thickest. It is this that allows the material to provide thermal insulation.

After it there may be a finishing layer, which is a film. It may display the manufacturer's mark. But this layer comes separately from linoleum, the base of which consists of felt.

Insulated linoleum consists of five layers

Types of linoleum

Regardless of its base, linoleum can come in several varieties.

There are several types of linoleum

There is another, rather original type of linoleum called “homogeneous”. This variety has a polyvinyl chloride base mixed with a variety of dyes. The peculiarity of such linoleum is associated with its structure. Thanks to it, the material, even after being used, does not lose its decorative appearance. This is due to the fact that the material is painted throughout its entire thickness and abrasion of the surface does not affect the design in any way. This type of coating can also be made on an insulated base. It is perfect for classrooms in educational institutions.

homogeneous linoleum

Another type is a material that is unable to conduct electrostatic voltage. It is used for rooms where there is a large accumulation of electrical equipment. The outer layer of the material is an insulator from electric current, since it is not capable of conducting it. However, it contains copper strips that are connected to grounding. They are necessary in order to remove static electricity collected by the floor.

Everyone knows that linoleum is a very slippery coating, especially when wet. It is easy to slip on it even in socks. In this regard, manufacturers have developed a coating that has an anti-slip effect. This flooring material is ideal for children's rooms. In addition to having a soft base, it will prevent children from slipping on slippery floors.

You can buy linoleum with an antistatic effect, anti-slip, natural - there are a lot of options

Consumers are accustomed to thinking that linoleum is a completely synthesized material. However, thanks to the latest technologies, manufacturers create natural material with an insulated base based on resins of natural origin. Such a coating would be a good solution even for an eco-house, as it is harmless to health and does not cause allergies. However, the prices for such coverage are also not low.

Types of felt-based linoleum

When the room has a cold floor, it requires either thorough insulation or the use of materials that can provide the surface with thermal insulation. Linoleum is an excellent coating that does not require large material costs, unlike installing a heated floor. Insulated linoleum is used to insulate the floor without additional material costs.

Thick linoleum is often used to cover uneven surfaces to hide cracks and deformations in the floor.

Linoleum can have a different base with a complex structure. At the same time, manufacturers offer a wide range of coatings with a variety of designs: geometric, abstract, thematic. This linoleum is elastic, which ensures comfortable movement on the surface.

Felt-based linoleum is popular and in demand today.

Types of bases for linoleum:

• Foamed. Characterized by a complex structure. It consists of a top decorative layer. The middle layer is made of foam rubber. It creates excellent thermal insulation and also protects against the penetration of excess noise. The material is quite effective, despite its thinness. The coating is practical and easy to care for.
• Warm. It consists of a film that is glued to the base of a jute or felt surface. The coating has a soft, pleasant surface. The disadvantage is that the top layer is vulnerable to damage. This material should not be laid in a room with high traffic, or in a room with high humidity.

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The choice of material quality directly depends on where the linoleum will be laid. It is important to consider the characteristics of the room, its traffic, humidity level and floor finish. Reviews about each type of warm linoleum can be read on the Internet.

Types of insulation

In addition to the top layer, linoleum also differs in the type of insulation used in the manufacture of this floor covering. Various materials can be used for thermal insulation.

Insulated types of linoleum are produced with different parameters. The dimensions in this case are not only set by the wishes of the manufacturer, but also depend on the type of substrate. Each manufacturer produces any type of linoleum with a minimum width of 1.5 meters. Next, the width continues to increase by 50 cm.

The width of the foam-based material is 5 meters. Such parameters are in great demand, as they are convenient for installation in apartments with a standard layout. In this case, there is usually no need to resort to joining or gluing the canvases.

Felt material is manufactured with a maximum width of 3 meters.

Insulated linoleum can be felt, foam-based, jute

The natural covering with a jute backing is quite brittle, so it will have a width of no more than 2.5 meters.

The maximum roll length can be 60 meters, but usually their length does not exceed 15-45 meters. Due to its fragility, natural canvas cannot be longer than 6 meters.

To select the parameters of insulated linoleum for your home, you need to measure the perimeter of the room. Due to the fact that when building a house and renovating, the parameters of a regular rectangle are very often violated, it is necessary to take careful measurements of all four sides.

You need to add another 5 cm to the resulting length and width. This way you can get a canvas size that is suitable for the floor in a given room.

Since the width of the linoleum is predetermined and there is no point in cutting it, you need to choose the optimal size. For example, if a room of 3 * 3.9 m requires a canvas with parameters of 3.05 * 3.95 m, this canvas will have to be cut to a minimum. This way some of the money will be saved.

insulated linoleum

It is important to take measurements of the room in advance in order to buy enough material

Selection criteria

When choosing any type of linoleum, you need to take into account the general classification in order to purchase a coating that meets all the criteria. It is worth considering the wear resistance class:

• household – from 21 to 23;
• for public places – from 31 to 43;
• for industrial use - from 41 to 43.

There is a division into the following groups:

• F – the smallest thickness, including wear resistance;
• M – low level of wear resistance;
• N – average level of wear resistance;
• T is the most wear-resistant type.

When purchasing, be sure to pay attention to the wear resistance class of linoleum

Criteria for choosing a coating on a foam layer

When choosing linoleum on a foam base, you need to take into account that such a coating is similar in structure to a multi-layer cake - this explains its thickness. In order for the coating to fit into the interior, it must be consistent in color and design with the room. You can avoid problems with laying the flooring by laying it in the room where it will be laid.

This surface is very practical, since even with prolonged use it does not wear off, due to the fact that the pattern passes through the entire structure of the material. This allows it to be used for rooms intended for heavy loads.

Foam-based linoleum is quite popular and inexpensive.

Choosing linoleum with a natural base

This type of linoleum is good for rooms with little traffic, such as a bedroom. But this natural coating requires selection taking into account the criteria for use, because mechanical damage forms on it very quickly. However, this type of linoleum cannot be exposed to high humidity, otherwise the natural base will begin to rot.

Natural insulated linoleum does not really like high humidity, so it should not be used in the kitchen or bathroom

General recommendations for selection

Such a thick floor covering can create comfortable conditions for living indoors if the choice was made correctly. Among the main conditions, the following can be noted.

1. If the humidity level in the room is high, then it is better to refuse a two-layer felt or jute covering.
2. For high traffic indoors, the best choice is linoleum on a foam base.
3. When purchasing linoleum for several rooms at once, you need to take into account the combination of color and style.
4. When connecting individual fragments of the coating, you need to ensure a clear connection of the pattern.
5. Correct selection of parameters will reduce the number of seams and joints on the floor covering.

   
   If you make the calculations correctly in advance, you can avoid a large number of joints

6. For each individual room you need to choose linoleum with suitable wear resistance. For example, a pantry or bathroom does not require a very durable coating.
7. For the lower floors of private or apartment buildings you need to purchase linoleum on a foam base.
8. A two-layer surface on a natural surface does not need to be fixed to the floor, because this has a bad effect on the thermal insulation of the material.
9. For children's rooms, it is better to choose jute linoleum - it is very comfortable and safe for children.

For children's rooms, it is better to choose natural linoleum, for example, jute or felt.

How to choose the right warm linoleum

Modern warm linoleum is no longer made from natural materials. Artificial materials have proven their reliability, strength and wear resistance. Warm linoleum can be divided into several types, depending on what base it has. Methods for laying linoleum also depend on what materials it is made from.

For example, linoleum with a felt base can be laid on the floor without preliminary screed.

For installation in residential areas with cold floors, especially on the first floors, felt linoleum is used, which perfectly stores heat and does not allow cold to pass through. It is this kind of linoleum that is best used for a summer house if it is not possible to install a heated floor. In order for linoleum to last a long time, when choosing it you need to follow the advice of professionals.

When choosing insulated linoleum, attention should be paid to its quality and main characteristics

Tips for choosing warm linoleum:

• Linoleum based on jute or felt is best laid in a room with a high level of humidity.
• If the floor will bear a heavy load, it is better to lay foamed linoleum on it.
• It is important to match the decor of linoleum to the overall style of the interior. When laying, make sure that the design or pattern matches.
• The width of the linoleum should be such that there are not too many joints on the floor.

The choice of linoleum should be influenced by how wear-resistant it is. The service life of the surface will depend on the class of linoleum. When purchasing, it is important to pay attention to product quality certificates.

Features of laying felt linoleum

Pile coverings require special attention. It is worth noting that selecting linoleum is not an easy task, because it will be used for a long time. Linoleum has a structure consisting of two cavities: they will determine the properties of linoleum and its performance characteristics.

About felt linoleum

Felt linoleum will be appreciated by people who prefer convenience, coziness and warmth. It has elasticity, softness, and is easy to lay.

However, only a dry room is suitable for using such material, otherwise moisture will destroy the coating from the inside and make it unfit for use. But if the floor covering is subject to heavy loads, most likely, a covering with a fleecy surface will not be able to withstand it. Thus, before purchasing linoleum, you need to take into account all the features of the room in which you plan to install it.

It is better not to use felt linoleum in high-traffic areas

Laying linoleum will not be a problem if you approach this task responsibly and take into account the recommendations of specialists.

The process of laying linoleum with pile

This type of coating requires specific attention. It should be noted that choosing linoleum is a simple matter, because they choose it for a long period of time. The material has a two-cavity structure, which affects the characteristics of linoleum and its performance.

Linoleum with pile is perfect for those who love warmth, comfort and coziness: it is soft, elastic and easy to cover the floor surface with.

But it is worth noting that this material can only be laid in a dry room, since moisture can destroy the structure of linoleum and render it unusable. If the floor experiences heavy loads, it is likely that linoleum with pile may not withstand it. Therefore, before purchasing, it is important to take into account all the nuances and characteristics of the room in which linoleum is to be laid.

Laying linoleum is not difficult, the main thing is to approach this process correctly

How to prepare the floor:

• Remove old coating. Assess the condition of the floor without it. The finish must be good, otherwise repair work will need to be carried out.
• Lay a substrate that will serve as a transition layer. It is better to choose the jute option - it has a natural base.
• Covering the floor with plywood sheets will give the surface strength.
• Carry out waterproofing if the floor is covered with wood. To do this, put a film on it. Cover it with fiberboard, prime it, and cover it again with film.

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The film floor is laid on top of this entire floor structure. Experts do not advise laying chipboard under linoleum - this is a rather fragile material that can lead to the failure of the floor. Linoleum with pile is perfect for dry living spaces with normal humidity levels.

Floor preparation

First you need to remove the previous covering and evaluate the subfloor. If it is of poor quality, various defects and irregularities must be eliminated.

Then you need to roll out the substrate, which acts as a transition layer. The best option is a jute base, it is the safest.

First, remove the old floor covering, then lay the underlay under the linoleum

To increase the strength of the floor, it is covered with plywood sheets.

If the floor surface is wooden, it is worth providing waterproofing. This can be done by laying down a film, then covering it with fiberboard sheets, then priming them and covering them with another layer of film.

Professionals do not recommend placing chipboard sheets under linoleum, as this is a fragile material that can be deformed.

Bonding linoleum joints - analysis of methods

When buying linoleum, you should pay attention to its width. It's good if it matches the width of the room. In this case, it will be possible to lay linoleum without connecting the joints. Thus, the base will acquire an optimal level of sound and heat insulation, as well as tightness.

In a situation where linoleum has already been purchased, but its width does not correspond to the width of the room, the seams will need to be glued. This technology is suitable for both foam-based linoleum and warm varieties.

Welding of joints can be carried out using two methods: hot or cold. The latter can be done using a tube of glue containing tetrahydrofuran, plasticizers and chlorine.

cold welding for linoleum

Linoleum joints can be joined by cold or hot welding

The hot method involves the use of a hair dryer and wire, which must melt under high temperature. The resulting liquid mixture should fill the joints to create a tight and impermeable joint. This method is the best, but its implementation requires special equipment and skill in working with them.

The gluing procedure must be performed very carefully so that the melted glue does not drip onto the linoleum.

Before purchasing linoleum, you need to obtain information from the seller about how it can be joined. Many types of household coating cannot be hot glued, because the soft coating is not suitable for high temperatures.

Experts recommend using cold welding for residential premises

To perform cold welding you will need a ruler, masking tape, a welding tube, and a knife with a sharp blade. Let us describe the sequence of actions.

The hot method is more complex. To perform this, you will need to purchase a welding hair dryer with a special nozzle. In this case, instead of glue, you will need a special wire, which has a similar composition to linoleum.

When performing the work, in addition to the equipment, you will need a knife with a sharp blade and a vacuum cleaner in order to collect the remaining debris.

welding hair dryer

Installation recommendations

A detailed description of the process is the topic of a separate review, so here I will talk about the work in general.

This will be a brief instruction with the main steps so that you can understand all the features of the work:

This is what the workflow diagram looks like

• First of all, take measurements of the rooms in which the linoleum will be laid in order to calculate the required amount of material and determine its width. You also need to decide in which direction the linoleum will be located in order to choose the appropriate pattern or texture;
• Next, you need to prepare the base; any unevenness is not allowed, since linoleum repeats all the flaws. Concrete surfaces are leveled using cement mortar or self-leveling compounds, which themselves spread over the level. As for the wooden floor, if it is flat, you need to putty the cracks and fastening points, but most often you need to cover the base with plywood or chipboard to quickly get a flat surface;

The smoother the base, the better the linoleum will lie and the more ideal the finished surface will be.

• Next, linoleum is laid; it is better not to cut it to size in advance, but to do it in place so as not to cut off excess. Everything here is quite simple, you only need to remember that there must be a gap of 5-7 mm between the wall and the material to prevent deformation during operation, since the coating expands slightly over time. As for fastening, it is best to use special adhesives;
• If there are joints on the covering, then they need to be glued very carefully; it is better not to use a metal profile for fastening, since water gets under it and over time mold can form under the linoleum, and if it is on a natural basis, then it can simply rot .

To maintain the surface in perfect condition, you can lubricate it with regular glycerin from time to time.

Famous manufacturers

Insulated linoleum from several companies is sold in the markets of our country. Let's list the most popular ones.

Tarkett

This manufacturer is a leader among companies involved in the creation of flooring. It has been producing a wide variety of flooring surfaces since the beginning of the 20th century. The quality of the product meets not only domestic sanitary standards, but also European ones. The company produces both felt-based and foam-based products. In addition, all material has a high fire safety class.

Linoleum Tarkett

IVC

This manufacturer produces its products in Belgium. His product has excellent characteristics and a unique design, so a room with such a floor looks very chic. Thermal insulation is provided in this case by felt. Therefore, the surface will not only be soft and warm, but you can also walk on it barefoot.

Linoleum IVC

Forbo

This company specializes in the production of eco-linoleum. Its products contain about 97% natural ingredients. One of the company's lines creates a cork-based coating. It not only perfectly prevents heat loss, but also blocks sounds. Other lines use jute for thermal insulation.

Linoleum Forbo

"Comitex Lin Parma"

The specialization of this enterprise is to create economy-class household coverings. The insulation in this case is felt. This linoleum is well suited for temporary housing or a summer cottage. Its price allows this.

Linoleum Komitex Lin Parma

Linoleum care

Proper care will allow your floor to always look cozy and beautiful, as well as retain heat. Most users do not consider such measures necessary, but if they are not followed, its surface will quickly become unusable. In addition, all these activities are not labor-intensive:

• regular cleaning of dust and dirt;
• polishing, it will be useful even if the coating is already shiny.

If you do not neglect such manipulations, the coating will please the eye for a long time.

To prevent linoleum from losing its original appearance, it is worth caring for it properly

Which coating is suitable for a cold floor?

The choice of floor covering for thermal insulation is determined by a number of factors. The budget allocated for the purchase of material will play a key role. If its size does not matter, then it is better to opt for natural linoleum. But if the amount intended for the purchase is quite modest, it is worth purchasing a household type of covering or looking in stores for the remains of high-quality linoleum, which is sold at a low price.

The choice of linoleum may be influenced by the purpose of the room for which the renovation is planned. For example, you can choose a household covering for a nursery or bedroom, and buy a semi-commercial covering for the rest of the common rooms.

The base for linoleum is also important. For uneven wooden surfaces, the best option would be a felt-based coating. This recommendation is due to the fact that felt hides gaps between boards and small differences. But for a perfectly flat surface, you can choose any linoleum.

If the surface of the subfloor is perfectly flat, you can choose any type of linoleum

For the bathroom, you should choose linoleum with foam insulation. It is not afraid of the effects of fungi or mold, and also reacts calmly to temperature changes and high humidity.

Layers of linoleum on a foam base

The structure of foam-based linoleum is quite complex. The thickness of linoleum is large enough to provide the surface with heat and make it even. Linoleum with this type of base has a beautiful appearance, which contributes to its popularity among consumers.

One of the well-known types of linoleum, which is widely popular and has high-quality characteristics, is Tarkett.

This is linoleum with a heat-insulating surface, wear-resistant, durable and at the same time breathable. Its base consists of six layers, each of them performs its own function. Linoleum is thinner than felt-based flooring, but the addition of fiberglass makes it much stronger.

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Many people prefer to choose insulated linoleum because it is easy to care for

Foamed linoleum layers:

• Transparent layer for protection;
• Decorative;
• Foam layer;
• Primed layer;
• Bottom foam layer;
• Back layer.

This is the most practical type of flooring. It is easy to care for and wash. It is only important to remember that it is better to clean linoleum every day, and not just once after it becomes impossible to wash it from accumulated dirt and dust.