Linoleum flooring is an eco-friendly choice, constructed of renewable natural materials such as linseed oil, pine resin and cork. Plus, its longevity can last up to 40 years with minimal care requirements!
Linoleum flooring should not be confused with vinyl sheet flooring; learn what sets linoleum apart.
Durability
Linoleum differs from vinyl in that it is composed of renewable natural products like linseed oil and organic elements such as cork powder or wood flour that do not release chemicals into the environment, and at its end-of-life can even be recycled without losing its durability.
Manufacturing involves joining natural materials together and layering them to form an exceptionally resilient sheet of flooring, often called linoleum. Dyes may also be added before sealing to add dimension and pattern to its surface – creating an impervious floor surface resistant to staining from spills or high humidity conditions. With periodic sealings, water-resistance is further ensured and staining may even be prevented by periodic seal treatments.
Linoleum, as it’s comprised of natural and sustainable materials, is also very resilient to abrasions, making it the ideal material for heavy foot traffic areas in homes. Linoleum’s tough materials allow it to withstand abuse well; even hospitals, airports and schools rely on it due to its resilience against damage.
Linoleum flooring may be durable, but it still can be damaged by sharp objects like dropped knives and metal furniture legs that come crashing to the ground. Such incidents may result in denting and tears; if kept free from such hazards and properly maintained and cleaned however, this kind of floor can remain long-term as other forms of flooring.
Linoleum may often be confused with sheet vinyl, but its unique properties have enabled it to stand the test of time for over 150 years. These include its durability, variety of designs and being composed from natural and renewable resources – which contribute to its longevity.
Older linoleum was often criticized for turning yellow with age due to oxidized linseed oil; modern formulations now contain stabilizers to prevent this issue. If you opt for less expensive linoleum that’s uncoated for ambering protection, however, rewaxing will likely need to be performed every two or three years in order to keep its look.
Heat Insulation
Linoleum flooring is not only easy to keep clean but it’s also heat insulating, complying with class 1 fire ratings, flexible enough not to crack or warp and an excellent choice for areas such as hallways, passages or kitchen floors that see heavy traffic and moisture levels.
Linoleum was invented by Frederick Walton in 1855 and has become one of the cornerstones of floor covering technology ever since. Walton noticed the rubbery surface created from solidified linseed oil that had developed, and saw potential in using this material instead of India rubber for flooring purposes. At first he called his invention Kappticon but later switched it over to Linoleum as it proved more versatile.
Modern linoleum is made of renewable materials that are biodegradable and recyclable, such as pine resin, jute fibers and cork flour. Furthermore, modern linoleum flooring uses far less energy embodied than carpet or ceramic tiles while using less chemicals and containing no hazardous materials, according to Tarkett Flooring’s data.
Linoleum flooring currently comes in two forms: flooring rolls and tiles. Flooring rolls consist of sheets that can be laid over any prepared, level subfloor. Some brands even allow it to click together and snap into place; making this type of installation much simpler for DIYers than linoleum tiles that require professional expertise for installation.
Be it sheets or tiles, ensure that your subfloor is adequately insulated and sealed before installing the linoleum. Otherwise, it could peel up from its subfloor due to expansion and contraction or crack due to expansion. On wooden subfloors this means placing wood chips or concrete underlayment under it so as to prevent moisture damage; on concrete floors the adhesive must bond the linoleum to the slab directly.
Water Resistance
Linoleum used to be a popular flooring option in bathrooms and kitchens due to its cost-effective production process and water resistance properties. While splashes and spills should be fine, prolonged exposure to standing water or high levels of humidity can lead to swelling, warping, discoloration or other forms of damage requiring immediate cleanup efforts in addition to keeping moisture levels at a reasonable level if installed in these spaces. Therefore, it’s crucial that spills be cleaned up promptly while also managing humidity in these environments.
Linoleum may not be waterproof per se, but its composition of organic materials (such as linseed oil, jute, cork dust, wood flour and tree resins) makes it more resistant to moisture than synthetic alternatives like vinyl flooring. As linoleum contains renewable natural components it makes for an eco-friendly flooring option which can be recycled without harming the planet.
Linoleum flooring offers numerous advantages over vinyl when it comes to heat damage and fire-resistance; additionally, linoleum doesn’t release toxic chemicals when burned – making it an excellent choice for environments such as bathrooms and kitchens with frequent spills or leaks.
Linoleum flooring offers durability, versatility and heat insulation properties that make it a good option for high traffic areas. Plus its low maintenance requirements and long life expectancy (40 years). When cleaning is required on linoleum floors, use regular sweep and mop cleaning practices to avoid dirt build-up; sealing them periodically will keep them looking their best!
Linoleum flooring is eco-friendly because it doesn’t contain harmful phthalates, PVCs or plasticizers that could leave an environmental footprint when disposed of. Plus it’s nontoxic and biodegradable without emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor air that could pollute it further.
Litholeum installation may seem complex at first, but with confidence and care you can certainly DIY. Before beginning, ensure your subfloor is smooth and level, and that you have all necessary tools and expertise available to you – otherwise professional installers such as those found on HomeAdvisor or Thumbtack may be necessary to achieve optimal results for your new linoleum flooring.
Easy Maintenance
Linoleum flooring requires minimal upkeep to remain looking its best, making it the ideal option for green homeowners. Easy to maintain and durable, its beauty stands the test of time while it remains biodegradable – all hallmarks of sustainability!
Linoleum comes in both sheet form and tile form, making it suitable for various interior applications. Kitchens, bathrooms, entryways and mudrooms can benefit from using Linoleum tiles; additionally it makes an excellent choice in high traffic areas of homes.
Maintain a quality look for linoleum floors by regularly sweeping or vacuuming to remove loose dirt and debris, followed by damp mopping with either a soft-bristled brush or microfiber mop using pH neutral cleaning solutions that are specifically made for linoleum flooring. Avoid using too much water, since excess moisture can seep into seams and cause irreparable damage.
For tough stains or scuff marks, combine baking soda and water into a paste. Scrub the affected area, rinse thoroughly, and dry using a cloth or towel. Regularly moving furniture to prevent stains and scratches is also important, as is placing colorfast felt pads under furniture legs for extra protection. Latex or rubber-backed rugs could stain the surface; avoid placing latex-backed rugs directly on linoleum surfaces as these could stain it over time.
Along with regular sweeping and damp mopping, your linoleum floors should also be professionally stripped and waxed twice annually to protect it from scratches and abrasions, while keeping its finish looking brand new. This process will keep the floors protected while also giving it that fresh new appearance that keeps customers coming back!
