According to experts, quartz vinyl tiles are considered one of the most modern building materials for flooring. In our article, we will take a closer look at this product, talk about the scope of its use, advantages and disadvantages, learn about the technology of installation and use in the interior.
According to the production technology, the material in question consists of several layers. The structure of the product is reinforced with reinforced fiber, the main components are bonded by hot pressing without the use of harmful chemicals (phenolic resins or melamine).
The basic composition of quartz vinyl tiles contains such raw materials as sifted river sand, as well as crushed shell rock. The mass fraction of such additives reaches 70% of the total composition of raw materials. The remaining 30% is taken by environmentally friendly polyvinyl chloride.
The products under consideration are distinguished by high rates of elasticity and flexibility, in addition, the tiles are quite dense and heavy, which allows them to be used as a finishing material. It should be noted that all raw materials undergo special training before forming the mass. For example, river sand passes through special sieves of various fractions, which makes it possible to obtain perfectly clean raw materials. Despite the fact that polyvinyl chloride is considered a chemical substance, no harmful components are released into the atmosphere during its operation. According to experts, such materials are absolutely safe for human health, they are used not only in the food industry, but also for the manufacture of medical equipment.
As we have already said, the described products consist of several interconnected layers:
- The base of the tile is vinyl, it provides good adhesion of the material to the subfloor base.
- The next layer of fiberglass is used to securely reinforce thin plates. All interlayers are fastened together with the help of polyvinyl chloride.
- Next comes the layer of natural materials, crushed shell rock and sifted river sand.
- At the top of the tile, a decorative layer is applied that imitates the structure of wood, stone and even grass.
Despite the complex composition, the thickness of quartz vinyl tiles can vary from 1.5 to 4 millimeters, which reduces the weight of the product and makes it convenient to install the floor covering.
Where Can I Apply Quartz Vinyl Tiles
The main technical characteristics of the material in question is considered resistance to temperature extremes and moisture, as well as resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Thanks to these properties, the floor will retain its original appearance for many years. According to consumer reviews, such a coating can be operated in the temperature range from -30 to +60 degrees. In this regard, quartz vinyl tiles can be used in virtually any room.
Quartz vinyl flooring can be installed in these rooms:
- kitchen;
- bathroom;
- children's;
- bedroom
- living room.
In addition, such a coating is often installed in offices and shops, dressing rooms, on terraces.
The whole truth about quartz vinyl
Many consumers are interested in the whole truth about the purchased products, so we will consider the strengths and weaknesses of flexible tiles. The main advantages of using the product in question are excellent indicators of strength and wear resistance. This material has a warm surface due to the use of polyvinyl chloride in the base composition, which distinguishes quartz vinyl from tiles.
Another positive property of the described product is environmental safety. Despite the presence in the raw material composition of chemicals such as PVC and fiberglass, harmful components are not released from them even under the influence of high temperatures. The surface of quartz vinyl tiles has minimal hygroscopicity, so such materials can be used in rooms with high levels of humidity, for example, in a bathroom, or even in a bath.
The surface of the floor covering successfully withstands the influence of aggressive cleaning agents, it is resistant to high temperatures. After contact with an open flame, the surface of the floor covering self-extinguishes. In the process of combustion, toxic substances are almost not released. The considered flooring is characterized by good wear resistance and high durability. A floor made of quartz-vinyl tiles can serve its owner for about 25 years.
Other advantages of artificial turf are resistance to mechanical stress, as well as thermal stability. During a sharp temperature drop in the room, the joints of the tiles retain their original thickness. The stability of the size of the material is possible due to the absence of plasticizers and foaming agents in the raw materials. Thanks to this property, the floor covering can be laid in close proximity to pipes, columns and sanitary fixtures. Due to thermal stability, quartz vinyl is often laid in buildings with different temperature conditions.
The structure of this material has good sound absorption properties. During operation, the surface of the floor covering absorbs extraneous noise with fluctuations up to 19 decibels. If one of the coating elements is damaged, it can be quickly dismantled and replaced with a new element. The surface of the material has an excellent appearance, imitating floor coverings made of wood, marble and ceramics, as well as other surfaces.
Quartz vinyl heats up well, this product perceives heat even after contact with the palm of a person. The coating has good antistatic properties, does not allow electric current to pass through its structure. In addition, the tiles can be used as a finishing surface when installing an underfloor heating system without the need to install a special underlay. In addition, it is easy to clean, its surface can be cleaned using both standard products and solutions containing alkali and alcohol, abrasive particles.
The whole truth is not only useful characteristics, but also negative qualities of the described product. These include the impossibility of sticking the material onto the cement surface. In any case, the adhesive mixture must be reliable and durable. The surface of the quartz vinyl tile will be cold when laid on a concrete base.
To obtain a high-quality flooring, the products must be laid on a perfectly leveled surface. This is due to the small thickness of the tiles; if there are irregularities in the base, the seams on the floor will be clearly visible. This is especially true for products with a light surface.
How to lay the coating yourself
For the installation of flooring, ordinary tiles or products with interlocks can be used. At the initial stage of work, it is necessary to prepare the following tools and materials:
- quartz vinyl tiles for flooring;
- construction tape;
- cord;
- level;
- pencil;
- primer;
- glue;
- notched trowel;
- rubber mallet (used for laying grooved panels).
First you need to properly prepare the base layer. The surface is cleaned of stains and debris, all cracks and potholes are sealed with cement-sand mortar. With significant differences in height, beacons are installed according to the level, after which the concrete mixture is poured. The leveled, dried floor is covered with a primer, which is applied to the surface with a roller or paint brush. This solution improves the adhesion of the substrate, which ultimately improves the adhesion of the adhesive to the veneer.
For the floor, other types of substrates can also be used, for example, OSB boards or plywood sheets. In this case, places with elevation differences are carefully leveled and polished to obtain a flat surface. If there are cracks on the base, they are leveled with putty on the wood. According to experienced builders, the laying of the flooring should be carried out with a base layer moisture content of no more than 5%, when the room temperature is in the range from +15 to +30 degrees.
Before laying the flooring, it is recommended to spread all the tiles on the floor, which will help to create a pattern for the future surface. Usually, artificial materials are mounted from the central part of the room in the direction "away from you". Wiring diagrams are very diverse:
- standard way;
- at a run;
- at a certain angle, herringbone.
If during the installation of the coating it is necessary to trim individual elements, then markings are applied to the surface of the tile. After that, cuts are made at the edges of the material, the product is bent and cut completely. To obtain reference points for movement, the centers of the pairwise parallel walls of the room are found and markings are applied using a paint cord. Next, you need to spread the rope with chalk and make notes on the floor. The resulting straight lines will become guidelines for laying the coating.
Self-adhesive materials must be laid on the base surface at a room temperature of +18 to +20 degrees in the joint without observing the gaps. In the places where the flooring adjoins the surface of the walls, small gaps are made within 3 ... 5 millimeters. The glue mixture is kneaded in small doses according to the instructions on the package. After stirring with an electric drill with a special nozzle (mixer), the solution is left for 10-15 minutes, which will facilitate the evaporation of excess moisture.
After ripening, part of the solution is applied with a notched trowel over the surface of the base. Now you can start installing the tiles, while the products are placed close to each other, after which their surface is rolled with a roller. After such treatment, the tile will be well pressed against the base layer. When using products with locks, the laying of each element is carried out using a rubber mallet.
There are times when the glue mixture gets on the surface of the quartz vinyl tile. The bonding compound is removed with a soft cloth that has been previously soaked in an alcohol solution. You can walk on the floor, as well as install furniture, at least a day after the completion of the main work. Wet cleaning of the floor covering for the first time is carried out only 5 days after the completion of the finish.
Quartz vinyl tiles in the interior
Most often, such tiles are used as flooring, although some developers finish the walls of residential premises with this material. In hardware stores, you can find a wide range of such products; the tiles are notable for their low price and excellent technical characteristics. With the help of tiles, you can finish the floor with wood or stone, there are also models with imitation of a tile covering. Each user can choose for himself the ideal option that will ideally fit into the environment.
The prototype of the familiar vinyl flooring is quartz vinyl tile, which in external and aesthetic characteristics is similar to its counterpart, but has distinctive features in structure and characteristics. It was these differences that made the material a sales leader.
Structurally from conventional vinyl flooring quartz vinyl It differs, first of all, in the presence of an intermediate layer between the upper decorative and the lower, which is responsible for durability and strength. The middle layer is made of very fine quartz (sandy quartz), due to which the following parameters are achieved:
- increased wear resistance due to increased strength and hardness;
- characteristics meet the requirements of class 43 flooring (for heavy loads, intensive use: sales areas, offices);
- no deformation when laying on a surface with small defects (for laminate with lock installation).
If you want the floor to serve for more than 30 years without affecting the elegance of the interior, then you need quartz-vinyl tiles, buy which you can in GC "Vinyl Paul".
Quartz vinyl making process
The production technology is more complex than in the manufacture of vinyl tiles, therefore, quartz vinyl tile price higher than the analogue without a quartz layer. To create an extra-strong floor, the composition contains quartz sand, which is subjected to a hot-pressing process. Vinyl remains the carrier layer in the material. With this method, all layers are tightly connected to each other, forming a seemingly one integral panel.
The innovative flooring is available in a variety of decors. A photo layer that imitates wood species, natural stone and other textures is responsible for the aesthetic appearance. From above, the material is covered with a protective polyurethane layer, due to which the ability of the coating to be resistant to scratches, mechanical damage, water, greasy stains, and other aggressive factors is achieved.
Types of quartz-vinyl coatings
PVC flooring is produced in four versions:
1. Mechanical - Click connection like laminate;
2. Adhesive - Smart lock, the strips are glued together;
3. Free-lying - the planks lie close to each other;
4. On glue - the planks are glued directly to the floor.
Quartz-vinyl flooring is divided into classes of wear resistance, has various quality and technical characteristics.
Wear resistance classes
43rd class for wear resistance (protective layer 3 mm). Laminate for rooms with intensive flow through, heavy floor loads. It is used, as a rule, in gyms, production halls, warehouses, etc. Features of the 43rd class coating are anti-slip and antistatic properties of the top layer, increased elasticity. The service life is about 20 years.
32nd - 42nd wear resistance class (protective layer 2.5 mm). Coating for public spaces. The service life is about 12-15 years.
23rd - 31st wear resistance class (protective layer 2 mm). Coverage for residential areas with low traffic. The service life is about 7 years.
Quartz Vinyl Laminate Composition
As part of the vinyl floor there is quartz sand, it makes the coating durable, the vinyl itself gives plasticity to the laminate strips. Manufacturers achieve high fire resistance and wear resistance due to the polyurethane layer, thanks to which the floor can withstand all mechanical influences. In addition, vinyl flooring is 100% water resistant and can be used for swimming pool or bathroom cladding.
Advantages
Thanks to the development of an innovative technology for the manufacture of quartz-vinyl flooring, the material has acquired operational advantages:
- resistance to hydraulic impact... Spilled water or frequent washing will not cause swelling of the edges or increase in volume of the tiles, as a result of which warping of the floor may occur;
- resistance to temperature extremes... The laid quartz-vinyl laminate can retain its original characteristics in an unheated room or periodically heated (country house or summer cottage). It is ideal for covering flooring systems;
- environmental friendliness... The outer layer has an antibacterial composition, so the floor does not affect the change in the favorable microclimate and does not cause health problems in humans and animals;
- ease of maintenance... Walking on the floor in dirty or wet shoes can leave your mark permanently. Laminate flooring is easy to clean, can be brushed, and can also be treated with detergent and soap solutions to maintain sanitary cleanliness.
All modern quartz-vinyl flooring has quality certificates and meets high European safety standards.
Advantages of PVC floor
- Great durability of vinyl (quartz vinyl flooring will serve you for many years).
- 100% Water resistant (can be used in any room with high humidity).
- Environmental friendliness (has 100% environmental friendliness, which is confirmed by world certificates).
- Possibility to install vinyl PVC coverings on any old floor.
- The flexibility of vinyl allows it to be laid on an imperfect floor.
- .Possibility of laying on warm floors.
- Quartz vinyl flooring is easy to maintain.
Application
Manufacturers have created quartz-vinyl floor tiles that are able to maintain their beauty and strength under the feet of a large stream of visitors or workers, under the paws of animals in the house, under heels of any size and thickness. The new coating is able to meet the stringent requirements for resistance to such loads, therefore it is suitable for:
- commercial establishments (cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, hotels);
- office premises (conference rooms, reception rooms, assembly halls, study rooms);
- public buildings (libraries, temples, train stations);
- household, residential objects (apartments, houses, cottages).
Dry or freshly washed quartz vinyl flooring remains safe for walking as it is not slippery at all.
Another pleasant advantage is the simple, quick DIY installation. You can save money both on the installation and on the repair of one or more tiles. All this is possible thanks to the Cliсk installation method.
The quartz vinyl floor has the following installation options: padlock, adhesive, Smart lock, "free-lying"... The first type has a collapsible type lock Cliсk, with the help of which two floor elements are tightly connected, one of them, if necessary, can be dismantled and replaced with a new one. The glue option is less common, it has difficulties both during installation and dismantling. But the glue applied to the surface of the cleaned floor allows you to achieve 100% waterproofing in the event of a flooded room. If a Smart lock is provided, the strips are glued together. But with the free-lying method of installation, the strips lie close to each other.
Overview of floor coverings on the NTV channel
More than 12 years ago, a new product for the domestic buyer appeared on the Russian market - LVT vinyl tiles (luxury vinyl tiles). Large manufacturers such as Tarkett, Berry Alloc and others have proposed a finishing material that successfully competes with rolled PVC linoleum, laminate, porcelain stoneware and even parquet board. The next step in the development of this direction was the so-called quartz-vinyl floor tiles - a truly unique solution for decorating a home, office, shop or industrial premises.
Quartz vinyl tile is a multi-layer floor covering that is flexible and resilient. It is produced by thermal pressing from PVC, fine-grained quartz sand and some other components. The structure resembles heterogeneous linoleum with the difference that a calender (high-density) thermoplastic base is mixed with a filler, which not only increases the weight of the product, but also serves to:
Structurally quartz vinyl floor tiles are composed of:
- 1 and 2 - polyurethane protective coating (transparent). This is a transparent high-strength PVC, which is often supplemented with various protective layers, which provide increased resistance to abrasion, lightfastness, bacteriostaticity, etc. It can create a special decorative "volumetric" effect due to the so-called structural embossing "in register".
- 3 and 4 - a decorative layer of vinyl chloride with a thermal printed pattern. Imitates various types of wood, stone, cork and other materials.
- 5 - interlayers of fiberglass, providing stability of the product and additional protection of the base.
- 6 - base layer, which takes on mechanical loads. Consists of 70% silica sand mixed with thermoplastic polymer.
- 7 - reinforcing fiberglass.
- 8 - stabilizing layer.
The closest analogue of quartz-vinyl is vinyl tiles, in which the base does not contain a quartz component, but is made of calender vinyl chloride.
Both types are manufactured in 32-34 and 41-43 wear resistance classes and are used in:
- Living areas including bedrooms, nurseries, living rooms, corridors, kitchens;
- Office, commercial and commercial, public buildings;
- Industrial, sports and other facilities with an extremely high degree of stress.
It is impossible not to mention one more feature of floor tiles. Since the thickness of the product varies from 2.3 to 6 mm, the width is from 10 to 40 cm, and the length can reach 1.5 m, the products are produced in several variations to facilitate laying:
Adhesive Quartz Vinyl to be fixed with dispersion adhesives for heavy polymer coatings.
Self-adhesive quartz vinyl products... There are two types:
Products supplied around the perimeter classic lock connection"Thorn-groove" (like a laminate) or modernized. Planks or tiles are joined without the use of glue mixtures, if necessary, they can be easily disassembled and reassembled. Because of this property, as well as the similarity of the profile of the locks, the presence of a V- or U-shaped chamfer, this tile is often called vinyl laminate.
Advantages and disadvantages
Combined PVC flooring has all the advantages of linoleum and modular flooring. The advantages of quality products from reputable manufacturers:
Are Chinese or Taiwanese quartz vinyl flooring harmful to health? There is no definite answer to this question, but you can ask sellers to provide sanitary and hygienic certificates of the Russian sample. Or believe your own feelings - the planks should not have a strong chemical odor, a heterogeneous structure with foreign inclusions, various defects (unpainted areas, black dots, dents, etc.).
Of the minuses of composite flooring material, we note:
- The high price of the product.
- Substantial weight. 1 m² of vinyl tiles weighs about 3.5 kg, and quartz-vinyl tiles weighs 7 kg or more.
- Over time, shrinkage of the material appears, which is expressed in the formation of gaps between the floor elements.
Laying tiles
Installation work requires the masters to know the basics, that is, the rules for layout, marking and selection of optimal compositions. Detailed instructions are printed on each package of quartz vinyl, so a beginner can handle the installation. Prepare the following set:
- Floor material with a margin of at least 1 sq. m.
- Heavy-duty vinyl adhesive, notched trowel.
- Roulette, pencil and water level or control rail.
- Trapezoidal knife, square, spacer wedges.
- Header and mallet for interlocking or a smooth lapping roller (weighing up to 50 kg) for adhesive.
Quartz vinyl is installed as both parquet and laminate. More than 15 basic layouts to choose from.
Layout schemes.
Please note that upgraded locks like BerryAlloc or Karwei allow you to use any of the above schemes. After the appropriate option has been selected, it is necessary to break down the axes of the room: lines are drawn from the middle of the walls and the central point is located from which the installation begins. When laying "in a runaway" work must be carried out from the far corner of the solid wall.
Layout schemes for the premises for laying
Optimum temperature during installation is from +15 ° С to +25 ° С, air humidity is up to 60%. Leave the cover unopened for 48-72 hours to acclimatize.
Remember that the base must be:
- Smooth - the permissible difference is no more than 2 mm for every 2 meters of the surface. If necessary, the floor is leveled with self-leveling mixtures, sanding or dry screed from plywood sheets, chipboard, OSB, gypsum fiber board, etc.
- Dry. Moisture content of mineral bases - up to 5%, organic - no more than 12%.
- Strong - not less than 15 MPa. It is advisable to pre-prime the surface to increase the bearing capacity and uniformity of absorption.
- Clean, without traces of old paintwork materials, bitumen, soot, oils, dust and dirt.
With the adhesive installation method, the glue is applied to the base with a notched trowel to a width of 1-3 rows, then the tiles are laid, carefully leveled and smoothed. When assembling in a "floating" way, laying is done in the same way as. That is, the strips are applied to each other and snapped into place. Do not forget about the expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room - at least 8 mm between the canvas and the wall.
Interior view
The range of manufacturers of quartz-vinyl tiles includes not only wood decors, but also interesting textures of stone, ceramics, textiles. Modularity allows you to combine shades and textures. What can come of this - see below:
Advice! If you need repairmen, there is a very convenient service for their selection. Just send in the form below a detailed description of the work that needs to be performed and you will receive offers with prices from construction teams and firms by mail. You can see reviews of each of them and photos with examples of work. It is FREE and non-binding.
Quartz vinyl floor tiles are a material admired by manufacturers and sellers. An innovative structure, a lot of advantages and almost complete absence of disadvantages. Is this coating really so perfect? Our independent analysis will help you figure it out.
What is the tile made of?
Quartz vinyl flooring consists of several layers that are permanently glued together. 60-80% of quartz sand is added to the mixture for the base layer, the remaining 20-40% is occupied by polyvinyl chloride and various additives.
On decorative layer photo printing is applied, the drawing of which very realistically imitates natural materials - wood, marble, granite, pebbles and others. Base layer from a mixture of vinyl and quartz makes the tiles durable, elastic and gives the perfect geometry.
Function protective layer- to prevent chips, abrasion and color fading.
Benefits of Quartz Vinyl Flooring
1. Huge assortment of decors... Wood of various species is transmitted not only externally, but also by touch with the help of a textured surface. Stone-like tiles look just as gorgeous as natural material, but at the same time they do not slip so much in a wet state, not cold, not ringing. The modularity of the tiles allows you to lay out different patterns on the floor, creating a unique floor covering.
2. More affordable price compared to solid planks, cork floors, parquet.
3. Wear resistant and long service life... To comply with this point, it is important to choose the right tile, which we will discuss below.
4. 100% moisture resistant... It tolerates spilled water and frequent wet cleaning, as well as prolonged flooding.
5. Reliable, does not crack when heavy objects fall.
6. Fast and easy installation, which even a beginner can do.
7. Easy to clean if the surface is smooth.
8. Does not form mold and mildew even in high humidity conditions.
Cons of quartz vinyl floors
In order to choose the right floor covering, it is important to know the shortcomings of PVC tiles, which we were able to identify by studying information from manufacturers, research by scientists and customer reviews.
1. Although the tile contains quartz sand, it is in fact artificial material which can cause allergies, especially in children and chronic allergy sufferers.
2. As plasticizers in the protective layer of the tile are added phthalates- salts that do not bind to polymer molecules, so they constantly evaporate into the surrounding air. The negative effect of phthalates on the reproductive system, liver and kidneys, their ability to provoke asthma, oncology, metabolic disorders has been proven. Children are especially susceptible - psycho-neurological conditions associated with scattered attention, lack of self-control may develop, and male sexual characteristics may be suppressed in boys.
3. Stabilizers in PVC tiles help to maintain their original properties, not to age. In their role, some manufacturers use lead and cadmium - heavy metals, the harmful influence of which is a well-known fact. European brands add zinc and calcium as stabilizers, otherwise they will not pass certification. But Chinese and Korean manufacturers choose cheaper components, so there is a high probability of heavy metals in their products.
3. It was tested by consumers and us - quartz-vinyl floor static and attracts dust.
4. Textured tile surface difficult to clean, the dirt clogs into the veins and between the roughness.
5.PVC products decompose for dozens of years; when smoldering, they release toxic chlorine compounds, which causes significant harm to the environment.
Another feature that cannot be attributed to pluses or minuses is that quartz-vinyl tiles are marked for fire hazard - KM2-KM3 (weak or moderately flammable, moderately flammable, moderately toxic, with a high smoke-generating ability). It should be borne in mind that when exposed to fire, PVC begins to release toxic vinyl chloride and other compounds into the air, therefore, in the event of a fire, you must immediately leave the room with the PVC floor.
Which quartz vinyl floor is best?
When deciding to choose PVC floor tiles, it is important to adhere to the following rules:
1. Select material in accordance with the class of the room:
- 23-31 class - for residential premises with a low degree of exploitation.
- 32-42 class - home premises with high traffic, commercial - with medium intensity of use.
- Class 43 - commercial premises with high traffic - foyers, halls, corridors of shopping centers, airports, as well as industrial premises.
2. Choose tiles with a protective layer thickness of at least 0.3 mm, and for commercial premises - at least 0.5 mm. 2mm thick tiles for home use only. The basis for this recommendation was the feedback from our clients. Here is one of them. White faded spots are visible on the floor.
Considering that fading began to occur after a year of operation, we do not exclude the marriage of a batch of South Korean tiles. Its characteristics: thickness 3 mm, protective layer 0.3 mm, wear resistance class - 32.
3. Before laying PVC tiles, it is necessary to prepare the base in accordance with the requirements of SNiP. This is a prerequisite for the durability of the coating, despite the fact that the tiles are flexible. The service life and resistance to wear of the floor depend on the evenness of the base.
- The base must be even and stable over the entire area of the room. The maximum drop is 2 mm per 1 m.
- The base must have a strength of at least 15 MPa.
- You can use the 2 m long "rule" tool to check the geometry of the base.
- When using a self-leveling mixture, its layer thickness is provided at least 2 mm.
4. Think about safety. The content of phthalates, heavy metals, polyvinyl chloride is the worst solution for a child's room or bedroom. It is quite acceptable to use tiles in corridors, on loggias and balconies, in garages, warehouses, halls - where the time spent by people is minimal.
Which PVC tile manufacturer is best?
Here are some brands of quartz vinyl flooring and their features:
South Korea. Service life - 25 years. Wear resistance classes - 32-43. Application in the temperature range from - 15 to +60 ⁰С. Thickness - 3 mm. Protective layer: class 42/32 - 0.2 - 0.25 mm, class 42/33 - 0.3 mm, class 43/33 - 0.5 mm. Resistant to short-term exposure to burning cigarettes. NanoSilver silver ion coating provides protection from germs. Fire hazard - KM2.
Orchid tile... South Korea. Thickness 3 mm, protective layer 0.3 mm. 34 class of application.
. South Korea. For class 34-43 premises (residential, commercial and industrial). Has an antibacterial surface. Protective layer PU 0.5 mm. Fire hazard class: KM2.
. South Korea. Thickness 3-5.5 mm. Protective layer Extreme Protection 0.3-0.5 mm depending on the collection. For rooms 34-43 classes. Fire hazard - KM2.
There are other South Korean brands as well (for example, LaFlor with NanoSilver coating), the characteristics of which are approximately the same as the above brands.
Among them, we would like to highlight PVC tiles with NanoSilver antibacterial coating, which helps fight harmful microorganisms. Tiles with a 0.5 mm protective layer will last a long time, so we can recommend it. However, do not forget about the phthalate content, which manufacturers usually keep silent about. We do not recommend using these coatings in bedrooms and children's rooms.
Fine Floor... Belgium. Very durable tile, withstands loads of up to 100 kg per m2. Wear resistance class 34-43. Thickness - 2.5-4.5 mm, protective layer 0.3-0.5 mm. Fire certificate KM2. Certificates confirming safety and absence of harmful substances.
Germany. Innovation in flooring. A mixture of natural minerals with polyolefins, from which packaging for food and medicine is made. Free of phthalates, chlorine, plasticizers, heavy metals. The coating is recyclable. Top layer SEALTEC.
As you can see, there are European brands that do not contain phthalates, have all the certificates confirming safety. Indeed, in Europe, quality is strictly monitored. However, European floor coverings are more expensive than South Korean ones and, due to their cost, are not in demand in Russia. Their price can be comparable to parquet or cork floors in the economy segment. And often the natural finish wins.
Which quartz-vinyl floor to choose is up to the buyer. But in order for it to serve for a long time, it is important to follow our recommendations. Tiles with a thickness of 2 mm and a protective layer of 0.2 mm may last 10 years in the living room, but in the corridor, they will most likely quickly wear out and change color.
From the budget but reliable Korean options, we advise you to opt for the tiles of the Decoria and LaFlor brands with silver ions.
Responsibility for safety also falls on the shoulders of consumers, since in Russia there is no mandatory certification of floor coverings, and products with phthalates in the composition continue to enter the market.
We advise our clients to purchase natural coatings for living quarters. For example, a cork floor has served for more than a dozen years, and if its original properties are lost, it is varnished and looks like new. Parquet board is also a durable material, which gives the aesthetics and comfort of natural wood.
Today manufacturers offer all new solutions for the renovation and design of premises. Quartz vinyl tiles are an excellent option for flooring or wall cladding. Let's figure out what kind of tile it is, consider its features and advantages, as well as options in the interior.
What?
Quartz vinyl coating is a new word in repair. It is made from a dense, resilient material and is an improved PVC coating. Basically, it is used for finishing the floor and walls of external and internal premises with a large crowd of people (retail and office premises, cafes, restaurants, bars). But she will also have a place in the interior of a house or apartment.
The material has a huge number of advantages, including environmental friendliness, safety, moisture resistance. However, there are also disadvantages.
Specifications
Quartzvinyl is a sandwich coating containing the following components:
1st layer: polyvinyl chloride. It is a base layer that ensures a durable adhesion of the tile to the surface.
2nd layer: glass fiber. It performs the function of reinforcement, i.e. increasing the bearing capacity.
3rd layer: quartz and vinyl. Thanks to them, the product has good strength.
4th layer: decorative. Gives the surface texture. It is on this layer that the drawing is applied by photo printing.
5 layer: polyurethane. This is the outermost top layer of the tile, which protects it from damage.
Also in the composition of quartz vinyl tiles there are such environmentally friendly materials as: high molecular weight plasticizer, natural coloring pigment, stabilizer and lubricant. Moreover, about 80% of the material is natural quartz, and only 20% is vinyl and other additives.
All substances in the composition are sintered and pressed, so the thickness of the finished material does not exceed 4 mm, which determines the high wear resistance of the material.
Advantages and disadvantages
Quartzvinyl is a safe and environmentally friendly material. Choosing it, you can be sure of a long service life, and manufacturers give a guarantee for more than 20 years of use. The high quality of the product is confirmed by international certificates.
In addition, the following advantages of quartz vinyl tiles are distinguished:
- any damaged area can be easily restored;
- the material has good antistatic properties, which makes it possible to combine it with an electric underfloor heating;
- not amenable to chemical and abrasive action, not flammable;
- has good sound insulation properties;
- thanks to the polyurethane impregnation that protects the surface of the finished product from the appearance of fungus, tiles of this type can be used in rooms with high humidity. Moreover, thanks to the surface with good adhesion, you can not be afraid of slipping;
- during its operation, it is possible to replace individual parts without affecting the integrity of the rest of the cladding;
- the composition of the coating gives a feeling of warmth, softness and comfort (it will be pleasant to walk on it barefoot);
- the gap between the tiles will not appear even with the sharpest temperature changes;
- tiles can be successfully combined at any angle, and the variety of designs and textures creates the basis for creative ideas in the interior.
There are many advantages of quartz vinyl tiles, but when buying it, you should also pay attention to the disadvantages:
- despite the fact that tiles of this type do not emit harmful substances and are safe for health, they are mostly artificial material;
- to prevent the appearance of irregularities and cracks, the laying technology must not be violated.
Which is better: quartz vinyl, laminate, linoleum or PVC tiles?
All of these coatings are united by such important properties as moisture resistance. But there are also certain differences. We have already described the composition of the quartz vinyl coating, which consists of hard elements, due to which the coating is the most durable, in contrast to all of the above options.
PVC tiles are softer and more elastic to the touch, because there are no hard elements in their composition.
Linoleum is similar in structure to PVC coating, but the main component in it are resins and polymers, which give elasticity and softness to the finished product.
The number of layers in the laminate depends on its strength class: high 31-33 classes include five layers, and 21-23 classes - only three.
Another important difference between all of the above materials is the styling technique. The easiest way is to lay linoleum, which is sold in regular rolls and spreads freely. In order for the coating to look perfect, the base for linoleum is just enough to level.
You will need to clean the surface well before laying quartz vinyl and PVC tiles, because even dust can reduce adhesion. In addition, manufacturers offer easy-to-install self-adhesive PVC panels made in the form of a square or rectangle with any applied ornament.
The greatest difficulty is the laying of the laminate, because in this case the underlay, which insulates the material from the floor surface, cannot be ignored.
The price category between all materials also differs. The most budgetary option is undoubtedly linoleum. PVC tiles will cost a little more. And the price of quartz vinyl coating and laminate will vary depending on the selected strength class.
Views
Based on the installation method, the following types of quartz vinyl tiles are distinguished:
- adhesive (coating, for fixing with the surface of which glue is needed);
- with lock connection;
- self-adhesive (the wrong side of such a coating is impregnated with glue, covered with a special film).
An important feature: it is not necessary to dismantle the old surface before laying. Such tiles can even be laid on wooden floors or tiles. In this case, the tree must be putty with a special putty for wood, and on the tile it is necessary to process the seams and cracks with the help of grout. Among other things, quartz vinyl tiles can be successfully used on walls, and the method and features of installation and preparation will be the same as for the floor.
Manufacturers
Belgian firm FineFloor for more than 10 years it has been producing building materials and has established itself as a manufacturer that produces high-quality and environmentally friendly products.
Distinctive features of this tile are high strength and wear resistance, which are confirmed by special tests. At the same time, the designers work out all the details of the drawing in each collection, and the combination of shades and textures is carefully controlled by the management.
Brand Tarkett, which produces equally high-quality products, has established itself in the production of incredibly beautiful modular tiles that allow you to combine several colors, textures and shapes on one surface at once.
Japanese company Art Tile in its production technology, it uses the coating reinforcement method, the use of which improves the performance properties of the finished product, while most manufacturers neglect it. The only drawback of the products of this manufacturer is the high price category. But it can also be justified, because legal, safe, high-quality products simply cannot be cheap.
Of the features of the tiles from this manufacturer, it is possible to note the minimum thickness not exceeding 3 mm and exceeding the standard density of more than 1.6 t / m3. The thickness of the protective layer does not exceed 0.55 mm.
DECORIA company is not inferior to other manufacturers in terms of the quality of their products. It is famous for using new innovative technologies in its production. The successful combination of crushed natural quartz and heavy-duty vinyl creates a highly durable product.
Thanks to the outer polyurethane layer, the DECORIA tiles perfectly imitate the structure of stone or wood. Thanks to leading advances in the field of building materials, each individual tile is able to withstand even the most severe loads.
An unusually warm, soft and comfortable finish that will last for decades, offering VINILAM company.
Quartz vinyl tiles from this manufacturer differ in the following properties:
- soundproofing 7 dB;
- three-component protective layer 0.4-0.55 mm thick;
- 100% waterproof.
In addition, the finished product has all other quality and safety indicators that allow VINILAM to remain in the ranking of the best manufacturers.
The company from South Korea DEART CORPORATION has its representative office in our country and offers luxury tiles under trademark DEART FLOOR... The manufacturer focuses on wealthy people who are ready to offer luxury tiles that are noticeably different from competitors' products.
The design and color solutions of each piece are developed taking into account modern trends in interior design. Moreover, the product undergoes the strictest quality control at every stage of manufacturing.
How to choose?
The first thing you need to pay attention to after choosing a manufacturer and design is to decide on the size and shape. As mentioned above, quartz vinyl tiles are of square and rectangular shapes. The dimensions of the square vary from 300x300 mm to 600x600mm. The dimensions of the rectangle are also different, ranging from 120x148 mm to 950x184 mm.
The preferred average thickness depends on the room in which the tiles are to be installed. It ranges from 1.6 to 3.2 mm.
It is important to pay attention to the wear resistance class, which can be determined by the thickness of the coating. For example, strength classes 21-23 (very thin) are intended for residential premises. Coatings from 31 to 34 strength classes are laid in office premises, shops, restaurants and others that involve a large crowd of people. The thickest material of 41-43 strength classes is suitable for industrial premises.
Interior options
The most common place for laying quartz vinyl tiles is the bathroom. This material can be used to cover both the walls and the floor in the bathroom, and the color can be selected based on the prevailing color scheme.