Marmoleum - unpopular, but perhaps the best floor covering

The technology of installing linoleum on a heated floor is not so popular. The reason lies in the fact that during the heating of this material, vinyl chloride, toluene, phenol, etc. are released. And this is true, but not in all cases. Considering the above, a reasonable question may arise: is it possible to lay linoleum on top of heated floors? This article will provide objective information that will allow you to understand whether it is possible to lay linoleum on a heated floor. You can also read reviews from those who have researched this issue. In general, this will help you choose linoleum wisely and create an equally effective underfloor heating system as with parquet or tiles.

Classification of marmoleum and its technical characteristics

Marmoleum is capable of withstanding a load of 160 kg/sq.m. without permanent deformation. cm (!). The specific gravity of the material is from 2.6 to 3.4 kg/sq.m. m, and its total thickness is 2-4 mm (depending on the class).

Marmoleum classes:

• from 21 to 23 - inexpensive general-purpose material with a thin top layer (up to 2 mm);
• from 31 to 33 – industrial floor covering. Decorative layer - up to 2.5 mm. It is resistant to static loads, but tolerates alternating loads somewhat worse than higher-class materials;
• from 41 to 43 - material developed specifically for premises designed for an almost continuous flow of people (as happens, for example, in large international airports). The thickness of the top layer of this coating is more than 3 mm, thanks to which marmoleum of this category can withstand up to one hundred thousand daily attacks for 5 years.

The division into classes was created to make it easier for the consumer to choose the optimal material in each specific case. For example, expensive and thick marmoleum (classes 41-43) is completely unsuitable for an apartment or private house, since the legs of concentrated loads (aquarium stand, cabinets, etc.) can make holes in it over time. Therefore, for private use, as a rule, they buy the thinnest and cheapest material. An excellent flooring option for the living rooms of an apartment or large house is click marmoleum - tiles and panels with a special locking connection. The durability and strength of this material is ensured by the HDF board, which is supplemented with a cork layer at the bottom, which significantly reduces the noise level in the room. On top, the fibreboard is covered with jute fabric with a plastic marmoleum composition. If necessary, the surface of the coating can be sanded, restored, or covered with a protective layer (the pattern will not be affected, since it is applied to the entire thickness of the top layer).

Standard sizes of marmoleum

This type of flooring is available in the form of:

Rolls, the width of which is about 2 m. This option is not suitable for self-installation, since working with rolled marmoleum requires a crane, a loader and a team of experienced riggers.

Tiles are 50x50 cm or 30x30 cm in size. They are laid with glue, like ceramic tiles or PVC.

The panels are 90x30 cm. They are also laid with glue.

What is it - structure and modern production

Marmoleum is highly wear-resistant, durable and has a service life of more than 25 years

The main value of marmoleum as a material is its environmental friendliness and safety, since the coating contains only natural components, without synthetic impurities. The material recipe consists of conifer resin, flax oil, wood raw materials, crushed cork, chalk and lime.

For coloring, only natural pigments are used that do not emit harmful substances. The structure of marmoleum is a homogeneous coating. That is, the material has one complete layer with a pattern applied across the entire thickness of the product.

From a technological point of view, marmoleum is a modernized version of natural linoleum. Initially, linseed oil and resin were used to produce linoleum from plant and natural components.

As technology improved, substitutes for these components were found and introduced, obtained from special breeds of tropical crops. This made it possible not only to reduce the cost of mass production of the material, but also to increase its performance qualities.

Additionally, a pressed layer of natural cork was added to the structure, which improves the strength and stability of the coating on the surface. The manufacturing process has also undergone some changes - the dry hot pressing method began to be used to obtain the finished product.

As a result, the improved natural linoleum received the trade name marmoleum, under which it is successfully sold in construction stores.

Characteristics, classification and release form

Natural cladding in rolls and tiles

Technically, marmoleum flooring has higher characteristics than conventional polyvinyl chloride linoleum. The coating can withstand up to 160 kg per 1 cm2 of surface, without visible signs of deformation.

The specific gravity of 1 m2 of material is 2.5-3.5 kg with a total coating thickness of 2-4 mm. The average service life of the material, subject to installation technology and general operating rules, is at least 30 years.

Taking into account the technical characteristics, marmoleum is classified into the following classes:

1. 21-23 – coating intended for use in normal household conditions. It is distinguished by its small thickness (up to 2 mm) and low cost. It is recommended to install it in city apartments and private houses, as it has increased resistance to variable loads.
2. 31-32 – marmoleum, intended for installation in industrial premises and small industries. It has a thicker top layer (up to 2.5 mm). It is resistant to static load, which makes it possible to use it in rooms with a large amount of heavy furniture and machines.
3. 41-43 – coating intended for use in public spaces with high traffic and continuous foot traffic. The total thickness of the coating is from 3-4 mm. The main area of ​​application is airports, train stations, hospitals.

It is important to understand that the class of marmoleum indicates not so much the characteristics of the coating, but rather the scope of application and the presence of certain technical qualities. That is, it makes no sense to buy thicker or more durable material for installation in an apartment.

In domestic conditions, the floor surface is subjected to a completely different load than in industrial or public premises. Marmoleum class 21-23 with a thickness of 2 mm is quite enough to ensure trouble-free operation during the stated service life.

According to the form of release, marmoleum is divided into the following types:

• roll 2 m wide;
• tiles 30×30 and 50×50 cm;
• panel 90×30 cm.

Rolled marmoleum, unlike PVC linoleum, is not recommended to be purchased if you plan to lay the coating yourself. The rolled material is quite heavy, which will cause difficulties in delivery to the work site. Care should be taken during transportation, as if broken, the material is fragile and may crack.

Marmoleum in the form of tiles and panels does not have these disadvantages. The panels have a fairly convenient locking system, which allows you to install them yourself, without much experience working with the material. Photos of the main types of marmoleum can be seen above.

Pros and cons of operation

Marmoleum is one of the few floor coverings that combines high performance characteristics and a lot of positive qualities. In fact, this is the reason for the high popularity of this coating in its price segment.

Naturalness is one of the main advantages of this material.

Among the advantages of marmoleum are the following:

• environmental friendliness - the coating is absolutely safe for human health and pets. The coating can be laid in residential areas where allergy sufferers and small children live;
• hygiene - marmoleum floors are quite easy to clean by wet cleaning without using a large amount of detergents. After cleaning, it remains clean for a long time due to the bactericidal properties of the coating;
• durability - the material does not fade, does not absorb moisture when wet, does not ripple, does not warp. Has high local resistance to damage and other negative factors;
• insulation – when laying, it is not necessary to use heat-insulating material to insulate the floor, since the material has low thermal conductivity. Does not accumulate static electricity, is not flammable, does not emit harmful substances;
• cost - the total cost of laying the coating, even taking into account the cost of the material, is slightly lower than when laying laminate or parquet boards;
• variety - marmoleum has high decorative qualities. Large manufacturers produce coatings in 100 primary colors, 30-50 texture solutions and 2000 shades.

Among the disadvantages of marmoleum, one should note its fragility, especially in the corners and along the edges of the roll. If the installation technology is incorrect, there is a high risk of damage to the material, as a result of which this area will have to be cut off, since cracks along the break line will be very noticeable on it.

During operation, the material may spread slightly over the floor surface and harden in the most trafficked areas of the floor. This is clearly visible in poorly sealed seams, which become tighter over time.

When working with rolled marmoleum, it is advisable to have installation experience, since the material does not cut well, and getting a perfectly even edge along the cut line is quite problematic. That is why most large retail outlets offer an additional installation service, since failure to comply with the technology will void the warranty on the flooring.

Instructions for laying on the base

The general requirements for laying marmoleum are similar to other types of flooring. The supporting base for installation must be monolithic, strong, and dry. The maximum deviation in accordance with GOST is no more than 2 mm per 2 m of surface.

Scheme of laying tiles from the center of the room

The strength of the supporting base is determined based on the planned loads. In residential premises, warehouses and small industries - this is no more than 300 kg/cm2.

Depending on the material used, the base can be divided into three groups: concrete surface, cement-sand or gypsum thin-layer screed, base made of sheet materials.

Almost any concrete surface requires leveling by installing a cement-sand screed or pouring a leveling mass. In rare cases, when a concrete floor slab meets the requirements stated above, surface repairs are sufficient.

To eliminate small irregularities and potholes, dispersion putty should be used. Leveling by laying sheet materials (chipboard, gypsum fiber board) is more suitable for wooden bases and floors with a structure on joists.

The purchased material must be delivered 24 hours before installation. If marmoleum was transported at temperatures below 10 C, then unpacking must be carried out no less than 24 hours later.

Tiles can be laid from the far corner of the room

Laying modular marmoleum with your own hands is done in the following sequence:

1. The laying pattern on the surface is selected based on the design solution. On the diagram you need to indicate the center line from which the installation will begin. For a symmetrical pattern, you can divide the room in half with the center in the middle.
2. Next, you will need to carefully study the instructions for the purchased adhesive mass. The glue is applied to the back surface of the module using a notched trowel. During the application process, it is important to monitor the drying time of the adhesive mass. If the glue has dried out and lost its adhesive properties, then it must be completely removed from the surface of the element.
3. When laying, each marmoleum tile is rolled with a smooth roller weighing 50-75 kg. This tool can be rented in stores specializing in the sale of linoleum.
4. Laying the modules starts from the central center line, as shown in the figure above. The tiled module is laid without gaps or separation from previous elements.
5. The laying process continues until the last element in each row remains that requires trimming. To trim the tile, you will need to apply markings to its front side. Next, cut the tile along the cutting line using a knife with a straight blade. The final cut is made using a knife with a hook blade.

Before commissioning, the floor surface should be thoroughly cleaned of any remaining adhesive that may have been squeezed out of the seams between the modules. To do this, you can carry out wet cleaning with a small amount of detergent approved by the manufacturer.

For daily care, dry cleaning with a special mop with a microfiber attachment is sufficient. Constant use of detergents is not required.

Modular marmoleum with the “Click” locking system is installed in a similar way, the only difference being that the installation of panels can begin from the far corner of the room. To trim an element near the wall, you can use a jigsaw or a wood saw.

When laying the first row, a technological gap of 15-30 mm should be maintained between the tiles and the wall. The gap is needed so that the cladding does not warp during operation.

To lay the second and subsequent rows, it is most convenient to assemble the row as a single piece, and then carefully lower it onto the floor surface until the locking connection is completely snapped into place. The video above shows detailed instructions for laying modular marmoleum.

Marmoleum: history of creation

The technology of impregnating fabrics with hot oil to increase strength and improve performance characteristics was known back in Ancient Rome. However, in Europe, such a convenient and economical way of creating original draperies and fabric floor coverings gained popularity only in the 17th century. This was due to the massive import of coarse but extremely durable burlap - jute, which conquered the markets of most European countries. It was made from Calcutta hemp, Indian flax and tossa jute. It turned out that after treating such fabric with a special hot composition, including beeswax, resin and dye, it is possible to obtain a natural, beautiful and wear-resistant floor covering.

In 1627, the technology for producing marmoleum was patented and began to bring huge profits to its creators. In 1863, a British patent for natural linoleum was issued to Frederick Walton, who was able to develop a unique top layer of flooring consisting of wood flour, linseed oil, chalk, natural dyes and pine resin. By the middle of the 20th century. artificial linoleum has slowly begun to replace marmoleum due to its low cost.

But in the 90s, 20 tbsp. Better and cheaper substitutes for oleoresin and linseed oil were found, and they began to be produced from highly productive tropical crops. In addition, the composition of the material was additionally enriched with pressed cork chips, which created an intermediate layer in such a floor covering. And marmoleum itself began to be produced by hot dry pressing, originally developed for the production of MDF. At the moment, marmoleum is an environmentally friendly material, warm, wear-resistant and hygienic. The first place among the companies involved in the production and sale of this floor covering is the Swiss company Forbo. Marmoleum Forbo is distinguished by the highest quality and very original design solutions embodied in various collections.

Manufacturers

Marmoleum is an expensive material, and, like any similar coating, it is not protected from counterfeiting. Violations of manufacturing technology greatly affect the quality, so you need to buy coatings from well-known manufacturers.

The recognized leader in the production of marmoleum is the group. It was organized in 1928. The Forbo concern includes more than 40 companies located in the USA and Western Europe.

An equally large supplier to the Russian market is the English corporation Armstrong, which has its factories in European countries.

What flooring is best for a hallway?

The apartment begins from the hallway. Here guests are greeted, and the owners finally find themselves in their “fortress” after the noisy outside world. The room should be extremely functional, including due to its small size. Special requirements are placed on floor coverings: people walk here not only in soft indoor shoes, but also in hard outdoor shoes, carrying water and dirt on them. What floors are best to make in the hallway so that they last a long time? Let's look at the possible options.

15.11.2021

Rating of the best porcelain tiles for floors 2021-2022

Porcelain stoneware is a convenient and practical material for floor finishing. Few people doubt its positive qualities, and for almost two years we have collected our own statistics of customer opinions about various manufacturing companies. We present to you the rating of the best porcelain tiles for floors in 2020–2021, according to our editors.

03.11.2021

How thick is the laminate underlay and which one is better to choose?

Laying laminate flooring is a simple and inexpensive way to repair a floor (not counting preliminary leveling work). And if everything is more or less clear with the coating classes, then it’s worth talking about the substrate separately. There are different types of material available in stores, and it seems that the thicker it is, the better - the walk will be softer, and the flaws made during alignment will be softened. However, not everything is so simple, so the question of how thick the laminate substrate is and which one is better to choose should be taken more seriously.

Types of heated floors

Warm floors can be water or electric. The main difference between these heating systems, in addition to design features, is that a coolant is used in the water floor, which has certain properties and qualities - inertia of heating and cooling.

The operation of an electrical device depends only on the presence of current, so this option is more convenient and cost-effective.

Mermen

In water floors, the heating source is a liquid coolant - water or antifreeze, which circulates through pipes in the thickness of the “pie”. The surface heating process occurs slowly. In addition, this heating option is not suitable for rooms with low ceilings.

Water heated floors are constructed in two ways, the choice is influenced by the type of floors:

Electrical

Electric floors - their main feature is that they are powered by an electrical network.

The advantage of this heating system is that the surface heats up evenly, which is important for linoleum. But despite this, it is not recommended to lay this coating on a cable floor, as it heats up quickly, which can destroy the product.

Important! If you have chosen a cable structure, then you need to constantly monitor the heating process to prevent overheating of the floor surface.

Composition and forms of production of the material

In reviews about what “marmoleum” is, you will not find a detailed description of the composition of the material. But this is an important criterion influencing the choice of purchase. The coating includes the following components:

• Oxidized linseed oil.
• Resin from coniferous trees.
• Wood "flour".
• Limestone.
• Natural dyes (pigments).
• Cork chips.
• Jute.

This coating is available in several variations:

1. Tiles.

Dimensions of large segments – 50x50 cm. Dimensions of small segments – 30x30 cm. Convenient for self-installation.

2. Panel.

The dimensions of the segments are 90x30 cm. They can be installed independently without the participation of specialists.

3. Roll.

The width of the canvas is 2 m. Self-installation is impossible due to the weight and fragility of the material, as well as specific work associated with joining the edges of several canvases.

Coverage classification (classes and their cost):

1. Lowest cost.

Options marked with class 21, 22 and 23 have the lowest price due to the thickness of the decorative layer of the product. It does not exceed the 2 mm mark. They are successfully used in domestic conditions. They tolerate static load (the weight of heavy furniture) better than variable load (active walking).

2. Average cost.

Options marked with class 31, 32 and 33 have an average cost, since their decorative coating thickness is slightly increased. Thickening can vary from 2 to 5 mm. It copes with loads in the same way as the previous options.

3. High cost.

Options marked with class 41, 42 and 43 have the highest cost, since their decorative layer is the thickest. It can exceed the 3 mm mark. It copes with variable loads much better, so it is recommended for use in public places with high traffic.

Self-installation technology

Laying of roll coverings should be entrusted to professionals. The material is heavy, fragile, and may crumble at the edges.

It is better to install tiles or panels yourself, with or without a base. Laying marmoleum in general is not difficult if the base is level and the installer does not forget about the fragility of the material. Tiles should be handled very carefully.

Laying marmoleum tiles or panels without a base is reminiscent of installing quartz vinyl tiles, PVC or natural cork, and installing boards on an HDF base is similar to working with laminate, with some subtleties.

Let's consider laying marmoleum with and without a base. The stages are as follows:

1. Leveling the base. This is the most important and responsible stage, since marmoleum is very sensitive to floor unevenness. A wooden floor is leveled with sheets of plywood or OSB; a concrete floor is better leveled with a self-leveling screed. After this, the floor under the adhesive tiles should be treated with a deep penetration primer.
2. Temperature gaps of 1.5–2 cm are made along the perimeter of the room by inserting wooden planks wrapped in plastic film or liners (liners are attached to the material, which are removed after laying the coating).
3. Laying of interlocking panels is carried out according to the type of laminate installation, staggered: each subsequent row begins with the remainder of the board of the previous row. If a pattern of tiles of different colors is expected on the floor, it should first be drawn on paper and on the floor, and it is better to start work from the center of the room.
4. Due to the flexibility of the top layer, joining the fragments is somewhat difficult. To cope with the problem, bars cut into a wedge with an angle of inclination at which the fragment is inserted into the lock will help. The bars are placed under the marmoleum and inserted into the groove of the previous row. Then the bars are removed, and the coating strip takes its position.
5. To cut boards, you should use a jigsaw with a metal file or a hacksaw with fine teeth.

Adhesive tiles

The tiles are glued to a special glue or silicone sealant. If you use multi-colored tiles, you can lay out interesting patterns. The sketch is drawn on paper to a certain scale.

Coating tiles in a rectangular room begin to be glued from the short wall, having previously marked the laying line of the first row.

The adhesive is applied to the floor in zigzag lines under each tile, then it is laid down and pressed firmly to the floor. To compact the tile, tap it with a rubber hammer.

The next one is glued to the side. To ensure that it fits tightly to the previous tile, use a flat wooden block. It is placed on the side and tapped on it with a hammer, pressing the tile. You can use a hook clamp to pull the tiles together. This is how all rows are laid sequentially.

If you insert tile crosses between the tiles and then seal the seams with a contrasting sealant, the floor will look elegant and beautiful.

What to choose

As can be seen from the listed characteristics, not every type of linoleum can be laid on a warm floor.

Of course, the best choice is natural. The next in rank is PVC. As for nitrocellulose, alkyd and rubber linoleum, it is unacceptable to use it for heated floors.

Taking this into account, let us consider in more detail the structure and technical characteristics of PVC and natural linoleum.

Natural "marmoleum"

The best type of linoleum is natural. It contains only natural ingredients:

1. Natural dye.
2. Lime powder.
3. Shredded cork.
4. Pine resin.
5. Linseed oil.

During the heating process, it does not release harmful substances into the air. Moreover, after time it does not deform, does not change its size, and in the event of a fire it will not spread fire. If it is exposed to direct ultraviolet rays, the design will not fade.

PVC (vinyl)

If you can’t buy natural (marmoleum), then PVC linoleum will be an excellent alternative . But for combination with heated floors, it is better to give preference to semi-commercial or commercial types. They can be laid for heating, as they have better technical characteristics. You should not buy material with a heat-insulating base.

It will poorly transmit thermal energy and, as a result, will reduce the installed floor heating to zero. Therefore, you should choose PVC linoleum with or without a thin fabric base.

After the first time, during the process of heating the material, there may be an unpleasant odor in the air. It will completely disappear within two weeks. This smell does not pose any health hazard.

Installation and laying of marmoleum

To carry out installation work, you must be able to use tools. Since the edges of the coating are fragile, you need to prepare a wooden mallet and a rule with a hook, the size of which is 200 mm. You will also need a grinder, a construction knife, an electric jigsaw and markers.

Marmoleum can be installed even on an old floor that has no flaws. If there are severe defects, the old coating is removed and the marmoleum is laid on a concrete base. The floor is being repaired first. When installing a modern coating, additional sound and heat insulation is not required.

For old floors, tiles are more suitable, since panels on an uneven surface can get stuck. Before work, prepare the base. This can be a concrete coating or a cement-sand screed. Any base must be leveled. This work is done using a grinder or drill. After leveling, any remaining dust must be removed.

Features of preparation

When preparing the base, you need to perform some necessary steps. If there are protrusions on the surface, they need to be leveled and pointed parts with a height of more than 1 mm must be removed. For this process you will need a sander or electric drill. The slots are additionally sealed with putty or a cement mixture. After leveling, remove debris. To facilitate preparatory manipulations, place a plastic bedding. In any case, no treatment with bitumen mastic is required.

Slicing

Before work, measure the width of the area and find out how many slabs will be needed

It is important to consider the gap around the entire perimeter of the room. To lay the remains of solid slabs, cut all the elements in half

Cut solid slabs to the required length using a grinder or an electric jigsaw.

Laying process

Laying marmoleum consists of the following steps:

1. Place a strip wrapped in film near the short wall. Its length should be 30 mm. This cover will protect the rail from sticking.
2. Start styling from the far left corner. Squeeze out mounting adhesive, silicone or mastic under the tile space.
3. Place the tile and push it into the very corner. In this case, you can use a rule or a mallet.
4. Lay out cross rows until the entire room is filled. Apply the coating using a comb.

The coating must sit until the adhesive solution sets. As confirmed by reviews, the new material is easy to install. It is easy to work with castle marmoleum, which is held together with a special compound.

When using comb laying, start the rows alternately, sometimes with whole tiles, sometimes with trimmed ones. When laying leftovers, start all rows with trimmed panels.

Seam processing

If the edge of the panel is damaged during fitting, it can be corrected with a joint compound. Marmoleum coating can be made with decorative seam cutting. Place matches in each joint. Then, after the glue has dried, sand the seams. The cold welding method is suitable for cutting seams.

Installation of click tiles

The tiles are mounted on a backing that compensates for uneven floors and protects against condensation. The substrate is made of PVC film and is laid with an overlap of 25 cm. In this case, additional thermal insulation is not needed.

To install, first attach the first row. To do this, step back 15 mm from the wall. This will allow you to create expansion joints. Each element connects to the previous one at a certain angle.

Then make fasteners for the second row. To take into account the expansion joint, place a strip under the panel. After laying the tiles, remove it and secure the locks. After laying all the elements, treat the panels with glue and beat them with a mallet. Gaps are covered with decorative skirting boards.

Laminate or linoleum - which is better? Expert opinion

To identify the coating that is most useful in operation, we compare their advantages and disadvantages.

Basic rules for laying marmoleum

Despite the fact that the installation process of the flooring in question is not difficult, everyone needs to know some features. This will help you avoid mistakes and get the expected result - an absolutely flat floor that fits into the overall style of the room.

Rules for laying marmoleum:

1. The material in question can be laid on the previous coating, but only if it is not damaged in the form of depressed outlines.
2. Marmoleum can also be laid on a concrete floor, and there is no need to first install a heat-insulating layer - the presented floor covering itself performs this role.
3. It is not advisable to use marmoleum panels if the floor has a rough surface - the installation process will be fraught with some difficulties, and the final result will be distorted.

Please note: if the base for marmoleum is a completely uneven surface on which there are differences, then you can lay a special backing under the laminate. This will be more expensive than leveling the floor yourself with a grinder, but it will also be more reliable.

There is no need to do any bitumen impregnation!

1. Before you start laying marmoleum tiles, you need to lay out the material on the floor and clearly calculate the cutting locations. Be sure to leave a margin of 15-30 mm - these gaps will be hidden under the baseboard, but will allow you to avoid the appearance of swelling and unevenness in a short time, after the marmoleum “shrinks”.
2. You only need to cut the material in question with a jigsaw - this will reduce the number of “notches” on the cut and the level of shedding of the material.
3. To lay marmoleum, tile adhesive, construction silicone or linoleum mastic are used. The fixing material is applied to the base, then the marmoleum tile is laid and adjusted to the level using a hammer with a rubber tip.
4. After all the tiles have been laid, it is necessary to protect the room from people in it - to obtain an optimal result, the glue must dry completely (a more precise drying time is indicated in the instructions for the specific fixing material).
5. It is quite possible that the edge of the tile will delaminate after using a hammer with a rubber tip - don’t worry! This flaw can be easily corrected with a compound - a special grout for linoleum. Only experts do not recommend buying it in advance if marmoleum tiles of different colors are used - most likely, you will have to select some shade suitable for the decorative coating.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that there are some restrictions on the use of the floor covering in question. Experts believe that marmoleum should not be used to decorate the bathroom and kitchen.

Marmoleum should also not be placed on heated floors. Or rather, you can put it in, but the heat transfer from the heating heating system will be reduced significantly.

Warm film floor under linoleum - preparation, drawing up a diagram and step-by-step installation

Infrared heated floors laid under linoleum or other floor coverings are a common way to heat rooms for various purposes for those who follow the trend in the heating system.

This synthetic film material has long been used as flooring. Most often they cover the floors in kitchens and hallways. The main advantages are low cost and ease of work. Laying it on the floor does not require much experience. An additional advantage is that such a floor is easy to clean and does not allow water to pass through.

Previously, laminate or tiles were used as a finishing coating for heated floors. But the development of technology has made it possible to produce linoleum that copes with the task perfectly. It is important to know that not every linoleum is suitable for these purposes, and you will learn which one you need to choose from this article - there are special types of linoleum suitable specifically for heated floors.

It is also necessary to take into account which particular underfloor heating system interacts with linoleum. This has its own characteristics, if carefully observed, both the warm floor and linoleum will last a long time and without complaints.

How to lay marmoleum?

Before laying marmoleum in an apartment, it is recommended to watch the video on our website, which is dedicated to this topic. The material in question is quite fragile, so the builder must be careful during installation work. When laying the coating, it is necessary to select the correct element; its adjustment is carried out using a clamp and a hammer.

Rolled materials or individual panels can also be laid on old flooring, provided there are no defects on it and a perfectly flat surface. Otherwise, it will be necessary to dismantle the floor and prepare the base. The base surface is leveled using a cement-sand screed along beacons or a self-leveling mixture. The last option is used for bases with small differences in height. The result of the preparatory work is considered to be a perfectly flat, dry and clean base surface.

On the prepared base we lay out the floor covering. At the same time, in places where the floor comes into contact with the surface of the walls, we leave a structural gap of 1.5 centimeters. This seam will soon fill as a result of thermal expansion of the coating under the influence of temperature changes and changes in humidity in the room. Installation of the coating begins with a short wall. Each tile is fixed with glue and pushed close to the previously installed elements.

We lay natural linoleum according to the rules

As for the installation of marmoleum, experts advise using a wooden or rubber hammer in the process, the hook of which is at least 150 mm.

If you decide to lay the material yourself, then remember several important nuances:

• It is allowed to lay marmoleum directly on the old floor covering and use any mounting adhesive. However, if the old coating has depressions and shakes, then you need to remove it and lay a new one directly on the concrete surface.
• On the old coating, tile marmoleum is laid end-to-end with glue. It is not recommended to use the panel type, since if the old floor is rough, the panels will constantly get stuck during the fitting process.
• If you are laying the material directly on concrete, then before installation, be sure to prepare the floor - eliminate all unevenness, vacuum it from dust and debris. It should be smooth, clean and dry.

Cons of Marmoleum

It is almost impossible to find absolute perfection in the construction world, so it is not surprising that marmoleum in the interior also has its drawbacks.

The material is quite fragile, especially at the edges, so during work it will be necessary to adhere to a number of rules and for the same reason it is allowed to roll any marmoleum into a regular roll only once and always with the base facing outwards.

Over time, the material blurs slightly and also becomes harder.

There are no negative aspects to this for your floor, since there is no need to seal the seams, however, when purchasing the material, it is important to read the available instructions in detail and also check the indicated shelf life.

It is advisable to look for a seller who can provide a guarantee, since when transporting rolls or boxes of tiles, they could be subject to careless handling and then there is a risk of receiving part of the material with defects in the form of cracks.

Due to the fact that marmoleum is quite heavy, it cannot be used for finishing walls or ceilings in an apartment. That is, the coating is only floor covering.

The material is extremely poorly cut in principle, and therefore, if you are expecting the same neat cut as, for example, on MDF or a popular laminate, then you will not be able to achieve this definitely.

That is, if we talk about the design of marmoleum, then if you lay it yourself, you will be limited in patterns from classic slabs.

Advantages and disadvantages of natural linoleum

Of course, one cannot fail to note the advantages and positive features of this type of flooring:

• Marmoleum has virtually no residual deformation and is able to withstand loads of 160 kg/cm2;
• Due to the use of natural ingredients during production, it is safe for health and does not cause allergic reactions;
• In addition, it has a bactericidal effect and improves the indoor microclimate;
• Natural linoleum has noise-insulating and heat-saving properties;
• When laying marmoleum, no particularly thorough surface preparation is required. Thanks to its plasticity, it will repeat small irregularities up to a quarter or even a third of its thickness, while its front side will remain smooth;
• Due to the fact that the material can be colored throughout its entire thickness, even if scratches appear on the surface, they will be practically invisible. Accordingly, marmoleum is able to maintain its attractive appearance much longer;
• The coating is resistant even to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays, various detergents with chemical compositions, and does not become wet or swell when exposed to moisture;
• There will be no traces of aggressive dyes left on its surface. Even the paint is easy to mark and will not stick. Thanks to this, caring for marmoleum is very simple and enjoyable;
• Natural linoleum does not accumulate static electricity, which means it does not attract dust;
• It is fireproof and does not support combustion. A cigarette butt thrown onto the surface of marmoleum will simply fade away and will not even leave a burn. It is very difficult to burn through the coating;
• The color palette, as well as the variety of textures of natural linoleum, is very large. Its surface successfully imitates natural wood or stone. There are over 100 primary colors and over 2000 shades for you to choose from;
• Laying marmoleum is quite simple and does not require any special skills;
• And finally, the most important thing is that the service life of such coating is about 20 years. This is despite the fact that it is able to withstand exposure to water, chemicals and heavy power loads. And thanks to the fact that the material is constantly being improved, we can hope that this figure will soon increase.

Like any other material, marmoleum also has a number of disadvantages:

• The material is very fragile. Especially its edges, which quickly chip off due to careless movements or improper transportation. Rolled marmoleum is generally not intended for repeated folding/unfolding;
• We can say that its weight is quite impressive - 2.6-3.4 kg/m2. Therefore, marmoleum is used only for flooring. On the walls it will simply float under its own weight;
• Due to its layered composition, the material is difficult to cut. To do this you need to use a hacksaw with fine teeth. But even with such a tool it will not be possible to achieve a perfectly smooth edge;
• In connection with the above, certain restrictions arise during installation. Firstly, it is not recommended to cut slabs or panels into pieces and try to lay them out in a specific color sequence. You will never achieve smooth joints using this method. Secondly, trimming should only be done for slabs adjacent to the wall, where the defect can be hidden with a decorative plinth. But this is not a drawback, but a recommendation. After all, you can lay out the desired pattern with ready-made tiles of different colors;
• After some time, the marmoleum hardens and spreads a little to the sides, but this feature can hardly be called a disadvantage, because on the contrary it is good for flooring. Not only does the surface hardness increase, but also small gaps in the joints of the plates will close by themselves. You don't have to put any effort into this. Knowing this fact, before purchasing, always check the date of manufacture and packaging of the coating. Otherwise, already hardened and floating slabs will be very difficult to lay.

When purchasing, also pay attention to the availability of a warranty and the possibility of replacing the product if it is damaged. Remember - the material is very fragile

If packaging and transportation are not carried out properly, you will pay money for a chipped product, will not receive the proper type of coverage and will not have the opportunity to change it. There are also restrictions regarding the location of its installation. Manufacturers do not recommend laying marmoleum on top of a heated floor. I see its thermal insulation properties, you will not get the amount of heat you expected. And despite its resistance to moisture, it is not recommended to cover the bathroom floor with it.

Care

In residential areas with minimal traffic, daily dry vacuuming is recommended. How to wash marmoleum? Once a week, wipe the floor with a well-wrung cloth and a mild detergent. It is not advisable to wash marmoleum with abrasive sponges, which can damage the top layer. The presentable appearance of the floor can be maintained by using special cleaning products.

Cleaning the coating

The flooring in a high-traffic retail space is cleaned daily using a rotary machine or conventional equipment. When cleaning, it is undesirable to get a large amount of water on the floor, as well as use microfiber. In rooms with heavy traffic, the floor is treated once every six months with protective mastic. The polymer composition increases the wear resistance of the flooring and refreshes the appearance of the coating well.

Marmoleum is one of the promising materials used for finishing floors. Its main advantages are its natural composition and safety for human health. Technical characteristics make marmoleum an excellent solution for arranging the floor in a nursery, bedroom, living room or kitchen.

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Advantages and disadvantages of marmoleum

The merits of a coating are determined by its composition. Natural linoleum:

• safe for health;
• does not cause allergies;
• dampens sounds, as it has a cork backing;
• does not accumulate static electricity;
• resistant to household chemicals and mechanical stress;
• does not squeeze under heavy furniture;
• becomes harder and stronger over time;
• easy to care for.

Disadvantages also follow from the properties of natural ingredients. Marmoleum:

breaks if handled carelessly during installation, as it is fragile and hard; it is cut to form an uneven edge, which is hidden under the baseboard or covered with a decorative seam; cracks in the cold; deforms upon frequent contact with water; costs more than linoleum.

To compare marmoleum with synthetic linoleum, let us recall the main characteristics of the latter.

Household PVC linoleum consists of a base, decorative and protective layers. The base is made of foamed polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyester. The decorative layer is craft paper with a design printed on it. The pattern is protected by a PVC film 0.15-0.35 mm thick.

PVC linoleum is plastic, does not break, is not afraid of moisture, and is easy to install. However, it gets pressed under the furniture. The protective layer on budget products wears off after 2–3 years. In addition, linoleum contains phenolic compounds, which are considered unsafe for health.

The release of phenols to the outside is prevented by a protective layer. But when it is worn down or damaged, phenols leak into the air. They evaporate especially intensely in hot weather at temperatures above 30 °C or when the “warm floor” is working at full capacity under worn linoleum.

Thus, marmoleum wins in terms of health safety requirements. It also retains noise better due to the cork backing. The complexity of laying rolled marmoleum is compensated by the fact that this material is produced in the form of tiles, with which there are no problems during installation.

However, it should be remembered that the glue on which the planks are laid can be harmful. To avoid problems, use the composition recommended by the coating manufacturer.

Interlocking strips, which do not require glue, are assembled on HDF boards. The boards contain formaldehydes that are harmful to health. The content of formaldehyde is regulated by emission classes, which show how much of a substance can be released over a certain period of time. Products are considered completely safe if they comply with classes E0 or E1.

For castle marmoleum, emission classes are rarely indicated. Therefore, when purchasing, you need to require certificates of conformity, which contain information about the safety of the product.

Laminate features

Laminate flooring was developed in the late 70s of the 20th century and was positioned as a budget analogue of parquet. This is a finishing multilayer material consisting of four layers:

• Overlay is a protective high-strength polymer film that is resistant to abrasion, compression, shear and other types of loads. Thanks to its variability, it creates a smooth or textured coating, thereby creating the effect of a natural or brushed board.
• The decorative layer is durable craft paper with images of wood, parquet, ceramics, stone, textiles and even grass or pebbles. Thanks to high-precision laser printing, laminate flooring is produced with a huge number of decors in a wide variety of shades.
• The supporting board is a high-density HDF or PVC base with a thickness of 6-14 mm. It takes on all the loads, and thanks to the lock cut at the ends of the planks, the laminate is easily and quickly assembled into a single, monolithic floor. Some manufacturers treat the grooves and ridges around the perimeter with wax compounds, which provide increased moisture resistance of the finish and joint density.
• Stabilizing paper impregnated with thermosetting resins is the bottom layer, the purpose of which is to protect the floor material from excess moisture in the base and prevent deformation processes of the planks.

Laminate flooring is available in all load classes - from 21 to 43. A properly selected and installed coating will successfully serve for 10-25 years, and is aesthetically pleasing, practical and easy to use.

Due to the widest selection of designs, it is popular among the population. Craftsmen are attracted by the ease of installation, but most of them do not know the basic rules for preparing the base.

Statistics show that 85% of complaints from buyers are not related to the quality of the laminate, but to violations of the installation technology.

Average cost of marmoleum

This question immediately arises after familiarizing yourself with the advantages of this finishing material. Everyone wants to purchase natural and durable coatings at a reasonable cost. It should be understood that the cost is determined by several factors:

• Form of release of the floor covering;
• The thickness of its decorative layer;
• Strength class;
• Decorative properties.

Accordingly, it will be much cheaper to buy a plain marmoleum of class 21-23 than a material that imitates wood or has a bright shade of strength class 41-43. The cost per square meter of rolled marmoleum starts from 600 and reaches 2300 rubles. Tile material measuring 30x30 cm can cost about 1,500 rubles. per package containing 7 slabs. Panel marmoleum reaches a cost of 4,000 rubles. for a package with the same number of elements. The price range is very wide. This makes it possible to purchase a natural coating depending on your financial capabilities, but not completely abandon the purchase.

It is quite difficult to give exact figures due to the regular arrival of new varieties of material. But if we average, we can say that it occupies an intermediate position between synthetic linoleum and natural wood coverings. Some types of laminate may cost more than marmoleum.

What should you pay attention to when purchasing?

• In an attempt to save money and purchase expensive coverage at more than affordable prices, many of us are tempted by all sorts of promotions. It is strictly not recommended to do this if you have never heard of this seller before. You can only agree to tempting offers from trusted stores and suppliers. Otherwise, you will either buy a obviously defective product, or they will refuse to return you if something happens. After all, many guarantees do not apply to promotional products;
• Before going to the store, read reviews on the Internet about the product you are going to purchase, especially if it is a young and little-known brand;
• Familiarize yourself with the composition and make sure that there are no foreign chemical impurities in it;
• Be sure to check the lot number before purchasing. They should be the same. Different batches may have color differences, which will be very noticeable after installation;
• If possible, inspect all locking connections for their integrity;
• Do not strive to purchase the highest class coatings for home use;
• Pay attention to the integrity of the edges of the rolled material;
• Immediately purchase specialized glue, if necessary;
• Check the availability of a warranty on the material and the possibility of exchanging defective products.

The article was written for the site.

Tags: Flooring

Marmoleum - a new flooring solution, its pros and cons

This material has a fairly impressive list of advantages, however, it is not without its disadvantages. To be fair, it should be noted that there are few of them.

Marmoleum may spread across the floor or harden in areas of high traffic.

When laying, no additional thermal insulation is required; marmoleum does not burn and does not accumulate static stress.

The cost of installation together with the material is significantly lower than installing laminate flooring, not to mention parquet. The material is difficult to cut. This is another reason to stop using roll coating.

The range of colors and textures is huge. The manufacturer offers more than 100 colors, about 50 textures and more than 2000 shades. Violation of the installation technology will invalidate the warranty period - you will have to make a replacement at your own expense.

Marmoleum is as easy to clean as linoleum.

Compliance with thermal conditions

As a rule, each manufacturer provides the necessary information for choosing a product on the packaging in the form of special markings. When choosing, you can also rely on customer reviews, this will help you make your choice faster.

Directly next to the marking the permissible value of the heated temperature is indicated. For example, for marmoleum it is about 27 °C. If the heating exceeds this indicator, the linoleum will soften and may subsequently tear. As for vinyl, it can be heated up to 30 °C without negative consequences. Just as in the first case, at elevated temperatures linoleum will begin to lose color and deform. Moreover, there is a risk of release of phenol and other gases.

To prevent severe overheating of linoleum, the heated floor must be equipped with a thermostat, which will ensure even heating of the floor covering.

How is marmoleum different from linoleum?

Many users are trying to find the differences between the classic linoleum flooring and the newest rolled or tile material, marmolium. The differences between these two products include:

1. The material in question is made from environmentally friendly raw materials (softwood resin, jute, cork bark and other components). Thanks to this composition, we can safely say that this flooring does not emit toxins during operation, it is absolutely safe for human health. In addition to natural raw materials, the material includes antiseptics. These solutions prevent the process of wood rotting and prevent the development of various types of pathogenic bacteria. Thanks to these qualities, roll products can be used as flooring in schools, hospitals, kindergartens and other institutions.
2. Marmoleum has improved technical characteristics compared to linoleum. The material is characterized by increased strength and resistance to alkalis and acids. The surface of the floor covering can be cleaned of dirt using household chemicals. A cabinet installed in a room will not leave dents on the floor. The strength of the rolled material is at a high level - up to 160 kilograms per cm2 of area.
3. Marmoleum can be used in the kitchen, nursery or any other room. Unlike linoleum, this material has a unique pattern that remains on the coating even after a small layer of the surface is abraded. The fact is that the pattern covers the entire thickness of the material. Rolled products can be laid on a wooden floor or concrete base. The coating will last until holes appear on its surface.
4. Tiled marmoleum, which is made in the form of panels like laminate, deserves special attention. This coating is easy to lay on a prepared base with your own hands. In addition, the user has the opportunity to combine tiles of different colors and obtain a monolithic floor covering. The panels are connected to each other using click technology, which greatly simplifies the installation of the floor and its repair if necessary.

Important! It is recommended to lay the material in question on a perfectly leveled base, which will simplify installation work and increase the service life of the floor covering.

A little about Forbo marmoleum

It is impossible not to say about the manufacturers of quality products, or rather about one of the manufacturers whose reputation leaves no doubt. The Forbo brand, specializing in the production of flooring, was founded in 1928. The company's branches are located in 40 countries of the European Union, the brand's products are recognizable and revered due to their high quality, confirmed by numerous certificates.

forbo marmoleum meets all necessary environmental standards, as proven by tests from 7 leading laboratories in the world: Environmental Quality Mark (Netherlands), Ecolabelling Trust (New Zealand), Good Environmental Choice (Australia), SMART (USA), UZ 56 (Austria), Nordic Swan Label (Northern Europe) and Nature Plus (Germany).

Marmoleum forbo is a time-tested brand

Forbo “click” marmoleum is especially popular, equipped with a locking mechanism using Aquaprotect technology. This coating is produced in the form of boards or tiles based on cork and moisture-resistant NDF, which is coated with a special protective layer Topshield.

The quality of forbo marmoleum is confirmed by tests

A variety of color variations and patterns provide the opportunity to lay floors that are artistically unique. Forbo marmoleum is not afraid of the claws of pets, thin women's stiletto heels and heavy shoes. It will not be difficult to wipe off chewing gum or paint stains. It is not for nothing that the coating received the title of “indestructible” - where laminate, parquet, cork board or carpet are hopelessly damaged, marmolu will serve and delight you with its impeccable appearance for quite a long time.