Laying commercial linoleum

Despite the recent emergence of the latest types of flooring options, linoleum remains a popular choice among consumers. It is classified into two main categories based on its intended use:

• Residential linoleum
• Commercial linoleum

The residential variety is specifically designed for use in homes, where the floors are subjected to relatively low levels of mechanical stress. This type of linoleum is composed of multiple layers, including a PVC or polyester base that is coated with compressed polyurethane featuring a printed pattern. In many cases, a protective film is also applied to the polyurethane layer. The lifespan of residential linoleum typically ranges from 10 to 15 years.

Commercial linoleum is specifically developed for heavy-duty use, in contrast to linoleum used in residential settings. It finds its primary application in public buildings, such as schools, offices, theaters, and shopping malls. Given the significantly higher foot traffic in such places compared to residential apartments, commercial linoleum is required to exhibit superior resistance to abrasion and other forms of mechanical damage. These commercial linoleum coverings are designed to last for over 20-30 years, surpassing the lifespan of household varieties. However, their cost is also correspondingly higher, and their installation necessitates adherence to specific technological guidelines.

Hey! The primary characteristic of commercial floor coverings is their ability to withstand fire, strong resistance to chemical cleaning solutions, and various types of stains. Hence, for completing floors in public spaces, it is more suitable and economically efficient to invest in pricier options that offer enhanced durability.

There are two methods for installing commercial linoleum:

1. Installation with a wall bend, where the edges of the linoleum go up the walls as a slight lip.
2. Installation under the skirting board – the edges of the linoleum are laid without a bend, at a specific distance from the wall. The gap is concealed with a decorative skirting board.

No matter which option you prefer, the process requires several important steps. Both the floor base and the linoleum material must undergo special preparation before installation can take place.

Floor preparation

Linoleum, being a thin and pliable material, is unable to conceal any imperfections or irregularities in the floor. In fact, linoleum with geometric patterns can even magnify the flaws of the underlying surface. To avoid this, it is essential to properly level and prepare the floor beforehand. The most convenient way to level a concrete base is to use self-leveling floor compounds – special liquid mixtures that polymerize upon contact with air. Thanks to their fluid nature, these compounds effortlessly spread across the floor, creating a flawless and even surface.

One way to save money when leveling concrete floors is to use a grinder to smooth out any protruding irregularities and then fill in gouges and chips with cement mortar or specialized concrete putty. For wooden floors, a leveling technique involves laying sheets of plywood, chipboard, or OSB (oriented strand board) end to end. It is then recommended to treat the floors with antiseptic and water-repellent substances to prevent the growth of fungus.

An essential part of the preparation process is priming the floor surface. Priming compounds are designed to improve the adhesion of materials. Adhesion refers to the intermingling of particles from different substances, such as paint or glue, into the surface of the wall. Priming the surface increases the strength of the bond between the base and flooring materials.

The process of installing commercial linoleum involves applying a primer to the surfaces that have been pre-cleaned from dust and dirt, using a brush or roller. This primer is applied in 2-3 layers, with each subsequent layer being applied only after the previous one has completely dried.

Preparation of linoleum

For the work to be carried out in the designated room, it is important to maintain a consistent and optimal temperature of around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, as well as a humidity level of approximately 40-50%. These conditions are particularly beneficial for completing various finishing tasks, including flooring. It is worth noting that commercial linoleum, due to its enhanced rigidity, is less flexible and more prone to cracks when subjected to forced deformation. Therefore, it is essential to handle this material with care.

Prior to installation, it is highly recommended to bring the purchased linoleum into the room and allow it to acclimate for at least one night. This will enable the material to adjust to the room temperature, ensuring that it remains stable and does not undergo any further volume or shape changes after installation. Additionally, to facilitate proper installation and maximize sheet spreading, unroll the linoleum rolls and leave them in this state.

Laying the material

To repair the linoleum floor covering, there are three methods of attachment to the floor:

1. Using double-sided adhesive tape.
2. Applying a specialized adhesive solution.
3. Floating installation method, where the linoleum is laid "dry" and only the wall skirting boards are used for fixation.

When dealing with large areas, it is typically recommended to use adhesive. Adhesive tape and the "dry" method are suitable for small rooms. The floating installation method is also commonly used for regular household linoleum. By using construction double-sided tape, the floor covering can be additionally secured to the floor base.

Warning! Damping joints are essential for compensating for the thermal expansion of materials. For instance, during the summer season when the temperature rises, the linoleum sheets tend to expand. If these sheets are placed close to the wall without leaving any gap, they will start to deform. To avoid this inconvenience, it’s crucial to create a gap between the linoleum flooring and the wall.

In case the linoleum is installed using an adhesive, the substrate should be coated with a brush or a roller before placing the pre-cut linoleum piece on it. Once the piece is in place, use a wide spatula to carefully smooth out and remove any air bubbles. For better joint tightness, lay the individual sheets with a slight overlap of 2-3cm. Then, using a metal meter and a sharp knife, make a clean and precise cut along the joint’s edge.

If you want to achieve a flawlessly thin joint, the knife needs to cut through both sheets. To create an airtight and nearly invisible seal, a unique soldering iron equipped with a fusible cord is employed. This cord melts and fuses the joint together. If you don’t have access to this specific tool, you can use the same adhesive solution that was initially used to glue the linoleum to seal the joints.

Whether commercial linoleum can be laid in an apartment

Is it possible to install commercial linoleum in an apartment? In addition to being suitable for public buildings, commercial linoleum flooring can also be used in residential areas. Its resistance to external factors makes it a great choice for rooms that receive heavy traffic and have high mechanical loads, such as the hallway, kitchen, and balcony.

When it comes to installing commercial linoleum in a private apartment, there are various methods that can be employed. Homeowners often consider the financial feasibility of each option, weighing the benefits of using a more expensive and durable commercial variety for the living room versus opting for a budget-friendly household linoleum cover.