Which linoleum base is better

Linoleum has long held the lead among all other floor coverings. This is a fairly cheap material, it is extremely easy to transport, and does not require any special knowledge to install it. For many, it is no less important that the material is environmentally friendly, yet quite durable and not without an aesthetic component. But linoleum has its own classification based on the base, the choice of which people often doubt. This article is devoted to precisely this issue.

What is the best linoleum base?

Every person wanted the coating they purchased to last a long time. If you choose the right linoleum, you won’t need to replace it for a very long time, but for this it is important to consider high-quality options that can withstand the expected load and have sufficient moisture resistance and wear resistance. A very important factor here is the linoleum base, on the thickness and configuration of which many characteristics will depend: durability and strength, sound and heat insulation.

In simple terms, the base here is a kind of foundation that is in direct contact with the bare floor. It is he who takes on all the shock-absorbing capacity, performs the function of an insulator and gives the material strength and elasticity.Therefore, you need to approach your purchase choice extremely carefully, having studied this issue, then you won’t have to think about repairing or replacing the floor covering for a very long time.

PVC - pros and cons

Foamed surface (PVC) is considered an ideal option for rooms where high air humidity is recorded most of the time. Domestic premises include the bathroom, toilet and kitchen. Some people cover the floor on the balcony with a PVC base. The key advantage, in addition to moisture resistance, is the ability of linoleum to restore its original shape and volume. This is especially true in cases where furniture is often moved on the floor, people walk on heels and have other impacts on the flooring. All traces disappear pretty quickly.

Among the main disadvantages, it is worth highlighting the low profile of such linoleum. That is, the thickness here usually does not exceed 3 millimeters. This leads to an unpleasant consequence - weak shock-absorbing ability. Also, the PVC base negatively perceives elevated temperatures, which affects its properties and characteristics. The temperature barrier starts at 27 degrees Celsius, so using this base on heated floors is strongly not recommended.

Felt - pros and cons

The felt base is considered more environmentally friendly compared to its competitor. Also, the shock-absorbing capacity here is much higher, which is due to the thickness of such material - from 5 millimeters on average. A big advantage that appeals to buyers is thermal insulation, which is very important for private houses or the first floors of panel houses.

Among the negative aspects of the felt base of linoleum, one can note its weak resistance to moisture and various fungal processes. Although manufacturers now impregnate materials with special antifungal agents, this does not greatly extend the life of linoleum, which is constantly exposed to dampness. Also, unlike a foam surface, felt is not able to recover from various pinpoint and mechanical damage, so this coating should be treated with special attention. Considering its negative and positive qualities, linoleum with a felt base is ideal for bedrooms, living rooms and children's rooms, providing the necessary softness and warmth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to give readers important advice that is rarely found anywhere. Linoleum is divided into three types: household, semi-commercial and commercial. They differ in their durability, quality and, of course, price. Usually people order a household look for their home, but many craftsmen will advise you that you should take semi-commercial linoleum - it is more expensive, but will last much longer than its cheaper counterpart, up to 20 years. True, there will be more sparse colors, but for those who like monotony, this will only be a plus.

Also, when choosing linoleum, pay attention to the color and smell - if the coating has a greasy sheen and a strong chemical smell, then you should not buy it, despite the favorable price. When you have settled on the final option and are about to buy it, ask the seller to show the document for this linoleum. It must indicate that the product was manufactured according to the requirements of GOST, otherwise we can conclude that we have a low-quality product.Be vigilant and extremely attentive, then you will only have pleasant impressions from any purchase!