Marmoleum is a beautiful and durable coating of natural origin. Marmoleum laying technology Characteristics, classification, sizes

Marmoleum is a rolled floor covering made from environmentally friendly raw materials. The prototype of the material is oiled canvas, which appeared in the 16th century. Industrial production of marmoleum began in 1864 in England.

What is it - structure and modern production

Marmoleum is characterized by high wear resistance, strength and 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 formulation of the material consists of the resin of coniferous trees, flax oil, wood raw materials, crushed cork, chalk and lime.

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

From the technological side, marmoleum is a modernized version of natural linoleum. Initially, for the production of linoleum from plant and natural components, it was used linseed oil and sap.

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

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 has been 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 hardware stores.

Characteristics, classification and release form

Natural cladding in rolls and tiles

Technically, marmoleum flooring has higher performance than conventional PVC linoleum. The coating is able to withstand up to 160 kg per 1 cm2 of surface, without visible signs of deformation.

The specific weight 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 the installation technology and general operating rules, is at least 30 years.

Taking into account specifications marmoleum is classified into the following classes:

1. 21-23 - coating intended for use in normal domestic conditions. Differs in small thickness (up to 2 mm) and low cost. It is recommended to lay in city apartments and private houses, as it has an increased resistance to variable loads.
2. 31-32 - marmoleum, intended for laying in industrial premises and in small industries. Has a thicker upper layer(up to 2.5 mm). Resistant to static load, which makes it possible to use in rooms with large quantity heavy furniture and machines.
3. 41-43 - coating intended for use in public areas 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, railway 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 and the presence of certain technical qualities. That is, it does not make sense to buy a thicker or more durable material for laying in an apartment.

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

According to the release form, 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 material rolled into a roll has a sufficiently large weight, which will cause difficulties with delivery to the work site. Care must be taken during transportation, as the material is brittle and may crack when broken.

Marmoleum in the form of tiles and panels are devoid of these disadvantages. The panels have a fairly convenient locking system, which allows you to lay it yourself, without much experience 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 combine high performance and weight. 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 a residential area where allergy sufferers and small children live;
• hygienic - a marmoleum floor is quite easy to clean by wet cleaning without the use of a large amount of detergents. After cleaning, cleanliness is maintained for a long time due to the bactericidal properties of the coating;
• resistance - the material does not fade, does not absorb moisture when wet, does not go in waves, does not warp. It has a high local resistance to damage and other negative factors;
• insulation - when laying, it is not necessary to use heat-insulating material for floor insulation, since the material has a low thermal conductivity. Does not accumulate static electricity, is not combustible, does not emit harmful substances;
• price - total costs for laying the coating, even taking into account the cost of the material, is somewhat lower than when laying a laminate or parquet board;
• variety - marmoleum has high decorative qualities. Large manufacturers produce a coating of 100 primary colors, 30-50 texture solutions and 2000 shades.

Among the minuses of marmoleum, its fragility should be noted, especially in the corners and along the edges of the roll. With the wrong laying technology, there is a high risk of damage to the material, as a result of which this section will have to be cut off, since cracks along the fracture line will be very noticeable on it.

During operation, a slight spread of the material on the floor surface and hardening in the most passable areas of the floor is possible. This is clearly seen in poorly sealed seams, which become tighter over time.

When working with rolled marmoleum, it is desirable to have experience in laying, since the material is poorly cut, and it is rather problematic to get a perfectly even edge along the cut line. That is why most large retail outlets offer an additional installation service, since if the technology is not followed, the guarantee for the flooring is removed.

Instructions for laying on the base

The general requirements for laying marmoleum are similar to other types of flooring. The bearing base for laying must be monolithic, durable, dry. The maximum deviation according to GOST is no more than 2 mm per 2 m of the surface.

Scheme of laying the cladding in tiles from the center of the room

The strength of the bearing 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 thin-layer gypsum screed, base made of sheet materials.

Almost any concrete surface requires leveling with a device cement-sand screed or pouring leveling compound. AT rare cases, when concrete slab overlap meets the above requirements, enough surface repair.

For elimination small bumps and potholes, a dispersion putty should be used. Leveling by laying sheet materials (chipboard, GVL) is more suitable for wooden bases and floors with joist construction.

Purchased material must be delivered 24 hours before installation. If the marmoleum was transported at a temperature below 10 C, then unpacking must be carried out after at least 24 hours.

Tiles can be laid from a far corner in the room

Do-it-yourself modular marmoleum is laid in the following sequence:

1. The scheme of laying on the surface is selected based on design solution. On the diagram, you need to designate the center line from which the laying 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 adhesive is applied to the rear 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 adhesive has dried up and lost its adhesive qualities, 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. The stacking of modules starts from the center center line, as shown in the figure above. The tiled module is laid without gaps and run-up relative to the previous elements.
5. The laying process continues until the last element that needs to be trimmed remains in each of the rows. To cut a tile, you will need to apply markings on its front side. Next, along the cut line, cut the tile with a knife with a straight blade. The final cut is carried out with a hook-bladed knife.

Before commissioning, the floor surface must be thoroughly cleaned of adhesive residues that may have squeezed out from the joints between the modules. To do this, you can wet cleaning with the chiselling of a small amount of detergent approved by the manufacturer.

As a daily care, dry cleaning with a special mop with a microfiber nozzle is sufficient. The constant use of detergents is not required.

Modular marmoleum with the “Click” locking system is mounted in a similar way, with the only difference that the laying of panels can be started from the far corner of the room. To trim the element near the wall, you can use a jigsaw or a hacksaw for wood.

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

For laying the second and subsequent rows, it is most convenient to assemble the row with a single piece of cloth, and then gently 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.

Cost, manufacturers and laying costs

Products of the Swiss company Forbo

The world leader with a share of 65% in the production of marmoleum is the Swiss company Forbo. This company owns trademark"Marmoleum", which is used as the name of their main line of natural linoleum.

Marmoleum Forbo is distinguished by high resistance to mechanical stress, low abrasion, low permanent deformation, good elasticity, bactericidal and anti-slip properties.

In many ways, it is the Forbo concern that natural linoleum has become widespread throughout the world, including in Russia, where their official representative office is present.

The company's lineup includes both cladding in rolls and covering in the form of natural tiles with a special locking system. The entire range of products can be found on the official website of the company. The cost of various types of marmoleum can be seen in the table above.

In order for the floor covering to be not only beautiful, but also durable, as well as durable and practical, it is necessary to choose the right material. At the same time, the surface must be resistant to moisture and detergents, and the environmental qualities of the material are also important. Especially popular is such material as marmoleum.

What is marmoleum?

Marmoleum differs from linoleum in that the first is a natural material, and the second is synthetic. Marmoleum is made from various natural mixtures, for this they use cork, jute, chalk or wood flour. All components are cut, impregnated with natural oils, and passed through a press. The material can have a different texture and color, the canvas is resistant to wear.

Unlike linoleum, marmoleum is highly resistant to various acids and solvents, so cleaning agents and other household chemicals can be used for washing. The material can withstand high loads, even heavy furniture does not leave dents on it. The drawing is made on the entire thickness of the material, thanks to which the stripes remain in their original form for a long time.

Marmoleum, unlike linoleum, is produced not in the form of rolls, but in separate sheets, like a laminate. The plates are connected castle way and the floor surface must be perfectly level.

What classes is marmoleum divided into?

Marmoleum is laid in residential and public type, the material is divided into three classes.

1. The most stable and reliable is 41-43 marmoleum, which is laid in places with a high load and traffic, for example, at a train station. decorative layer has a thickness of 3 millimeters, this gives the material high resistance to wear.
2. The second class 31-33 is an industrial-type marmoleum, it is laid in offices or enterprises with a large area. The decorative layer will be less than 2.5 millimeters, but the service life of the coating is durable.
3. Thin and inexpensive in cost is the 21-23 class of material, it is laid in apartments or houses, marmoleum of this type has been serving for 20 years.

For an ordinary dwelling, you should not purchase the most expensive marmoleum. Notches in the material may appear over time from the exact load, that is, a cabinet or various heavy stands.

Marmoleum can be produced both in roll form and in slabs. Material roll type difficult to transport, and self-stack, as it is very fragile. After the roll has been unrolled, it is already forbidden to roll it up.

Since the material is heavy and brittle, laying in small spaces inconvenient to produce. Plates with dimensions of 50 * 50 or 30 * 30 centimeters are laid according to the type ceramic tiles, that is, on glue.

The main advantages of marmoleum

Marmoleum has several advantages over other coatings.

1. Resins are used in the manufacture of the material coniferous tree natural ingredients, thanks to this, marmoleum is bactericidal, environmentally friendly, safe for children and people prone to allergies.
2. Also, the material is highly resistant to stress, one square centimeter can withstand up to 160 kilograms.
3. Marmoleum is fire resistant, and high temperature. The material can be laid on a warm floor, as it has a high heat resistance.
4. The coating is resistant to ultraviolet rays, that is, the brightness of the pattern is not lost over time.
5. The material is resistant to moisture, when water gets on it, there is no deformation of the canvases.
6. The material is economical, as it does not require additional laying of waterproofing and heat-insulating materials.
7. The sizes and types of marmoleum can be selected for each room separately, that is, they choose a plate that is convenient to work with. Also, the laying of new material can be carried out on the old coating.
8. Price square meter of such material is comparable to the price of a middle-class laminate. But in terms of quality and durability, marmoleum has a high rate compared to other materials.
9. The material is easy to care for, you can use it to wash various means household chemicals.

How to choose marmoleum?

Marmoleum can be laid in any room of a residential and public building. You should not purchase high-end material, as it is too heavy, this will lead to difficulty in work, and additional costs.

The material can be produced in the form of slabs, rolls or panels to obtain original cover, its shades can be combined. Marmoleum with a lock joint allows you to make the surface as smooth as possible, while the seams will be invisible.

After purchase, the material must lie in the room for a certain time to accept the temperature of the room, and then you can start laying.

When laying marmoleum, the use of a substrate is excluded, and the surface does not require additional processing. When laying, the deviation of irregularities should be no more than 2 millimeters.

Features of the material when laying

Laying marmoleum can be difficult, the material is brittle at the edges, so it must not be re-rolled, as the corners will break. The material is also not easy to cut, so the lines can be jagged.

Marmoleum can only cover the floor, in contrast to the laminate, which is used to finish vertical elements. If self-laying marmoleum is impossible, then specialists should be involved.

Laying marmoleum on the old coating

To lay marmoleum, you must use special tools Thus, the fragile edges will remain intact; for this, a special hammer made of wood or rubber is used. And also you need a rule, the hook of which will be from 150 millimeters.

Marmoleum can be laid on the old coating using any mounting adhesive. If the old coating has cavities or other defects, then it must be removed and the material laid on concrete surface. Marmoleum has heat-insulating and sound-proofing functions, so laying additional materials not required.

Marmoleum in the form of tiles is laid end-to-end using glue. When using panels, difficulties can arise, they are not easy to fit.

How to prepare the base for laying marmoleum?

The concrete base must be properly leveled, all protrusions and depressions removed. If the protrusions have a height of more than 2 millimeters, then they must be removed with a drill or grinder with a special cupped circle. After such work, it is necessary to remove all dust with a vacuum cleaner, and then moisten the surface.

In order not to correct defects on the surface, you can use a plastic laminate substrate. To correct defects, you can use a self-leveling screed.

Before laying marmoleum, it is necessary to thoroughly clean and dry the surface. Complete dust removal can be done with a vacuum cleaner.

How to properly cut marmoleum?

First you need to measure the number of whole tiles that will fit across the width of the room, then determine the number of rows along the length. With this installation, it is necessary to take into account the gap, which will be up to 30 millimeters, subsequently it is closed with a plinth.

After that, the length of the whole plate is cut off right amount cross members with an electric jigsaw or hand saw.

Laying marmoleum on a concrete base

A special rail up to 30 millimeters is tightly applied to the wall, which turns around plastic film. If random adhesive smudges suddenly appear, then the rail will not stick due to the film. The same element is laid along the long wall.

Begin work from the left remote corner. Where the tile will be located, spread glue or silicone in the form of a zigzag. Then tightly apply the tile and move it to the corner. In order to knock out or trim an element, you must use a rule or a mallet, it can be rubber or wooden.

Lay the rows across until the entire surface is filled, and then wait for the glue to harden. If the laying is done in the form of a comb, then the rows must be alternated, that is, whole and trimmed elements.

When tightening the tiles, the edges of the material may crumble, this must be corrected with a joint compound. Such material is purchased at the end of the work, only then it will be clear how much is needed to seal the seams. Cutting seams, when laying marmoleum, can be done in decorative form, for this, one toothpick is laid on both sides of the tile.

When working with the material, it is forbidden to throw it and rewind it, as the plate may crack.

Marmoleum self-laying technology

The technology of laying marmoleum is almost similar to materials such as laminate or parquet, there are many common actions in the works, but there are also differences. Laying the material must be done in the correct sequence.

1. As with any coating, first prepare the surface. If the floor in the room wooden look, then it is sheathed with plywood, and on concrete base eliminate all depressions and bulges. The cavities must be filled with a solution to a flat surface, and the bulges are removed with a grinder. The surface will be perfectly flat when using a self-leveling type of screed. If such work is not done, then the fragile material under the weight may crack at the site of the depressions.
2. Just like other materials, marmoleum is capable of deforming due to temperature changes. When it rises, it lengthens, and when it decreases, it takes on its original form. To compensate for such discrepancies, a gap is made around the entire perimeter of the walls, for this it is necessary to install special elements in the form of rails. After laying the material, they are removed, and the gap is closed with a plinth, its upper part is screwed to the wall. Marmoleum cannot be rigidly glued to the floor base, so the adhesive composition is applied in the form of a zigzag.
3. Marmoleum is laid in two ways, with the first drawing it is not necessary to select, it is folded like a laminate, each row starts from the edge of the previous element, that is, in a checkerboard pattern. In the second case, tiles of different shades are used, a certain pattern is made from it. Such work is not easy, but the surface is original.
4. It is also not easy to connect material plates, it must be done observing a certain angle, this helps to freely join the elements. To make this work easier, special oblique bars are used. These elements are placed under the free edge of the slab, and driven into the groove of the previous row with a mallet. Then the bar is removed, and the marmoleum strip occupies the required position on the floor surface.
5. Marmoleum cutting is carried out using a hacksaw or an electric jigsaw.

With a prepared base, laying the material is not difficult. The main thing is to take into account the basic qualities of the material, for example, its fragility, and treat it with care. It is also necessary to carefully consider the preparation of the base, when laying the material on the cavities, it will subsequently crack from the load.

Marmoleum is environmentally safe material as it is made from natural materials. Thanks to the natural oils that make up the material, it has bactericidal qualities, is non-toxic, and does not adversely affect health. Marmoleum is also resistant to moisture and household chemicals. Such material has soundproofing and heat-insulating qualities, therefore, it does not require the use of additional materials. This coating is characterized by high strength, wear resistance and durability.

The use of marmoleum

There are also limitations in the use of marmoleum:

• the material is not laid on a warm floor, as it impairs heat transfer;
• it is also not recommended to lay the coating in the kitchen and in the bathroom.

Thanks to all the advantages of marmoleum, it can be laid in offices, restaurants, kindergartens, apartments and private houses, as well as on a large area, that is, at airports or railway stations. The coating is natural due to the components from which it is produced. And linseed oil, which is part of the material, prevents allergic reactions, and prevents harmful microorganisms from multiplying. Marmoleum is easy to care for, washes well, and when rearranging furniture does not leave visible mechanical damage i.e. scratches and holes.

Laying marmoleum is not difficult, it is very important to follow all the rules of work, and take into account the characteristics of the material. It is also important to choose the right required class material to make the job easier.

Natural linoleum (marmoleum) appeared in the 17th century, but for some time it was replaced by more affordable and practical linoleum. Currently, this flooring has again become popular and in demand.

What is marmoleum and how is it produced?

The material is produced by pressing a mixture of cork wood, lime, linseed oil, flour, jute fiber, tree bark coniferous trees, natural dyes.

In certain proportions, these components are mixed, kept for maturation and pressed under high pressure at elevated temperatures. The result is a floor covering that can be safely called natural. Top material is covered protective layer, which makes it easy to care for, provides UV resistance and makes it even more durable.

Types of marmoleum

Depending on the thickness of the decorative layer, the material is produced thin (from 2 to 2.5 mm) and thick (from 2.5 to 4.0 mm). It can be based on chipboard (castle) and on cork backing(adhesive).

The lock-type coating resembles parquet board or laminate. It consists of three layers: the top layer 2–2.5 mm thick is, in fact, marmoleum, the middle layer is chipboard, the bottom is solid cork. The strength of the interlocks provides a very strong middle layer of chipboard high pressure(HDF).

The floor feels hard like laminate, warm like parquet (colder than cork but warmer than laminate). On the Russian market there is a material with a lock connection produced by the American concern FORBO.

Manufacturers offer three types of coverage:

Tiled

Tiles are made with a size of 300x300 mm or 500x500 mm. Tiles are laid like PVC or quartz vinyl, on glue.

Panel

Panels are longer than tiles. The size of the panels is 900x300, they are laid, like tiles, on glue.

rolled

Marmoleum sheets in rolls can have a thickness of 2–2.5 mm and 2.5–4 mm (thin and thick, respectively), a width of 1.5 to 6 m and a length of up to 32 m. The weight of one roll is about 120 kg. The rolls are heavy, the edges of the sheets are fragile, crumble easily, it can only be rolled out once.

Do-it-yourself laying roll material is not recommended. The basis for it is a layer of cork. We need a crane, a team of riggers, loaders. The rolled roll cannot be rolled up again, therefore it is better not to use rolled marmoleum in residential premises of a small area.

Wear classes

Like synthetic linoleum, marmoleum is produced in several classes of wear resistance:

21–23 thin (up to 2 mm) household, suitable for domestic conditions with a small load on the floor (bedrooms, offices).

31–33 2.5 mm thick semi-commercial, static load-bearing, suitable for areas with high traffic and floor loads.

41–43 layer thicknesses over 3.2 and 4 mm, suitable for floors subjected to intensive use, such as train stations, airports. It is also used in domestic conditions, but it is much more expensive than household one.

Advantages

• Natural environmentally friendly material.
• It has bactericidal properties, as it contains linseed oil.
• The material is non-toxic, does not cause allergic reactions.
• Resistant to solvents, acids and other chemicals.
• Does not fade under the influence of sunlight.
• Possesses antistatic, sound-proof properties.
• It is not subject to deformations under mechanical stress, withstands loads up to 160 kg / cm 2, is easy to maintain, and is resistant to fire.
• Great variety of colors, easy to install.
• Service life more than 20 years.
• The material is hard, but fragile at the edges, requires care in work.
• Over time, it hardens and blurs, so the gaps are reduced.
• New sheets have bad smell, which fades with time.
• Heavy coating, along the layers has residual plasticity.
• It is poorly cut with a knife, it is difficult to get a smooth edge.
• Not suitable for underfloor heating, as it does not transmit heat well.
• Not recommended in kitchens and bathrooms (manufacturer's recommendation) as high humidity the material may warp. Optimum temperature 18°С, humidity not more than 60%.
• Not recommended for use on unheated balconies and loggias.
• Expensive coating in comparison with linoleum and laminate.

Flaws

Self-laying technology

The laying of the roll coating should be entrusted to professionals. The material is heavy, brittle, and may crumble at the edges.

It is better to mount tiles or panels on your own with or without a base. Laying marmoleum as a whole is not difficult if the base is even, and the layer does not forget about the fragility of the material. Tiles should be handled very carefully.

Laying marmoleum tiles or panels without a backing is like applying quartz, PVC or natural cork tiles, while installing HDF backed boards is similar to working with laminate with some subtleties.

Consider laying marmoleum on the basis and without it. The steps are:

1. Base leveling. This is the most important and crucial stage, since marmoleum is very sensitive to floor irregularities. The wooden floor is leveled with plywood or OSB sheets, it is better to level the concrete floor with a self-leveling screed. After that, the floor 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, inserting wooden planks wrapped plastic wrap or inserts (inserts are attached to the material, which are removed after laying the coating).
3. The laying of the lock panels is carried out according to the type of installation of the laminate, staggered: each subsequent row starts from the rest of the board of the previous row. If a pattern of tiles is supposed to be on the floor different color, it should first be depicted on paper and on the floor, and it is better to start work from the center of the room.
4. Connecting fragments due to its flexibility of the top layer presents some difficulty. Bars cut under a wedge with an angle of inclination, under which the fragment is inserted into the lock, will help to cope with the problem. The bars are substituted 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, use a jigsaw with a metal saw or a hacksaw with fine teeth.

Castle marmoleum

Adhesive tiles

The tiles are glued to a special adhesive or silicone sealant. If use colorful tiles, you can lay out interesting patterns. A sketch is drawn on paper in a certain scale.

Cover tiles in rectangular room they begin to glue from a short wall, having previously marked the laying line of the first row.

Glue is applied to the floor in zigzag lines under each tile, then it is laid and pressed firmly to the floor. For compaction, the tiles are tapped with a rubber mallet.

The next one is glued on the side. To make it fit snugly against 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, which pull the tiles to each other. So stack all the rows in sequence.

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

Manufacturers

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

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

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

Prices for marmoleum of various types and manufacturers

Marmoleum - video

Thanks to easy installation and a wide range of color and texture diversity, roll materials have been popular in interior decoration for more than a dozen years. Deciding on the color of the coating is not difficult, but choosing the right type of coating is not easy. The most common types of roll materials are linoleum and laminate. The first is very easy to care for, and the second has an aesthetic appearance. But which material of the two is the most practical? Today, there is no need to suffer from the choice of one or another coating, because there is their symbiosis - marmoleum.

The product organically combines the qualities of laminate and linoleum. It consists of environmentally friendly raw materials, which allows you to lay it in any room. In addition, laying marmoleum is very simple, a non-professional can handle it.

Coating composition and production

The production technology of Forbo marmoleum is almost indistinguishable from the production of linoleum. The main difference in the two production chains is the equipment and composition. For the production of marmoleum, environmentally friendly, natural ingredients and latest machines, while linoleum is made from synthetic materials.

There are no artificial substances in the composition of the Forbo coating, which led to such a wide distribution of the material. The basis for it is flour from cork wood and other species, linseed oil, natural coniferous resins and chalk. For coloring, safe and persistent pigments are used that retain their intensity for many years.

Material Advantages

In addition to the natural composition, marmoleum has a number of significant advantages, such as:

• affordable price - the material is almost a third cheaper than laminate;
• high noise and heat insulation allow you to save on soundproofing the room;
• resistance to moisture and ultraviolet;
• simple cleaning and maintenance;
• fire safety and lack of property of accumulation of toxins;
• huge variety of colors and textures.

All of the above characteristics make Forbo marmoleum one of the best roll coatings. High resistance to moisture, aggressive environments and sunlight makes the material best solution for finishing kitchens, workshops and offices.

Material disadvantages

Despite the mass of advantages, the material is not without disadvantages. The disadvantages of marmoleum include:

It is possible to reduce the above-described shortcomings to zero by observing the laying technology. It is important not to save on the purchase of material. Cheap analogues have a very fragile structure, which will become unusable even at the laying stage.

Release form of marmoleum

The most common marmoleum is in the form of a roll, but recently the following types of material can be found:

• tiles "Forbo" - square-shaped coverings from 30 to 50 cm in length;
• typical panels - rectangular tiles standard size 30 by 90 cm.

The above materials may have a "lock" type fastening. It is additionally coated with glue for better adhesion.

Marmoleum flooring is considered a type of linoleum. For softness, cork chips are added to the material. Due to it, the tiles become pliable, which greatly facilitates installation. In addition, soft inclusions make the use of the coating pleasant. Cork crumb provides marmoleum with the following indicators:

Note! Many consider the coating to be very fragile. However, this figure can be reduced by avoiding kinks and observing the laying technology.

Coating mounting technology

Foundation preparation

For marmoleum, you do not need to prepare a complex pillow or make a new screed. The only mandatory indicator is a relatively flat surface. If the floor has linoleum or other smooth, unworn coating, marmoleum is laid directly on the old finish.

Important! If the old floor material is worn out, it is completely dismantled. In this case, marmoleum is laid on concrete. The material in the form of tiles must be laid directly on the concrete screed.

If the screed has serious irregularities and differences level it. Sharp protrusions are grinded with a grinder or drill using special nozzles. After leveling, the floor is thoroughly cleaned and moistened.

slicing

Before cutting the material, the number of solid panels that will cover the perimeter of the room is calculated. After that, the area that is not covered with solid tiles is measured and one or more strips of coating are cut along it.

Important! When marking the material, it is necessary to take into account a gap of 1-3 cm, which fits under the plinth. A roll not fixed by the plinth can peel off and crawl out from under the plinth during operation.

Laying tiles

Marmoleum in the form of plates has a key fastener. Most often, the material is laid on plastic base overlap. Reception avoids the formation of moisture under the tiles. When laying the first tiles from the wall, an indent of 5-10 mm is made. In this case, the groove of the lock is directed to the opposite wall, and the comb to the wall against which the tile is leaning. Every new tile put a comb into the groove at a slight angle.

The second row should also have a slope and expansion seam. For a seam, a small lining of 1-2 cm is placed under the tile. After laying all the tiles, it is removed, and the ridges insert the locks. When the coating is laid, check the parallelism of the rows. The distance between the wall and the coating is closed with a plinth.

Installation of roll material

Finishing with a similar coating is performed in large rooms. Laying technology does not differ from linoleum finishing. However, the flooring of the rolled marmoleum has a couple of features:

• the base is cleaned of paint and other types of finishes and debris;
• for fastening use a special glue.

Material care

It is not recommended to use equipment for cleaning the coating, including washing vacuum cleaners. At hand washing hard brushes and sponges are contraindicated. The best way to clean marmoleum is dry cleaning. If severe contamination has formed on the coating, wet cleaning with neutral cleaning compounds is used.

You can easily find it in hardware stores special remedy for cleaning extra-class coatings. One of them is the maintainer. The product does not contain aggressive substances, but at the same time it effectively fights even the most difficult contaminants.