Linoleum Flooring - New Age Material
Linoleum is a floor covering made from solidified linseed oil (linoxyn) in combination with wood flour or cork dust over a burlap or canvas backing. Pigments may be added to the materials used. The finest linoleum floors, known as 'inlaid', are extremely durable; joining and inlaying solid pieces of linoleum make them. Cheaper patterned linoleums came in different grades or gauges, and were printed with thinner layers, which were more prone to wear and tear. Good quality linoleum is sufficiently flexible to be used in buildings in which more rigid material.
Linoleum flooring was invented almost 150 years ago and until the 1950s was a popular floor covering used widely in both residential and commercial settings. As a natural product, linoleum is enjoying resurgence in availability and popularity. Made of renewable resources including linseed oil, rosin, cork dust, limestone, wood flour, and pigments that are pressed into a jute backing, it's available as tile and sheets that are installed with an adhesive. When installed using a low-VOC adhesive, it emits much lower levels of contaminants than vinyl. In manufacturing and disposal, linoleum is environmentally kind, biodegradable, and creates no toxins. New click tiles that snap together have also recently come on the market. These may be floated over existing flooring for easy installation.
There are some advantages. Linoleum is really a beautiful material. It's available in a remarkable range of colors and patterns. Because it can be cut, linoleum lends itself to creative floor design with patterns and bands to create unique floors for every room in your home. It’s very comfortable and resilient under foot.
Linoleum is extremely durable and has a life expectancy of decades with minimal maintenance, which makes it ideal for high traffic areas. The color is integral to the flooring, so if you drop a knife you can repair the damage and reseal it. It is also naturally anti-microbial. This makes it a good choice for schools and hospitals, and would be great solution in kid’s rooms, nurseries, or playrooms. It’s easy to clean; generally sweeping and occasional damp mopping is about all that’s required. The cost of linoleum usually runs about the same as high-end vinyl and is often comparable to wood flooring or carpet.
Now let us discuss some disadvantages. Though linoleum is beautiful and durable, it has its weaknesses. It must be protected from moisture in the sub flooring, which makes it a poor candidate for basements or concrete sub floors. Linoleum isn't heat resistant; don't use it next to the stove or oven. To preserve its good looks, avoid cutting or preparing food directly on it. Some folks consider not being able to install it themselves to be a disadvantage, too.
Maintaining Linoleum
Once it is installed and sealed, you can keep it looking new for years by just sweeping, occasionally damp mopping, and applying a sealer periodically. The best way to make sure you care correctly for your linoleum floors is to read the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance.
To mop, use just water or water and a little mild detergent. Don’t permit standing water because that may loosen the tiles around the edges. Some people add about a tablespoon of baby oil to the water occasionally to help restore natural oils lost over time. Never use harsh solvents or cleaners though. Those with a high or low pH can discolor and pit the floor’s surface.
Summary: Linoleum floors can be kept in good condition for a very long time without need for major maintenance. The most effective method for removing dust and loose dirt is by dry maintenance. These floor care methods have a positive influence on the environmental performance of linoleum. Cleaning with excessive water is never necessary and therefore very little wastewater is generated for disposal. Linoleum is made from natural materials so there is no off gassing.
|
