7 Tips for Choosing Vinyl Laminate

Contents

1. №1.What is vinyl laminate made of?
2. №2.Pros and cons of vinyl laminate
3. № 3.The size and design of vinyl laminate
4. №4.Classes of wear resistance of vinyl laminate
5. №5.The thickness and type of protective layer
6. № 6.Manufacturers of vinyl laminate
7. №7.

Vinyl Laminate Installation Method A floor covering, which is a cross between a laminate and linoleum, appeared on the domestic market relatively recently and became known as a vinyl laminate. Immediately, the material became the object of increased attention, because with excellent appearance, the coating has an exclusive set of performance qualities, is not afraid of fire, and shows record durability. In view of the novelty of the cover around it, a lot of myths have formed, and many still do not understand what the material consists of. We understand how to choose vinyl laminate, which manufacturer to give preference, what types and sizes is the material.

№1.What is vinyl laminate made of?

Modern vinyl laminate is an improved analogue of the good old PVC tile, which appeared in the 30s of the last century. The production technology has significantly improved since then, the operational and decorative qualities have improved many times, which makes the two materials completely different, but there is still a related connection between them.

multi-layer vinyl laminate structure. The basis is the layer of durable balance PVC layer with mineral additives( usually quartz sand), which provides the material with the necessary rigidity and flexibility. Below and above it are another PVC layers, reinforced with fiberglass .The is followed by the base layer, which provides the material with adequate strength and additional sound insulation. is glued on top with a paper layer with an pattern, which is protected from external exposure by a layer of polyurethane and may be covered with an additional layer of transparent polyvinyl chloride. The composition of quartz vinyl tile can include up to 60-80% of quartz sand , which provides the material with adequate strength, resistance to abrasion and moisture.

№2.Pros and cons of vinyl laminate

The multi-layer structure of the coating allows us to speak about the mass of positive qualities of the material. By the main advantages of should include:

• moisture resistance and hygiene .The material does not absorb moisture, does not swell, it can be washed with water, use various kinds of detergents, it does not slip. Largely due to this, vinyl laminate has gained popularity in the arrangement of bathrooms, pools and kitchens;
• strength and wear resistance .Manufacturers declare that the material calmly withstands the effects of heavy pieces of furniture and even simulators, is resistant to damage, and confirm the words with a long-term guarantee. Such strength is ensured by the presence of fiberglass and quartz in the composition of the material and its multilayer structure, which brings the material closer to the quartz agglomerate;
• relative ease of installation .Most will be able to cope with all the installation of the coating, because it can be laid even over old linoleum or tile, as long as the surface is clean, dry and level. Many companies argue that the material can be mounted even with a height difference of up to 3 cm, and a preliminary screed is not needed, but it is better not to mount the material on a completely uneven surface. When working with adhesive vinyl laminate, you must be extremely careful, because it will be impossible to remove and move the element, unlike the castle laminate;
• ease of care ;
• security .It is allowed to use the coating in children's institutions;
• durability .A number of manufacturers talk about the service life of the coating in 40 years. This, according to professional builders, is overestimated, but the coating will be able to last up to 15-20 years
• good thermal and sound insulation qualities ;
• design and variety of .The material can repeat the pattern and color of any wood or stone. Moreover, even the corresponding roughness can be simulated;
• can be used together with heated floors, except for infrared film. You can heat the material up to a maximum of 300C;
• refractoriness and inability to sustain the combustion of , but when the temperature of the material rises to the limit values, harmful substances can be released, therefore the coating is not used near the stoves.

Ideal finishing materials do not exist, therefore, when choosing a vinyl laminate, you should be prepared for such disadvantages :

• material is not resistant to solvents, and if it comes into contact with rubber, discoloration may appear on it, therefore rubber mats must be discarded;
• butt or hot object can leave a mark on the coating;
• the ability to gradually fade under long-term direct exposure to sunlight;
• relatively high price for really high-quality products. The inexpensive vinyl laminate on the market is rarely of high quality;
• low maintainability. If the lock joint was used, then the damaged lamella can be changed, and with glue mounting it will be more difficult to make it.

№3.Size and design of vinyl laminate

The coating can be produced directly in the format of laminate and have dimensions of about 100 * 920 or 180 * 920 mm, fully simulating the slats. Another variation - square tile with a side from 300 to 600 mm. The thickness of the material is usually from 1.5 to 3.5 mm, sometimes more, but not more than 5 mm. Such a small thickness with high strength and wear resistance allows the use of vinyl laminate over the old flooring, reducing repair time and without reducing the height of the room. Forcing material no more than 0.08 mm.

The range of colors and textures of the material is so wide that it allows you to choose a coating for any style of interior. Modern technology is not only capable of coloring any shade, creating the most intricate designs, imitations of wood and stone, but also a complete repetition of tactile sensations from touching a tree or stone. In appearance and to the touch material is obtained, indistinguishable from natural.

№4.Classes of wear resistance of vinyl laminate

Pro strength and ability to withstand the load and deformation material are divided into three classes for various purposes:

• coating for domestic use , which class 23 and 31 vinyl laminate is, is a material with a small thickness of protective coating, the greatest variety and low durability( 5-6 years, up to a maximum of 10);
• semi-commercial and commercial vinyl laminate class 32-42 is designed for public buildings, offices and places where there are a lot of people. It is more durable, its durability is up to 15 years, so many prefer to use it at home as well ;
• special coating 43 class has a high strength and is intended for use in the manufacture or sports halls.

How does this two-digit number signify the class of material? The first digit determines what type of premises the flooring is intended for: 2 - apartments, 3 - public buildings, 4 - manufactures. The second digit determines the degree of possible load, from 1 to 3, sometimes to 4.

No. 5.

thickness and type of protective layer A lot depends on the main vinyl layer, but protective layer takes much greater load on itself. It is he who makes up to 60% of the value of the final product , and it is there that unscrupulous manufacturers try to save. Its thickness varies within the range of from 0.1 to 0.5 mm. : the larger this parameter, the higher the strength and durability. Material with a protective layer thickness of 0.1 mm is only suitable for home use, and it is better to move on it barefoot or in soft socks. When the thickness of the protective layer of 0.5 mm vinyl laminate can be used in public places with a large flow of people.

To save on production, some companies reduce the thickness of the protective layer, and often these are nameless Chinese manufacturers. In most cases, with a specified layer thickness of 0.4 mm, the real parameter will be 0.3 or even 0.25 mm - this is hard to determine, so is better to trust products from proven and reputable manufacturers, which will be discussed later.

The protective layer can be made from different materials, but today these types of coatings are the most popular:

• polyurethane with the addition of aluminum oxide, or the so-called 4th generation .This is a good, but not the most modern and durable option;
• polyurethane with a ceramic crumb and ultracomponent( UV) is 5 and the latest generation, which has the highest rates of wear resistance and strength.

№6.Manufacturers of vinyl laminate

From all the above, it is easy to understand that the name of the manufacturer is a guarantee of quality, especially in those conditions when the construction market filled the vinyl laminate is not of very good quality. The most largest and proven manufacturers of vinyl laminate should include:

• Allure Floor - one of the leaders of the sphere. The material is produced according to the technology patented by American scientists in 2005.The variety of colors and sizes is huge, the material also differs in the method of installation, but the popularity of the brand and the location of the production overseas have played a cruel joke - the prices in the domestic market are high;
• Quick Step is a leading European manufacturer from Belgium, which since 1960 has specialized in the manufacture of floor coverings only. It was here that they offered to use the world-famous Uniclic lock, which facilitates the installation of laminate. Today, the company also offers Livyn certified vinyl laminate. The prices for this durable coating of the highest quality, presented in three extensive collections, are surprisingly affordable. In St. Petersburg and the region, Quick Step vinyl and ordinary laminate is implemented by Skill retail and wholesale company, which is a certified point of sale, has several stores, delivers all over Russia and, if necessary, can easily cope with the installation of any finishing material. The range of floor and wall coverings is expanding day by day, but the most interesting thing is the constant availability of promotional offers that help save money;
• Tarkett is another major manufacturer of the sphere, which has factories on different continents. Not so long ago, the range of flooring added to the vinyl laminate ART VINYL .Today it is produced in the format of slats and tiles of different sizes, in three collections, a huge range of colors. The company opened two plants in Russia , which made it possible to make high quality more affordable for the domestic buyer. For our market, even a separate brand POLYSTYL was created - this is all the same vinyl laminate, but a bit cheaper and limited in assortment;
• IVC is a Belgian company that gained fame on the domestic market thanks to Moduleo vinyl laminate. The company offers customers an ever-expanding range of coverage with a castle connection, there are both expensive offers and quite affordable options. Wear resistance class 32 and 42, the manufacturer gives a guarantee of up to 20 years;
• Vinilam is a Belgian company, which, by the way, was one of the first in the world to make vinyl laminate. Since then, many innovations come from this manufacturer. The company's collections are one of the most extensive, and the products are able to satisfy any requests. What can we say, if many people still call vinyl laminate vinyl from the name of this company. Prices here are average, and the quality is always on the level;
• Allur - one of the few decent Chinese companies, produces a coating with imitation wood structure, tile, stone and even zebra skins. The quality is not bad, the wear resistance is up to 43 classes, but the prices are on the same level with European ones;
• HARO is a vinyl laminate manufactured by the German company Hamberger Flooring. The manufacturer uses its own innovative solutions that can significantly increase the durability without losing environmental friendliness. Increased strength wraps double the price, and the range includes only basic shades.

These are not all large and reliable companies. The products of the Belgian companies AquaFloor( Dumafloor brand) and Fine Floor, as well as the German Holzplast and EGGER, the Swedish company Pergo and the Portuguese Barco, are still not so widely represented in the domestic market.

No. 7.Method of installation of vinyl laminate

At the moment, there are several options for mounting vinyl laminate. It depends on the structure of the material and must be specified by the manufacturer.

According to the mounting method there are the following types of material:

• with lock .This is the most simple and suitable for self-assembly coating. The lock device and the principle of assembly is not much different from the usual laminate. Installation is quick and easy;
• laying on glue is used infrequently in self-construction. Special adhesives are required for work;
• self-adhesive coating is characterized by the presence on the seamy side of the adhesive layer, protected by paper. For installation, it is enough to carefully remove the paper and place the lamella at the designated place. Such material can be mounted even on the old tile and linoleum, but it is necessary to act with extreme caution, because in case of an error it will be impossible to peel off and shift the lamella;
• with adhesive tape .The adhesive coating in this case is located at the ends of the slats and is also covered with paper. Lock connection is made not mechanically, but due to glue.

Vinyl laminate gained fame and popularity due to the combination of high strength, ease of installation, excellent appearance and excellent performance, but all these advantages can be fully used if the products are really high-quality, so do not flatter yourself with too cheap offers.