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

Marmoleum is a roll-up floor covering made from environmentally friendly raw materials. The prototype of the material is oiled canvas, which appeared in the 16th century. The 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 environmental friendliness and safety, since the coating contains only natural ingredients, without synthetic impurities. The recipe of the material consists of coniferous 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 integral layer with a pattern applied throughout the entire thickness of the product.

Technologically, 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.

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.

In addition, a pressed interlayer 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 was 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 form of release

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

With considering technical characteristics marmoleum is classified into the following classes:

1. 21-23 is a coating intended for use in ordinary household conditions. Differs in small thickness (up to 2 mm) and low cost. It is recommended to be installed in city apartments and private houses, as it has increased resistance to alternating loads.
2. 31-32 - marmoleum intended for installation in industrial premises and 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 machine tools.
3. 41-43 is a 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, 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 a thicker or stronger 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 with a thickness of 2 mm 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 rolled material is heavy enough to make it difficult to deliver to the job site. During transportation, care should be taken, since when broken, the material is fragile and may crack.

Marmoleum in the form of tiles and panels are devoid of these disadvantages. The panels have a fairly convenient locking system, which allows them to be laid independently, without much experience in 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 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 and domestic animal health. The coating can be installed in a residential area where allergy sufferers and small children live;
• hygiene - the marmoleum floor can be easily cleaned by means of wet cleaning without the use of a large amount of detergents. After cleaning, cleanliness remains 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 come in waves, does not warp. Has a high local resistance to damage and other negative factors;
• insulation - when laying, it is not required to use a heat-insulating material for floor insulation, since the material has a low thermal conductivity. Does not accumulate static electricity, is not flammable, does not emit harmful substances;
• price - total costs for laying the coating, even taking into account the cost of the material, is slightly lower than when laying a laminate or parquet board;
• variety - marmoleum has high decorative qualities. Large manufacturers produce coating of 100 basic colors, 30-50 texture solutions and 2000 shades.

Among the disadvantages of marmoleum is its fragility, 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 break line will be strongly visible on it.

During operation, there may be a slight spread of the material over the floor surface and hardening in the most passable areas of the floor. This is clearly visible on poorly sealed seams, which become denser over time.

When working with rolled marmoleum, it is desirable to have experience in laying, since the material is poorly cut, and getting a perfectly flat edge along the cutting line is quite problematic. That is why most large retail outlets offer an additional installation service, since if the technology is not followed, the guarantee for the floor covering is canceled.

Installation instructions on the base

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

Layout of 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 300kg / 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 with a device cement-sand screed or pouring leveling compound. V rare cases, when concrete slab the overlap meets the above requirements, a superficial repair is sufficient.

For elimination small irregularities and potholes, a dispersion filler should be used. Alignment by laying sheet materials (chipboard, gypsum fiber board) is more suitable for wooden bases and floors with construction on joists.

The purchased material should be delivered 24 hours before the start of installation. If marmoleum was transported at temperatures below 10 C, then unpacking must be carried out at least 24 hours later.

Tiles can be installed from the far corner of the room

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

1. The laying pattern 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 need to carefully study the instructions for the purchased adhesive mass. The adhesive is applied to the back 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 is dry and has 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 from shops that specialize in the sale of linoleum.
4. Stacking the modules starts at the center centerline as shown in the picture above. The tile module is laid without gaps and spacing relative to the previous elements.
5. The laying process continues until the last element that needs trimming remains in each of the rows. To trim a tile, you will need to mark its front side. Next, cut through the tiles along the cutting line using a knife with a straight blade. The final cut is made with a hook blade.

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

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

The modular marmoleum with the “Click” locking system is installed in the same way, with the only difference that the panels can be laid from the far corner of the room. To trim an element near a 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 lining does not warp during operation.

For laying the second and subsequent rows, it is most convenient to assemble a row with a solid sheet, and then gently lower it onto the floor surface until the lock joint is fully snapped into place. The video above shows detailed instructions for laying modular marmoleum.

Cost, manufacturers and installation 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. It is this company that 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 respects, it is the Forbo concern that natural linoleum has become widespread throughout the world, including in Russia, where their official representative is present.

The line of the company includes both cladding in rolls and a coating 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 for various types of marmoleum can be seen in the table above.

In order for the flooring 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. The most popular material is 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 different textures and colors, the fabric is resistant to wear.

Unlike linoleum, marmoleum has a high resistance 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 done over the entire thickness of the material, thanks to which the stripes remain in their original form for a long time.

Marmoleum, unlike linoleum, is not produced in the form of rolls, but as separate sheets, like a laminate. Slabs are connected by means of a lock, while the floor surface must be perfectly leveled.

What classes is the marmoleum divided into?

The laying of marmoleum is carried out in the premises of the 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, which makes the material highly resistant to wear.
2. The second class 31-33 is an industrial-type marmoleum, it is laid in offices or in enterprises with a large area. The decorative layer will be less than 2.5 millimeters, but the life of the coating is durable.
3. The 21-23 class of material is thin and inexpensive in cost, it is laid in apartments or houses, this type of marmoleum is used from 20 years.

For ordinary living quarters, you should not purchase the most expensive marmoleum. Notches in the material can appear over time from precise loading, 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-stacking, as it is very fragile. After the roll has been spread, it is no longer allowed to roll it.

Since the material is heavy and fragile, small spaces inconvenient to produce. Plates, measuring 50 * 50 or 30 * 30 centimeters, are laid by type ceramic tiles, that is, on the glue.

The main advantages of marmoleum

Marmoleum has a number of 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 is able to 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 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, no deformation of the canvases occurs.
6. The material is economical, since 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 stove that is convenient to work with. Also, the laying of new material can be done on the previous coating.
8. Price square meter such material is comparable to the price of a middle class laminate flooring. But in terms of quality and durability, marmoleum has a high rate compared to other materials.
9. The material is easy to clean, you can use it to wash it various means household chemicals.

How to choose a marmoleum?

Marmoleum can be installed in any room of residential and public premises. 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 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 flat as possible, while the seams will be invisible.

After purchase, the material must lie in the room for a certain time in order to accept the room temperature, 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 the marmoleum can be difficult, the material is fragile at the edges and should not be folded again as the corners will break. Cutting the material is also not easy, so the lines can be jagged.

Marmoleum can only be used to cover the floor, in contrast to laminate, which is used for finishing vertical elements. If self-laying of marmoleum is not possible, then specialists should be involved.

Laying marmoleum on old flooring

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

Laying of marmoleum can be done on the old floor using any assembly glue. If the old coating has depressions or other defects, then it must be removed, and the material must be laid on concrete surface... Marmoleum has heat-insulating and sound-insulating functions, therefore, laying additional materials not required.

Marmoleum in the form of a tile is laid end-to-end using glue. When using the panels, it can be difficult and not easy to fit.

How to prepare the base for laying marmoleum?

The concrete base must be properly leveled, all protrusions and depressions must be removed. If the protrusions are more than 2 millimeters high, then they must be removed with a drill or grinder with a special cup-shaped 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 underlay. A self-leveling screed can be used to correct defects.

Before laying marmoleum, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Complete cleaning of dust 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, then it is covered with a plinth.

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

Laying marmoleum on a concrete base

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

Start work from the far left corner. Where the tile will be located, they spread glue or silicone in the form of a zigzag. Then the tile is tightly applied and moved to the corner part. In order to knock 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 a while 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 pulling the tiles, the edges of the material may crumble, this must be corrected with a caulking compound. Such material is purchased at the end of the work, only then it will be clear how much is needed for sealing the seams. Cutting the seams, when laying marmoleum, can be done in decorative form, for this, one toothpick is laid on both sides of the tiles.

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

Self-styling technology of marmoleum

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

1. As with any coating, the surface is first prepared. If there is a floor in the room wooden look, then it is sheathed with plywood, and on concrete base eliminate all cavities and bulges. The cavities must be filled with a solution to a flat surface, and the bulges are removed with the help of a grinder. The surface will be perfectly flat when using a self-leveling type of screed. If such work is not performed, then the fragile material under the weight may crack at the site of the depressions.
2. Like other materials, marmoleum can deform due to temperature changes. When it increases, 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 slats. 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 base of the floor, therefore the adhesive is applied in a zigzag pattern.
3. The laying of marmoleum is carried out in two ways, when the first one does not need to be selected, 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. This work is not easy, but the surface is original.
4. It is also not easy to connect plates of material, 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 with a mallet into the groove of the previous row. Then the block is removed, and the strip of marmoleum takes the required position on the floor surface.
5. Cutting marmoleum 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 depressions, it will subsequently crack from the load.

Marmoleum is environmentally friendly safe material as it is made from natural materials. Thanks to the natural oils that are part of the material, it has bactericidal qualities, is non-toxic, and does not have a negative effect on health. Marmoleum is also resistant to moisture and household chemicals. Such material has soundproof and heat-insulating qualities, therefore it does not require the use of additional materials. Such a coating is characterized by high strength, wear resistance and durability.

Application 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 install the covering in the kitchen and bathroom.

Thanks to all the advantages of marmoleum, it can be installed in offices, restaurants, kindergartens, apartments and private houses, as well as in large areas, that is, at airports or train stations. The coating is natural due to the components from which it is made. And linseed oil, which is part of the material, prevents allergic reactions and prevents harmful microorganisms from multiplying. Marmoleum is easy to clean, easy to clean, and does not leave visible when rearranging furniture mechanical damage, that is, scratches and holes.

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

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

What is marmoleum and how is it made?

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, aged for maturation and pressed under high pressure at an elevated temperature. The result is a floor covering that can be safely called natural. Top material is covered protective layer, which makes it easier to care for, provides resistance to UV rays and makes it even stronger.

Types of marmoleum

Depending on the thickness of the decorative layer, the material is produced as 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(glue).

Lock-type coating resembles parquet board or laminate. It consists of three layers: the top layer 2–2.5 mm thick is actually marmoleum, the middle layer is chipboard, and the bottom layer is solid cork. The strength of the tool joints is ensured by a very strong chipboard middle layer high pressure(HDF).

It feels as hard as laminate, as warm as parquet (colder than cork but warmer than laminate). On the Russian market there is a material with a lock joint manufactured by the American concern "FORBO".

Manufacturers offer three types of coverage:

Tiled

Tiles are made in the size of 300x300 mm or 500x500 mm. The tiles are laid like PVC or quartz vinyl, on glue.

Panel

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

Roll

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, easily crumble, it can be rolled out only once.

It is not recommended to lay roll material with your own hands. It is based on a cork layer. We need a crane, a team of riggers, loaders. It will not be possible to roll a rolled roll again, therefore, it is better not to use rolled marmoleum in residential premises of a small area.

Wear resistance classes

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

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

31–33, 2.5 mm thick, semi-commercial, withstands static loads, suitable for rooms with heavy traffic and floor load.

41–43 layer thicknesses over 3.2 and 4 mm, suitable for floors with intensive use, for example, railway station buildings, airports. In domestic conditions, it is also used, but it costs much more than a household one.

Advantages

• Natural environmentally friendly material.
• Possesses bactericidal properties, as it contains linseed oil.
• The material is non-toxic and does not cause allergic reactions.
• Resistant to solvents, acids and other chemicals.
• Does not fade when exposed to sunlight.
• Possesses antistatic, soundproof properties.
• It is not subject to deformation under mechanical stress, can withstand loads up to 160 kg / cm 2, is easy to maintain, and is resistant to fire.
• A wide variety of shades, easy to install.
• Service life over 20 years.
• The material is tough, but brittle at the edges, requires careful work.
• Over time, it hardens and spreads, so the gaps become smaller.
• New sheets have bad smell that wears off over time.
• Heavy coating, with residual ductility along the layers.
• Poorly cut with a knife, it is difficult to get an even edge.
• Not suitable for warm floors, as it does not allow heat to pass through well.
• Not recommended in kitchens and bathrooms (manufacturer's recommendations), as high humidity the material may deform. Optimum temperature 18 ° С, humidity not more than 60%.
• Not recommended for use on unheated balconies and loggias.
• An expensive coating in comparison with linoleum and laminate.

Flaws

Self-styling technology

Laying the roll cover should be entrusted to professionals. The material is heavy, brittle, and may crumble at the edges.

It is better to independently mount tiles or panels with or without a base. In general, laying marmoleum is not difficult if the base is flat and the installer does not forget about the fragility of the material. The tiles should be handled very carefully.

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

Consider laying marmoleum with and without a base. The stages are as follows:

1. Leveling the base. This is the most important and crucial stage, since marmoleum is very sensitive to unevenness in the floor. The wooden floor is leveled with sheets of plywood or OSB, the concrete floor is better leveled with a self-leveling screed. After that, the floor is under adhesive tile should be primed with deep penetration.
2. Temperature gaps of 1.5–2 cm are made around the perimeter of the room by inserting wooden planks wrapped plastic wrap or inserts (inserts are attached to the material, which are removed after laying the coating).
3. Laying of the locking panels is carried out according to the type of laminate installation, in staggered fashion: each subsequent row begins with the remainder of the board of the previous row. If a tile pattern 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. Joining the fragments is somewhat difficult due to the flexibility of the top layer. Bars cut under a wedge with an angle of inclination at which the fragment is inserted into the lock will help to cope with the problem. 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, use a jigsaw with a metal saw or a fine-toothed hacksaw.

Castle marmoleum

Adhesive tiles

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

Cover tiles in rectangular room begin to glue from a short wall, having previously marked out 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 against the floor. To compact the tiles, they 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 tiles. You can use a hook clamp to pull the tiles together. This is how all the 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.

Manufacturers

Marmoleum is an expensive material, and, like any similar coating, it is not protected from fakes. Violations of technology during manufacturing 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 companies located in the USA and Western Europe.

An equally large supplier to the Russian market is the British corporation Armstrong, which has 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 textured variety, roll materials have been popular in interior decoration for more than a decade. Deciding on the color of the coating is easy, 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 maintain, and the second has an aesthetic appearance... But which of the two is the most practical material? Today there is no need to worry about choosing 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 layman can handle it.

Coating composition and production

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

The composition of the Forbo coating is completely free of artificial substances, which has led to such a widespread use of the material. It is based on flour from cork and other species, linseed oil, natural coniferous resin and chalk. For coloring, safe and persistent pigments are used that retain their intensity for many years.

Material advantages

In addition to its 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 allows you to save on sound insulation of the room;
• resistance to moisture and ultraviolet light;
• easy cleaning and care;
• fire safety and lack of toxin accumulation properties;
• a 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 the best solution for finishing kitchens, workshops and offices.

Material disadvantages

Despite the many advantages, the material is not without its drawbacks. The disadvantages of marmoleum include:

It is possible to reduce the above disadvantages to zero by observing the laying technology. It is important not to skimp on the purchase of material. Cheap counterparts have a very fragile structure, which will become unusable even at the stage of installation.

Marmoleum release form

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

• Forbo tiles - square 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 attachment. 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 indicator can be reduced by avoiding kinks and observing the laying technology.

Coating installation technology

Preparation of the base

For marmoleum, you don't need to prepare a complicated pillow or make a new screed. The only required indicator is a relatively flat surface. If the floor has linoleum or other smooth, unworn finish, the marmoleum is placed directly on top of the old finish.

Important! If the old floor material is worn out, it is completely dismantled. In this case, the marmoleum is laid on concrete. Tile-shaped material must be laid directly on the concrete screed.

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

Slicing

Before cutting the material, calculate the number of solid panels that will cover the perimeter of the room. 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 skirting board. A roll not fixed by the plinth can peel off and crawl out from under the plinth during operation.

Laying tiled flooring

Marmoleum in the form of slabs has a lock 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, an indent of 5-10 mm is made from the wall. In this case, the groove of the lock is directed to the opposite wall, and the ridge to the wall against which the tile is leaning. Every new tiles put with a comb into the groove at a slight angle.

The second row should also have a slope and an expansion joint. For the seam, a small lining of 1-2 cm is placed under the tile.After all the tiles have been laid, they are removed, and the combs are inserted with locks. When the cover is laid, check the parallelism of the rows. The distance between the wall and the covering is covered with a plinth.

Installation of roll material

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

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

Material care

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

In hardware stores, you can easily purchase special tool for cleaning top-class coatings. One of them is a maintainer. The product does not contain aggressive substances, but at the same time it effectively fights even the most difficult dirt.