What Is Sheet Vinyl?
Vinyl sheet flooring is a type of resilient flooring made from plastic. It is sold in sheets of 6- and 12-foot wide rolls. Available in a wide range of colors and designs, vinyl sheet flooring is popular with homeowners because of its durability and affordability. Traditionally, vinyl sheet flooring has been used in high-moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms but expanded design options make it a viable choice for other areas of the home as well. Does this Spark an idea?
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Construction
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Vinyl sheet flooring consists of four layers. The top layer, usually composed of urethane or other highly durable material, is the protective layer that makes vinyl sheeting easy to clean and scuff resistant. The second layer is composed of clear vinyl and acts as an additional protective layer; the thicker this layer is, the more durable the flooring will be. The third layer of printed vinyl provides the color and design of the flooring. The final layer is known as the backing. There are two types of backings available---felt and fiberglass. According to flooring manufacturer Armstrong, 90 percent of vinyl sheeting is backed with felt. Fiberglass is a new style of backing that provides more structural stability and is made with additional cushion, offering a more comfortable feel underfoot.
Subfloor Requirements
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Vinyl sheet flooring can be installed over plywood, concrete, hardwood or other types of resilient flooring such as linoleum or vinyl tile as long as the surface has been prepped correctly. Subflooring should ideally be flat, smooth and dry, without any type of staining. If you are concerned about the suitability of a subflooring, you can install an underlayment (a type of specially prepared board that provides a smooth surface for laying the vinyl sheet flooring). It's important to use the right underlayment in order to maintain the warranty on your vinyl sheet flooring, so check the manufacturer's recommendations before purchasing your underlayment.
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General Installation Overview
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Installation methods will depend on the type of vinyl sheeting you purchase (felt or fiberglass backing) and the type of subfloor over which you will install the vinyl sheet flooring. There are four basic installation types: full spread, perimeter spread, loose lay and modified loose lay. Felt-backed vinyl sheeting must be applied with adhesive, either full spread (applying adhesive to the complete installation area) or perimeter spread (applying adhesive only to the outer perimeter of the installation area). Fiberglass-backed vinyl sheet flooring can be applied either full spread, loose lay (using no adhesive), or modified loose lay (attaching a few spots strategically with adhesive or a double-sided tape). Seams should be sealed with a vinyl floor seam sealer. All installation should be performed according to the manufacturer's specific directions using adhesives recommended by the manufacturer to avoid the risk of voiding the manufacturer's warranty.
Care
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It is fairly easy to care for vinyl sheet flooring. Sweep up dust and debris as necessary with a soft bristled broom or a magnetic dusting broom. Clean any scuff marks or dirt with a damp mop, using a manufacturer-recommended cleaner. Armstrong recommends waiting at least four days after installation before scrubbing or wet washing its vinyl sheet flooring to allow the adhesive time to cure completely.
Things to Consider
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Most manufacturers recommend professional installation of vinyl sheet flooring because of the many variables that must be considered before determining the best installation method. Vinyl sheet flooring is large and bulky, and may require specialized equipment for cutting, as well as special equipment for rolling it out and sealing the seams. Incorrect installation will void the manufacturer's warranty and can decrease the life of the flooring.
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References
- Photo Credit Marmor Floor image by Sundaysdinner from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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thanks, ehow.
