Wear resistance class of linoleum

Any floor covering has certain physical characteristics that affect the scope of its use. Linoleum is no exception. There are various types of this coating, differing in composition and processing technology. Naturally, they all have different characteristics and are designed for different rooms.

Fortunately, in order to make it easier for people to choose from all this diversity, wear resistance classes have been created. They help to easily determine the scope of the coating, without delving into complex parts. Remembering them, you do not have to rely on third-party advisers. Rolls are always labeled, so you can easily choose the right material yourself.

Linoleum classification system

The parameters of wear resistance and durability are primarily affected by the composition of linoleum. The “recipe” for sheet preparation determines not only strength, but also the safety and appearance of the material. There are five main categories:

1. Natural. Produced without chemical impurities. It is considered environmentally friendly, durable, but not suitable for rooms with high humidity.
2. PVC Consists of polyvinyl chloride or polyester felt. It is in demand due to the low price and variety of designs.
3. Relin (rubber linoleum). It contains rubber. Ideal for rooms with aggressive environments.
4. Nitrocellulose (colloxylin). The basis for this type of coating is cellulose. It is steady against moisture, but easily ignites.
5. Gliftal (alkyd). Similar in composition to natural species. Wear resistant and provides good insulation, but does not tolerate low temperatures.

However, in addition to the separation based on the “recipe”, linoleum is also divided in structure into homogeneous and heterogeneous. Homogeneous is a homogeneous canvas, not divided into any layers. The picture penetrates such a coating as a whole, and does not occupy only the surface. Heterogeneous consists of several layers, from 2 to 6. Such a coating is considered the most durable.

Wear resistance classes of linoleum

The wear resistance class is determined by three parameters - the degree of load, the class of the living space and the additional parameter of abrasion. The first parameter determines how much load the coating can withstand. The second tells which rooms the roll was originally created for. Abrasion helps to understand how quickly the coating will wipe from the corresponding loads.

The listed parameters are affected not only by the composition or structure, but also by the thickness of the selected coating. In addition, if linoleum is laid for a room in a warehouse, it will be quite natural that it will become unusable faster, despite the high class of wear resistance.

IMPORTANT! Some parameters need to be distinguished separately from the wear resistance class. For example, you can buy expensive linoleum for the kitchen with a high class of wear resistance, and then find that it is not intended for wet rooms.

Features of marking linoleum: what to look for

Wear resistance class marking is usually done by a two-digit number. The first figure shows for what types of rooms the selected linoleum roll is intended. There are three types in total:

• "2" - for residential premises such as apartments, cottages, etc.
• "3" - public or administrative premises. This area includes hospitals, schools, cafes and so on.
• "4" - a type created for technical and industrial premises - warehouses, airports, train stations, factory floors.

The second figure makes it clear how much load the coating can withstand. Under the load means the permeability of the room, the use of furniture and appliances. Total load classes 4 - from one to four, from light load to extreme. As a result, class "23" will be intended for residential areas with a large cross like a corridor, and "34" - for stations or airports, where a huge number of people are constantly located.

In addition to digital marking of the wear resistance class, it is advisable to pay attention to special designations like "flammable", "anti-slip effect" or "varnished." Usually they are presented in the form of easy-to-understand pictures or pictograms.