The main pros and cons of vinyl floors

Vinyl flooring was invented in 1930. In the architectural world, it began to be used after the Second World War. It was the main competitor of other elastic floor coverings. However, linoleum has become more common as a cheap, waterproof option. Vinyl floor has many advantages, due to which it is very popular. But along with this, he has drawbacks. So, consider the pros and cons of vinyl floors.

Panel structure

Vinyl panels are used for a long time. However, earlier such material was used as a cover of economy class. He did not possess durability, durability, attractive appearance. The old tile was distinguished by a murky green color. Such characteristics were dictated by a simple structure. After all, the panel was a regular sheet of polyvinyl chloride, the thickness of which was 0.5-0.7 mm. Of course, such a high-quality material could not be called.

Considering the pros and cons of vinyl floors, we should initially focus on the structure of modern materials.

It consists of several layers. These include:

1. The basis. This is a high-quality PVC, the thickness of which reaches 0.8 mm. The basis depends entirely on the type of product. It can be either very elastic or extremely rigid.
2. Second layer. A soft polyvinylchloride containing reinforcement is applied to the substrate. Such a structure protects the material from mechanical damage and edge differences at the cut. The reinforcement is a high-strength fiberglass fabric.
3. The third layer. Next comes the base panel. It is made of PVC and mineral additives. Quartz fine-grained sand acts as a filler. This layer provides the whole structure with strength. Vinyl allows the material to be absorbed during walking.
4. Decorative coating. This layer is made of paper, on which the picture is shown. On top of him put on protection - polyurethane, containing mineral additives. The finishing coat is very thin, but it has high strength. Due to this, the material does not abrade and completely protects the decorative layer.

The most qualitative panels are textured material. The relief gives the floor a beautiful appearance. Such material is much better adhered to the sole. Slip on panels that have a polyurethane coating is quite difficult.

Types of Coatings

There are several types of materials that make it possible to create a vinyl floor. Which is better? It is difficult to answer the question, because each of them has certain external data, a form that allows to apply them to specific premises.

Main types:

1. Vinyl parquet. This coating is in great demand and has gained special popularity among the population. The appearance of the material is practically no different from the wooden parquet. Produce it in the form of a square tile or plank. Vinyl parquet differs excellent durability and is simple enough in stacking. Despite the chemical composition, this floor covering for a person is completely safe.
2. PVC tiles. Vinyl material is used to create an imitation of natural stone or ceramic tiles. This species is distinguished by its highest strength, because it is supplemented with polyurethane protection. The tile is resistant to chemicals and mechanical stresses.
3. Sheet coating. This material is produced in the form of long rectangular plates simulating a tree. This type is called a vinyl laminate. The material is supplemented with a felt or fiberglass backing, resulting in additional softness. Using vinyl laminate, you can get a floor that is practically not different from wood.

Advantages of vinyl floors

By popularity vinyl floor is in no way inferior to linoleum. It is waterproof and inexpensive coating. In addition, you can choose the material of a variety of textures and colors. This all made the vinyl floor a fairly versatile floor covering.

However, before applying it, you need to familiarize yourself with the strengths and weaknesses of the material. In other words, it is necessary to study the pros and cons of vinyl floors.

Initially, we will analyze the main advantages of the coating.

A wide range of

Considering the vinyl floor, the pros and cons of this coating, it is impossible not to touch the variety of patterns and colors. The range of materials is practically unlimited. Vinyl tiles can be matched with one-color or multi-colored. The buyer is provided with materials that affect the look of different textures and sizes. Such a variety allows creating quite unique patterns.

In addition, vinyl can print any pictures. This material will allow us to apply the most exquisite ornament, and even a photo. It perfectly imitates natural materials: stone, wood, marble. Using this coverage, you can create even a 3D effect in the room. Of course, any buyer will be interested in vinyl floor (pros and cons).

The photo, placed in the article, allows you to consider how designers design this cover.

Ease of care

Many owners, before choosing a vinyl floor, the pros and cons of the coating are carefully weighed. And, of course, for most of them, one of the decisive advantages of this material is ease of care. Dirt and sand do not stick to the vinyl tile. This is very important for people in the home of children and animals.

This coating is perfectly cleaned with a damp mop with the use of a special tool for vinyl flooring.

High water resistance

Vinyl material can be placed on the floor in any room. If it is properly laid, then this coating is practically waterproof. That's why it can be used to decorate the kitchen and bathroom.

Comfort and convenience

Analyzing the pros and cons of vinyl floors, it should be emphasized that such a coating can create a special comfort in an apartment.

The material is not cold even in winter. To the touch it is slightly soft. Therefore, walking on the floor, finished vinyl, quite nice.

Low cost

Certain types of vinyl are quite cheap. However, elite high-quality tiles can be distinguished by a high price.

The difference in cost is due to the quality of the material, design options, styling and design.

Strength of material

Above we considered the structure of vinyl panels, which allows us to verify the reliability of this coating. Correctly laid vinyl floor can serve owners about 20 years.

The tile is resistant to scratches and damage. In this case, the material with printed pattern is durable, as well as monochrome.

Vinyl sheets, reinforced with fiberglass, are extremely durable. They are resistant to any damage and have the necessary flexibility.

Stain resistance

Vinyl coating has a wear layer. It functions as a surface barrier protecting the floor from various spots.

With vinyl, it's easy enough to keep the house clean. However, when choosing a material, remember that hard tiles are more susceptible to stains. It often needs to be cleaned and polished.

Disadvantages of coatings

Be sure to consider, if you choose a vinyl floor, the advantages and disadvantages of this material. Despite the fact that the advantages are so obvious, the cover also has disadvantages.

To the disadvantages include such moments as:

1. Volatile Organic Compounds. In the production of vinyl coatings, chemical components are used that can cause toxic release of gas after installation. Such substances can lead to respiratory diseases, eye irritation, exacerbation of asthma. Gas evolution during operation gradually decreases, and eventually disappears completely.
2. The problem of recycling. Biological decomposition is not inherent in the vinyl floor. In the environment it does not collapse. In addition, such material is not recyclable. And this means that worn floors will be garbage, decaying the environment for decades. Another disadvantage is the fact that vinyl floors are made from oil and natural gas. And such natural resources are not renewed.
3. Requirements for sex. When installing vinyl, it is necessary to ensure a perfectly flat surface. Since this material is soft enough, even a small unevenness can lead to the destruction of the surface.
4. Contact with rubber. The vinyl floor is sufficiently resistant to various substances. However, this does not apply to rubber. It is she who can lead to a discoloration of the material. Thus, if you plan to decorate the floor with vinyl, then forget about rubber mats and do not walk on the surface in rubber shoes.
5. The complexity of repair. High-quality vinyl is strong enough. But if you choose a less reliable material, then it can crack and scratch. It's almost impossible to fix it. In case of damage, the old cover must be completely removed and replaced with a new one. It is much easier to repair vinyl tiles. In this case, it is sufficient to replace one segment. Difficulties arise if we used sheet vinyl.
6. Application in everyday life. Over time, low-quality materials can turn yellow. Vinyl floor is able to protect glass objects from breaking. But the sharp details that have fallen to the surface will leave a mark on it. It's quite unpleasant if the vinyl floor starts to burn. After all, at this time he releases very toxic substances.

Now that we have considered such a coating as vinyl floor, "for" and "against", you can adequately assess whether this material suits you.

Vinyl Flooring Berry Alloc

These coatings managed to gain special popularity. Berily Alloc vinyl flooring differ:

1. High wear resistance. The top layer protects the material from wear in everyday life.
2. Resistant to light. Vinyl does not burn out under the influence of artificial light or sunlight.
3. Resistant to dirt.
4. Durability of docking connections. Damaged segments are easily mounted and dismantled.
5. High moisture resistance. The material can be used for bathroom, kitchen, corridor, public places.

Laminate or vinyl?

This is a rather difficult choice. What to prefer: vinyl floor or laminate? Pros and cons of the first cover, we disassembled in detail. So let's stop on the laminate floor.

Strengths of coverage are:

• Moisture resistance;
• Excellent design;
• strength;
• Simplicity of installation;
• a wide range of.

But cheap laminate does not differ in durability. Therefore, if you plan to decorate the floor in public places or in rooms with large cross-country capacity, it is better to choose vinyl.

How to choose vinyl floor for home?

This coating is suitable for any room. However, experts give several recommendations for its arrangement (and do not forget to take into account such coatings as vinyl floor, pluses and minuses):

1. For the kitchen suitable self-adhesive tiles. The material is easy to care for, it is waterproof and has excellent abrasion resistance.
2. For the living room, choose a vinyl laminate or lock vinyl. The material is stable and reliable. And its appearance corresponds to expensive repairs.
3. For the bathroom is preferable to conventional vinyl tiles. Glue use water resistant, antifungal. Tiles, which have an adhesive backing, are not suitable for such a room. It does not tolerate excessive humidity.

Customer opinions

Many people use this material. In doing so, they carefully study the vinyl floor, pluses and minuses. Customer feedback indicates that the material does meet all of the characteristics described above. It is durable, reliable, moisture resistant.

Vinyl floor owners of offices, in which there is a sufficiently high passability, appreciated the advantage. Teachers of kindergartens are very happy with this coverage. The vinyl floor protected them from the need to constantly make repairs.