All vinyl floor coverings until recently were associated exclusively with linoleum. However, a relatively new material is a vinyl laminate, initially more commonly known as vinyl laminated tiles. PVC for the manufacture of flooring in the West has been used for almost half a century, we have our full development in 2008, so it's no surprise that the vast majority of products have a foreign origin.
These or other positive characteristics made vinyl flooring popular. However, there is also the second side of the coin - vinyl laminate has its drawbacks, which, when used in the home, sooner or later become substitutes and with which it is necessary to reckon.
The disadvantages of vinyl laminate
Along with the advantages of vinyl laminate , such as low cost and durability, there are drawbacks related directly to the fabrication material. And one of the most significant can be called a negative environmental impact on the environment in the room and in nature in general.
So-called BWT, deciphered as volatile organic substances - chemicals that are used in the process of manufacturing vinyl flooring, in the course of operation emit toxic gases. This leads to the development of various diseases - respiratory, ophthalmic. But especially careful to be those who suffer from asthma - BWT can cause seizures. Over time, the amount of evaporated harmful substances decreases, but at an early stage, degassing is significant.
Another disadvantage of self-adhesive vinyl laminate is the need to have a perfectly smooth floor as a work surface when installing vinyl flooring. Even the smallest irregularities will be visible and noticeable underneath, and over time, vinyl damage will occur in these places - tears and various defects and signs of wear.
Another problem is the absolute non-degradability of the material. Worn laminate with time inevitably appears in the landfill, since almost no one processes them. And since its biological decomposition is impossible, that is, it does not naturally degrade, its accumulation takes place and negative influence on the surrounding environment is observed. It can also be added that in the production process of such a laminate, non-renewable natural resources such as natural gas and oil are used.
To the purely operational disadvantages is that when interacting with rubber mats or heels with rubber hems on the laminate stains remain due to the chemical reaction. These spots and discolored areas can not be removed.
Also vinyl cover , especially of poor quality, is subject to tears and defects that can not be polished or otherwise hidden. So it only remains to remove it and put a new one, which is irrational.
Also, low-quality vinyl laminate often turns yellow with age and changes color, which is due to several factors: sun exposure, accumulated under the wax layer of dirt. More expensive analogs are resistant to such influences.
High fire hazard and toxicity is another undeniable minus of vinyl laminate. If there is a fire in the room, the floor will ignite and will release highly toxic substances. In this regard, such a coating is highly not recommended for use in the kitchen floor and other rooms with a high risk of fire.
All these factors and the arguments given must necessarily be taken into account when choosing a floor covering.
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