Vinyl laminate or pvc tiles. PVC tile or laminate - which is better? Resistant to moisture and aggressive environments

: both are affordable, similar in name and appearance, comparable in terms of environmental friendliness and other parameters, but which of them is still better for the consumer in terms of practicality, durability and other performance properties? Let's do a little comparative analysis.

Price

For most buyers, the issue of price is decisive, so let's start with it.

PVC tiles can be bought in the price range from 990 to 2850 rubles per square meter. m, while the range of prices for laminate flooring looks much wider: 670-3290 rubles per sq. m. m. Thus, on average, the prices for PVC tiles and laminate are comparable, but if you are looking for an absolute minimum price, then we recommend that you pay attention to the laminate.

0:1 in favor of laminate, total score 0:1

moisture resistance

Everyone knows the behavior of the laminate in a humid environment: with prolonged contact with water, it swells, so it is not intended for laying in bathrooms and other rooms with high dampness. At the same time, polyvinyl chloride, which forms the basis of PVC tiles, is insoluble in water, so it can be used for laying in rooms with high humidity.

1:0 in favor of PVC tiles, total score 1:1

Resistance to aggressive environment

Not only is polyvinyl chloride resistant to acids, alkalis, alcohol, fats, salt solutions, but also the top polyurethane layer that PVC tiles are coated with has almost the same properties. It easily withstands temperature fluctuations in the range of -60 ... +80 ° C, and due to its durability it is used not only in the decoration of residential and commercial premises, but also in industry and the automotive industry.

For the most part, laminate cannot boast of such properties (or you will have to pay completely different money for it), so we give victory in this industry entirely to PVC tiles, which is especially true if you choose flooring for the kitchen, garage or other a room where contact with aggressive media is unavoidable.

1:0 in favor of PVC tiles, total score 2:1

Ease of installation

Both laminate and PVC tiles can be both click and glue joints, but vinyl tiles can also be self-adhesive with a reusable sticky adhesive layer, which greatly simplifies its installation, and it offers much more options for choice. , so we again have to give the victory in this category to her.

1:0 in favor of PVC tiles, total score 3:1

Thickness

The thickness of the floor covering affects many physical and mechanical parameters during its operation, including strength and thermal insulation, which means it is directly related to the comfort and service life of the product. The minimum thickness of the laminate is 7 mm, while for PVC tiles this is most often its maximum thickness (for comparison, for a laminate, it can reach up to 12.3 mm).

1:0 in favor of laminate, total score 3:2

Manufacturer's Warranty

By the way, about the service life. Many manufacturers give a lifetime warranty on laminate, which you will never find in warranty obligations for PVC tiles. Of course, a lifetime warranty is given only for high-quality laminate of 33 and 34 service classes and only when it is used in residential premises for its intended purpose, but you will not find such a privilege for PVC tiles even in the case of 43 load classes, so laminate becomes the absolute champion here.

0:1 in favor of laminate, total score 3:3

Design, color options and chamfering

Manufacturers of both laminate and PVC tiles produce extensive collections of both floor coverings, where you can easily choose the right shade, color, imitation of any kind of wood, stone, concrete and other natural textures. In this regard, both coatings offer equal opportunities.

And even the chamfer popular with the consumer is found in both laminate and PVC tiles, but in the first case it can be either 2- or 4-sided, having a V- or U-shaped bevel, including also a micro-bevel, and in the second case these options are most often limited to the standard 4V bevel. But most importantly, in the laminate, the bevel can be found even in cheap collections, while in vinyl tiles it is found only in expensive premium collections.

0:1 in favor of laminate, total score 3:4

Coating care

Laminate requires careful care: first of all, it is afraid of a large amount of moisture, so wet cleaning of the laminate is limited. Vinyl flooring is not afraid of exposure to water, so regular pvc tile care easier.

1:0 in favor of PVC tiles, total score 4:4

Environmental friendliness

Both coatings are not environmentally friendly: each of them contains harmful substances to one degree or another. In vinyl tiles, burning PVC releases dioxins and other carcinogens. The composition of the laminate and does contain synthetic resins.

However, in both cases, manufacturers guarantee the E1 emission class for their products. This means that the level of emissions of harmful substances into the air does not exceed 0.12 mg per 1 cubic meter. m of air, which is absolutely safe for humans.

0:0 - draw, total score 4:4

maintainability

In most cases, damaged laminate flooring is easier to repair. For local repairs, special markers, wax pencils and other means for restoring the coating have been created. In addition, the laminate floor can always be reassembled again thanks to a convenient locking connection, hiding damage. At the moment, repairing PVC tiles is more difficult, especially if an adhesive joint was used.

0:1 in favor of laminate, total score 4:5

And yet, which is better: PVC tiles or laminate?

As you can see from the review, when choosing between two floor coverings, the laminate won by a small margin of one point. Parameters such as resistance to scratches, impacts, smoldering cigarettes, hairpins, UV radiation can be found in both floor coverings depending on the collection and or tile.

Nevertheless, the victory of the laminate here is very conditional, since the final set of performance characteristics of the flooring will depend on a number of factors that are individual in each case. So, a consumer who has chosen PVC tiles for the kitchen or corridor, where frequent wet cleaning is required, will be no less happy than the one who prefers laminate in the office or living room, if only because it is cheaper and can be laid in the deck design style, thanks to the double-sided chamfer.

When choosing between them, the main thing to remember is that the laminate is closer in structure to a wooden coating than PVC tile, but it loses significantly to it in terms of moisture resistance.

Thus, having made a comparative analysis, we came to the conclusion that both coatings are worthy of their price category and, in general, are not inferior to each other. However, you need to understand that if high loads on the floor, aggressive environments and other difficult operating conditions are planned, then it is better to choose a more expensive floor covering in each of the categories where it usually shows its best characteristics.

(laminated parquet)? Vinyl floor video.

Laminate is very popular today. This coating is considered easy to install and not whimsical to operate. Laminate installation performed by masters in a matter of hours, even in rooms with a large area. Visit our online library: articles about laminate

Vinyl parquet.

Initially, floor coverings made only from natural wood were considered parquet. Caring for such a coating was quite difficult and problematic. It quickly lost its attractive appearance. Thanks to the development of modern innovative technologies, laminate production It is represented by a wide choice of materials that have higher performance characteristics and are unpretentious in cleaning, unlike natural wood.

Among the many varieties of replacement floor coverings made of 100% wood, a separate place is occupied by: vinyl floor(vinyl tiles) and laminated parquet.

What is the difference between the two floorings: vinyl flooring and laminate flooring, and which one should you choose?

Let's try to understand this issue. To begin with, it is worth knowing: what are the individual characteristics of the first and second options.

As for vinyl parquet (vinyl tiles, vinyl floor), it resembles a classic one in its appearance, however, it is made of homogeneous polyvinyl chloride (vinyl, quartz). Thanks to this composition, the vinyl floor (vinyl floor, vinyl tile) has absolute moisture resistance, resistance to aggressive substances, elasticity and resistance to mechanical damage and can be easily used in bathrooms, swimming pools, commercial premises.

In addition, these vinyl floors (quartz vinyl tiles) are slip resistant, won't stick underfoot, are easy to clean, anti-static, and don't require underlayment. This material is easy to install: in some cases there is no need to prepare the base. Less adhesive is required, which saves installation time and cost per installation. Vinyl flooring can be laid on tiled or concrete surfaces, wood floors or parquet. Installation of vinyl with an adhesive lock is carried out even on a surface with height differences and other irregularities. In addition, vinyl floor coverings have high aesthetic characteristics: the material is exquisitely beautiful, has embossing over its entire surface. Due to certain linear characteristics and dimensions, a coating such as quartz vinyl tile (vinyl floor) eliminates the formation of cracks.

Laminate

Domestic class

with a high load.

Great choice

Mounting with adhesive tape on a sheet of vinyl (Allure Floor);

Bonding a vinyl sheet to the base with a special quick-drying adhesive (LG DECOTILE flooring).

We have answered your question: Which is better: vinyl flooring or laminate (laminated parquet)?

Conclusion: Vinyl flooring is better than laminate flooring. When buying laminate flooring or buy vinyl laminate (with a lock) (laminate, parquet board, vinyl laminate) in the stores "Laminat-parket.net/Laminat-Parquet.net" and "

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.

Any repair puts a person in front of a choice of which material to give preference to from the variety that manufacturers offer us. In our article, we must come to the conclusion which is better: pvc tiles or laminate.

To come to such a decision, you need to know: what raw materials are these two materials made of, what properties do they have, what are the advantages of one over the other,

Compare which is better: PVC tiles or laminate

Laminate is made from natural raw materials, wood shavings, with the addition of special resins that contribute to the formation of dense boards. The surface of the laminate is covered with a special dense film. What are the advantages of laminate? It is easy to install. Thanks to a specially designed tenon-and-groove system, the laminate quickly assembles into a solid flooring, requiring little effort to glue it to the floor surface. The resulting surface is very durable and able to withstand any mechanical load, whether it be furniture legs, heels, animal claws. Fire resistant. Accidentally dropped scale of an unextinguished cigarette or a lit match will not ignite. Hygienic. Its surface is very dense. It does not absorb liquids, it does not leave stains from coffee and wine.

Like all other materials, laminate is not without flaws. The most vulnerable point is the seams formed when the lamellas are connected to each other. At , they can diverge, and even crack. Water that accidentally gets on the surface easily penetrates inside and is absorbed, destroying the entire structure. In addition, the surface has electrostatic properties, which leads to the attraction of dust, hair, wool, and an unpleasant effect - electrification. Laminate - "voiced" coating. It absolutely does not dampen the sound. You can smooth out this drawback with a polypropylene or cork substrate.

PVC tile is a fully synthetic material that resembles linoleum in composition. The dimensions of the tiles have standard dimensions, which greatly facilitates the process of transporting and laying this material. provides for its complete gluing to the surface, not only from below, but also on the sides. This allows you to form a monolithic surface, the wear resistance of which is much higher. Laying is carried out on a pre-leveled surface using a screed or plywood sheets.

Among the advantages of this material can be noted, first of all, environmental cleanliness and hygiene. Often it can be found in medical institutions. It is also very well suited for children's rooms, because. it is not subject to chemical and physical influences and does not itself emit vapors of harmful substances. Possesses the increased moisture resistant properties therefore it can be stacked in damp rooms. Even if the apartment is flooded by neighbors or through its own fault, it is the only one that will stand and not deteriorate. Vinyl is also fireproof. It does not support the combustion process, and when the temperature rises, it does not emit harmful substances that can threaten human health. Due to its high wear resistance, the tiles are well suited for industrial premises where high demands are placed on the floor. Tiles can withstand point loads. It does not break when hit with sharp objects. In addition, if some sectors are damaged, there is always the possibility of partial replacement, which allows you to extend the life of the entire coating and there is no need to completely change the entire surface. Any soundproof qualities. It absorbs the sounds of the clatter of heels, the clatter of children, and harsh vocal sounds. PVC tiles do not accumulate static electricity. Vinyl flooring goes well with underfloor heating, because when heated, the properties of vinyl do not change.

Vinyl tiles are made from synthetic raw materials. Some consumers attribute this factor to disadvantages, others do not attach any importance to this. But, in general, among the characteristics of this material, no significant shortcomings were identified.

The final decision regarding the choice of PVC tiles or laminate of one kind or another must be made by the buyer. In this case, it is necessary to take into account not only the positive and negative qualities, but also the purpose of the premises, and the requirements for it.

From many people, you can often hear the question of which is better - laminate or PVC tiles. When answering the question, what is vinyl tile, it turns out that this is the same household linoleum, only cut into standard panels. And figuring out which PVC tile or laminate is better, we compare laminate and linoleum, only tiled.

PVC tile or laminate, what to choose, which will last longer and bring more benefits? Vinyl tile is not as slippery as laminate flooring. The thickness of the laminate panels is 8 millimeters, so in some cases it is necessary to raise the thresholds and doors. The thickness of the vinyl tile is 2 mm, which practically does not affect the height.

During installation, PVC tiles can be glued directly onto a previously leveled base. Laminate requires the installation of a special substrate. Conclusions about what is better tile or laminate, everyone makes for himself. We will try to state the pros and cons of each of these coatings.

Laminate

What it is

Laminate is a multi-layer coating, which is based on materials such as paper, cardboard, and in some even steel. A plastic film is applied on the outside, sometimes it is replaced with a special furniture foil. With the help of this foil or film, various colors and textures are created.

As a result, natural wood, ceramic tiles, and sometimes some other materials are imitated.

The layer on top is a protective layer, which is based on a fairly durable melamine resin. The middle layer is a carrier, it is made of chipboard or fiberboard. It is to this layer that the laminate owes strength, moisture resistance and the ability to withstand deformation.

The bottom layer is also protective; unrefined paper or paper impregnated with special resins is involved in its manufacture, or it is a thin layer of plastic. The edges of the laminate are treated with a water-repellent composition, the basis of which is wax.

Advantages

1. Easy installation. The assembly of the floor from laminate panels is carried out thanks to the tenon-groove system, there is no connection to the floor, if necessary, it can be quickly disassembled.
   There are two ways of fastening with: snapping (Click) and driving in (Lock). Fastening with a lock is much more practical, because in this case the likelihood of damage to the laminate panels is significantly reduced.
2. Coating strength. Laminate is able to withstand any mechanical load. There is no punching, heels and furniture do not leave marks, and there are absolutely no traces from the claws of pets.
3. Heat resistance. Laminate, unlike wood, does not ignite if it is hit by a lit match or an unextinguished cigarette.
4. Not susceptible to stains. Coffee, varnish or wine does not leave any stains on the laminate.
5. hygiene. The surface of the laminate is well sealed and therefore dust and various bacteria do not penetrate inside and are easily removed when wiped.

disadvantages

The main drawback of the laminate can be called the fact that it is very capricious in relation to moisture.

Attention: If there is a laminate flooring, do not use a washing vacuum cleaner for cleaning.
If water gets on the surface of the laminate, it will cause the laminate to warp and peel off.

Where the laminate panels meet is the weakest point. If not qualified, water can get into the joints. And then the same thing happens with the laminate, which in this case happens with cardboard. The laminate warps and the top layer peels off from the substrate.

Another disadvantage is that the surface of the laminate, which is a film, has water-repellent properties. And even careful wet cleaning will make the floor dry for a long time.

Also, the film has high electrostatic properties, which leads to electrification and dust attraction. Modern expensive varieties of laminate do not have this drawback, but the price of such panels is close to the cost of parquet.

Laminate has a booming, so-called drum effect. With the help of polypropylene or cork, this disadvantage can be somewhat smoothed out.

PVC tiles

What it is

PVC vinyl tile is a heterogeneous coating consisting of several layers of polyvinyl chloride. The top layer contains an image, the next layer is a protective one. The properties of this tile are such that anyone can lay it with their own hands without difficulty.

The tile fastening system ensures the solidity of the flooring and does not require additional devices when laying. With such a laying system, the service life is increased, and the product is protected from deformation.

Attention: PVC tiles make high demands on surface leveling. It can be a well-aligned screed or sheets of plywood.

Advantages

1. The material is environmentally friendly and hygienic. PVC tiles can be used as flooring for children's rooms or medical facilities.
   It does not pose a danger to people, animals and the environment.
2. Not affected by chemical and physical influences.
3. High moisture resistance. Under the influence of water, the destruction of vinyl tiles does not occur. Because of what it can be used in those rooms where high humidity.
   In case of flooding of the room, the vinyl tile will not suffer at all.
4. fireproof material. PVC tiles do not support combustion; in the event of an increase in temperature, there is no release of substances that pose a danger to human health and life.
5. Long service life. The wear resistance class is very high. Therefore, PVC tiles can be used in those industrial areas where there are large flows of people.
6. impact resistant material. Excellent tolerance to point physical exertion, no splitting from impacts.
7. High soundproof qualities. The noise reduction is such that the clatter of children, the sound of heels and many other noises will not be heard.
8. Convenient spot repair. If any tile has deteriorated, there is no need to dismantle the entire coating. It will be enough to change it to a new one.
9. Surface decorative. The tile finish traditionally repeats the wood structure and in this does not differ from the laminate.
10. Quick and easy installation.
11. Antistatic. PVC tiles have a very high resistance to electrical current.
    Static electricity does not accumulate on the surface, which gives great advantages compared to laminate.
12. Vinyl tiles can be used with underfloor heating. This is due to the fact that when the tile is heated, its properties do not change and because the tile is able to withstand high temperatures.

disadvantages

The only disadvantage of vinyl tiles is the fact that they are made from artificial materials. Therefore, the possibility of its use as a floor covering is determined on an individual basis.