Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is durable and attractive, and
is relatively inexpensive, compared to other flooring
types. Vinyl flooring has a certain amount of
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) in it, and it is sometimes
referred to as PVC flooring. Vinyl flooring is
“resilient” as it has more give than
other forms of flooring such as timber, ceramic
or terracotta tiles, or laminated timber floors.
Vinyl products are made from a combination of
vinyl resin and additives. Such additives may
include plasticizers which are used to soften
the vinyl and add flexibility; stabilizers to
reduce discolouration from heat or light and to
minimize the vinyl degrading; pigments to add
colour; and fillers such as clay or limestone.
Vinyl flooring comes in two types, tiles and sheets.
Vinyl tiles are solid vinyl or vinyl composition
and sheet vinyl can be homogenous, inlaid or layered
composite.
Vinyl flooring is available in a wide range of
styles and colours and tiles are available in
custom shapes that can be cut to suit. Almost
any look can be created – even the simulation
of natural materials such as wood, ceramic or
stone.
There are many benefits to vinyl flooring, such
as:
noise insulation
comfortable underfoot
durable
moisture and stain resistant
cheap to repairwell suited to heavy traffic
areas of the home
economicalavailable with slip-retardant surfaces
for added safety
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring looks like a real wood or stone
floor and it has the advantages of superior durability,
being low maintenance, being cheaper to install
than the “real thing” and can last
a lot longer than natural floors. Most laminate
floors also come with an excellent warranty. The
wood or stone finish is created by taking a photograph
of natural wood or stone. The laminate flooring
itself is created by having an inner core surrounded
by an outer layer of either wood or plastic veneer
that simulates wood or stone.
Laminate flooring is affixed to the top of your
existing floor and is available as planks, strips
or tiles. The flooring has traditionally been
glued to existing floors but the newer flooring
systems can be pre-glued or even glueless, making
installation a lot faster. The traditional laminate
floors are glued in place according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. Pre-glued floors have planks that
are wiped with water to activate the glue before
the plank is set in place. Glueless floors are
held in place by locking mechanisms or joints
and are as secure as the glued forms of laminate
flooring.
Once your laminate floor has been installed,
there are some steps to undertake to ensure that
it stays looking its best. Firstly, ensure that
you follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions
and ask if there’s anything you need to
do after the floor has been installed. Never use
a wet mop to clean laminate floors as water may
seep through and cause damage. Vacuum and damp
mop floors only. Don’t use wax or other
acrylic finishes on the floor as they may damage
the surface. Also consider using protective pads
underneath the feet of chairs and other furniture
to avoid scratching the floors.
Other Laminate Products
Laminate can also be used on doors, benchtops,
cupboards, and wardrobes etc. It can be used in
wet areas but it important to make sure that it
is correctly sealed. Laminate can be bought in
sheet form and glued to a variety of substrates
including particleboard, medium density fibreboard,
plywood, hardboard, corestock, aluminium and paper
honeycomb. Laminate expands in humid weather and
shrinks in dry weather so laminate and the substrate
used needs to acclimatize to the conditions in
which they will be used for at least 48 hours
before the laminate is laid.
Laminates are commonly used in kitchens and bathroom
and they are available in a huge range of styles,
colours and finishes, from a plain finish to photographic
reproductions of granite, marble and so forth.
Hiring a Professional
When installing a vinyl or laminate floor, or
any other laminate product, you should only use
a professional to ensure that you get the best
results. Ensure that the professional is fully
qualified and experienced. If possible, ask for
references from previous customers. If the flooring
project is a large one, ensure that the professional
has the insurances necessary for both your protection
and theirs.
The professional should be willing to provide
you with an obligation free quote that includes
both materials and installation. They should also
be able to provide some ideas on which products
and colours will go well with your existing home
and décor.
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