Wear resistance class of linoleum

Any floor covering has certain physical characteristics that affect the scope of its use. Linoleum is no exception. There are different types of this coating, differing in composition and processing technology. It is natural that they all have different characteristics and are intended for different rooms.

Fortunately, to make it easier for people to choose from all this variety, wear resistance classes have been created. They help you easily determine the scope of application of the coating without delving into complex details. Having memorized them, you will not have to rely on third-party advisers. Rolls are always marked, so you can easily choose the appropriate material yourself.

Linoleum classification system

The parameters of wear resistance and durability are primarily affected by the composition of linoleum. The “recipe” for preparing sheets determines not only the strength, but also the safety and appearance of the material. There are five main categories:

1. Natural. Produced without chemical impurities. It is considered environmentally friendly, durable, but not suitable for rooms with high humidity.
2. PVC. Consists of polyvinyl chloride or polyester felt. In demand due to its low price and variety of designs.
3. Relin (rubber linoleum). It contains rubber. Ideal for rooms with aggressive environments.
4. Nitrocellulose (colloxylin). The basis for this type of coating is cellulose. Resistant to moisture, but easily ignites.
5. Glypthal (alkyd). Similar in composition to natural species. Wear-resistant and provides good insulation, but does not tolerate low temperatures.

However, in addition to division based on the “recipe,” linoleum is also divided according to its structure into homogeneous and heterogeneous. Homogeneous is a homogeneous canvas, not divided into any layers. The pattern permeates such a coating entirely, and does not occupy only the surface. Heterogeneous consists of several layers, from 2 to 6. This coating is considered the most durable.

Wear resistance classes of linoleum

The wear resistance class is determined by three parameters - the degree of load, the class of living space and the additional parameter of abrasion. The first parameter determines how much load the coating can withstand. The second tells you for which premises the roll was originally created. Abrasion helps to understand how quickly the coating will wear out under appropriate loads.

The listed parameters are affected not only by the composition or structure, but also by the thickness of the selected coating. In addition, if linoleum for a room is laid in a warehouse, it will be quite natural that it will become unusable faster, despite the high wear resistance class.

IMPORTANT! Some parameters need to be distinguished separately from the wear resistance class. For example, you can buy expensive linoleum for the kitchen with a high wear resistance class, and then discover that it is not intended for wet rooms.

Features of linoleum markings: what to look for

The wear resistance class is usually marked with a two-digit number.The first number shows for what types of premises the selected roll of linoleum is intended. There are three types in total:

• “2” - for residential premises such as apartments, cottages, etc.
• “3” - public or administrative premises. This area includes hospitals, schools, cafes and so on.
• “4” is a type created for technical and industrial premises - warehouses, airports, train stations, factory workshops.

The second number makes it clear how much load the coating can withstand. Load refers to the traffic flow of the room, the use of furniture and equipment in it. There are 4 load classes in total – from one to four, from low load to extreme. As a result, class “23” will be intended for residential areas with high traffic, such as a corridor, and “34” - for train stations or airports, where a huge number of people are constantly present.

In addition to the digital marking of the wear resistance class, it is advisable to pay attention to special designations such as “flammable”, “anti-slip effect” or “varnished”. They are usually presented in the form of easy-to-understand pictures or icons.