Accommodation Management HM-103
Uttarakhand Open University 144
SEMI HARD FLOOR FINISHES
Linoleum: This is made up of lignum, i.e. flax and ileum in oil. Ground corkwood,
linseed oil and resins (gum) are pressed on to jute backing. This is prepared in sheet
or tile form. Linoleum may crack if laid on poor quality sub floor. It is hard wearing,
resilient and warm, but may peel, rot and gets destroyed by alkalis. The thickness
varies from 2mm to 6mm. Linoleum flooring is also available in form of tiles.
Linoleum flooring should be laid over an effective damp-proof area. Its properties
included in a remarkable degree of resiliency. Next to cork and rubber, and of course,
padded carpeting, linoleum is considered to have the greatest degree of resiliency.
Linoleum was quite durable, was resistant to oil and grease, and do not shrink. The
negative aspects of linoleum were that it is highly susceptible to water. The linoleum
would absorb water and would then soften, causing it to lose its abrasion resistance
and become more susceptible to indentation.
Rubber: Rubber floors are usually made by a combination of natural and synthetic
rubber. They may be laid in sheets or tile form. They may be coloured and mottled
with inlaid patterns. The floor is hard wearing, resilient, quiet and waterproof. It is
non-slip and may be grease resistant. Damage may occur due to alkalis, acids and
spirits. One major advantage is that they are quite resilient and will remain resilient
over a considerable temperature range. They are not affected by mould, bacteria and
pest infestation. It is commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, health clubs, near
swimming pools etc. Rubber Floors All modern rubber floors are made from synthetic
rubber
such as styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). Rubber tiles are cured or vulcanized by the
application of heat. Rubber floors are nonporous, waterproof surfaces. Rubber
flooring is susceptible to alkaline, oils, grease, solvents, ultraviolet light, and ozone in
the air.
Vinyl Floors: There are several types of vinyl floorings and tiles. The major varieties
include vinyl composition tiles, homogeneous or flexible vinyl tiles, and laminated
vinyl flooring. Laminated vinyl flooring is less expensive to manufacture than vinyl
composition or homogeneous vinyl floors. The low initial cost may be deceiving,
however, for once the top wear layer is worn through, the floor will have to be
replaced. Some laminated floorings are only guaranteed for three years with moderate
use. The cost of laminated vinyl flooring will vary in proportion to the thickness of the
top vinyl wear layer. Vinyl Floors In addition to the vinyl resins, vinyl composition
tiles contain mineral fillers such as asphalt and pigments. Homogeneous vinyl tiles
may either be flexible or solid, and it has become the preferred standard for resilient
tile flooring. It is practically unaffected by moisture, oils, and chemical solvents.
Vinyl is made from asbestos, fibres, mineral pigments and PVC. They are very
hygienic and deal in hospitals, kitchens, dining area, nurseries, common rooms, lifts
etc. They are water and oil resistant and can be made slip resistant. They are damaged
by cleaning gels, high temperature and acids.
Thermoplastic: These are made of asphalt, fibres, mineral fillers and pigments or
synthetic resins with vinyl binder. The tiles are usually dark coloured and quite
durable. They have good thermal insulation and are resistant to water. They are
damaged by heat, acids and alkalis. They are useful in canteens, corridors, shops and
offices. PVC may be added to make hard thermoplastic more flexible.