Bulk polymer floor liquid linoleum. Liquid linoleum: what is it, purpose, price and features of laying liquid linoleum. How much does this floor cost?

Liquid linoleum- a name that has recently come into use. But only the integrity of the canvas makes it related to classical coatings. According to its characteristics and method of installation, this is a completely different material. Its second name is a self-leveling (polymeric) floor. What is remarkable about this finish and the features of its device will be considered in more detail.

Self-leveling floors are different from other types of coatings the maximum number advantages:

1. Strength. Not affected mechanical impact, abrasion. In this characteristic, they are superior floor tiles, linoleum, parquet board and laminate. Scope of application: individual housing, industrial facilities (workshops, warehouses), airports. All this is due to the increased strength of the resulting surfaces.
2. Waterproof. The polymeric floor differs in a monolithic strong water-repellent layer. Withstands direct contact with liquid. By this property surpass tiles. Most relevant for the bathroom.
3. Coverage seamless. Regardless of the configuration and area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, this coating will provide a smooth and even surface without joints. Which is a definite aesthetic advantage.
4. Design solutions. Liquid bulk linoleum unlike classic roll materials opens up a wide space for the design of individual unique projects. These are 3D - drawings or photographs, just hand-painted using natural materials (shells, leaves) or sequins, coins and other things.
5. Burn resistant. The coating refers to non-combustible materials. Therefore, this finish is widely used in social and industrial facilities.
6. Non-toxic. At right technology application and preparation of the material meets safety standards for human health.
7. Ease of maintenance. Resistant to a wide range household chemicals. Due to the smooth surface, it will be easy to remove dirt.
8. Durability. This property is achieved due to strength characteristics. This feature can also be attributed to negative side. Over a long period of service, the coating may become boring. You will want to change the interior, and dismantling will be quite difficult due to the increased strength of the coating. Even liquid linoleum is resistant to temperature extremes.

The disadvantages of such coverage include high price, complexity correct installation, a small assortment of colors. Given the advantages of liquid linoleum coating, its popularity becomes clear.

There are two types of self-leveling floors in the store:

1. One-component. They are used for pre-finish preparation of the base for any type of coating. They are also called self-levelling screeds. They have increased strength and allow you to create perfectly flat surfaces without flaws.
2. Two-component. Such means of liquid linoleum are used for finishing floors. The composition distinguishes: methyl methacrylate, epoxy, cement-acrylic, polyurethane. The latter type is used for interior design in residential premises. The other three are used as flooring for industrial plants.

Therefore, when choosing a material, you should carefully consider the composition and appearance. For the preparation of quality foundation you need to follow a series of steps:

Surface leveling. You can use a one-component polymer composition. It will qualitatively, in a short period to achieve the ideal plane. To do this, the rough base is cleaned, primed, poured with a quick-hardening mortar. The term of complete solidification is up to 7 days. Concrete screed will have to wait 28 days.

Padding. For reliability and quality, the composition is chosen for deep penetration. The primer is applied in large quantities, in two passes. The first layer dries, proceed to the second.

Special priming. It is carried out using a two-component polymer composition. Apply in a thin layer. Let dry for two days. In this way, they achieve the most even plane, which requires laying liquid linoleum.

When working with polymer coatings, means must be used personal protection respiratory organs - respirators. The fumes emitted at the time of solidification are harmful to humans.

The technology of laying floors with liquid linoleum

It is not difficult to pour liquid linoleum with your own hands. It is important to follow the instructions from the manufacturer and choose the right materials and tools. Consider the most time-consuming installation option - 3D linoleum.

To work, you need to prepare:

• perforator with a whisk for kneading;
• masking tape;
• nozzles on the soles of shoes with needles (allow you to move on a flooded surface);
• wide spatula, needle roller,
• ordinary roller.

From the materials you will need:

• two-component polymer composition;
• banner fabric with UV printing;
• polymer varnish.

Why is it better to apply large format printing? It will allow to convey the naturalness of the color and volume of the picture, photograph to a greater extent. Such canvases have increased resistance to fading under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. It is better to order a banner larger than the size of the room. Before gluing, the canvas is tried on and trimmed to the required size.

The process of fixing the banner begins with the application of polymer varnish to the surface. The fabric is rolled out on the base. It is important to carefully smooth the pattern so that the surface is smooth, without bubbles and bends. Give time to cool down.

The process of making the solution is not complicated. Both compositions are thoroughly mixed with a puncher with a whisk. The pot life of the solution is from 30 to 50 minutes. Therefore, you have to work continuously and quickly.

Filling starts from the far corner towards the exit. Part of the solution is poured out, distributed over the floor with a wide spatula. Recommended layer 1.5–3 mm. Then the input is a needle spatula. With its help, the final distribution of the solution over the surface is carried out, the expulsion of air bubbles from the batch. The next part is poured a little away from the border of the first, the procedure is repeated with alignment. The curing process takes two days.

After drying, some manufacturers offer to apply a layer of a special protective varnish. Contact with water is not recommended until the full curing cycle.

If the installation of the floor covering is planned to be performed using sequins, natural materials, coins and other small items, then they are glued using a two-component composition. It should not be forgotten that the installation requires respiratory protection.

You can do this yourself at home if you are confident in your abilities. This finish, despite its advantages, has its disadvantages, including complex installation. But we can say with confidence where liquid linoleum is most relevant: in the kitchen, in the bathroom, toilet, hallway. These spaces are different the largest number aggressive factors. And given the strength, water-repellent characteristics liquid coating, the application will be justified.

Useful video: Liquid linoleum at home

Where to buy and price overview

Buy polymer coatings can be done in several ways:

• through online stores;
• at dealers from manufacturers;
• in large chain stores building materials;
• from companies that install coatings.

In the regions polymer solutions are made to order. Delivery time can be from 7 to 14 days. Depends on the required volume.

Price per square meter starts from 350 rubles and above. In the domestic market, there are imported and Russian squads. Due to the complexity of installation, in most cases they turn to professionals. Therefore, the cost of floors, taking into account all materials and work, costs from 5,000 to 10,000 on average. And if hand painting is performed, then the question " how much does liquid linoleum cost?' remains open.

Would you like to have liquid linoleum in the bathroom?

Liquid linoleum is called a bulk coating, consisting of a hardener and a polymer with some inclusions of epoxy and polyurethane resins.

Often the name "liquid linoleum" is confused with other types floor coverings and this is a very common mistake.

In fact, such a floor is the result of work performed using a certain technology.

Self-leveling floor, which is better known in the language of builders under the name "liquid linoleum", is now a large number of execution options:

• industrial floors;
• decorative 3D coatings;
• epoxy floors and others.

All these coatings outwardly resemble linoleum, but have a more even, smooth and durable surface.

If you try to touch, then such a floor resembles ceramic tiles.

The uniqueness lies in the fact that it does not have any joints and seams both inside and around the perimeter.

Another important difference from other coatings is complete moisture resistance, which no other type of floor can provide (laminate, parquet, and so on).

The composition is distinguished the following types such a bulk coating:

• using epoxy resins;
• from methyl methacrylic resins;
• cement-acrylic;
• from polyurethane resins.

Assignment of gender and its internal characteristics allow you to work indoors with certain compositions, for example, in household and living rooms polyurethane coatings are often used.

They are strong enough and resistant to mechanical stress, in addition, painting and 3D graphics impose a unique design style.

Using liquid linoleum

Today it is a leading and promising material for construction: self-leveling coating is installed at home, in domestic premises, in garages.

Such seamless floors are quite easy to install and are able to meet all safety and hygiene requirements.

The color scheme and the number of special effects are quite wide selection and are the most important advantage of this material.

It should be noted that for each room in the building it is very easy to create a unique drawing, which even a beginner can very successfully complete, because there is plenty of information on the installation of self-leveling floors.

The price of the material completely depends on the specifics of the pattern, the complexity of the work, the texture and ranges from 8 to 280 dollars per 1 sq. m.

Important Mounting Issues

This video has everything so that you can make liquid linoleum with your own hands.

Watch and learn!

The floor covering as such is the most intensively exploited surface of any room, the reason is banal - we walk on it.

Everyone will agree that neither the ceiling nor the walls are subjected to much stress compared to the floor.

Conclusion: there are two ways out - either change the floors more often, or choose durable building materials for their construction.

Liquid linoleum is used where there are increased requirements for the floor:

• abrasion resistance;
• chemical resistance;
• anti-static protection;
• special sanitary and hygienic requirements.

The size of the polymer coating is set in the range from 1 to 77 mm, for residential premises, experts recommend about 1.5 mm, thinner is impractical, ordinary is not entirely economical.

Before installing the considered model of the self-leveling coating, the base is carefully prepared, because the main effect of concrete is to level the site for the future floor.

It often happens that the floor - uneven surface with bumps and depressions, the differences in which reach 10 cm, therefore, before mounting the bulk linoleum, the base is leveled with a concrete screed.

Pour floors on any surface: metal, wood, tiles.

The prepared floor base is covered with a primer and aged for several hours, after which the polyurethane mixture is poured onto the surface.

Such a cocktail is prepared using two constituent parts: dark and colored opaque, which are mixed with a special mixer.

Advantages of liquid linoleum

Using such a floor has several advantages:

1. Unpretentiousness. This concept includes: stability, water resistance, dust repellency, ease of cleaning. Even if something heavy accidentally falls, it will not be imprinted on the floor in any way, there will be no dents or other defects.
2. Antistatic, antibacterial, anti-slip properties.
3. Ease of mounting.
4. When cleaning, use the usual detergents.
5. An increased degree of wear resistance, such a floor does not respond to sudden changes in temperature (therefore, it is recommended to pour it even on balconies or verandas, in all unheated rooms.
6. Non-toxic and flame retardant.
7. Aesthetics. Thanks to this quality, the floors have a universal application.
8. No seams.
9. It is used with any methods of space heating.
10. Durability of use (up to 50 years).

A photo

In this section you can see some interesting and beautiful photos liquid linoleum in the kitchen.

Happy viewing!

Among all the options for floor coverings, there are those that are distinguished by increased strength and reliability, while allowing you to create very beautiful and unusual bases. Increasingly, for laying coatings in apartments and houses, this type of material is used, such as liquid linoleum. In another way, this coating is called bulk floor. And its installation is fundamentally different from the usual polyurethane linoleum.

Liquid linoleum or is a special composition of polymeric substances that is used to create floor coverings. After pouring, it dries quickly enough and turns into a very durable monolithic base, to the touch reminiscent of ceramic tiles. The material does not form seams, makes it possible to make a uniform and beautiful floor throughout the house or in separate rooms. It is thanks to liquid linoleum that the floor can be turned into a real work of art by creating on it beautiful drawings. Sometimes this type of coating is able to imitate stone and other materials.

On a note! By adding decorating elements (chips, glitter, etc.) to the mixture for pouring floors, you can do without creating drawings, and the surface will still be beautiful and unusual.

Liquid linoleum as a material has the following characteristics and features:

• there are more than 10 basic material background colors, which can be interconnected and create unusual abstract drawings;
• the thickness of the coating formed by the material is only 1.5-2 mm in a residential building or apartment and up to 7 mm - at industrial facilities;
• the cost of materials is quite high, but, since their consumption is small, it makes sense to think about pouring such a coating in the house.

Liquid linoleum is the collective name for a number of mixtures that differ from each other in composition. They can be made on the basis of various components, which is why sometimes their characteristics differ significantly.

Table. The main types of liquid linoleum.

Appointment of liquid linoleum

Initially, this type of coating was used for finishing floors inside industrial workshops. His task was to create a durable coating that is resistant to chemical and mechanical stress. Floors in factories and inside warehouses had to be resistant to abrasion, not be afraid of oil ingress, movement of trolleys with cargo on them or exposure to water during frequent washing floors. It is these properties that self-leveling floors have.

However, now these types of bases are increasingly being used in household repairs. The owners of apartments and houses quickly realized that the floors in the kitchen and bathroom should be as reliable as possible and not afraid of moisture. It is desirable that they do not leak in case of problems with the water supply and sanitation system. Thus, liquid linoleum, which also has waterproofing properties, has become one of the the best options coverings for these areas.

Self-leveling floor prices

Self-leveling floor Weber

On a note! Over time, liquid linoleum began to be poured into other rooms - bedrooms, halls, corridors. But to the touch, such a floor seems rather cold, so it is not recommended to equip it in cool rooms and on the first floors of houses. An exception is the use of a base heating system.

Also self-leveling floors are often used in shopping malls, on dance and even sports grounds. Wear resistance allows them to be successfully used in car services and premises where various complex technical works are performed.

• high resistance to abrasion;
• the presence of antistatic properties;
• increased level of waterproofing;
• resistance to chemicals.

Advantages and disadvantages of liquid linoleum

Like any material, liquid linoleum has its advantages and disadvantages. And it is important to know them before deciding to fill such floors. The advantages of using liquid linoleum are much greater than the disadvantages. Material advantages:

• very durable and resistant to various types impact;
• practically does not scratch;
• waterproof, therefore it can safely fit in the kitchen or bathroom and even play the role of waterproofing during flooding (in case of proper preparation and compliance with installation requirements);
• durable - service life can be 40 years or more;
• environmentally friendly and non-flammable;
• easy to care for - it is quite easy to wash using improvised means;
• has no seams;
• dries quickly after pouring;
• can be decorated in a variety of ways.

Cons of coverage:

• high cost of materials;
• simple, but at the same time requiring great attention and care installation - it is easy to make a mistake, but it is very difficult to fix it.

Prices for liquid linoleum

Since we are talking about the high cost of materials, it is important to find out how much such a coating option costs, or rather, everything that is needed to create it. On average, the price for 1 m 2 starts from 450 rubles. But the more complex and interesting the floor decor is, the more expensive it will cost. Also, the cost will depend on the thickness of the base to be poured. For example, a bulk methyl methacrylate floor 3 mm thick will cost 1,500 rubles per 1 m 2.

On a note! Compositions for creating liquid linoleum domestic production they are cheaper than imported ones, and the quality is not always as bad as they are said to be. But to get perfect result components from trusted brands should be used.

Features of laying liquid linoleum

Bulk linoleum is not the most simple coating in installation, if you thoroughly study the entire process of pouring it. The fact is that at first glance at such work it seems that everything is simple: poured the mixture onto a rough base, leveled it and the floors are ready. But in reality, everything turns out to be much more complicated.

One of the main aspects of the work is proper preparation rough floor. It is important not only to clean it well of debris, but also to make it even. There should be no cracks and gaps on the floor, and there should also be no significant height differences (maximum allowable level– 2 mm).

Advice! A long rule will help determine the evenness of the floor. It is placed on the base different points surface, and then the width of the gaps between it and the rough base is measured. If there are gaps of more than 2 mm, the subfloor needs to be leveled. If we neglect this aspect, then the consumption of a mixture of liquid linoleum will increase significantly.

Cracks and crevices in the floor are also important to repair. building composition, and all protrusions, the height of which is greater than the horizontal of the floor, are recommended to be ground. Otherwise, liquid linoleum will have to fill all the cavities, and this significantly increases consumption. expensive material. Leveling the screed will allow pouring it with a self-leveling mixture.

Liquid linoleum is a mixture that must be poured onto a dust-free surface. If this is neglected, then all the rubbish from the base will be on the surface of the floor being poured, which will lead to a decrease in its aesthetic qualities. Therefore, the floors are not just swept with a broom - they must be carefully processed with a powerful vacuum cleaner and washed with water. It is also necessary to prime the base - the procedure will remove dust from the surface and reduce the absorption of moisture by it. It is better to use a deep penetration primer and apply it in 2 layers with an interval of 6-8 hours.

On a note! If the base cannot be repaired, it is recommended to completely remove old coupler and create a new one. However, until the liquid linoleum is poured, you will have to wait until it dries. Drying time cement mixture screed is 28 days.

Also, pouring liquid linoleum can be done on other surfaces - ceramics, wood, etc. It is only important to properly prepare the base, take care of waterproofing.

Liquid linoleum in an apartment or house must be laid under certain conditions. The optimum air temperature for these works can vary from 5 to 25 degrees, and the humidity level should be about 60%. If these values ​​are different, then the mixture will dry too quickly, which will entail a violation of the installation technology and, accordingly, a decrease in the performance of the finished floor.

If it is planned to form a decorative layer on the floor in a room, then self-leveling floors are poured in two approaches. The first layer is a draft, base. For its filling, a neutral white mixture is usually used. Next, you should choose a method for decorating the surface. There are several of them:

• using materials of various colors;
• using chips or sparkles, stones and other decorative elements;
• drawing on the floor. In this case, you need an image printed on the printer.

On a note! Floors can also be painted by hand, but this method requires drawing skills.

After that, the floors are “closed” with a transparent protective layer liquid linoleum. It is made in the same way as the base is leveled with a self-levelling mixture. Next, the floors should dry well. Usually, only a few hours are enough for polymerization, but experts advise waiting a few days before the base is fully exploited. Sometimes the drying time reaches 20 days - it all depends on the mixture used and the thickness of the applied coating.

Do-it-yourself liquid linoleum

This type of coating can be filled with your own hands, without the involvement of third-party specialists. To do this, you must purchase all the materials and be sure to study the instructions for working with them in order to avoid mistakes. Tools and materials that will come in handy:

• construction mixer;
• mixture for filling the floor;
• decoration material;
• doctor blade;
• regular roller - for soil;
• leveling epoxy putty;
• self-leveling mixture;
• needle roller;
• paint studs;
• finishing varnish.

Attention! Do not mix all mixtures at once. Their polymerization time is quite short, and therefore it is better to mix first one portion - for the base layer, and then the second - for the finish, which will cover the decorative coating.

Floor covering - what can it be? Most consumers believe that it is natural or artificial material, which is laid on the subfloor or concrete screed. However, today, as a floor covering, mixtures are increasingly used that are not laid, but poured onto a prepared surface.

They are called liquid linoleum. Outwardly, they really resemble the material, and to the touch - ceramic tiles.

But liquid linoleum is devoid of the disadvantages of these materials: it has no seams and gaps, does not require special installation equipment, and can have all sorts of colors.

What is such a floor?

This flooring is not natural. It is based on resins or building mixtures with the addition of a liquid component, as well as polyurethane. The beauty of such a floor is its durability and the complete absence of seams, joints, so liquid linoleum is used very often in the kitchen.

Pour it onto a prepared surface. Moreover, the layer thickness can be up to 7 mm, but experts recommend no more than 1.5 mm for residential premises. The color scheme of such coatings can be any, and as a finish it is allowed to decorate with various natural materials.

Various species and their composition

The modern building materials market offers several types of self-leveling floors.

They differ in the composition of the mixture and purpose and are:

1. Cement-acrylic
2. Epoxy
3. Methyl methacrylate
4. Polyurethane

The first consists of a cement mixture with the addition of liquid components. The basis of the next two are resins. The third is a polyurethane composition. The first three types are used for industrial buildings.

Watch the video on how to choose this product:

Polyurethane floors made of liquid linoleum are recommended for use in residential premises, as they are very attractive in appearance and environmentally friendly. They also have high wear resistance. The finished floor from such a mixture looks very impressive due to the brilliance and variety of colors.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main difference between the self-leveling floor is the absence of gaps and seams, which tend to increase over time and do not look aesthetically pleasing. Polymer coating can be used for a room with a complex configuration.

It is evenly distributed over the floor and can be easily poured into the most hard-to-reach places. In this case, you do not need to cut out extra pieces or select a pattern. Liquid linoleum floors can have any pattern and unlimited quantity color shades.

Addition of dyes or decorative elements allows you to create even 3D images. The surface can be smooth, rough, glossy.

In terms of strength and durability, liquid linoleum in the bathroom or in the kitchen has no equal. The service life of such coatings is more than 50 years, taking into account its round-the-clock operation.

The impact resistance of liquid linoleum is also on top compared to other materials. There are no scratches or dents left on it, no matter what object falls on it. Another plus is complete water resistance, which allows you to successfully use linoleum even in shower rooms.

It is non-flammable and non-toxic, which has led to the use of coatings in rooms with an increased fire hazard. It is easy to wash and repair, so it is used in the kitchen, despite the fact that the price of such a coating is quite high. If a certain area is damaged, it is removed, and a new composition is poured in its place, matching the color.

Among the disadvantages are labor-intensive preparation of the base, the possibility of discoloration under the influence sun rays and the difficulty of removal if you decide to change it to another coating.

Application area

Such linoleum can be used in any premises, but there are still some restrictions depending on the composition.

Epoxy floors have great hardness and are resistant to aggressive environments. Such linoleum can be bought by business owners in the food, chemical industry, warehouses and utility rooms and car washes.

Methyl methacrylate is one of the fastest curing. They are able to withstand an average load and are resistant to negative temperatures. Most often they are used in cold rooms, but since they have a pungent odor, good ventilation should be organized when pouring.

Cement-acrylic are made from quartz sand and polyacrylic polymer. They are resistant to moisture, fats and acids. Therefore, they find wide application in fish hatcheries, breweries, swimming pools.

Watch video types and scope:

Polyurethane is one of the most flexible. Resistant to vibration, shock loads. Can be used at low temperatures. Liquid composition poured as in industrial premises as well as in the kitchen and bathroom. Can be decorated with acrylic paint, resembling natural stone. In apartments or private houses, the material can be used in any room. Decorated with natural materials, it will become a work of art in a spacious living room.

Top Producers

The domestic market has a wide range of modern flooring, called liquid linoleum. These products are represented by both domestic and world famous brands from Danish, French, Swedish companies.

The most popular brands among them:

• Feidal (Germany)
• Praspan (Russia)
• Teping

Self-leveling floor installation

One disadvantage of this popular coating is the difficult surface preparation. In this, liquid is inferior to the usual linoleum. It is best to apply it on a concrete screed, as it forms the best adhesion to the surface.

But first, the surface must be thoroughly washed and coated with a primer. After drying, you can proceed with the installation of the self-leveling floor.

In addition to concrete, it is allowed to pour liquid linoleum on:

• wooden floors
• tile
• Metal

The main condition for laying is a perfectly flat surface.

The material is applied using rubber spatulas and a roller. The mixture is applied to the surface like paint. The coating dries in 24 hours, but in order not to damage its furniture and other heavy objects, it is better to arrange it after a few days.

Watch the video, some features of the installation:

If the floor surface is uneven or has gaps, then before proceeding with laying it is necessary to patch all cracks and primer. Ideally, you should get a smooth floor. And only then the mixture is poured onto the surface and distributed over it. The density of the coating is adjusted using a movable bar. The closer it is to the surface, the thinner the layer is.

To get a beautiful and high-quality floor, all work must be carried out at a temperature not higher than 25 ° C and humidity not more than 60%. Otherwise, the mixture may seize before it is evenly distributed over the surface.

In principle, there is nothing complicated in applying liquid linoleum and you can cope with this task yourself if you wish. But if it is supposed to fill with the use of decorative elements, then it is better to turn to the services of professionals.

How much does this floor cost?

If you decide to fill it yourself, then the cost of liquid linoleum, the price of which is from 8 to 100 dollars per square meter, can be significant. Moreover, both foreign and imported products have a cost depending on the composition of the mixture and its decorative properties.

This product does not apply to natural coatings, but surpasses any of them in its qualities. Among all its types, only one is recommended for use in residential premises - polyurethane. However, those who decide to fill it on their own must observe safety measures.

Before hardening, the composition for the self-leveling floor is toxic, so all work should be carried out in a well-ventilated area.

In the future, the coating does not emit any harmful substances, therefore, it can be used for any rooms. When choosing such floors for living quarters, you have to think about their appearance.

And if u cement compositions decorative qualities no, polyurethane can transform any room. In addition to the fact that there are a huge number of colors of liquid linoleum, it can also be used with various additives:

• Chips
• Paints
• Transparent with filling

Chips are multi-colored particles of paint that differ in shape and size. They are added to the composition, giving a resemblance to natural material.

You can achieve an artistic effect using polymer paints. They are applied to the base layer of the floor, and then varnished. Moreover, the pattern can be applied manually or using a stencil.

Watch video gallery:

But the most interesting and extravagant are the transparent self-leveling floors under which all sorts of bulky objects are located: coins, shells, pebbles.

If you decide to make a work of art out of your room, then you should buy a transparent liquid linoleum and make a 3D floor. To do this, a picture is placed under the coating, creating a three-dimensional image on the surface.

Conclusion

Currently, such a composition is one of the most promising building materials and meets all the requirements of hygiene and environmental safety. The variability of the coating allows you to create real masterpieces on the floor and this is its main advantage.

In addition, such compositions can be used not only for the floor, but also as waterproofing, when the self-leveling coating is poured under the parquet board, used for roofing or foundations.

Did you know that floors can not be laid, but poured? This coating is called “self-leveling floors”, or, as they are also called, “liquid linoleum”. It turns out that outwardly the self-leveling floor is really very similar to linoleum, and to the touch it resembles a smooth tile: monolithic, even, without seams and gaps. He happens different colors, neutral calm tones prevail among the shades - light green, gray, beige, light brown. Thickness of self-leveling floors different type– from 1 to 7 mm, but recommended by experts optimum thickness coverings for residential premises - 1.5 mm. Why? To make the floor thinner in a living room is impractical, thicker is uneconomical, as it will be required large quantity material. But more about that later.

So, from the point of view of chemists, self-leveling floor is a special seamless polymer coating. There are several types of floor coverings, which are called self-leveling or industrial:

Methyl methacrylate (from methyl methacrylic resins);

Epoxy (from epoxy resins);

Cement-acrylic (prepared from dry building mix and the so-called "liquid component");

Polyurethane (based on polyurethane).

The first three types of self-leveling floors are more suitable for industrial premises. And for residential, the fourth type is used - polyurethane floors. Why? Of course, all types of floors are safe for health, but polyurethane, in addition to being the most durable and wear-resistant, is also the lightest - the floors from it are more elegant. And besides, this floor looks very good: due to the brilliance and variety of colors. Therefore, our conversation will focus on polyurethane self-leveling floors.

So, self-leveling seamless floors are most often used where increased requirements are imposed on the floor: chemical resistance and abrasion resistance (including under conditions high humidity), the need for antistatic protection or special hygienic requirements. First of all, of course, industrial premises and offices with high traffic, television studios. But living quarters are also suitable: kitchens, bathrooms, cottages, glazed loggias. Or, for example, you can "lay" such floors in the garage and workshop. It is believed that the main disadvantage when using a self-leveling floor in a residential area is a poor choice of colors. But, firstly, there are at least 12 colors of self-leveling floor on sale, which, you see, is not so small. Secondly, the manufacturers of self-leveling floors have come up with an additional and very original decorative special effect; the so-called chips are applied to the fresh coating; - colored particles from pieces acrylic paint, different shapes and sizes. Chips when in a jar look like large bright confetti, and applied to the floor, they give the coating depth and resemblance to natural materials, such as marble or granite.

Bulk coating options: regular and with "chips". But the most interesting thing in self-leveling floors, in addition to all the above advantages and properties, is the process of their installation! And what is curious, if you wish, you can personally join this sacrament, which is somewhat similar to a shamanic ritual.

To become a happy owner of a self-leveling floor, you will need: two cans with components - a small one and a large one, an electric drill with a nozzle and a rule. It is clear that the most important thing is the cans with components for the future self-leveling floor. In a large bank - component "A". The small one is filled with component "B". Accurate chemical composition manufacturers of self-leveling floors keep these components a secret. The coating technology is the same for all types of self-leveling floors, only the components and properties are different.

So let's get started. We take a small jar and pour its contents into a large one. But to achieve the desired result (that is, to cure the composition), this is not enough. All components must be thoroughly mixed with an electric drill with special nozzle. After a few minutes, the working mixture of components is ready for application to the surface. And all? No. Before proceeding with the "production" of the self-leveling floor, you need to carefully prepare the surface - level, eliminate potholes, cracks, etc., putty them, prime the base ... In general, a primed base (it can be concrete, stone, tile , metal and even wood) should have a uniform gloss on the surface and not absorb liquid. Only after that it is possible to pour the polyurethane "cocktail" on the coating and spread it over the entire floor area with a rule and a spiked roller.

With the help of a movable bar on the rule, you can adjust the thickness of the applied coating: the closer the bar to the floor, the thinner the coating is, and vice versa. The spiked roller helps to remove bubbles that have formed on the liquid surface. We have already said that the thickness of the self-leveling floor recommended by experts is 1.5 mm, but if desired, this figure can be increased to 5-7 mm. All these works must be carried out at a room temperature not lower than +5°С and not higher than +25°С and relative humidity air about 60%. Otherwise, the self-leveling floor will "set" longer. On a fresh floor (for beauty), you can apply the color "chips" already known to us, and after 12 hours cover the top with transparent protective varnish. Then wait another 24 hours - and that's it. The new bulk floor is ready "to the use".

By the way, the manufacturers warned me that the self-leveling floor, until it dries, is afraid of moisture: its components react with water. That is why it is important to ensure that the surface on which the bulk coating will be applied is dry (that is, the moisture content of the surface itself should not exceed 5%). Specialists in this case use a device to measure humidity. But if the surface was initially prepared in accordance with all the rules, then after 12–20 hours (after the coating has dried) and in the next four decades, no moisture self-leveling floor won't be scary. Self-leveling floor with "chips" at first glance does not differ from granite

The self-leveling floor is not afraid of blows - no matter what you drop on it, there will be no dents or cracks. He also doesn’t care about temperature changes (that’s why you can “pour” it on a balcony or on country veranda). According to experts, this is a non-toxic and "flammable" coating. And all kinds bulk coatings, both in Europe and in Russia, undergo mandatory certification. And a conscientious manufacturer will never refuse to demonstrate all the necessary certificates for their products. Imported residential flooring will cost at least $40 per sq.m if the area of ​​the premises is less than 500 sq.m. In general, the range of prices for self-leveling floors made from imported materials ranges from $8 to $100 per square meter. The cost of the work of stackers is $8–10.

Comparative analysis

Each flooring has its pros and cons. Let's compare the self-leveling floor with other floor coverings that have the same purpose as the polyurethane floor: PVC linoleum, laminate and tiles are also placed in the kitchen, in the bathroom or on glazed balcony. So, household PVC linoleum and self-leveling floor look very similar. In one Moscow store where self-leveling floors are made, I was told that visitors often ask: "What is this unusual linoleum for you?" But the external similarity is perhaps the only thing that unites these two types of coatings. The first difference is the service life. High-quality PVC linoleum will last 15–20 years. A properly made self-leveling floor will last 40 years. But, I emphasize, CORRECTLY done. (Please remember this remark, we will return to it later.) In addition, linoleum has a richer design. And yet, if necessary, linoleum can be easily removed - rolled up and replaced with a new one. With a bulk coating, such a trick will not work. Removing such a coating is a problem. But on the other hand, why, if we make a good, high-quality self-leveling floor?

Now laminate. Laminate, as we have said more than once, is a special multilayer board based on fiberboard that can imitate natural materials- wood, stone, marble ... Laminate is a beautiful modern floor covering, but, alas, it lasts less than a self-leveling floor - 12 years. In addition, a laminate, unlike a self-leveling floor, is still not recommended to be placed indoors with high humidity.

When compared with ceramic tiles, which is traditionally placed in the kitchen, in the bathroom and on the balconies, here the self-leveling floor also has certain advantages: the absence of seams (which means there is nowhere for fungus and bacteria to start) and higher strength.

So, what are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-leveling flooring?

Nice appearance, gloss, solidity of color;

Durability (minimum 40 years);

Moisture resistance and high chemical resistance (important when using a self-leveling floor, for example, in a garage);

Hygiene and ease of cleaning - can be washed with plain water without treatment with special compounds;

High adhesion (adhesion) with any base, no seams and gaps;

Fire safety (flammable and "slow-burning" material), non-toxicity;

Simplicity of the device - a self-leveling floor can be made independently in just half a day (12 hours).

MINUSES:

Poor design compared to traditional views coatings;

Moral obsolescence, that is, the self-leveling floor simply bothers its owner. But in this case, the coating can be updated - apply new layer different color;

Some types of bulk coatings turn yellow when exposed to ultraviolet rays;

Labor-intensive preparation of the base for coating - careful leveling, puttying is necessary;

Difficult to remove from the base if necessary;

artificial material;

It is necessary to strictly control the humidity of the coating on which the floor is "poured"
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