Prepare a wooden floor for linoleum. Subtleties of floor preparation for linoleum and methods for leveling it

You need to make sure that the floor meets the requirements for laying flooring. The base for linoleum must meet certain requirements. The service life of the linoleum will depend on how carefully the preparation work is carried out.

A well-prepared subfloor for linoleum should be:

perfectly smooth;
as reliable as possible;
normal humidity;
unpolluted;
room temperature.

Preparing a wooden floor for laying linoleum

Preliminary work should begin with a thorough inspection of its surface and assessment of the condition in which the material is located. If the boards are affected by fungus or are very worn, then it will be easier to remove them and start installing a concrete screed.

Stages of work on preparing a wooden base:

Preparing a concrete floor for linoleum

When installing a concrete screed on which linoleum will be laid, special attention should be paid to ensuring that it is level and perfectly smooth and dry.

Work order:

Check the floor using a level for differences in height.
Installation of beacon profiles on the solution according to the level.
Leveling the floor with a base cement screed along the “beacons”, removing air from the mixture using a needle roller.
Apply a thin layer of floor finish.
Cleaning and priming the surface of the finished floor (if the linoleum will be glued with special glue).
The most important point in installing concrete floors is that all layers of concrete screed should be allowed to dry sufficiently. You cannot lay linoleum on substrates with high humidity, so there is no need to rush into this matter. Work should be carried out in a warm room. The temperature of the concrete base before laying linoleum should be approximately 19 degrees.

Preparing the base from old linoleum

The old linoleum does not need to be removed if it has not been damaged during use.

The presence of irregularities, holes and dented areas on linoleum makes it completely unsuitable for further use. In this case, it would be better to completely remove it, otherwise the new linoleum will soon acquire all the defects of the previous coating.

If it is in decent condition, then it is enough to clean it properly, degrease it - and you can start laying new linoleum on it.

Choosing a substrate for linoleum

Linoleum is an elastic and soft type of flooring. It is easily susceptible to constant external influence, being pressed, stretched and deformed by furniture legs and rollers. Therefore, it is highly not recommended to lay a soft foam substrate under it, which will only contribute to the appearance of undesirable changes on the coating.

The most suitable option is rigid, which can give the floor additional sound insulation, insulation and protection from damage. But the feasibility of its installation should be determined based on the quality of preparation of the base for linoleum. If it is not level enough or it needs to be additionally insulated, then the use of a substrate will be completely justified. Otherwise, linoleum can be laid without it.

Linoleum gained popularity among other types of covering several decades ago, when it was actively laid on the floors of Khrushchev-era apartment buildings directly on concrete floors. During this time, manufacturers have constantly worked to improve the quality of the material, introduce new technologies and improve the design. It is laid on different bases. This article will tell you how to properly install a linoleum floor on a concrete floor.

Owners of apartments in both new buildings and old buildings usually ask a typical question during the renovation process: is it possible to lay linoleum on a concrete floor? And the most popular answer both on Internet forums and from experts: linoleum is the main flooring material in modern buildings.

The process of laying linoleum includes several stages:

selection of suitable material;
preparing the base and leveling the surface;
surface waterproofing;
calculation of material consumption for installation;
marking and cutting linoleum;
fixing the covering to the floor using adhesives;
mechanical fastening using skirting boards.

Each stage has its own substages, features and importance. The guarantee of successful work is as follows: making the right choice linoleum, glue, and in preparing the base. The process becomes much more complicated if it also involves installing a heated floor under linoleum on a concrete floor.

Experts recommend not to neglect the stage of leveling the floor under linoleum before laying, as this is the key not only to the beauty of the surface, but also to the longevity of the coating. The smoother the base, the longer the linoleum lasts.

Preparing the floor for linoleum: leveling the base

Regardless of the type of linoleum, before installing it you need to prepare the base. This is an important factor affecting the service life of the roll coating. Even seemingly minor cracks, dimples or ridges can cause rapid abrasion in these problem areas. Therefore, the base must have as smooth a surface as possible and also be clean.

If you have a concrete floor, you need to take care of the noise and heat insulation of the surface. The base requires special preparation when laying heated floors under linoleum. We will talk about this in a separate section.

Important! You should not use sheet materials to level the surface of an uneven concrete base, as they will sooner or later deform under the contours of the floor and subsequently modify the linoleum.

Typical preparation of a concrete base consists of the following steps:

Dismantling the old covering. Before leveling the floor under linoleum, it is advisable to remove the old covering. In rare cases, you can leave the old linoleum. But the covering of linoleum tiles definitely needs to be removed, this also applies to old substrates and insulating layers. There should be a bare concrete base left. The surface is thoroughly cleaned of dust and other contaminants.
The assessment and diagnosis of a concrete foundation is determined by the totality of all defects, including bulges, slopes, dents, and drops. If they account for more than 20% of total area premises, then it is necessary to perform a concrete screed or fill the surface with a self-leveling mixture. Such measures will help make the base as smooth as possible.
Elimination of minor flaws. If a screed is not necessary, then it is enough to spot-fix minor damage. Particular attention should be paid to defects between concrete floor slabs. To do this, use putty, or a cement solution mixed with drying oil. The cleaned and smooth surface is coated with a primer.
Laying layers of heat, sound and waterproofing. Before laying linoleum, you need to take care of thermal insulation, since concrete is cold in itself, and even a coating with a thermal insulation backing will not save the situation. For thermal insulation, you can lay fiberboard sheets or plywood on the floor under the linoleum.

For waterproofing, it is recommended to use polyethylene film no thinner than 200 microns. It is laid with an overlap of at least 20 cm and overlapping the walls by 5-6 cm (the excess is removed after laying the linoleum). Masking tape works well for soundproofing.

Flooring under linoleum on a concrete floor: choice of material

A practical approach involves taking into account the structure and wear resistance of linoleum.
Depending on its structure, linoleum is divided into homogeneous (single-layer) and heterogeneous (multilayer). The last option is usually used in living conditions, since it already has the necessary base, most often insulated or waterproofing.

There are two most common types of linoleum that are used as a coating for concrete floors in apartments: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating and natural linoleum, which contains cork flour, tree resin, lime and linseed oil. Both of these types are harmless to health, resistant to bacteria and repel fat.

Helpful advice! For the kitchen and hallway, where traffic is highest, it is better to take semi-commercial or even commercial class linoleum. IN public institutions the most popular option is commercial homogeneous linoleum.

Another classification depends on the degree of resistance of linoleum to stress. In this case, roll decorative coatings are divided into household, semi-commercial and commercial. Judging by the names, household coating is intended for residential premises, but this is only at first glance. It is, of course, inexpensive, but has low wear resistance, that is, the price corresponds to the quality. All rooms in the house have different functionality, which should be taken into account when choosing floor coverings.

The 1.5 mm thick household coating is suitable for offices, living rooms and bedrooms. For the corridor, kitchen and children's room, it is better to take linoleum with a thickness of at least 3 mm, which is easier to protect from mechanical damage.

Aesthetic characteristics of linoleum of different collections

First of all, it is worth noting that the color of the flooring should match the overall design of the room. The choice of quality material also depends on the manufacturer. Tarkett has been considered the most popular company in the flooring production market for many years. Commercial, semi-commercial and household linoleum can be found in different series from this supplier.

Taste preferences were taken into account in different versions by linoleum manufacturers. For example, the Discovery series of Tarkett linoleum maximally conveys all the beauty and charm of natural materials, allowing them to be brought closer to natural ones without causing harm to nature. The Tarkett Grand linoleum collection is a variety of decor and fantasy patterns. It includes both fancy lines and the maximum imitation of natural parquet.

In turn, Tarkett Idyll linoleum is distinguished not so much by aesthetics as by practicality and increased strength. It can withstand the load from hairpins and sharp legs of mobile furniture. The material has good heat and sound insulation. This series includes different models, including those designed for high-traffic areas. An example is Tarkett Atlant 1 linoleum from the Idylle Nova collection. The wear resistance of this coating allows it to be used in offices with average load intensity and children's institutions.

Calculation of linoleum sizes: width standards, taking into account features

When calculating the size of the canvas, you need to take the material with a reserve - a few centimeters more than the area of the room. This is quite easy to do in standard square and rectangular rooms. It is enough to measure the dimensions of the room and add 10 cm on each side.

Helpful advice! An online calculator will help you accurately calculate the required amount of material. Indications of the length and width of the floor are entered into the windows (for example, the width of linoleum is 2 m). How many meters of linoleum will be required from such a roll will be indicated in a special window.

In rooms with complex outlines, you need to approach the cutting process more carefully and make a larger margin. When buying linoleum with a pattern, you should also take into account the allowances for joining the pattern. It is equally important, when purchasing a coating, to check that the batch number indicated on the labels of the linoleum rolls matches.

To avoid seams on the floor, the width of the roll should be equal to the length of one of the walls of the room. The standard width of linoleum is 2 m - 5 m in half-meter increments. A variety of coating sizes allow you to calculate the most economical option and avoid joints.

A simple secret to avoid seams is to take the size of the roll according to the length of one of the sides of the room. For example, in a narrow hallway 1.8 x 6 meters, linoleum 2 meters wide is suitable. How many meters of linoleum will be required depends on the length of the hallway. In this case it is 6 meters.

When deciding where to buy linoleum, you can resort to classic options and visit a hardware store. Modern consumers are increasingly using the order of goods via the Internet; this service - online purchases and delivery - extends to flooring.

How much does it cost to put 1 sq. m of linoleum: consumption and cost

It is logical that linoleum is the most important component in the installation process; it is where the main costs fall. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the financial resources required to purchase other materials. For example, without backing and glue, installation of linoleum is impossible.

linoleum;
cement, putty or self-leveling mixture for the base;
insulating boards, films and elements for their fixation;
glue or mounting tape for fixing linoleum;
skirting boards and materials for their fastening.

Nowadays it is not a problem to buy cheap linoleum. Where to buy a quality one is a more difficult task, and in this matter it is better to trust prestigious stores and professionals.

The price of linoleum per square meter depends on the above qualities of the coating: material, wear resistance, decorative features. The class and series of coverage are of determining importance. The price per m² of commercial linoleum, as a rule, does not always exceed the price of semi-commercial. Sometimes a household coating from an elite series from a branded manufacturer costs more.

Related article:

Advantages, disadvantages, characteristics and properties of various classes and types. Recommendations for choosing material.

The total cost of floor leveling materials depends on its condition. Calculation of consumption for cement screed and primer is made based on the area of the room. The thickness of the leveling layer must be at least 3 cm.

Helpful advice! The solution for pouring the concrete base must be made quite thick. It is leveled with a special spatula. To orient the level, special marks are made on the walls and slats are installed.

For primer, it is enough to apply one finishing coat. The need for insulating materials is also calculated based on the square footage of the room. They need to be laid with a minimum number of joints.

Adhesive for linoleum on concrete floors: types of fasteners and price calculation

When calculating the amount of fixative for linoleum covering, the length of the joints and the total perimeter of the room for gluing the covering under the walls are taken into account. The price of the material depends on its type. For example, the cost of mounting or masking tape is cheaper and more economical compared to glue, in addition, it is easy to dismantle if necessary. At the same time, fixation with its help will be less strong and reliable.

Linoleum glue or mastic is applied to the entire floor area, which is then covered with linoleum. Therefore, the consumption and price of linoleum glue is calculated based on the total square footage. Working with such fasteners requires special care and step-by-step steps with careful leveling of the surface to avoid the appearance of wrinkles.

Before you buy glue for linoleum, you need to decide on one of its types:

polyurethane;
one- or two-component;
water-dispersed;
adhesive composition with solvent.

For different types For linoleum, special adhesive bases are selected so as not to spoil the substrate and the coating itself. For example, adhesive for commercial linoleum is characterized by increased adhesive ability. It is better to take Tarkett linoleum adhesive from this manufacturer, since it is intended for a specific series of coatings. Manufacturers, as a rule, indicate the average consumption of linoleum glue per 1 m² on the packaging.

Materials for joining seams: linoleum glue cold welding

In spacious rooms or in rooms with a complex layout, when laying linoleum, it is often impossible to do without joints of the material. To connect linoleum seams use different materials: slats, planks, construction tape. The most popular and reliable in this regard is modern method- cold welding. To do this, use a special adhesive that forms a colorless seam. Finding the place of bonding after the procedure is visually difficult; it can only be determined by touch.

Using linoleum glue, cold welding makes the seams solid, reliable and neat, while hot welding makes the seams rough and changes natural color coverings. The method does not require special skills or effort. You also won't need any special tools or equipment.

Correct calculation of materials will help you allocate the costs of laying the floor as rationally as possible and plan your budget. Having purchased everything you need, you won’t have to throw away any excess or run to the shops to buy more materials. All costs are based on floor area calculations and material manufacturers' instructions.

Helpful advice! It is necessary to approach with special care the process of calculating linoleum, when laying it, it is assumed that the patterns at the joints will be combined. The section of covering in this case should be approximately 1.5 m longer than the area of intended installation. It is also important to take into account that linoleum with ornaments should be laid in the longitudinal direction.

An example of calculating the amount of required materials

Below are approximate calculations of material consumption for a room with an area of 4x5 m, taking into account the fact that the concrete floor requires leveling.

Calculation of materials for screed. Taking into account the area of the room of 20 m², multiplied by the height of the cement screed of 0.03 m, we get 0.6 m³, which when converted to liters is equal to the value of 600 (4 * 5 * 0.03 = 0.6 m³ = 600 l) . If a self-leveling mixture is used, then its consumption will be slightly less due to the pouring height of 0.02 m. In general, you will need 0.4 m³ or 400 l (4 * 5 * 0.04 = 0.4 m³ = 400 l).
Consumption of insulating materials. Sheet will need approximately 22 m², where 20 m² is the area of the room + 10% of the reserve. The same consumption applies to roll materials. The waterproofing film will require a little more, taking into account the allowances for laying an overlap on the sides of 20 cm, that is, approximately 28 m².
The required amount of linoleum. If the coating does not require joining the pattern, then taking into account the 10 cm gap around the perimeter, approximately 21 m² will be needed (5.1 * 4.1 = 20.91 m²). If it is necessary to join the patterns, you need to add approximately 5m2 more. As a result, you will need 26 m².
Retainers. Approximately 12-15 kg of glue or mastic base will be needed (more accurate calculations can be made based on the characteristics indicated on the packaging). If you use mounting tape, you will need 25-30 m of it.
Consumables. Their quantity mainly depends on the condition of the base, so we give an average quantity. The consumption of putty will be 400-500 g, epoxy resin or cement mortar - up to 1.5 liters. Also, don’t forget about rags and the necessary tools.

How to lay linoleum on a concrete floor: sequence of work

After the surface of the base has completely dried after leveling, a roll is unrolled on it and the material is allowed to “rest” in the room where it is supposed to be laid. Ideally it will take a couple of days. This is necessary so that the canvas reaches the same humidity and temperature indicators that correspond to the room itself.

Linoleum is laid on an ideal concrete base, skipping the leveling step. The room temperature during installation should be at least +15 ° C, humidity - no higher than 68%. The canvas is carefully leveled on the surface.

Cutting is carried out along the contours of the room using a sharp construction or stationery knife. It is advisable to pre-cut with a margin of 3-5 cm on all sides, and remove the excess after gluing or cover it with baseboards.

If the installation involves the presence of intersecting strips, then they need to be overlapped, and then cut off the excess using a ruler and a sharp knife. If there are protrusions on the walls, then there is no need to rush to trim. It is better to carefully measure everything and apply preliminary markings to the canvas.

Important! In a spacious room where laying linoleum is impossible without seams, the strips should be placed longitudinally so that joints do not form across the passages. Thus, the seams will be less susceptible to mechanical stress, and the likelihood of their divergence will be lower.

The next stage is fixing the coating. There are several types of it:

using bitumen mastic;
using adhesives;
using mounting tape;
glueless (or mechanical) method.

Fixing linoleum with mastic: advantages and technology

The choice of the appropriate method of fastening the roll covering depends on the type of room, its area, type of linoleum, the presence of seams and the preferences of the owners.

One of the most popular and practical options is the use of bitumen mastic. This is a good waterproofing material with a paste-like consistency that fills unevenness and microcracks that remain after leveling. There are different compositions of mastics. The most common option for gluing specifically to a concrete floor is dispersion, which is suitable for linoleum with a fabric or heat-insulating base. If the coating does not have a base, then it is glued with rubber-based mastic.

The technology for gluing linoleum using mastic includes the following steps:

base primer;
spreading the covering on the floor, allowing it to stand for 24 hours;
applying mastic with a notched trowel to the floor on one side of the material, for this part of the canvas
lift;
The coating is carefully lowered to the floor and carefully straightened, removing air.

The other side of the linoleum sheet is glued in the same way. If you need to fix a material of different types, then apply a layer of mastic of a certain thickness.

In a spacious room, the following trick will help you glue linoleum evenly onto a concrete floor. You need to fold the canvas in half with your face inward, then apply glue or mastic first to one side of the cut and glue it to the base, then the same operation must be carried out on the other side. You can remove wrinkles on the surface using a roller.

Linoleum adhesive and mounting tape: instructions for use

A similar (as when using mastic) method of fixing linoleum is the use of special adhesives. Linoleum glue has one drawback - it does not have insulating and leveling characteristics.

When applying fixing material to the floor, special attention should be paid to the entrance area and joints. For more reliable gluing at the seams, you need to bend the edges of the canvases and coat the places where they contact the floor well with glue.

Using mounting tape is the easiest way to fix it, but the material itself is short-lived, especially at seams. Therefore, it is advisable to use it in rooms with an area of no more than 20 m², with low traffic, implying linoleum flooring in one piece.

In the process of gluing the coating onto the tape, it is first laid around the entire perimeter and in the doorways. If the installation involves several strips of linoleum, then the tape is also glued to the seams. To avoid swelling of the fabric, you should lay several strips of adhesive tape in the center of the area.

Helpful advice! In a small room or a room with low traffic, you can use linoleum flooring without the use of fastening material. The technology is very simple: the material is laid with allowances without cutting it. After the canvas has settled, the excess is cut off, and a plinth is attached around the perimeter of the room. The disadvantage of this method is that the coating may wrinkle under the influence of loads.

The advantage of the mounting tape is easy dismantling of the coating and preservation of its integrity. If glue or mastic was used in the installation, then removing linoleum is a more complicated process, and the integrity of the canvas is compromised.

Installation with double-sided tape is quite simple. The room is divided by eye into several squares and tape is attached to the floor, on which the canvas is carefully laid.

Laying linoleum on a concrete floor with your own hands: important nuances

Installation of linoleum can be done on your own, but first you need to take into account several important points, on which the final quality result directly depends.

In particular, there are two installation technologies: trimming (a supply of material of up to 10 cm is left around the perimeter of the room); without bending (cut immediately clearly along the contours of the room). When making a choice, you need to take into account that the walls may have curvature, so it is more advisable to trim the material directly on the spot. The second option is suitable for rooms with perfectly smooth walls.

Therefore, when preparing the base of the floor, you need to take care of leveling the walls. If it was not planned, then you need to adjust the walls at least at a height of 7-10 cm from the floor so that the linoleum and baseboard lie flat. When choosing linoleum with an ornament, you need to take canvases from the same batch, otherwise there may be differences in the color scheme.

When installing linoleum on a concrete floor, do not neglect the substrate. Sheet materials and polyurethane foam coating are fixed, like linoleum, with mastic or glue. In this case, it is better not to use adhesive tape. To lay the coating directly on concrete, you need to take multi-layer insulated linoleum, which has an additional felt or foam backing.

It is advisable to treat seams and joints with a special compound during flooring installation. To do this, you can use mounting tape, glue or mastic. The most reliable option is a combined one: for fixation, both mounting tape and adhesive material are used, which are used to carefully process the edges of the canvases.

Helpful advice! In the matter of cutting linoleum, the proverb is relevant: “Measure seven times - cut once!” Therefore, you should not rush to cut off large pieces of coating, since it will be almost impossible to correct the mistake.

Installation of heated floors under linoleum: instructions from A to Z

Installing linoleum on a heated concrete floor is a more labor-intensive process, since it directly includes the stage of installing a warm surface. There are several ways to heat floors. The most popular of them:

warm water floor using coolant circulation in a closed circuit;
electric heated floor, where heating is carried out using an electric cable, heating mats or infrared film.

The owners themselves decide which floor heating for linoleum is preferable to choose. In a private house, all types of installation of heated floors are allowed; in a high-rise apartment, the possibilities are limited. The option of a water heated floor is excluded here.

It should also be noted that not every coating is suitable for heated floors. Linoleum must be selected with special markings on the packaging indicating that the material is designed for high temperatures - up to 28 °C. In addition, it is necessary to provide for the installation of sensors and thermostats.

For warm floors, it is better to choose linoleum that is durable, but not very thick. Household thin linoleum should not be used for this purpose. The optimal coating thickness should be 2-3 mm.

Plays a special role. It is advisable not to use it for covering heated floors. For better thermal conductivity, it is recommended to use homogeneous linoleum. You can use rolls of different sizes. The operation of the heated floor does not depend on this. Therefore, for a narrow corridor, a roll of linoleum 2 m or even 1.5 m wide is suitable.

As for the wear resistance class of linoleum, it should be as high as possible. At the same time, the most durable coating of class 44 should not be used for residential premises, as this requires extra costs. The best option for heated floors is class 34 linoleum.

Water heated floor under linoleum: principle of operation

Water heated floors began to be used as an additional heat source to the centralized system. Now it acts as an independent heat supplier. But its installation is quite complicated and is only permissible in private homes; the installation must be carried out by specialists.

The advantage of water underfloor heating is that it can operate from almost any energy source: gas, electricity, liquid and solid fuel. It should be noted that the coolant does not need to be heated to high temperature: at the outlet it should be 30-40 °C.

The next advantage of water heating is energy savings due to low pressure in system. At the same time, the elements of the device operate in a gentle mode in comparison with other alternative types of heating. This significantly extends the service life of the system to an average of 50 years or more.

In addition, as a result of the operation of water heating, electromagnetic radiation harmful to human health is not generated. Qualified, professional installation of heated floors eliminates the presence of detachable connections, which reduces the likelihood of system leakage to almost zero.

Helpful advice! Having opted for water heating, you should take into account the relative high cost of such a warm floor under linoleum. The price of the system itself, equipment and materials is significantly higher than other types of heating. You should also take into account the considerable costs of installation.

Electric heated floors under linoleum: types, disadvantages and advantages

When deciding which heated floor to buy for linoleum, most people prefer electric types. Their main advantage is ease of installation and operation. In addition, they can be installed in high-rise apartments.

The type of difference in electric heated floors depends on the type of heating elements. They are divided into cable, matte and film. Cable underfloor heating has the form of a heating cable, which is laid in a floor screed or placed in the form of heating mats covered with a heat-resistant film with a cable in the middle.

For heating, single-core and two-core cables are used. Laying a single-core cable involves returning the second end to the same point where the first is located. A two-core cable does not require this. In addition, it is more environmentally friendly: the radiation from it is 5 times less.

There are cables with self-regulation, which protects the floor from overheating, but they cost several times more than simple ones. The price of cable underfloor heating is also affected by the specific power coefficient per 1 m² of room.

The basis of heating in film heated floors is a thin film equipped with soldered graphite plates and copper conductors that transmit current. The advantage of such a system is ease of installation. It can be laid under laminate, linoleum and in walls.

Infrared flooring under linoleum is the most economical; it does not require screeds. With a guaranteed service life of 15 years, it can last 50 years. In addition, film floors are cheaper than cable floors. Thus, this type of flooring is the most beneficial for DIY installation.

Do-it-yourself installation of film heated floors under linoleum

Film heated floors are produced in special packages that contain a roll of thermal film, wiring, bitumen insulation and contact clamps. The number of packages required for purchase depends on the square footage of the room. In addition, to install the floor you will need thermostats, heat reflectors, protective polyethylene film, double-sided tape, and tools.

Preparatory work for installing a heated floor under, as in the case of simple laying of the canvas, includes leveling and cleaning the base, as well as marking and cutting the film. On a flat base floor, determine where the film will be laid out and measure the length of the sheets. The installation location of the thermostat is determined in advance. Next, cut the thermal film in special places marked with a dotted line.

Important! When marking, you should take into account the manufacturer’s requirement prohibiting the installation of thermal film under heavy furniture and objects.

For the purpose of thermal insulation, an Izolon heat reflector is laid on the concrete floor. The canvases are attached to the base with tape. In the same way, parts of the heat-reflecting material are glued together, ensuring their reliable fixation. It is important to cover the entire floor with a heat reflector to prevent heat loss. Next, pre-cut pieces of thermal film are laid, and the copper strip must be located at the bottom.

The cuts in the copper busbar are covered with bitumen insulation in such a way as to reliably cover all the silver contacts that are responsible for connecting the copper busbar to the carbon strips. Then, at the place where the electrical wire is connected, contact clamps are mounted on the copper bus so that one end goes into the middle of the thermal film, and the other remains outside. The contact clamp is tightly secured. The film strips are fixed with tape on the heat reflector, as well as with each other.

Insulation and connection of infrared heated floors under linoleum

The places where electrical wires are connected to the thermal film are carefully secured and insulated at the top and bottom. Pieces of insulation are connected to each other. All silver contacts at the edges of the film must be covered with bitumen insulation. It also secures the floor temperature sensor to the black graphite strip of the heating element.

Sensors and wires are hidden in special cutouts on the heat reflector to ultimately create a uniform surface for the finishing floor covering. The panel with the thermostat is mounted on the wall.

For additional protection, we cover the heated film floor with plastic film, and install protective material on it. Most the best option for these purposes - sheet plywood. The sheets are carefully screwed to the main floor so as not to catch the thermal film.

Linoleum is easily laid on the protective layer. The installation process is the same as in the case of adhesive-free installation on a flat concrete floor base. The covering is fixed using plastic skirting boards. It is because of the possibility of easy dismantling that, for safety reasons, linoleum is laid on the infrared floor. Warm floors, if installed correctly, ultimately create additional coziness and comfort, and the coating is a beautiful addition to the overall decor.

Thus, linoleum is ideal as a coating for concrete floors. This is an economical, environmentally friendly and easy-to-install material. Knowing what linoleum is like and having mastered the rules for laying it, you can design the flooring yourself. In addition, linoleum is most suitable for installing heated floors on a concrete floor.

Linoleum is a floor covering that has been used successfully all over the world for over a hundred years. It has a lot of undeniable advantages: simplicity of flooring, wear resistance, hygiene, ease of maintenance and, importantly, affordable price. Using linoleum, you can easily imitate any type of coating - the range of colors, designs and patterns of the material is so rich. Working with canvases is always easy and pleasant - even for a beginner who is just learning the basics of the intricacies of repair. All this allows you to lay linoleum in almost any room: in the bedroom, in the kitchen, in the hallway, in the office. However, you should not go to extremes, considering linoleum a material that really “doesn’t care at all.” This coating is quite elastic - even the smallest errors in the base can negatively affect it. appearance and significantly reduce service life. Therefore, it is very important to prepare the floor for laying linoleum efficiently. This is one of the key factors for the success of the entire process.

As a rule, almost all the problems encountered during the installation and operation of many coatings, and especially linoleum, are associated with errors in the construction of the base. In order for the flooring material to serve for a long time and delight with its aesthetics, the base must be:

durable;
dry;
monolithic;
even (no more than 2 millimeters on a base of 2 meters).

Linoleum is a universal floor covering, perfect for almost all rooms in the house, but due to its elasticity, it is quite demanding on the quality of the base.

In general, linoleum can be laid on almost any surface (the main thing is that its “condition” meets all the requirements): a finished concrete slab; screed; wooden floor; base made of chipboard, gypsum fiber board, MDF or moisture-resistant plywood; ceramic tiles or linoleum in good condition.

Floor preparation for linoleum can be done different ways– it all depends on the “initial data” of the premises, the financial and time capabilities of the owners, etc. It is definitely impossible to say that some grounds are worse and some are better - each case is individual. It is not at all necessary to tear down the wooden floor and install a screed under the linoleum just because a neighbor did so. If the apartment already has a certain floor covering, you need to build on this.

Preparing the concrete surface

An absolutely flat concrete floor slab is, of course, a rare case, but not exceptional. If the area of the room “fits” within the framework of one slab and the horizontal level of the latter is satisfactory, you can limit yourself to a number of simple preparatory operations. First of all, the stove must be cleaned of dust and dirt. Then apply dispersion putty to its entire surface using a flat spatula, using a “scratching” method. The composition will fill all chips, cavities and other irregularities. As a result, you will have a perfectly flat base. If necessary, the surface can be sanded after polymerization of the putty. This is one of the simplest and economical ways preparing the floor for laying linoleum if you are starting a renovation, as they say, “from scratch.”

Self-leveling screed device

To quickly create a high-quality, durable, monolithic base for linoleum, they often use. They are easy to use and after drying do not require any additional processing.

The self-leveling mixture will help you quickly and easily form a strong and reliable base for laying linoleum - even a beginner can work with such a solution

When choosing this method, proceed as follows:

Fill large holes and depressions in the concrete surface with a fast-hardening filling compound to roughly level the substrate.
Prime the surface with a roller in two or three layers (mutually perpendicular).
Prepare the self-leveling mixture according to the manufacturer's instructions. Mixing the mixture should be thorough, but not for long. As a result, you will get a homogeneous mass with the consistency of liquid dough. Pause for 2-3 minutes to complete the row. chemical reactions in the solution and stir it again.
Pour the composition onto the primed surface and distribute it evenly using a squeegee - a notched spatula.
Go over the formed layer with a needle roller - this will help to completely remove air bubbles from it.
Wait until the mixture has completely crystallized (usually a day is enough) and you can safely proceed to further work.

Working with wood floors

Wooden flooring is also a good option for a base under linoleum. Is it difficult to prepare it? It all depends on what he's in this moment condition. First of all, a wooden floor should be inspected for mold; if there is one, it is better to tear off the boards and think about installing a screed. If no fungus-affected areas are found, you need to check whether all elements are well secured and, if necessary, strengthen the structure. All protruding heads of nails, screws, etc. must be eliminated. Individual bulges of the material itself can be removed with a plane. The cracks should be filled and sanded after drying.

If the floor is very uneven, with numerous large flaws, the only correct solution would be to lay plywood on it, and only then proceed with the installation of the finishing coating.

Plywood is an easy-to-use, inexpensive material that can compensate for all the shortcomings of a problematic wooden floor and become a good base for linoleum covering

Old linoleum - to leave or not?

Are the floors in your home covered with old linoleum? Don't rush to tear it down. After all, this material can be an excellent substrate for new canvases. True, only if it holds firmly and has no deformations, unevenness, torn areas or other defects. Everything is fine? This means you can begin laying the new coating. Before starting work, thoroughly clean and degrease the surface, and feel free to get down to business.

Laying linoleum on an old PVC coating is only possible if its integrity is preserved and there is 100% contact with the base

Ceramic tiles are a reliable option

You can prepare it this way:

check the surface for chips and cracks;
Fill small flaws with epoxy resin;
remove cracked elements and level these places with tile adhesive;
After drying, sand the entire surface and rinse thoroughly.

Leaving tiles as a base for linoleum is not only possible, but also necessary.

Construction of a GVL base

Prefabricated gypsum fiber board floors are a reliable, practical and easy-to-install system that allows you to create a perfectly flat base for linoleum, as well as increase heat and sound insulation in the house.

Technology for laying a GVL base:

Place plastic film on the cleaned supporting base;
Lay foamed polyethylene tape around the perimeter of the room;
set the beacons according to the level; backfill and stretch the backfill. It is optimal to use expanded clay sand as backfill. The minimum layer is 20 millimeters;
start laying two-layer gypsum fiber boards. Laying should be carried out from the doorway to the opposite wall - in this way it will be possible to preserve the surface of the backfill;
For elements “in contact” with the walls, the folds in the interface area must be cut off. To eliminate waste and ensure displacement of end joints in adjacent rows, each new row must begin with the piece remaining from the last element of the previous row;
As you lay the sheets on the folds, apply gypsum-based PVA and do not forget to fasten the structure with special screws.

That's all. Now you know how to prepare a floor for linoleum correctly, what methods exist for this, and what you need to pay attention to during the work process.

Perhaps the most popular type of finishing floor covering is linoleum. Regardless of the purpose of the room, this roll material is used very successfully.

Budget, prostate styling and modern design allow linoleum to meet all the requirements of property owners. Despite the simplicity of the flooring, the rolled material also has its own nuances. Preparing the floor for linoleum requires special care - let's look at how to properly prepare the base for finishing.

Specifics of linoleum

One of the main advantages of linoleum is that it can be laid on any base material. The only requirement is evenness. According to practiced international standards, linoleum is divided according to wear resistance class

Installation of commercial grade material allows for slight variations in the condition of the substrate. But, as a rule, in apartments or offices the material used is household material, which means it is thin.

The surface on which roll linoleum is laid must be absolutely smooth. In places where there are level changes, potholes, or uneven spots, the material will bend and crack over time.

There are 3 ways to arrange a level base for finishing with roll material:

leveling the cement screed;
bay self-leveling floor;
laying sheet covering.

To this type the base is suitable for laying linoleum, you need to make sure of its quality.

If the screed is loose and easily reacts to physical pressure, it should be replaced.

Don't forget to tape the perimeter with damper tape

To do this you need:

dismantle the layer of old fill to the floor slabs;
clean the surface from construction waste and dust;
treat the surface with a deep penetration primer;
lay rolls of waterproofing film overlapping over the walls, glue the joints with tape;
seal the perimeter with damper tape;
pour concrete screed;
After the screed has set, level the base with a thin layer of finishing filler.

If the old screed is strong, you can get by simply sealing the cracks

At good quality The screed will only need to complete the last step - level the base. Before doing this, carefully inspect the screed for cracks or chips. If defects are found, you should:

clean the damaged area;
coat the area with primer;
pour cement mortar into the chip or crack (it is better to use a composition with the addition of plasticizers);
After drying, sand the surface to the level of the floor.

If you carried out work on “patching” the screed, it is recommended to fill the leveling layer no thinner than 0.5 cm in order to avoid troubles when laying the rolled material.

Place a layer of vapor barrier under the laminate

After the top layer has completely dried, you can lay the linoleum on the floor. To do this, it is necessary to lay a vapor barrier material on the screed.

This will reduce the friction force and increase the period of comfortable use of the coating.

In addition, additional thermal insulation will reduce heating costs and delay the time frame for repairing the flooring.

The mixture is spread over the surface using a spatula

If you are limited in time, but free in funds, you can use modern self-leveling floors. In this case, the preparation of the concrete floor for linoleum occurs in the following order:

Mix the solution, strictly observing the order and proportions indicated on the manufacturer's label. For preparation, water or solvent is used, depending on the type of mixture. When ready, the solution should resemble thick sour cream.
The solution is poured onto the surface and distributed using a spatula or squeegee. The layer thickness should not be less than 5 mm.
Using a needle roller, air is removed from the fill layer.

The characteristics of aqueous solutions are such that excess water in them will lead to cracking of the layer. When preparing such a solution, water is always poured into the dry mixture, and not vice versa.

The flooded floor must be left to dry for at least 2 days.

In order for the poured layer to dry, maintaining strength and evenness, you should not walk on it during the first 2 days.

Experts consider a linoleum base filled with self-leveling floors to be ideal. This device has only one drawback - the high cost of the material.

If you plan to lay plywood on old joists, check their integrity

When installing a base for linoleum on a wooden floor, the most skills and abilities will be required. First, you need to decide on the quality of the old floor.

It is better to dismantle the top boards and lay plywood sheets directly on the joists, while additionally checking the condition of the timber and, if necessary, restoring it.

This foundation also has unconditional advantages:

no dirty work will be required to install a cement screed layer;
the base does not require time to dry and is immediately ready for further work;
layer of additional thermal insulation.

The preparation of a wooden floor under linoleum from sheet material takes into account the dimensions of the coating.

The plywood slab should rest on three guide bars.

In this case, the sheets are laid with the seams shifted.

Step-by-step instructions for laying plywood on joists:

the outer side of the plywood is covered with drying oil;
sheets are laid with offset seams;
screw the material with self-tapping screws to the bars. For more information about installing flooring on joists, watch this video:

Anti-rot impregnations for wood

The seams must be treated with wood putty and sanded. Before laying, it is recommended to keep all wooden material in the room for future use for at least 7 days. After curing, the moisture content of the material should not exceed 18%.

It is recommended to treat dry and seasoned wood with impregnations to prevent rotting, fire and eating by insects. When installing plywood sheets, you should leave a gap of at least 1 cm between the wall and the covering. Wood is a living material that reacts to humidity and temperature changes.

To avoid deformation of the linoleum, leave technical gaps in the laying of plywood and use foamed backing material under the linoleum.

So, we have described how to prepare a floor for linoleum in 3 different ways. Any of them can be done independently; the choice depends on the availability of time and material resources. For more information on simple floor preparation, watch this video:

As mentioned earlier, the only requirement for the base for laying linoleum is perfect evenness. If you are unable to achieve this when preparing the floor for laying linoleum, the underlay material will help mitigate the situation. In addition, the gasket between the base and the rolled material will significantly increase its service life.

Due to its low cost, this material is perfect for repairs in a new building and as a temporary solution to the problem with your own hands.

Depending on the requirements for the future coating, linoleum can become ideal solution for flooring in hallways, kitchens and bathrooms of apartments and private houses. Such renovations will help refresh the room without causing significant damage to the family budget.

- This is a popular floor covering, the use of which is quite wide. The material is used for laying on surfaces made of wood, concrete or other coverings. But it should be remembered that before installation, preparation of the floor for linoleum is required. The lifespan of linoleum depends on the quality of the base, so different surfaces should be prepared correctly. More details about preparing the floor for subsequent linoleum flooring will be discussed in this article.

The process of laying linoleum cannot be called complicated, especially if the work is done with simple household types of material. When installing linoleum in commercial buildings, it is still recommended to seek help from specialists, because special equipment is usually used to cover a large area. Depending on the type of coating and the area to be covered, the surface preparation technology may differ.

But there are general points, including:

preparatory stage(cleaning the base from various debris and household items);
leveling the base(the surface before installation must be free of flaws);
strengthening the floor using special tools, if necessary.

On a note! After preparing the surface, you need to wait some time for it to dry completely. This important condition, because laying linoleum on a wet floor will not allow for reliable fixation.

Preparing various surfaces

There are several factors that influence floor preparation technology, but the most important of them are the budget for the planned renovation and the type of coating in the room. The flooring can be concrete, parquet or ceramic tiles. Some owners decide to lay linoleum on top of the same material.

But if the house already has a certain coating, then during work it is necessary to build on this factor.

Concrete covering

A perfectly flat concrete floor slab is a rare case, so most owners are forced to prepare the surface for subsequent laying of linoleum. First of all, the surface is cleaned of dirt and dust, after which dispersion putty is applied to the slab. For this you need a flat spatula. The composition used will fill all irregularities in the form of shells, cracks or chips. After the putty dries, the base is perfectly smooth.

On a note ! If necessary, you can go over the surface with a sanding machine so that the floor covering is without any unevenness. Sanding after polymerization of the putty is especially effective.

Wooden floor

Also perfect for linoleum wooden base Moreover, the preparation of such a floor is quite simple. First of all, it is necessary to conduct a visual inspection of the floor for the presence of mold. If it does exist, then it is advisable to dismantle the floor and make a concrete screed. If there are no traces of fungus, you should also check the floor for strength - all fasteners must be well fixed (strengthen the structure if necessary).

All existing bulges must be removed using a plane, and the cracks must be covered with putty. After filling, it is recommended to sand the floor, but first you need to wait for the mixture to dry. If there are serious flaws, many experts lay sheets of plywood, thereby compensating for all the defects of the base. Then comes the installation of the finishing coating.

Ceramic tile

Preparing the tiles involves performing the following steps:

checking the surface for cracks or chips;
eliminating possible flaws using epoxy resin;
dismantling cracked elements and subsequent leveling of these areas with tile adhesive;
sanding the entire floor surface and washing thoroughly.

Some owners decide to dismantle the old ceramic tiles before laying linoleum, but this is not necessary.

Preparing old linoleum

For those people who do not know how to prepare a concrete floor for laying linoleum, which already has an old layer of linoleum on it, the answer is simple - you can lay linoleum in two layers. Of course, first you need to assess the condition of the old layer. If everything is in order, then it is enough to clean the surface and level all existing uneven areas. If there are cracks or unevenness, it is advisable to get rid of the old linoleum.

Note! By preserving the old linoleum, you can increase the level of sound insulation in the apartment. The surface itself will become softer to the touch and, of course, warmer.

Choice of linoleum

After preparing the base, you can begin laying linoleum, but for this you need to choose the appropriate type of material. Below are the most common types of linoleum.

Table. Review of different types of linoleum.

Name of material, photo	Short description
	Ecological material consisting of alkyd resins, pigments and special fillers. This composition makes linoleum a heat- and sound-insulating floor covering. Among the disadvantages of alkyd linoleum, it is worth highlighting its low resistance to temperature changes.
	High-quality material with high elastic properties. Colloxylin linoleum is moisture resistant, so it is excellent for rooms with high humidity.
	Another type of linoleum, which is suitable for different substrates (concrete, wood, etc.). The material has high thermal insulation properties and consists of relatively inexpensive components. This makes rubber linoleum affordable.
	Excellent material made from PVC. Among the advantages of such linoleum, it is worth highlighting its antistatic and moisture resistance. Available with different types bases (fabric, non-fabric or foam).
	High-quality rubber-based linoleum, characterized by elasticity, strength and durability. Relin is mainly used in rooms with high humidity levels.
	The composition of nitrocellulose linoleum includes stabilizers, dyes and colloxylin. This is a waterproof material with high elasticity. As a rule, this material is installed in apartments of multi-storey buildings, where the owners do not use strong chemicals.

Linoleum is one of those materials that do not limit your choice. And we are talking not only about color variety, but also about the presence of additional properties. Of course, the presence of additional features affects the cost of the material, which must be taken into account when choosing linoleum. Once the material has been selected and purchased from the right quantity, you can start installing it.

Laying linoleum

Before starting installation work, the linoleum must be carefully unrolled and left on the floor for a day so that the material has time to level out during this time and take the shape of the floor covering. Such actions will help make further work easier. Only after this can you proceed directly to installation. Below is step-by-step instruction, adherence to which will help even beginners cope with laying linoleum.

Step 1. Using a tape measure, measure the dimensions of the room (width and length). Doorways must be taken into account. Add 6-7 cm to the obtained values. Vacation is needed to take into account the curvature of the walls.

Step 2. Cut the required piece of material using a utility knife. Use a ruler to make the cut line as straight as possible. Otherwise, difficulties may arise during further installation.

Step 3. If there is at least one flat wall in the room, lay the linoleum close to it, leaving a small gap or pressing it tightly. Carefully cut off all excess.

Step 4. Secure the linoleum sheets before installing them on the wall by gluing regular double-sided tape to the floor. This will prevent the material from shifting during trimming.

Step 5. Adjust the patterns on the linoleum at the joints. Of course, if the material is plain, then there is no need to adjust it. It is recommended to make a small overlap between the linoleum sheets (no more than 3 cm). Throughout the process, make sure that the patterns on different sheets of linoleum match.

Step 6. After fixing the linoleum to the base, perform trimming, cutting off excess material little by little. It is necessary to do the trimming little by little so as not to spoil the material (it is easier to cut off small pieces of linoleum several times than to cut off excess at one time).

Step 7. Apply glue to the surface of the base using a spatula. It is advisable to start applying glue from the joint. To see where the adhesive is applied, draw a thin line on the base with a pencil. For gluing, use only high-quality products.

Step 8. Remove all air from under the linoleum after gluing by rolling it thoroughly. Only after rolling can you begin the final cutting of the material at the joint. Now you need to wait some time until the glue has completely dried and install the joining profile. At this stage, the process of laying linoleum can be considered complete.

Prices for Tarkett linoleum

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