Laminate or quartz vinyl tiles: what is better to choose, differences, comparison. What is better for the floor in the apartment: laminate or vinyl tiles Cons of PVC tiles

Today, many buyers tend to purchase vinyl laminate. What is the popularity of this material? The flooring from it is very durable, it is not afraid of the harmful effects of furniture legs, the fall of heavy objects. This floor is highly resistant to moisture. In addition, it can be combined with the "warm floor" system. These, as well as many other advantages that we will discuss today, make it very popular.

How to choose a laminate

From the foregoing, it becomes clear that the structure of the vinyl laminate is significantly different from traditional samples.

The panel of this material has two layers, as opposed to four or five in the classic version. They are combined into a solid plank, which is later used to create a floor.

The outer layer is aluminum oxide (or polyurethane) with a pattern imitating precious woods or other natural surfaces. The second layer, which serves as the base of the panel, is vinyl, a material that is resistant to moisture. It significantly increases the strength and rigidity of the structure, extending its service life.

The main advantage of this type of flooring is a high level of wear resistance, as well as "immunity" to various kinds of mechanical damage.

Due to the increased water resistance, such lamellas can be safely laid not only in living rooms, but also in the bathroom and in the kitchen. All components are environmentally friendly, although in fact they are of artificial origin.

Material Advantages

Vinyl laminate, reviews of experts confirm this, has a number of important advantages. This is:

• originality of design;
• increased wear resistance;
• excellent thermal insulation;
• ease of care;
• ease of installation;
• reliable sound insulation;
• long service life;
• compatibility with warm floors.

It is worth noting the moisture resistance of this material: such lamellas guarantee reliable coverage in the bathroom, kitchen, hallway. You do not need to be afraid of their deformation or very rapid wear. Vinyl lock laminate is assembled according to the puzzle principle, and therefore does not require the use of complex (and sometimes expensive) adhesives for fastening the structure.

It is not at all necessary to seek the help of professionals to carry out high-quality installation. The undoubted advantage of the material is the ease of preparation of the subfloor. It can be laid on a concrete screed, on a wooden floor, on linoleum or parquet.

It should be noted the chemical resistance that distinguishes vinyl laminate. This coating can be easily cleaned. It is not afraid of exposure to active chemicals. Various stains are removed from it easily and quickly, the floor retains its original appearance for 25 years.

Environmental friendliness

This is a question that interests absolutely all buyers. In the manufacture of material elements, only environmentally friendly materials are used that do not contain formaldehyde or other solvents. Vinyl laminate (you can see the photo in our article) is environmentally friendly and fully recyclable.

The panels of such a laminate are slow-burning. They do not support combustion and do not emit toxic impurities. The main component included in their composition is polyvinyl chloride. Today it is successfully used in wall panels, suspended and stretch ceilings, windows.

Vinyl laminate: disadvantages

Like any other finishing material, vinyl, in addition to obvious advantages, has some disadvantages. They are much smaller, but at the same time they exist. To date, vinyl laminate (customer reviews allow us to talk about this) has established itself as a high-quality and reliable coating. Its shortcomings are quite difficult to identify. Most often, buyers mention its high cost. It is several times higher than the price of conventional laminate and coatings from other materials.

There is one more detail that is not known to all users. Although resistant to stains, when in contact with rubber, the floor loses its color. There is a special chemical reaction that can permanently change the color of the coating. Rubber mats are absolutely contraindicated for such a floor. As well as the heels and soles of rubber shoes, which would do the same damage to him.

As already mentioned, the service life of this coating is much longer than any other and can be more than 25 years. Despite this, it should be borne in mind that any thing wears out. The floor can be exposed to direct sunlight, which will inevitably lead to material fading, its significant lightening, so yellowness will inevitably appear on it after a long time. As you can see, vinyl laminate, the disadvantages of which are insignificant, is quite suitable for use in residential areas. And its environmental friendliness allows it to be used even in children's rooms.

Vinyl laminate: reviews of professionals

Vinyl laminate flooring is universal. At least that's what the experts say. It is flexible, moisture resistant, durable, environmentally friendly and very durable. A huge plus of it, of course, is the ease of installation.

It does not leave dents from furniture, it is difficult to scratch it, which means that traces from the claws of pets and from the wheels of a computer chair will not appear on it.

Use of laminate

Today we are talking about the use of vinyl laminate in residential premises, and professionals are sure that it will also be appropriate and reliable in cafes, shops, offices.

Such material is perfect for pet owners, because it does not absorb any odors or moisture.

Since vinyl laminate is made from environmentally friendly materials, it can be used in medical and children's institutions. This fact is confirmed by the necessary certificates.

Additional materials (for example, glue) are not required when laying. Along the perimeter of each plank there is a smart - a special tape with which the sections are connected to each other, and as a result a single surface is obtained.

This coating can be laid on any surface - the difference is allowed up to five millimeters per meter of length. In this case, it is not at all necessary to dismantle the old floor.

We can say that the fastest growing segment of the flooring market is vinyl laminate. Feedback from professionals suggests that he is rapidly conquering the market. This is understandable: vinyl flooring is a practical and beautiful solution suitable for a variety of spaces.

Types of vinyl laminate

When we talk about waterproof vinyl laminate, it should be noted that it is available in several varieties. Today, many popular manufacturers are developing various imitations that create the effect of natural wood, stone, tile, marble and marble chips. Thanks to this, the lamellas are easy to combine with other finishing materials.

More recently, self-adhesive panels have appeared on the domestic market and have already earned popularity, which are ideal for those rooms where it is not recommended to install traditional laminate flooring options. These are baths and bathrooms, basements.

The most durable laminate

A super-strong option is considered to be a quartz vinyl laminate, which contains especially durable vinyl, as well as finely crushed porcelain stoneware. In the production of such a coating, Nano Silver technology is used, which combines the valuable qualities of silver and nanotechnology.

This type of coating is characterized by an antibacterial effect, which is achieved through the interaction of silver ions and the finest fabric fibers. The result is maximum sterilization. This helps prevent bad odors. That is why it is advisable to use such a coating in maternity hospitals, hospitals and hospitals. And not only for flooring, but also for decorating walls.

Self-adhesive laminate

Today, the industry produces many types of vinyl-based material with different characteristics. But the most popular is self-adhesive vinyl laminate.

Its upper part is made as strong and thick as possible, thanks to which it becomes resistant to mechanical loads and to force influences. Laminate with a self-adhesive base is used even in rooms with significant humidity: saunas, bathrooms and shower rooms.

Installation of self-adhesive panels

Laying such a coating is not difficult and is carried out subject to simple instructions.

The slabs must be removed from the packaging and left for a while to allow them to straighten out completely. The first lamellas are laid in the corner of the room, retreating from the wall by six millimeters. The side of the material with which the adhesive tape is cut off is located against the wall. The opposite side of it goes to the next row. A new row must be started with a tile, the length of which is one third less than the previous one. Laying the next rows is overlapped.

After you have completed this process, press the tape firmly with a special roller. If the work is carried out in a cold room, then the adhesive tape should be heated with a building hair dryer.

Laying laminate

Now let's talk about traditional vinyl laminate. How to lay it? It should be said right away that this work can be done independently. Moreover, even a person who does not have a construction specialty can do it. This will require a special tool and accuracy. Laminated boards can be easily cut if necessary. They can be placed on any surface.

After purchasing a vinyl laminate, it should be kept in the room where installation is planned for a day. It should not be mounted in a room where the temperature is below 15 ° C. Before starting work, make sure that the base of the future floor is dry, even and clean. If particles of debris or dirt get under the material, then deformation cannot be avoided.

It is better to take the panels out of the package before starting work - while they are sealed, they are reliably protected from dirt and ready for installation. If you are going to lay them on concrete, then pre-seal all cracks and crevices. A truly versatile material is vinyl laminate. Laying it on ceramic tiles will only require you to check that the surface does not have reliefs. In this case, the seams should be covered with putty.

Of the entire residential interior, the floor is subjected to the maximum load. Furniture is moved along it, adults walk, children run. The floor covering must meet the needs and age characteristics of all family members. A beautiful, inexpensive, durable and safe floor is the dream of any housewife. In recent years, artificial materials have dominated this area. Comparison of their parameters allows you to determine what is better to choose for an apartment: PVC tiles or laminate.

What is laminate

Laminate is a multi-layer construction based on high-density fibreboard (HDF). Its structure is represented by four layers:

1. The lower stabilizing one is necessary to increase the rigidity and protect the fiberboard from deformation and moisture penetration from below. Sometimes contains a backing to improve soundproofing properties.
2. The main one is a board made of wood components and surpasses wood in terms of strength characteristics. Here is a lock for connecting the components to each other.
3. Decorative - paper with melamine impregnation and a photo pattern imitating wood, stone or ceramics. Covered with a film to protect against moisture from the floor surface.
4. The upper contains corundum particles and is designed to protect against mechanical and chemical influences. Its strength and size determine the resistance of the floor structure to wear and its service life. The effect of a natural substance is created by embossing.

All layers are pressed into a monolith under high pressure and temperature.

What is PVC tile

PVC tiles are a type of modern artificial flooring. Currently popular products with several layers:

1. The base provides strength and stability and contains foamed polyvinyl chloride. Its roughness contributes to reliable adhesion to the screed.
2. Balance - a reinforcing fiberglass mesh resists deformation and provides the necessary rigidity.
3. The main one consists of PVC, vinyl, filler with plasticizers. In quartz-vinyl products, it contains sand with the addition of vinyl. This increases moisture resistance, soundproofing, durability, shock absorption and creates comfort when walking.
4. A drawing, texture is applied to the decorative.
5. Protective film made of polyurethane or aluminum oxide with anti-slip effect and embossing increases the life of the floor.

What is the difference between vinyl laminate and PVC tiles

The structure of vinylam is identical to that of PVC:

• the base, the base with fiberglass and the layer with additives in the form of mineral chips or quartz are composed of vinyl or PVC;
• decorative pattern imitates wooden parquet, marble or stone in appearance and feel when walking;
• The protective film consists of polyurethane, ceramic filler and a component to neutralize the effects of sunlight.

The difference between vinyl laminate and PVC tiles is the installation method:

1. The elements have a locking connection and can be laid quickly and efficiently. If necessary, they can be disassembled or a damaged panel replaced. Vinyl tile is located on a flat non-hygroscopic substrate: cement-sand screed, plywood. Its optimal thickness is 1-2 mm, with a larger value, the load on the lock joints will increase.
2. PVC tiles are produced self-adhesive: you only need to remove the film and press the element to the floor.
3. Another variation involves applying glue to a horizontal plane and then laying parts on it. The surface in both cases will be smooth, waterproof and durable, but the possibility of replacing a separate section is laborious and is performed using a building hair dryer.

When further comparing the parameters, both types of products will be considered collectively as a vinyl product.

Comparison of material characteristics

The choice between HDF and vinyl flooring can be made after comparing their basic properties.

moisture resistance

The indicator depends on the density of the panel: the higher it is, the less moisture the substance absorbs.

Polyvinyl chloride belongs to waterproof materials and is able to withstand prolonged contact with water, does not absorb it and does not deform at the joints of parts. The indicator is 100%.

Products based on fiberboard are characterized by low moisture resistance. The coefficient of swelling in contact with water within 24 hours should not exceed 18% as a rule. Lamellas with plastic instead of fiberboard practically do not absorb water, but their price is too high.

wear resistance

Depends on the quality and thickness of the protective layer and is determined by one of the classes. This is a relative concept, experts advise focusing on the manufacturer.

• low - 31 (AC3);
• medium - 32 (AC4);
• high - 33 (AC5-AC-6).

PVC tiles more resistant to scratches, dents, cracks. Not damaged by alkalis, acids, mineral oils.

Afraid of solvents based on acetone, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, contact with rubber. The 5th generation products are protected from UV rays.

HDF Board can be damaged by water, alkali, acids, abrasive materials. Paint stains are removed with white spirit.

Noise isolation

The use of vinyl flooring is distinguished by acoustic comfort in the room. The polymer structure contributes to the attenuation of sound waves and reduces the noise level by 19 dB.

Laminate conducts sound well and amplifies several times. To eliminate this effect, soundproofing is laid under the screed: polystyrene foam, expanded clay, fiberglass.

thermal insulation

Vinyl and fiberboard have low thermal conductivity (0.33 and 0.29 W/m*°C), they are perceived as not cold. If desired, you can lay PVC on a warm floor. Water or electric heating system is acceptable.

A laminate board with a thickness of at least 8 mm is mounted on a heat-conducting foil substrate. Heating - no higher than 25-27, otherwise formaldehyde vapors are released.

Operating temperature

Vinylam retains its qualities in the range from -15 to +40 °C. The optimum temperature in the room is 28-30 degrees. At higher levels, phthalates and vinyl chloride are released.

Laminate flooring should be used at 15-30°C and 40-75% humidity. It withstands strong cooling, but loses its qualities with rapid heating.

fire safety

Vinyl products are classified as fireproof due to the content of mineral additives: class KM1. Polyvinyl chloride ignites when exposed to an open flame and self-extinguishes when it disappears; it is toxic when ignited.

Laminate parquet practically does not burn, but when exposed to high temperatures, it forms a large amount of smoke. Safety class below: KM2-KM4.

Environmental friendliness

Products based on polyvinyl chloride consist mostly of natural ingredients and do not contain phenol-formaldehyde resins. It does not harm the environment and can be recycled.

Laminate panels, subject to the operating conditions, do not emit harmful substances in dangerous concentrations. For floors in residential premises, products of safe category E1 should be chosen.

Dimensions (mm)

Vinyl panels:

• length: 250, 300, 500,900;
• width: 250, 300, 700;
• thickness: 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5;
• density 1300-1400 kg / m 3;
• the mass of 1 m 2 (0.003 m) will be 4.2 kg.

Laminate panels:

• length: 300, 1260-1380, 1845;
• width: 90, 185-195, 330;
• thickness: 6, 8 (optimal), 12;
• density 844-979 kg/m3;
• the mass of 1 sq.m (0.008 m) is equal to 6.8 kg.

Design

Both types of coating correspond to the design goal: the maximum imitation of natural or expensive materials. The indicator is the repeatability of the pattern on different elements of the floor. The best value is 1:6.

A variety of shapes and sizes allow you to give free rein to your imagination and create an original design solution.

Slip resistance

A good coefficient of friction is observed in PVC boards: they remain non-slip even when wet.

Moisture on the surface of the laminate panel reduces friction and makes it slippery. You can solve the problem by choosing a material with a corrugated surface.

Ease of installation

Laying of any laminate is made on a substrate. The connection is made by locking method simply and quickly. The height difference should not exceed 2 mm per 2 m of length, the technological gap from walls and doorways - from 7 to 10 mm. For an inexperienced worker, the floor installation speed is 1.5 hours/m2.

Polyvinyl chloride slabs are easy to lay, provided that the surface is well marked. Vinyl is easier to cut, so parts fit faster.

Life time

According to theoretical calculations, laminate class. 31 serves 10-12 years; 33-34 - 10-20 years. Warranty period - 10-15 years, for quality lamellas - at least 25 years.

Warranty for vinyl coatings of well-known manufacturers - more than 25 years. With proper installation and observance of operating conditions, they can last longer. According to theoretical calculations of some manufacturers - up to 30-40 years.

Ease of maintenance

Any kind has a pronounced antistatic effect and makes it easier to keep clean. For laminate flooring, vacuuming 2-3 times a week and very light damp wiping and drying with a cloth is preferred.

For convenience, let's combine all the data in a brief comparative table:

What is better to choose for an apartment

The choice depends on the parameters of the room:

• patency;
• the possibility of contamination;
• humidity level.

For children's room it is better to choose vinyl products class 31-32. This will make it possible to frequently carry out wet cleaning and not be afraid of the action of moisture. Ecologically

Dining room, living room, living room- laminate class 31-32 is also suitable.

To the bedroom to create a quiet atmosphere, it is better to choose class 31 vinyl: the load level is low.

Hallway, kitchen- any of the materials to. 32-33: waterproof laminate or PVC as preferred.

Bathroom, bathroom- quartz vinyl, silver ions in the protective part act as an antiseptic.

Apartment with active animals- class 34.

Which is better - laminate or PVC tiles? Of the budget flooring, it is these types that dominate the market, displacing rolled linoleum. The fundamental difference is the middle layer: laminate flooring is made on HDF fibreboard, while quartz-vinyl tiles - lock or adhesive type - are flexible (except for manufacturers who use WPC, SPC or other mineral composite bases).

For the purity of the experiment, in the article we will consider the castle PVC tile. The adhesive type differs only in that it requires more thorough preparation and professional installation, but it costs less.

Description of quartz vinyl

Quartz vinyl tile is a multi-layer floor covering, which is dominated (up to 70%) by quartz sand or other minerals. The top layer of polyurethane (some manufacturers - with ceramic particles) ensures the wear resistance of PVC tiles. In addition, it is on the protective layer that the texture is embossed, repeating the decor (photo printing is an imitation of wood or natural stone).

The middle layer of quartz serves as a stabilizer, ensures the strength and stability of the floor covering, it is on it that click locks are cut. The vinyl PVC backing also stabilizes and prevents the quartz from falling out.

Advantages and disadvantages

Detailed extended description. Briefly about the benefits:

1. Maximum wear resistance.
2. Moisture resistance.
3. Water resistance (quartz vinyl tiles endure any flooding and contact with water for 48 hours or more).
4. Color fastness.
5. Easy installation.
6. Simple care.
7. Stability.
8. No additional underlay required.
9. Withstands mechanical or point damage.
10. Strength.
11. Fire safety.

Briefly about the cons:

• artificial origin.
• Lots of fakes.
• Blackens under rubber mats.

Quartz vinyl tiles have no restrictions on the use: commercial, public, residential premises; unheated objects (dacha, basement, garage); production facilities - in any operating conditions, quartz vinyl will last 15-20 years!

Description

The laminate also has a multi-layer structure with a middle layer - HDF high density fibreboard. It is the quality of the slab that determines the strength and durability, as well as the degree of moisture resistance of the flooring. The HDF sanded on both sides with hot melt glue is fixed on a stabilization base. A decorative textured film impregnated with melamine resin is glued on top. Wear resistance is provided by the top acrylic layer with mineral additives.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Wear resistance (depends on class AC3, AC4, AC5, AC6).
• Low price.
• Easy installation.
• Minimal preparation of the base for laying.
• No finishing required.
• Strength.
• Color fastness.

Briefly about the disadvantages:

1. Intolerance to humidity and contact with water: HDF plate swells, delaminates - the bar swells, becomes unusable.
2. The need to use an underlay: without it, it is very uncomfortable to walk on the floor covering.
3. Point loads leave marks on the surface.
4. There are scratches from abrasive particles (dirt, sand from the street).
5. When burned, laminate releases toxic fumes.

✔ When choosing a laminate, first of all, it is necessary to take into account the humidity of the room: even spilled water when watering flowers can harm the floor.

✔ In addition, pay attention to wear resistance. Not an application class, but wear resistance: AC marking (the class determines only the permissible loads onHDFstove, and they can be huge even for class 32). The minimum allowable value for residential premises is AC4, preferably AC5 or AC6. It is on this that unscrupulous sellers often deceive: laminate class 34 (maximum), and in small letters - AC3 wear resistance (minimum). For 1-2 years, the protective layer is completely erased even in the bedroom.

✔ When laying, it is necessary to leave a compensation gap of 1 cm at the joints with the walls, so that when the planks expand, they do not become a “house” (below are photo examples). But even with thermal seams, there is a risk of bloating: if you use too heavy furniture that will press the planks, it will not allow you to expand to the walls.

To summarize, let's say that laminate flooring is very capricious and demanding coverage with intolerance to moisture and contact with water. In addition, there is a big risk of choosing the wrong wear resistance (again: choose by marker AC - AC4, AC5 or AC6). Be careful!

Photo: examples of laminate swelling

Crash test: water resistance of laminate and PVC tiles

In the salons of "Polov" branded and. Choose floor coverings at manufacturer prices with delivery in Moscow!

With the choice of flooring is faced by every person without exception, who started the repair. The choice will consist of several positions in any case, even if there is a very small estimate. From high-quality and at the same time inexpensive materials, PVC tiles and laminate should be distinguished. However, before making a choice, you should consider these materials in a little more detail. So which is better - laminate or PVC tiles, we suggest talking in our article.

Before starting repair work of any complexity, you should consider the exact list of building materials that will be needed to implement the plan. Many are faced with the question: laminate or PVC - which is better to choose in a given situation. This choice of flooring is due to the presence of numerous positive reviews and no less favorable indicators that speak in favor of these materials. Cost will play an important role, but you should not bypass factors such as durability and quality.

Laminate is a type of coating that consists of several layers at the same time. In the manufacturing process, it is customary to use special cardboard and paper. In some cases, steel may also be used in the manufacturing process. The outer layer of the material is lined with a plastic film. In some cases, it can be replaced with foil. It is these materials that are used to give the coating certain external characteristics. Thus, you can create a high-quality imitation of tiles, wood or any other material.

The composition of the laminate

There are many varieties of laminate, and all types will be divided based on indicators such as density and quality.

Melamine resin is used to create an incredibly durable top layer. The carrier layer will be made of ICE or fiberboard. Thus, it is possible to achieve an optimal indicator of durability, moisture resistance and strength. The bottom layer is a matter consisting of resins, cardboard and paper, which it impregnates. A water-repellent layer is created on both sides of the laminate.

Disadvantages:

• One of the weakest points in such coverage are seams. Provided that the technological moments used during laying were violated, damage to the laminate will begin immediately after moisture gets inside the seam. The top layer is covered with a special water-repellent film. Even when using microfiber, the surface will dry for an extremely long time.

• Upper layer also refers to the disadvantages of the laminate, as it is extremely sensitive to a humid environment. So, it can be extremely easily deformed if you do not use special vacuum cleaners. If a large amount of water gets on its surface, it will begin to deform.

Material advantages:

• hygiene index. Dirt and bacteria will not get inside the material. Stains are easy to remove, and cleaning is quick and convenient.

• No stains on its surface will linger for a long time. Wine, coffee and other colored drinks will not stain the laminate surface.

• Ability to withstand significant temperature changes. Compared to other materials, its surface will not ignite if a spark from a fireplace, a cigarette butt or a candle falls on it.

• High strength index. The mechanical load of such a surface is not capable of causing harm. The claws of pets, furniture legs and heels will not leave marks on its surface. However, manufacturers still recommend using special nozzles on the legs, which will not allow the material to bend over time.

• Installing such panels is not difficult. It is customary to use the tongue-and-groove method in order to fold the material on the floor surface. If necessary, dismantling is possible. Such panels can be latched with locks or selected manually. However, locks are still considered more practical. With their help, damage can be avoided.

Laying laminate

It is worth paying attention to the fact that the top layer is characterized by some electrostaticity, which strongly attracts dust. However, this only applies to cheap materials. Modern models of such a flaw are deprived. The cost of parquet and laminate is almost identical. It is imperative to lay a lining under the laminate layer, since in this way it is possible to provide the necessary sound insulation.

PVC coating, which belongs to the category of flooring, is one of the most budgetary solutions for decorating residential premises. If the choice of coating is yet to be, then you should first familiarize yourself with the disadvantages and undeniable advantages of this material. PVC or polyvinyl chloride tile is a type of linoleum, which can be made both in the form of a rectangle and a square. You can purchase both material with an adhesive base, and self-adhesive.

PVC tile consists of the following layers:

• protective layer;
• polyurethane layer;
• drawing;
• basics.

PVC tile structure

Thus, there may be more layers. In some cases, you can purchase tiles with a thickness of only 1.5-3 mm. Its main advantage is that the pattern will not change even after significant abrasion of the surface.

For installation, you will need to first prepare the work surface by cleaning and leveling the base. You can also use plywood or screed as a base. However, thin material requires an absolutely flat surface. If this is not corrected, then after a year, all the irregularities will come to the surface.

PVC tiles

The composition of the material includes almost the same materials that are used in the manufacture of linoleum. Such a type of coating as PVC tiles can also be used in the design of underfloor heating.

Pros and cons of PVC tiles

Which is better - laminate or PVC tiles?

Below we will list a few characteristics by which it is worth choosing flooring, and we will compare laminate and PVC tiles according to these criteria.

Most manufacturers provide certain guarantees to cover their own production, however, these standards apply only to the material, the installation of which was carried out without any violations. Only in this case, the material will last at least ten years. If you regularly move furniture on its surface, or use office chairs equipped with wheels, then this period will be significantly reduced. Thus, the surface will quickly become covered with scuffs, dents and scratches, which will lead to its rapid deterioration.

Scratches on pvc tiles

PVC tile is an extremely wear-resistant material that does not tolerate mechanical stress and moisture. Its service life is about a quarter of a century, and in conditions of careful care, this period can be significantly increased.

Scratches on the laminate

The average life of a laminate is about 15 years. Naturally, a lot depends on its class and location - it can wear out in 5 years, or it can last all 30.

In the process of wet cleaning, the surface of the laminate should be handled with extreme care, even if we are talking about moisture-resistant coatings. If moisture gets on the locks or under the boards, then damage to the material is inevitable. For cleaning, you will need special tools, the cost of which is different.

Water bulging laminate

PVC material is not afraid of flooding, even in the event of an emergency (for example, if the neighbors flooded). Care is not difficult, since you can use the usual detergents.

If you have basic skills in working with finishing materials of this type, it will not be difficult to install a laminate. You will need a standard set of tools. However, the work surface must first be leveled and the substrate prepared. When laying, the specifics of the installed locks should be taken into account. Otherwise, the surface will begin to creak quickly and subsequently deform. Laminate is laid only on a leveled floor.

Laying laminate

The technology used for laying vinyl and quartz material should not cause any difficulties, and anyone can handle such work. PVC tiles will be glued to the working base or assembled according to the principle of the designer, with special locks. The material is easy to cut. The base also needs to be leveled.

Laying self-adhesive PVC tiles

If a section made of laminate is damaged, then the damaged board can be replaced. To do this, you will need to partially disassemble the coating in order to get to the damaged bar.

Parsing laminate

If an element made of vinyl or quartz coating, which is glued to the screed, is damaged, there is no need to disassemble the nearby tiles. In the process, you will need a building hair dryer to heat up the damaged board. With the help of a spatula, the area is hooked and easily removed. The working surface is cleaned, a layer of adhesive mass and a new PVC tile is applied to it. Thus, the coating is restored.

Replacing the plank of PVC tiles

If locks were used during installation (lock method), then it is not necessary to completely disassemble the coating, in this case the disassembly process will be similar to a laminate. To begin with, you should consult with the manufacturer, who will tell you how to extract only specific boards.

When using laminate flooring, any, even the slightest damage, will become immediately noticeable. The sounds that will occur during the use of parquet will be heard even in neighboring rooms. In this case, private life will have to be forgotten forever.

But the PVC surface will have excellent soundproofing properties. Quartz-vinyl coating will level the noise level of 19 dB. It is worth paying attention to the fact that an indicator of 55 dB is allowed throughout the day.

Both types of flooring have excellent decorative performance. At a cost, you can find both an acceptable laminate and high-quality PVC boards. However, you should focus on such parameters as comfort and practicality, because only in this way the coating will justify all expectations and costs.

So what is the answer to the age-old question: which is better - laminate or PVC boards? It is impossible to answer unambiguously, because in each case different parameters will be considered. In any case, it is necessary to first consider all the negative and positive aspects of the coverage you like, which should be based on such points:

• Ease of aftercare. A clean finish is essential. If there is no time for daily cleaning, then the coating should be one that requires minimal maintenance.

• Ease of installation work. The ability to save the family budget is a priority for many, so it is recommended to do the styling yourself.

• Environmental friendliness. This indicator does not include polymers, however, neither tiles nor laminate can be made without its use. You should pay attention to the presence of an environmental certificate, which is provided only to certified products.

• Estimate. It is recommended to give preference to a more expensive material, the service life of which will be calculated in decades. In this case, there is no need to carry out repairs every year. Frequent repairs are carried out only by hotels or immediately before the sale of real estate.

• The purpose of the premises. Its permeability and frequency of washing will result in resistance to damp environments and sudden temperature changes.

In general, PVC tiles have a number of advantages over laminate. It is easier to care for it, it scratches less, has better sound insulation. However, on average, such a product costs a little more than a laminate flooring, so it is worth looking at the family budget.

Laminate or PVC tiles: which is better

Picking up a floor covering in a variety of assortment is not easy. In the article, we will compare PVC tiles and laminate - materials that are often chosen by consumers.

Comparative analysis of laminate and quartz-vinyl tiles

1. Composition of materials

Quartz-vinyl tile- a more durable analogue of vinyl floors, which is dominated by quartz sand - 60-80%, the remaining components are PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and impurities that improve the properties of the material. The tile itself has a layered structure, but the layers are securely glued together.

base layer made of quartz-vinyl provides strength, flexibility, dimensional stability of the tiles, decorative layer with printed image can imitate wood, stone, ceramic tile and other textures. Upper layer- Protects against damage, fading.

Laminate represents dies with a castle connection, at the core which HDF plate.

bottom layer- stabilizing, superimposed on the base layer of paper impregnated with melamine resin. It is on this paper layer that the printed image is applied, which performs a decorative function. Any pattern can be applied to it, usually it is an imitation of wood of various species in a wide range of shades, stylization for parquet or aged wood, but there are also designs for stone, graphite, sand, etc.

Top layer - laminating- a transparent film made of melamine or acrylic resins, also called an overlay. Protects the coating from abrasion, scratches, chips, fading in the sun.

2. Characteristics

3. Scope

Laminate classes:

21-23 - living quarters with a small degree of patency - bedrooms and other rooms. A lower density HDF board and a lower content of formaldehyde resins are used.

31-34 - designed for places with intensive use in domestic premises (corridor, living room, etc.), offices, hotels, offices, boutiques and other commercial premises.

Wear resistance classes of PVC tiles:

23-31 class - premises in houses, apartments with a low degree of exploitation.

32-42 class - home premises with high traffic - corridors, kitchens, bathrooms. Commercial premises, offices with an average intensity of operation.

Class 43 - commercial premises with a high degree of exploitation, industrial premises. Withstands movement of forklifts and other vehicles.

4. Security

Both laminate flooring and quartz-vinyl flooring are synthetic materials, therefore, they pose a danger as allergens. In addition, both coatings contain additives that are themselves hazardous substances and can diffuse into the indoor air.

PVC tile contains:

• Plasticizers, among which the danger is phthalates. Their presence in the composition of the material means the inevitable evaporation into the environment. Phthalates, according to scientists, depress the reproductive system, disrupt the functioning of the liver and kidneys, and can cause asthma, cancer, and metabolic disorders. Children are the most vulnerable, it is noted that they may develop CNS disorders, suppression of sexual characteristics, especially in boys.

• Stabilizers. Safe zinc, calcium (they are used by European brands). Cadmium and lead are dangerous - heavy metals.

The laminate contains:

Melamine (rarely acrylic) resins in a protective layer.

• Acrylic resin is considered harmless. Its use makes laminated panels safe, but expensive.

• Melamine resin - a mixture of melamine with components containing formaldehyde- carcinogenic substance, category 2 mutagen (acute toxicity) according to the European Chemicals Agency. Hazardous to health when exposed to air. Exceeding the maximum permissible concentration in a room with a laminate can be triggered by a significant increase in temperature, for example, during a fire.

Formaldehyde vapor poisoning can be accompanied by acute respiratory distress, chemical pneumonia, and can cause bronchial asthma. With prolonged exposure, the occurrence of cancer of the throat, nasopharynx is not excluded. Skin exposure may result in skin reactions.

Laminate is also divided into classes for formaldehyde emission:

• E0 - does not contain harmful impurities;
• E1 - the minimum amount of formaldehyde resins, allowed in Europe as well as E0 for home use;
• E2 - the content of toxic additives is 3 times higher than that of E1;
• E3 - the content of harmful impurities is 6 times higher than that of E1.

Laminate or PVC tile - which coating is better?

1. When choosing a floor covering for an apartment or house, you should first of all think about safety. From this point of view, fit:

• Phthalate-free quartz-vinyl tile is a European-made coating, represented on the market by only a couple of brands (for example, CERAMIN by Classen) and has a high cost.

• Laminate with E0 or E1 emission. Formaldehydes are also absent only in the products of a couple of brands (CBM, Pergo). European-made laminate should not have an emission higher than E1 (for example, Alloc made in Norway - class E1). However, the cost of such a laminate is from 2000 rubles. per sq. m.

2. The financial side assumes that both PVC tiles and laminate are economy class coatings. But this applies to Chinese, Korean and other manufacturers whose products contain harmful substances. It is also necessary to remember: the higher the coverage class, the higher the cost.

3. According to its operational characteristics, the quartz-vinyl floor wins over the laminate, because. is moisture resistant, withstands heavy loads, has great wear resistance, does not diverge at the seams. Therefore, for commercial premises it is better to choose quartz-vinyl, this floor will last longer.