What is a vinyl laminate and what is its feature
To understand what it is, you need, first of all, to study the structure of a vinyl laminate. The basis of quartz-vinyl lamellas are:
- polyvinyl chloride;
- quartz sand;
- plasticizers providing product flexibility;
- stabilizers protecting the upper part of the coating from burning out;
- pigments used to color decorative film.
A laminate board made of quartz-vinyl consists of six layers:
- The top layer is protective polyurethane film. Its task is to save material from abrasion and exposure to aggressive substances. Also, the film resists exposure to UV rays, protecting the decorative coating from burning out. In addition to protective functions, the film contributes to the formation of a decorative texture, giving depth and naturalness to the lower layer.
- The second layer is decorative. He is thin film or paperon which a decorative pattern is applied using photo printing. Most often, the surface imitates natural wood or natural stone. To preserve the texture, the paper layer is covered with acrylic resin.
- The third layer is the main one. It consists of mixtures of vinyl and quartz, in a ratio of 2 to 8, respectively.
- The fourth layer is made of fiberglass. It is necessary for the formation of the reinforcing frame.
- The fifth layer follows the structure of the third layer.
- The lower, sixth layer is the basis for the lamella. It is made from polyvinyl chloride.
The above structure is not finite. Each manufacturer independently decides how to arrange the layers, as well as which material to choose as the base.
To unite individual lamellas into a single coating, castle joints are used.
What are its differences from an ordinary laminate and which is better
Vinyl lamellas have significant differences from a traditional laminate:
- vinyl coating is more resistant to abrasion;
- it can be used in rooms with high humidity;
- vinyl retains its structure under increased loads;
- absorbs sounds;
- lock connections do not creak;
- rough quartz vinyl surface - does not slip when water gets on it;
- vinyl does not change its size at elevated or reduced temperatures.
It is impossible to determine unequivocally that a laminate or quartz vinyl tile is better. Each material is suitable for specific operating conditions.
Before choosing a quartz vinyl tile for the floor, you should determine the operating conditions of the coating and compare them with the characteristics of the materials:
- for rooms it is better to choose a standard laminate, since vinyl is much more expensive;
- waterproof vinyl is better for a bathroom and toilet;
- both coatings can be laid in the corridor, but it should be remembered that vinyl is more durable, its use for rooms with high traffic will be more effective;
- when equipping a nursery, it is better to use vinyl products. It will protect your neighbors from the bottom of the noise.
What to choose is determined by the consumer, based on tasks and opportunities.
Pros and cons of vinyl laminate
To get an objective picture, you need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the new material.
Positive quartz vinyl quality:
- protective layer strength;
- long service life. Vinyl lamellas are able to maintain their original properties for at least 10 years. Many manufacturers give a guarantee of 25 years when using the material in places with high traffic. When using a vinyl laminate at home, the service life is practically unlimited;
- moisture resistance.Vinyl is not afraid of water, therefore it is recommended for installation in bathrooms and toilets;
- sound protection. Vinyl products, in contrast to a conventional laminate, are capable of absorbing sound waves;
- heat protection. Quartz-vinyl has high heat-shielding characteristics;
- ease of care. Such coatings are easy to clean with a normal damp cloth;
- ease of installation. The technology for laying vinyl slats is available to anyone;
- fire protection. The material does not support open burning;
- environmental security. The material does not emit harmful fumes;
- the presence of a large number of colors and textures;
- possibility of installation with underfloor heating.
disadvantages vinyl quartz:
- high price;
- in case of fire, the material emits harmful gases;
- the presence of fakes of Chinese manufacture with low quality products;
- when hot objects hit the surface, the integrity of the protective film is violated;
- the need to prepare the base with minimal differences in height.
The listed pros and cons of quartz vinyl laminate will allow the customer to make the right choice of flooring for each particular room.
Which vinyl laminate is better to choose and from which manufacturer
In recent years, the number of manufacturers involved in the production of quartz vinyl lamellas has increased significantly. Choosing a really high-quality product among such an abundance of options is not easy, but based on real reviews from finishers and consumers, you can make a list of the best manufacturers of quartz vinyl tiles:
- Tarkett. The products of this manufacturer are best known in our country, as the plants are located in Russia. Joint production: Russia and Germany. Due to the location of production in the Russian Federation, the manufacturer managed to achieve a low price compared to foreign counterparts, while maintaining high quality.
- Holzplast. Also a joint Russian-German company. This company has developed a unique Viniklick vinyl panel joint lock that provides a 100% guarantee of moisture protection.
- Vinilam. Brand from Belgium. The company is engaged in the production of high-class products with a coating abrasion level of at least 43 classes. The manufacturer is one of the three European leaders.
- Flexo Manufacturer from Belgium. Products of this company are affordable materials. Great for flooring in living quarters. Flexo laying does not require a perfectly flat base surface. These coatings can be disassembled and transferred to another location.
- Moduleo. Another representative of Belgium. The products of this company are affordable, have a convenient lock and many colors.
- Grunde. Manufacturer from Germany. High quality products, but at an affordable price. The exception is laminate made in factories in China. It is cheaper, but the quality does not match the original.
- Allure US production. High quality products with high price. According to some estimates, the quality does not always correspond to the cost (problems with the protective layer are possible).
Which substrate is better to use when laying
Decide on the answer to the question - need a quartz backing vinyl laminate or not - the study of marking on the packaging of the material will help. Most manufacturers indicate this information directly on the packaging film or put paper instructions inside the lamella bag.
In the event that the manufacturer insists on the use of a backing layer, it is recommended to choose a substrate from the following materials:
- Bung. The use of cork substrate allows you to smooth out the small errors of the base. This natural material perfectly absorbs sounds, which means that the interior will be protected from noise from outside, and the neighbors will not hear the sound of heels on the floor of your apartment.When arranging a substrate from a cork for vinyl slats, 2 mm material is used. A thicker backing will squeeze under the weight of the furniture.
- The made foam polyethylene. The most inexpensive material. For laying under quartz-vinyl slats, a substrate with a thickness of 3 mm is used. Under load, the substrate will sag by 1 mm, but at the same time it will effectively eliminate the unevenness of the base.
- Composite substrates. Consist of two layers of polyethylene. The lower layer is perforated, which makes it possible to circulate air and remove vapors, and the upper layer provides waterproofing protection. For vinyl slats, a thickness of 2 mm is recommended.
- Coniferous substrates. Like cork products, coniferous substrates are classified as environmentally friendly materials. These substrates cope well with noise absorption and ensure even distribution of heat waves within the floor covering.
Which substrate option to choose depends on the capabilities of the customer and the requirements of the instructions from the laminate manufacturer.
Are there great differences in laying relative to a conventional laminate
The installation technology of a vinyl laminate practically does not differ from the technology of laying standard lamellas, but it has some features. The difference in the structure and nature of the material imposes the following limitations:
- so that the installation of vinyl panels occurs without interference, the material must be brought into the room where the floor covering device is to be installed. Packages with lamellas should be kept at room temperature for at least two days;
- the joining places of laminate boards and heating pipes are adjusted according to the pattern;
- for cutting boards use a construction knife;
- during installation it is not necessary to leave technological gaps. The structure of vinyl products is not subject to changes at elevated or reduced temperatures and humidity spikes;
- joints of the laminate flooring with walls or heating pipes are treated with silicone sealant. This precaution is necessary so that, in case of accidental contact of water on the surface of the coating, it could not leak under the laminate. The structure of the material will not allow moisture to evaporate, so water under the laminate becomes a source of mold and mildew.
The installation instructions are given in this article.
What is the difference between vinyl laminate and vinyl tile
Inexperienced finishers often confuse concepts: vinyl laminate and vinyl tile. These materials have various characteristics. The technology for laying PVC floor tiles and PVC laminate is also significantly different.
In order to avoid mistakes, we will deal with the differences between these two materials.
The main features of a vinyl laminate:
- product structure consists of several layers (usually at least 5 layers);
- lamellas are coated on top with a protective film;
- lamels have lock fastening.
The main features of quartz vinyl floor tiles:
- two-layer structure;
- there is no protective film on the surface;
- available in both flexible and rigid versions;
- attached to the base with adhesive solutions, does not have locks.
It turns out that the PVC tile is more like linoleum. It is not correct to compare it with a laminate.