What does the class of linoleum mean?

Quite often, when choosing a flooring, the consumer has difficulty with the choice. Recently, linoleums are very popular. A modern manufacturer offers a very diverse assortment of this type of flooring and it is difficult to figure out which one is better to choose for one or another purpose. Classification of linoleums happens according to different criteria, these are classes, we will consider the main ones so that it is easier for you to choose the suitable option.

What is the class of linoleum

First of all, it is worth figuring out which indicators are most significant when choosing linoleum.Labeling is, in fact, all the most important information.Rather, all the necessary information about each type of linoleum is encrypted in the marking code.

REFERENCE. It is almost impossible to determine the characteristics of wear resistance and the quality of the material by eye. Of course, you can determine such characteristics as the thickness of the canvas, the brightness of the applied pattern and others, but this will not help in any way determine which top layer was applied.

Based on this, it can be concluded that even outwardly nondescript and relatively thin linoleum can be significantly more reliable than thick, bright and beautiful material.

IMPORTANT. Having dealt with the marking, you can then accurately select the flooring that suits you.

Wear classification

Such a criterion as wear resistance is one of the most important when choosing a floor covering.Wear resistance- this the ability of the floor surface to withstand regular mechanical stress. 

NOTE. Do not confuse concepts such as abrasion and wear resistance, they differ.

Each material model is assigned a two-digit number, where the first digit indicates the type of room, and the second indicates the wear resistance of the top coating layer. Before assigning certain parameters to the material, the manufacturer carries out all the necessary tests. It is worth highlighting the following load levels, which are divided into categories:

• Low load.
• The average level of load.
• High and intense load.
• Increased load.

Type of premises

If the marking of the flooring indicates the number 2 - this means that you are considering household linoleums. The packaging is usually indicated by a house. Among the advantages it is worth highlighting:

1. The lowest cost.
2. The material is pleasant to the touch, it is comfortable to walk on it barefoot.
3. Excellent thermal insulation performance.
4. Variety of choices.
5. Environmentally friendly material.

In these models, the thickness of the protective layer is approximately 0.1-0.35 mm, while the total thickness is in the range of 1.5-5 mm. The period of operation is approximately 5 years, depending on the conditions of use.

• 21st grade. This is a soft material that experts recommend laying in places where a low load is provided. It can be bedrooms, dressing rooms or pantries.
• 22 class. Here the average load is permissible. An excellent solution for the arrangement of floors in children's rooms, halls and bedrooms.
• 23rd grade. This category is considered the most common, it is most often in demand. Suitable for laying in places with high dynamic load, for example, corridors, halls.

If the marking of the flooring indicates the number 3 - this means that you are considering commercial linoleums, you could also hear the name - office. The packaging usually indicates an office building. The service life reaches 15 years. Among the advantages it is worth highlighting:

1. A wide variety of textures and color schemes.
2. Increased wear resistance.
3. Very dense structure.

The thickness of the protective layer is in the range of 0.3-0.6 mm. Suitable for use in areas with high traffic.

• 31st grade. This is an excellent choice for the offices of chiefs, accountants. Where not very high cross people. It can also be hotel rooms.
• 32 class. It features improved performance. Suitable for kindergartens, shops and reception. This option is often chosen for the home, as for a very low cost you get a really reliable floor covering.
• 33 class. High strength material. This is an excellent solution for office space with a high level of traffic.
• 34th grade. This option is the most reliable and durable. It is chosen for styling in supermarkets, airports, and train stations.

If the marking of the flooring indicates the number 4 - this means that you are dealing with production linoleum. On the packaging to produce indicates the factory. This type of coating is used exclusively in industry. Since high criteria are imposed on the material, the manufacturer offers a very limited version of colors. The service life of such a coating is at least 10 years and above. The thickness of the protective layer is 0.6 mm.There is one weightydisadvantage - high cost. 

• 41 class. It is used in production, where mostly sedentary work is provided. It can be workshops, technical control departments and others.
• 42 class. Suitable for use in almost any industrial premises. An exception are those in which special equipment moves.
• 43rd grade. This type of material is the most durable and high quality. Suitable for use in rooms with increased traffic as people and equipment.

Extra options

In addition to the listed parameters, there are additional ones that are also worth paying attention to when making a choice. An additional classification should be indicated on the back of the canvas, namely:

1. Smoke formation. It is designated by the letter “D”. Here the pattern works, the lower the number, the better. There may be three options for numbers.
2. Combustibility This indicator is indicated by the letter “G”, this criterion indicates what danger the product poses in case of fire. There are 4 groups.
3. Flammability and flame distribution. The first indicator is indicated by the letter “B”, the higher the figure, the lower the quality of the material. The second indicator indicates “RP”, here also, the lower the figure, the better.

These parameters directly determine the safety of those who will use linoleum. All tolerances are prescribed in the document - GOST 30402. We can conclude that in accordance with the classes of linoleum, its purpose is determined, and therefore its application.