In the process of repair from non-professional builders there may be a lot of questions, including regarding the replacement of flooring. So, often when carrying out repair and construction works, the question is acute, is it necessary to dismantle the old coating and whether it is possible to put the laminate on the old linoleum. The answer to this question, as well as the fineness of installing the laminate on the previous coating, you will learn by reading this article.
Is it possible to lay a laminate on linoleum?
In life, sometimes there are those or other situations, when it comes time to replace the floor covering. And if earlier they had a linoleum, which is well preserved, but bored or there was a need for its replacement, the laminate can be laid over it. Of course, it is necessary to comply with a number of conditions and verify that the old coating meets the requirements that are placed before the base for the laminate.
Requirements for linoleum before laying laminate:
- integrity coating - the old linoleum coating should be without cracks, blisters, torn areas;
- The humidity under the linoleum must correspond to the total humidity in the room;
- the linoleum itself before laying the laminate should be well washed from dirt and dust and dried;
- the floor must be level, maximum, allow a difference of 2 mm;
- linoleum with a soft substrate leads to subsidence and deformation of the laminate, so that it is impossible to lay a laminate on a soft linoleum;
- too old linoleum, which can soon swell, is not suitable as a substrate for the laminate.
Do I need a substrate before laying the laminate on the linoleum?
Answering the question whether it is possible to lay a laminate on linoleum, it is necessary to mention the preliminary installation of the substrate. It is a thin (up to 3 mm) layer of foam polystyrene, foam polyethylene or cork. The substrate is intended for cushioning, moisture and thermal insulation, so it is necessary.
Technical features of installation of a laminate on linoleum
Installation of the coating starts from the window perpendicular to it. Then the light will fall in such a way that the seams between the strips of the laminate are invisible. Begin laminate flooring from two boards in the first row, while leaving a 10 mm gap (using spacer wedges). This ensures the mobility of the coating and is called deformation. When the humidity and temperature change, the laminate floor can "walk", and such a gap will keep the appearance of the coating unchanged.
When laying a laminate on linoleum, it is important in the first and second row to hear a click from the insertion of the lamellas into the grooves. This indicates a close fit of the rows between themselves. Since they are the basic ones, their ideal matching is extremely important.
Further work continues laying the laminate lock on yourself - this will speed up the process and facilitate grip. The last panel is laid with a clamp, which will help it stay stationary.
The process ends with the installation of skirting, which is necessary to prevent dust and moisture from getting into the gap between the wall and the laminate.
Laminate on linoleum - cons
The disadvantages of laying a laminate on linoleum are associated with improper technology and non-compliance with the above conditions and requirements. So, in the presence of unevenness, bloating and damage to the integrity of the lanoline, the laminate will deform with time and will lose not only aesthetic appeal, but also functionality.
If the laying is done on a damp linoleum, the laminate boards will deteriorate and deform with time.
Laying a laminate without an additional layer of substrate will result in the fact that the lack of depreciation will ultimately affect the integrity of the floor covering.