Marmoleum is a beautiful and durable coating of natural origin. Technology of laying marmoleum 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 over 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 formulation 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.

On the technological side, marmoleum is a modernized version of natural linoleum. Initially, linseed oil and resin were used for the production of linoleum from plant and natural components.

As technology improved, substitutes for these components were found and introduced, obtained from special breeds of tropical crops. This allowed 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 has been added to the structure, which improves the strength and stability of the coating on the surface. The manufacturing process also underwent 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 capable of withstanding up to 160 kg per 1 cm2 of surface, without visible signs of deformation.

The specific gravity of 1m2 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 the 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 install 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 top layer (up to 2.5 mm). Resistant to static load, which makes it possible to use in rooms with a large number of heavy furniture and machines.
3. 41-43 - a covering intended for use in public premises with high traffic and continuous foot traffic. The total thickness of the coating is from 3-4 mm. The main area of \u200b\u200bapplication 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 must 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 you to lay them yourself, 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 a lot of 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 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;
• cost - the total cost of 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, one should note 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 area 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 on 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 cut 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: a concrete surface, a cement-sand or gypsum thin-layer screed, a base made of sheet materials.

Almost any concrete surface requires leveling by means of a cement-sand screed or pouring a leveling mass. In rare cases, when the concrete floor slab meets the above requirements, a surface repair is sufficient.

Use a dispersion filler to remove minor irregularities and gouges. Leveling by laying sheet materials (chipboard, gypsum fiber board) is more suitable for wooden bases and floors with a structure on logs.

The purchased material should be delivered 24 hours before the start of installation. If marmoleum was transported at temperatures below 10 C, then unpacking should 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. Laying on the surface is selected based on the design solution. On the diagram, you need to indicate 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 glue mass. The adhesive is applied to the back of the module with a notched trowel. In the process of application, 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 specializing 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 tile 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 carry out wet cleaning with chiselling 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 mounted in the same way, with the only difference that the panels can be laid 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 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 connection is completely clicked into place. The video above shows detailed instructions for installing 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 the Marmoleum trademark, 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 representation 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 wood, 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 fabric 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 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 using a locking method, while the floor surface must be perfectly leveled.

What classes is the marmoleum divided into?

Laying of marmoleum is carried out in residential and public premises, the material is divided into three classes.

1. The most stable and reliable is 41-43 marmoleum, which is laid in places with heavy load and traffic, for example, at a train station. The 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 of 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 serves from 20 years.

For an ordinary living space, 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 rolls and slabs. Roll-type material is difficult to transport and lay on your own, 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, it is inconvenient to install in small rooms. Plates measuring 50 * 50 or 30 * 30 centimeters are laid like ceramic tiles, that is, on glue.

The main advantages of marmoleum

Marmoleum has a number of advantages over other coatings.

1. In the manufacture of the material, natural components are used from coniferous tree resins, 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 resistant to fire and heat. 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, the fabric does not deform.
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. The cost per square meter of 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 care for; you can use various household chemicals to wash it.

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 the form of slabs, rolls or panels to obtain an original finish, its shades can be combined. Marmoleum with lock connection 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 brittle at the edges, so it must not be folded again as the corners will break. Cutting the material is also not easy, so the lines can be uneven.

Marmoleum can only be used to cover the floor, in contrast to laminate, which is also 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 need to use special tools, so the fragile edges will remain intact, for this use a special hammer made of wood or rubber. And you also need a rule, the hook of which will be from 150 millimeters.

Laying marmoleum can be done on the old coating 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 a concrete surface. Marmoleum has thermal and sound insulation functions, so no additional materials are 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 have a height of more than 2 millimeters, then they must be removed using 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 required number of transverse elements is cut along the length from the whole plate 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 is wrapped in plastic film. 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 firmly 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 wood.

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 fixed with a joint 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 a 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.

Self-styling technology for marmoleum

The technology of 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 the floor is wooden in the room, then it is sheathed with plywood, and all depressions and bulges are eliminated on the concrete base. 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 can crack at the site of the depressions.
2. Just 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 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 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 slanting 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 an environmentally friendly 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. This material has soundproofing 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 coating 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 when rearranging furniture, it does not leave visible 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 class of material to make the job 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, coniferous bark, natural dyes.

In certain proportions, these components are mixed, kept for maturation and pressed under high pressure at an elevated temperature. The result is a floor covering that can be safely called natural. The material is covered with a protective layer on top, which makes it easier to maintain, 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 (interlocking) and on a cork backing (adhesive).

A covering with a lock type of connection resembles a parquet board or laminate. It consists of three layers: the top layer 2–2.5 mm thick is actually marmoleum, the middle layer is particle board, the bottom layer is solid cork. The strength of the tool joints is ensured by a very strong high pressure particle board (HDF) middle layer.

It feels like a hard floor like laminate, warm like parquet (colder than cork but warmer than laminate). On the Russian market there is a material with a lock joint produced 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. The rolled up roll will not work 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 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. It is also used in domestic conditions, but it costs much more than a household one.

Benefits

• 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 handling.
• Over time, it hardens and spreads, so the gaps become smaller.
• New sheets have an unpleasant odor 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 the material can deform at high humidity. The optimum temperature is 18 ° C, humidity is not more than 60%.
• Not recommended for use on unheated balconies and loggias.
• An expensive coating compared to linoleum and laminate.

disadvantages

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.

Laying marmoleum tiles or panels without a backing is like applying quartz vinyl tiles, PVC or natural cork, while installing HDF backing boards is like 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 under the glue tiles should be treated with a deep penetration primer.
2. Temperature gaps of 1.5–2 cm are made around the perimeter of the room by inserting wooden planks wrapped in plastic wrap or inserts (inserts are attached to the material, which are removed after laying the coating).
3. Laying of the lock 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 drawing of tiles of different colors is supposed on the floor, it should first be depicted on paper and on the floor, and it is better to start the 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. For cutting boards, you should use a jigsaw with a metal saw or a hacksaw with fine teeth.

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.

Covering tiles in a rectangular room 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 against the floor. To seal the tile, tap it 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. They put it on the side and knock on it with a hammer, pressing the tiles. You can use a hook clamp to pull the tiles together. So 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, is not protected from counterfeiting. Technological violations 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

Due to its simple installation and a wide range of colors and textures, roll materials have been popular in interior decoration for more than a decade. 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 maintain, while 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 non-professional 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 are used, while linoleum is made from synthetic materials.

The composition of the Forbo coating is completely free of artificial substances, which led to such a wide distribution of the material. It is based on flour from cork 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 its natural composition, marmoleum has a number of significant advantages, such as:

• democratic 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 analogues 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 are rectangular tiles in a standard size of 30 x 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.

Cover mounting technology

Foundation preparation

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 come 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 a plastic base with an 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. Each new tile is inserted 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, it is removed, and the combs are inserted with locks. When the covering is laid, check the parallelism of the rows. The distance between the wall and the covering is covered with a skirting board.

Installation of roll material

Finishing with such a coating is performed in large rooms. The styling 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. Hard brushes and sponges are contraindicated for hand washing. 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 a special top-class coating cleaner. 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.