For the final decorative finishing of the floor, many materials are used: linoleum, parquet boards, ceramic tiles, laminate. These facings have been around for a long time. They have managed to win the trust of millions of consumers thanks to their excellent performance. However, recently many have begun to prefer polyvinyl chloride (PVC) floor tiles. The coating is highly wear-resistant, environmentally friendly and affordable.
What is it?
Polyvinyl chloride tiles are a floor covering that recently appeared on the market. Visually, it is similar to premium linoleum, which is why it received its second name – linoleum. The material goes on sale in the form of rectangles or squares. Due to this feature, the coating is easy to install. PVC tiles are made from the same materials as linoleum.
It has the following structural structure:
- main layer made of plastic;
- fiberglass inserts designed to stabilize the dimensions of the material;
- decorative layer with a pattern, responsible for the aesthetic characteristics of the product;
- a specialized protective shell that protects the coating from mechanical stress.
In the manufacture of linoleum tiles, vinyl, resins and stabilizers are used. Thanks to such substances, the coating has a high density, but is also flexible and elastic.
The thickness of the finished cladding ranges from 0.5 to 3.5 mm. Manufacturers also produce vinyl tiles with one layer 1.5-2.5 mm thick.
Scope of application
Polyvinyl chloride tiles are used for covering floor surfaces in rooms for any purpose. It can be used when installing a warm water floor indoors, which is especially important for private country buildings and apartments located on the ground floors. PVC coating can also be used for finishing:
- Bathrooms and kitchens. The material will be a wonderful addition to these rooms. Due to its harmlessness and high resistance to high humidity The tiles will retain their aesthetics for a long time in difficult conditions.
- Bedrooms, living rooms, corridors. Due to its decorative nature, the material will fit perfectly into any room. A wide range of products allows you to choose flooring to suit any room interior.
- Children's room. This cladding does not highlight harmful substances during operation, so it is perfect for finishing rooms where children live. PVC tiles in a children's room will become the best solution thanks to environmental friendliness.
- Commercial objects, office premises, warehouses and garages. Flooring from plastic tiles it is durable, due to which it can be used in industrial workshops, exhibition centers, retail outlets.
For finishing living rooms and offices, you can purchase household tiles that have excellent aesthetic qualities, but mediocre technical parameters. In rooms with average traffic it is allowed to use semi-commercial material. Floors in high traffic areas should only be finished with commercial cladding.
If you plan to lay such a coating in a production workshop, then you should take a closer look at specialized linoleum tiles. It may have fire-resistant properties, resistance to acids or alkalis, depending on the modification.
Features and Specifications
Manufacturers of PVC tiles produce two types of material: the first is homogeneous, the second is heterogeneous. Homogeneous cladding consists of a single layer. The picture of such material is made in its entire thickness, due to which the picture does not wear out even with intense and long-term operation. Homogeneous coating is available in various color solutions. However, the patterns on such coatings are practically the same.
The heterogeneous material has several layers, the main one of which is protective. The second is responsible for decorativeness: it affects the color and pattern of the tiles.
Heterogeneous coating can simulate:
- wooden floor;
- flooring made of natural or artificial stone;
- grass lawn.
Products made from polyvinyl chloride are highly resistant to various types alkalis, mineral oils, solvents. They are not afraid of temperature changes and are able to maintain their original appearance at temperatures from -30 to +60 degrees. The structural density of the material does not exceed 1.4 g/cubic meter. cm, elasticity is in the range of 210-390%.
Thanks to these technical parameters, PVC tiles are a serious “competitor” to floor coverings made of linoleum, parquet or laminate. In terms of cost, it is more profitable than wooden cladding, in terms of installation it is more convenient than linoleum in rolls, and warmer than ceramic tiles and stone.
Species
Manufacturers offer several types of PVC tiles. To decide which type of material is better, you need to understand the features of each of them. So, the market offers the following types linoleum tiles:
- Self-adhesive. Self-adhesive tiles are the most popular material. Such products are in mass demand due to easy installation. Thanks to the self-adhesive base, it is possible to lay the flooring on a prepared non-flowing surface;
- Adhesive. Adhesive tiles are a material that does not have lock system and a sticky layer. To install the products, a specialized adhesive for laying PVC flooring is used. It reliably adheres the material to the rough coating;
- Modular with locking connection. To lay modular tiles, a tongue-and-groove type locking connection is used. To install the flooring, you do not need to apply glue to the underside of the material. The prefabricated coating is ideal for finishing “floating” floors, as well as for rooms with a high level of traffic.
Pros and cons
The main advantage of polyvinyl chloride tiles is their high wear resistance. The material is capable of maintaining its aesthetic qualities for 10 years. Even if you accidentally damage a piece of flooring, you can always quickly replace it with your own hands.
To restore the surface, you do not have to dismantle the entire front finish. You just need to remove the damaged fragment and replace it with a new one.
Other advantages of the material include:
- Ease of transportation. The tiles are light in weight. It is supplied to the market in the form of rectangles or squares, making it convenient to deliver to the desired location.
- Original appearance and attractive design. Among the extensive range of products, even the most fastidious consumer will be able to find the right option.
- High moisture resistance.
- Elasticity and hardness. Thanks to these properties, the tile is able to withstand severe force loads.
- Excellent sound and heat insulation.
- Easy installation. Even a person without experience can lay the material on the base. Installation does not require specialized knowledge, special skills or abilities.
- Resistant to mold formation, harmful to human health and pets. Due to their resistance to fungus, the tiles can be laid in damp and unventilated areas without fear.
- Easy to care for. PVC tiles do not absorb moisture and do not interact with detergents or alkaline compounds. The surface is easy to clean with a damp cloth and any household cleaning products.
- Affordable price. PVC flooring has more low price than laminate or porcelain stoneware, making this material a budget solution.
- Comfort. The tile is soft and smooth to the touch, it is pleasant and warm. When wet, the material does not slip, which is especially important for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Environmental friendliness. Although the material is made from synthetic components, it does not emit odor or dangerous chemical elements.
Like all flooring materials, PVC tiles are not without their drawbacks. Her negative aspects– unnaturalness and high risks of fading of the design due to prolonged exposure to sunlight. Another significant disadvantage of flooring is the need to carefully level the base before installation. If there are bumps individual fragments coatings may peel off, requiring surface repairs. Also, when installing tiles, water should not be allowed to penetrate under the flooring. If liquid gets in, there is a high risk of fungus developing and multiplying.
In general, the disadvantages of the material are not so significant. If the installation rules are followed, the coating will last for more than one year.
Size selection
Polyvinyl tiles are available in rolls, in the form of square or rectangular panels.
The following sizes of piece products are considered the most popular:
- 30x30 cm;
- 50x50 cm;
- 65x65 cm.
It is advisable to choose large panels for spacious rooms. Small and medium tiles are perfect for small rooms. When choosing the thickness of the material, keep in mind that the durability of the finished coating will depend on this parameter. A thin product can quickly lose its aesthetics. If you plan to lay PVC tiles in a corridor or a room with high traffic, it is advisable to take a closer look at options with a thickness of 5 mm. It is best to give preference to heterogeneous materials. They will last longer.
Before purchasing, you need to calculate the number of tiles required. To do this, you need to multiply the length and width of the room to find the area of the room. After this, you can go to the store, choose the tile you like and find out its size. To calculate the number of tiles required, you need to divide the area of the room by the area of one panel.
If you want the coating to last as long as possible, study the selection tips. Thanks to the recommendations, every buyer will be able to purchase not only a beautiful, but also a high-quality product.
The question of how to choose PVC tiles often arises among people who decide to renovate their apartment. When purchasing material, most people give preference beautiful design without paying attention to technical parameters. This is the wrong approach. When choosing flooring, first of all you need to look at the product labeling. As a rule, it indicates the wear resistance class, the number of layers, the type of base and the degree of abrasion.
Linoleum tiles have several wear resistance classes:
- 21-23 (household);
- 31-33 (commercial);
- 41-43 (special).
The higher the degree of wear resistance, the stronger and more reliable the material will be, but such products will also cost more. You also need to pay attention to abrasion. When marking, this indicator is indicated by the Latin symbols T, P, M, F (in descending order of stability).
In the bedroom, where the load on the floor is minimal, it is allowed to lay material from group F. For kitchens or other rooms with high traffic, tiles with abrasion degree T are suitable.
In addition, don't forget to rate external characteristics products. The range of materials is quite wide. If desired, you can choose options with geometric images and plain variations. When choosing a color, you need to focus on the design of the room, shades of wallpaper, furniture and decor.
For finishing small rooms give preference to light flooring. Tiles in white, beige and cream tones can visually expand the space. Light material is a winning option for small rooms, dark material is relevant for decorating large rooms. When choosing tiles, do not hesitate to feel the products. This way, you can buy a sample that is suitable both in shade and calibration, and in texture.
Installation procedure
To carry out installation as efficiently, quickly and accurately as possible, you need to know how and in what cases to act.
Preparation for installation
To ensure that the floor covering does not have to be replaced next year, it is necessary to adhere to the technology of installing PVC tiles. Before laying the flooring, read the instructions and technical features of the installed product.
Before installing vinyl tiles, you need to carefully prepare the base:
- Install concrete screed. Before laying the material, make sure the screed is dry using a hygrometer. The humidity indicator should not be more than 3%. At high values of this parameter, the risks of premature destruction of polyvinyl chloride panels increase.
- Assess the surface of the subfloor. It should be perfectly smooth. The presence of cracks, bumps and other defects is unacceptable. If the surface is not level enough, use specialized compounds to level the floor.
- When installing panels on a wooden base, make sure there are no nails or protrusions. Seal the joints between the boards using putty.
- Dismantle the previously laid covering (carpet, linoleum or other materials). If necessary, install a new screed and level the base.
- Last preparatory stage– treating the base with a suitable primer. Thanks to such actions, the surface will become rigid. Its absorbent properties will also be reduced, thereby reducing glue consumption.
All work on the preparation and installation of the material must be carried out at a temperature of 15-25 degrees.
Adhesive tiles
Before laying the products you need to make markings. To do this, use a tape measure and a pencil to draw two lines intersecting in the center of the room. Draw a line through the middle parallel to the two longitudinal walls. Refer to this marking when installing the first two rows of PVC panels. After preparatory work you can start installation.
For work you will need:
- adhesive composition;
- containers for preparing glue;
- spatula;
- construction knife for cutting material;
- sponge;
- roller
Prepare the adhesive composition according to the instructions (indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging with the mixture). Apply the prepared solution onto the dry base with a notched trowel. Level the composition over the surface of the coating (the area to be treated should not exceed 1 sq. m) and lay the tiles. Apply it carefully, making sure that the glue does not get on the front side of the PVC panel. Try to lay the products evenly, without gaps or displacements. After laying each piece of trim, roll the material with a roller. This will remove any air bubbles that have formed between the subfloor and the PVC tiles. Remove excess glue that came out during rolling with a sponge or soft rag.
You can walk on the installed surface after 24 hours. After this time, furniture can be placed on the floor. To eliminate the risk of damage to the tiles by furniture, it is recommended to glue felt pads to the legs.
Interlocking PVC panels
Interlocking PVC tiles are equipped with a fastening system, thanks to which the material can be laid without the use of glue. The resulting floating coating is prefabricated. It can be installed and disassembled 3-4 times. Works on PVC installation panels with a tongue-and-groove lock should start from the far corner of the room, going from left to right.
When laying the first row, it is recommended to step back from the wall by at least 5 mm. This is done to compensate for thermal expansion. To speed up the process of snapping locks, you can use a special rubber hammer, eliminating the risk of damaging the surface of the flooring. If the last row of tiles does not fit into the remaining gap, then the material must be cut. To do this, lay the panel on the installed products with the groove facing the wall, and mark it with a pencil. Cut off the excess. Install the decking.
Self-adhesive tiles
Installation of self-adhesive strips will require a minimum set of tools. To work you will need a rubber roller, a construction knife, a tape measure and a pencil. Installation of tiles must be carried out from one of the corners formed at the intersection of the lines that connect the middles of opposite walls. To install the element, remove the protective shell covering the adhesive side. Place the tiles according to the markings, “walk” over them with a roller to remove air bubbles.
Self-adhesive tiles must be installed end-to-end. Near the walls, excess material should be trimmed with a knife, leaving a gap of several millimeters.
Roll coverings
Installation roll material- a simple process that does not take much time.
To lay the products, follow the following procedure:
- Prepare the base, get rid of cracks, holes and bumps on the surface.
- Measure the length and width of the room.
- Cut the flexible material in accordance with the calculations made. Lay it out on the floor for adaptation. The product should rest for approximately 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, apply adhesive to the prepared surface, apply the flooring material to the floor, and roll it in with a rubber roller. Remove excess glue with a sponge. Place the next roll end-to-end with the previous one.
You can walk on the laid flooring only after it has completely dried. This will take at least a day. Upon completion of the work, the edges of the material must be pressed around the perimeter with a plinth.
To learn how to lay PVC tiles, see the following video.
Manufacturers and reviews
PVC tiles - modern finishing flooring material, which is produced by many domestic and foreign companies. The most famous manufacturers are listed below.
- Tarkett. Swedish company producing quality materials with a pleasant texture. All products from this manufacturer have several layers, due to which they are characterized by increased resistance to abrasion and mechanical stress. Tarkett is the leader in sales of floor finishing materials in the domestic market. Judging by consumer reviews, Tarkett products retain their impeccable appearance for 5-10 years. It has the best value for money.
- Decoria. Manufacturer from South Korea. Korean tiles contain silver ions. Due to this feature, the coatings have environmental friendliness and antibacterial properties. Overall, consumers respond positively to Decoria products. They celebrate affordable price material, easy installation and durability of the flooring.
- Armstrong. Company PVC production tiles located in Germany. Collections of products are distinguished by high strength, reliability and durability. Most Armstrong tile buyers are satisfied with their choice. They note the high aesthetics of the material. According to the consumer, the products are pleasant to the touch, easy to care for, and resistant to temperature changes.
- Heat-Pro. Manufacturer of PVC tiles from Denmark. The main feature of the material is the presence of a special protective layer, thanks to which the coating can withstand intense loads. According to users, such products retain their original appearance for a long time, even in rooms with maximum traffic. This is an excellent solution for commercial premises.
Unfortunately, on Russian market Counterfeit products are common. It does not meet the stated quality standards. Therefore, when choosing floor coverings, pay attention to the product labeling. It is also better to refuse products offered by unknown or unfamiliar manufacturers.
To verify the quality of the products, ask the seller for product documents.
Examples of use in the interior
Manufacturers produce PVC tiles in a wide range. Thanks to the variety of designs, in one room you can combine materials with different tones and textures, creating original interior variations. If you love non-standard solutions, you can use PVC tiles as a bright and unusual design object.
Also, with the help of vinyl tiles, you can visually divide the space, for example, separate a seating area from a place for preparing food in a spacious kitchen. To do this, you can use combinations of tiles that imitate wood and stone-like materials.
Or ceramic tiles can no longer satisfy the specific requirements of consumers. Therefore, manufacturers are developing new composite materials that combine the performance characteristics of several types of coatings. One such material is PVC floor tiles. Otherwise, it can be called vinyl, quartz-vinyl, laminate or linoleum tiles, LVT coating (LVT - Luxury Vinyl Tile).
Quartz-vinyl tiles, imitation terracotta pattern
PVC tiles consist of the following layers:
- The outer (front) protective layer is transparent polyurethane hardened by ultraviolet irradiation.
- Decorative layer - a pattern on a polymer film.
- The main layers are PVC with mineral (quartz) chips.
- Fiberglass - used in high-quality expensive composites. Prevents temperature deformation of the product.
- The final layer is made of PVC or adhesive compound. Depending on what material is in the base, they practice various ways styling
Important! Budget brands of vinyl tiles can have only three layers: external protective, decorative and base. As a rule, such products are less strong and durable. There are also monolithic PVC tiles (usually modular), which are used primarily for cladding technical rooms.
As for the tile format, it all depends on the features of the room where the flooring needs to be installed:
- for small rooms it is advisable to use small square or rectangular tiles, this visually increases the area;
- When covering corridors and long rooms with PVC coating in the form of laminate, the elements should be oriented across the room or at an angle.
Leading manufacturers
- Vinilam - Belgium.
- Decoria - South Korea.
- LG Decotile - South Korea.
- PERGO - China.
- Fine Floor – Ukraine.
- Tarkett is a Russia-Belgium joint venture.
- Forbo is an international company headquartered in Switzerland. Production facilities are located in several countries around the world, including Russia
Features of laying tiles
Laying PVC tiles is a much less labor-intensive process than installing most floor coverings. However, it also requires careful preparation of the surface, as well as special care when installing starting rows. Depending on the type, there are three main technologies for laying vinyl flooring.
Various design options for laying PVC coating, arrangement of elements and appearance in the interior:
Tools used
Most of the tools that may be needed when laying PVC tiles are at the disposal of any self-respecting home handyman. No specialized or expensive devices are required. This is another advantage of PVC coating. For ease of use, some tools are undergoing slight modernization:
- metal one- or one-and-a-half meter level, ruler or rule. Used for support when cutting. To metal tool did not slip on the surface of the tile, on it back side double-sided tape is applied and lightly sprinkled with talc, plaster or flour.
- stationery or construction knife with replaceable blades;
- tape measure, square;
- rubber hammer - if the coating will be laid with end locking connections;
- lapping - normal wooden block, on which several layers of felt are stuffed. Used for self-adhesive tiles. Special rollers for rolling are sold on the market, but for small volumes of work their purchase is unjustified;
- notched trowel - if the coating is laid on glue. The tooth should be triangular, small 1x2 mm;
- construction hair dryer - necessary if you need to lay tiles bypassing pipes. It is used to heat the material, after which it is much easier to cut.
Important! Cutting PVC coating is quite easy. An incision is made on the front side. After this, the material is bent along the cut line and the inner layers are cut. To make bending easier, it is recommended to first heat monolithic and thick-layer tiles with a hair dryer.
Preparing the base
Cement-sand screed and other sheet materials can be used as the base material. They must be pre-treated with a primer (especially the screed) to normalize moisture absorption. In some cases, installation on old flooring is permitted, e.g. tiles. However, all intercellular spaces must be carefully sealed at the same level as the tiles.
The best option is to use a new subfloor made of moisture-resistant plywood with a thickness of 15-18 mm. The slabs are laid with offset seams. Gaps up to 2 mm wide are left between them to compensate for thermal expansion. The seams are carefully sealed with acrylic sealant.
Laying process
- For glue. Special glue is applied to the surface of the base with a notched trowel. It is necessary to distribute the mixture evenly over the entire contact area. Depending on the type of adhesive, tiles can be laid immediately after application or after some time of 2-5 minutes. After laying the PVC tiles on the glue, they are carefully tapped with a rubber hammer or rolled and ground. The purpose of these manipulations is to completely get rid of the air under cover.
Studying opinions on forums, requests and questions from customers, we identified three types of consumers:
1. For the first, vinyl and quartz-vinyl tiles are a material about which they know nothing.
2. The second are those who have already laid PVC tiles in their apartment, house or office. In general, they are happy with their choice and consider the material to be an ideal floor covering.
3. Still others talk about the dangers of polyvinyl chloride, its toxic effects on the body due to the release of harmful substances into the indoor air, and believe that it is absolutely forbidden to use PVC tiles at home.
Our analysis is absolutely honest and independent of manufacturers, designed to help you make the right choice.
Composition and structure of PVC tiles
According to its composition, this flooring comes in two types.
About polyvinyl chloride
So, the main component of the tile is polyvinyl chloride. It is produced by polymerizing the toxic monomer vinyl chloride. Is it dangerous to health? Vinyl chloride itself is highly dangerous and can cause poisoning of the body, causing cancer, asthma, and neuropsychological disorders. But as part of PVC it is in a “bound” state, so under normal conditions it should not cause harm.
However, the floor cannot be protected from heating by direct sun rays and damage to the protective layer, which may result in the release of hazardous substances. And someone deliberately installs heated floors, with the possibility that the amount of released vinyl chloride will be significantly higher than during normal use of this coating.
Different brands of vinyl and quartz-vinyl flooring have different flammability ratings. For example, class fire danger brands of vinyl tiles Pergo, Quick Step - KM2 (moderately flammable), and Tarkett - KM5 (flammable, flammable), quartz-vinyl tiles have a fire hazard class of KM2-KM3. In case of fire, from which no one is safe, or smoldering, PVC tiles release toxic substances that can cause significant harm to human health. Materials marked KM5 are considered the most toxic.
About harmful additives in tiles
In the production of PVC floor tiles, plasticizers, stabilizers and additives are used to increase inertness.
It would seem that stabilizers are applicable even in food industry, because they slow down aging. However, some manufacturers use lead - a heavy metal, cadmium - for this purpose. European enterprises assure that their products do not contain heavy metals; zinc and calcium are used instead. But most likely they are present in floor coverings from China and Korea.
Cheap dyes from unscrupulous brands can also get into the air when the protective layer wears off.
Plasticizers must be added to the composition, of which phthalates are dangerous. Phthalate plasticizers DEHP, DOP are prohibited; DOA, DINP, DNOP, DIDP are allowed. It is the salts of phthalic acid that can be released into the atmosphere of the room, since they are contained in a protective layer and do not bind to polymer molecules. Moreover, the allocation occurs constantly, and not in the first two weeks, as most suppliers assure us. The presence of an odor after installation is only evidence of a greater amount of diffused environment substances.
Classification of PVC tiles
By installation method vinyl and quartz-vinyl flooring are available:
Adhesive - requires gluing to a clean, even and dry base using a special glue. There are also self-adhesive models.
Castle - laid in a "floating" way. For installation, you only need a tape measure, a pencil, a square and a knife. The lock can be a laminate type with insertion into grooves, or adhesive.
Depending on the total thickness and thickness of the protective layer, the tiles are classified according to the degree of permissible load:
23-31 grade - for home use in rooms where the intensity of walking is not high. Service life 5-6 years.
32-42 class - the floor can withstand wheelchairs and intensive use in residential areas - corridors, kitchens, bathrooms, where it lasts up to 15 years. Can also be used in offices, study rooms, beauty salons, boutiques, etc.
43 class - this floor is not afraid of the most intense loads, so it is used even in production premises, the coating can even withstand vehicle traffic.
When considering vinyl or quartz-vinyl tiles as a floor covering, you should think about the health of yourself and your loved ones. Of course, the choice is always up to the buyer, but we advise you to at least follow a number of rules for using PVC flooring:
1. After installation, ventilate the room.
2. It is imperative to observe the service life of the coating; upon its expiration, replace it with a new one;
3. It is better to use it in garages, on balconies, in industrial premises, corridors - where people stay for a short time;
4. It is better not to use in bedrooms and children's rooms;
5. Do not heat above 27 degrees, this also applies to floor heating systems; in case of fire, leave the room immediately.
Having studied the certificates, characteristics of various flooring brands, reviews of installation specialists and clients, we can give advice on which PVC tiles to choose.
Tip #1. From the point of view of durability and wear resistance, quartz vinyl wins, but from the point of view of safety for human health, vinyl wins. Vinyl floors do not contain phthalate plasticizers, although they are not as reliable as coatings containing quartz sand.
Tip #2. Give preference to products from brands awarded the " green leaf"Basically, these are vinyl floors from European manufacturers. In Europe, the use of phthalates and heavy metals in finishing materials is prohibited. Yes, they are more expensive, but they are harmless.
Tip #3. Textured surfaces imitate wood very realistically, but they are difficult to clean; dust and dirt remain between the rough edges.
Tip #4. Choose tiles with a protective layer of 0.3 mm or more. It is resistant to damage, which means it will protect against the release of vinyl chloride into the air.
Tip #5. If possible, it is better to purchase natural floor coverings - cork flooring, parquet board. Among them you can find budget options and at the same time ensure the safety and environmental cleanliness of your home.
We voiced our point of view based on the analysis carried out. It is made on the basis of information received from manufacturers and data from open sources. “Floor in the House” employees honestly tell clients whether there is information about the composition of a particular brand of tiles, because our position is the safety of materials.
There are a huge number of floor coverings on the finishing materials market. Among this variety, PVC floor tiles stand out for their ease of installation, presentability, water resistance and increased sound insulation. Almost anyone can install it in the bathroom, hallway or kitchen. And it will last for correct installation 10 years or more.
Polyvinyl chloride tiles
A classic example of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) flooring is linoleum. Polyvinyl chloride tiles occupy a position between it and the laminate. On the one hand, it is made entirely of polymers and is not afraid of moisture, and on the other, its shape and installation technology resembles laminate lamellas.
PVC floor tiles consist of several layers:
- One or two basic ones.
- Film with a pattern.
- Upper wear-resistant protective layer.
Structure of PVC tiles
All of them are made using vinyl and synthetic resins. Plus, various plasticizers, stabilizers and fillers are added to different layers to impart certain characteristics to the final coating.
PVC floor tiles are divided into:
- vinyl;
- quartz vinyl.
The first ones consist only of polyvinyl chloride and are cheaper. This is a complete analogue of linoleum - only not in the form of a continuous covering, but several separate pieces for gluing to the floor. In addition to vinyl, quartz vinyl tiles contain quartz sand. It costs more, but is more durable, wear-resistant and durable.
A variety of PVC floor tiles allows you to create any floor pattern
Advantages and Disadvantages
Among the advantages of PVC floor tiles:
- 100% waterproof;
- simplified installation;
- high strength and wear resistance;
- ease of care;
- good sound insulation;
- variety of designs;
- hygiene and hypoallergenic;
- tightness of the final coating.
Externally, vinyl tiles look like laminate, but feel warmer to the touch. It is laid on concrete base or a dry screed made of wood boards without a backing. However, due to PVC, the flooring made from it perfectly damps sounds and is not booming.
Advantages of polyvinyl chloride flooring
After installing the tile in question, it forms a sealed surface on the floor that reliably protects the subfloor from any moisture. If you accidentally spill water on such a finish, it itself and the concrete or fiberboard (plywood) underneath will not be damaged.
The disadvantages of this tile include:
- unnaturalness;
- high cost per square meter;
- the need for careful leveling of the rough foundation.
Polyvinyl chloride floor tiles are thin. Any defect in the rough foundation will be visible to the naked eye and felt with bare feet. The base needs to be leveled to match this finish especially carefully.
PVC tiles in different rooms
Scope of application
Vinyl tiles are a universal covering that can be installed in almost any room. It is suitable for offices, hairdressers, gyms, cafes, etc. In apartments and cottages it is placed in bathrooms, toilets, utility rooms, corridors, bedrooms, children's rooms and dining rooms.
Due to their absolute water resistance and high abrasion resistance, all PVC floor tiles come with a wear resistance class of “34” or “43”. It simply doesn't get any higher. And such cladding can be laid on the floor in virtually all rooms. The only exceptions are facilities where they work with aggressive substances that can corrode polyvinyl chloride.
Scope of application of PVC tiles
Varieties
Varies floor tiles from PVC to:
- regular (for glue mounting);
- self-adhesive;
- modular with tongue and groove lock.
The first requires a special one suitable for PVC glue, and the second one already has a sticky layer at the bottom. Both of them form a non-removable coating. Interlocking tiles are installed without the use of adhesives. If damaged, it can be easily replaced in the damaged area.
Method of laying PVC tiles
PVC floor tiles can be square (a la tile) or elongated rectangular shape(a la laminate). It can be laid directly, diagonally, staggered or offset. It is also possible to use a combined technique. All known layout options for tile cladding are applicable here.
Popular styling methods
To cut PVC tiles, just use construction knife with a sharp blade. First, using a metal ruler, an incision is made along the top layer. And then the PVC cladding is simply bent and finally cut with a knife into two parts of the required size.
Cut the tiles
Installation of vinyl soft tiles on the floor is extremely simple. Seasonal adjustment of plastic windows yourself can even cause more difficulties. And the PVC elements just need to be laid out on a rough surface to try them on first, and then glued one after the other. In this case, the glue should be applied to the base with a spatula with teeth. And when gluing, you need to make sure that all the air is squeezed out from under the finish.
1/3 layout
If the tile chosen is modular interlocking, then its installation is even easier. It is connected into a single finish by snapping the “slats” into the already laid ones.
The main thing in installing vinyl and quartz vinyl tiles is laying out the first row. The smoother it is, the smoother the entire PVC coating in the assembly will be.
PVC tiles are one of the flooring options that differ from linoleum in ease of installation and transportation. It is, in fact, linoleum, only it is produced not in rolls, but in the form of relatively small squares and rectangles various sizes. Outwardly, it looks like both a polymer material and tiles. The advantages of this product are obvious. Installing it does not require professional equipment, and no special skills either. It is enough to calculate everything correctly and be careful. Taking into account the affordable price of the product, this helps to significantly reduce repair costs. The tiles are easy to cut and have precise dimensions, allowing elements to be placed end-to-end. The result is a seamless coating, and dirt does not accumulate between floor fragments. If the coating is damaged, replacing one or more fragments will not be difficult.
The tiles are made from environmentally friendly multilayer material. It is highly resistant to abrasion, moisture and mechanical damage, does not burn in air. High strength of the material is achieved as a result of pressing. The smooth surface of the polymer makes it easy to maintain. These floors are easy to clean and do not leave stains. The material is not susceptible to alkalis, acids and other active substances. Perhaps its only drawback is its relatively low frost resistance; it is destroyed at temperatures below -15 C. Fiberglass is used as a base that prevents deformation and shrinkage of the tiles. The pattern is located throughout the entire thickness of the product, therefore it is highly resistant to abrasion. The product range is wide and attractive. The most popular colors are those that imitate natural materials: wood, stone, leather. Single-color tiles are also available in a variety of colors. The variety of colors and textures allows it to play a prominent role in interior design. Designers are willing to use various types products to achieve eye-catching patterns or color contrasts. At the same time, the use of a single-color material allows you to achieve a visual increase in the area of small rooms. The tiles do not slip underfoot and have excellent heat and sound insulation properties.
If desired, PVC tiles can be laid not only on the floor, but also on any clean surface: walls, furniture, plywood. According to the method of fastening, tiles can be self-adhesive, modular, or fixed with adhesives. Laying with glue is carried out at a temperature not lower than 20 C. Experts recommend buying enough material for two square meters more, since in most cases the dimensions of the tiles have to be adjusted according to the length and width of the room. The modular coating does not require gluing or backing, as it does not slip either on the base or underfoot. When laying this type of tile on the floor, there are no restrictions on the condition of the surface. It may not be very level or inclined, but for a flexible polymer this is not a problem. When assembled, the coating resembles a puzzle. The dovetail lock ensures reliable fixation of elements. As a rule, such tiles have a square shape and are available in various color options, which allows you to come up with a variety of solutions when decorating the floor. Unlike other types of flooring products, the coating is reusable; it can be disassembled and laid in any other place. For this reason, it is often used when holding public events outdoors or in exhibition pavilions.
Thanks to the wonderful operational characteristics PVC tiles can be laid in public places, offices, retail premises, private houses, apartments, cafes, hotels, staircase landings, sports complexes. It is especially often used to finish the floor in the bathroom and kitchen, which allows you to maintain indoor high level cleanliness. For the right choice the material must take into account the class of application: household (21-23), semi-commercial (31-34) and industrial (41-43).