Vinyl flooring is waterproof flooring that comes in large and continuous sheets, mostly suitable for bathroom and kitchens floors. The key benefit of vinyl flooring is that it is permeable to water, making it a popular water resistant material for whatever use; from bathroom to kitchen to as far as exercise spaces. Vinyl floor tiles are a similar product in but the form of stiff tiles which, when placed together, offer an attractive patterned effect. Vinyl flooring is often confused with linoleum; or ‘lino’ because of its appearance. However, both are significantly different to each other in terms of composition as vinyl is synthetic made up of many chemicals such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) whilst lino is made up of natural components such as linseed oil.
How to Install Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl is installed by using a 100-lb roller and heat to weld the seams which usually requires help from a professional. There are also self-adhesive vinyl sheets that allow you to do it yourself through peel-and-stick features. As vinyl is more flexible than linoleum, it can be cut using a knife or sheers, making it easier to fit. It is also easy to maintain and requires no special care other than keeping it clean with a standard mopping routine.
What Vinyl Flooring is made from?
Vinyl flooring is made up of three basic material layers; homogeneous, inlaid, and layered composite. The first manufacturing step entails making the backing sheet. Today, this material is usually fiberglass. In the past, this was felt or paper, before the 1980’s, it was asbestos. The sheet is then printed and embossed with a unique design which is then coated to form a protected layer- usually polyurethane.
When Vinyl Flooring became popular
Vinyl flooring was invented in the 1930’s after years following WW2. Twenty years later, it became a major competitor in the water resistant flooring industry. Eventually it surpassed the biggest leader in the market; linoleum, which at the time, was the best and most popular low-cost water-resistant flooring of choice.
What Vinyl Flooring is most suitable for?
Bathrooms, Kitchens, Wet rooms; anywhere that needs protection against water or moisture. Vinyl Flooring can often give the impression of a sprung performance floor because of the closed-cell foam backing. This also makes it a suitable choice for sport and dance flooring. Even more so, it can be used as a portable type of flooring which can be used for both indoor and outdoor locations with the right measurements.
Advantages of Vinyl Flooring
Water Resistance: Vinyl flooring is impermeable to water penetration, making it a perfect choice for high moisture spaces such as a bathroom, laundry, or kitchen locations.
Low Maintenance: Vinyl Flooring requires very little maintenance. All you need is a regular cleaning routine using a damp mop and vinyl cleaner. Vinyl flooring is the perfect flooring, particularly for cleaning after children.
Inexpensive: Vinyl flooring is low-cost. The price is determined by the quality of the material and the choice of design illustrated on the outer-layer; all depending on specific needs.
Durability: Vinyl is long-lasting. If maintained properly, vinyl flooring can last up to between ten to twenty years. However, a few factors can affect this; printed vinyl is durable as along as the outer-layer is not damaged. Fiber-glass is highly durable and is often used as a protective layer to resist damage; from normal wear and tear to water or general liquids. Damaged tiles are usually easily replaceable and are important in any case to avoid further damage of any surrounding tiles.
Easy Installation Vinyl Flooring is easy to install. It is possible to do yourself, although it is essential that the level subfloor is completely dry, so it may be useful to hire a professional to do it for you.
Stain Resistant The clear wear layer on the surface of vinyl flooring acts as a barrier against dirt, stains and spills, making it long-lasting and easy to maintain.
If you are looking for some new Vinyl Flooring in Manchester for your home or business, get in touch on 0161 504 7562.
Author: Charlotte H. Lawrence
