Linoleum Flooring - A Green Alternative To Vinyl That Is A Safer, More Environmentally Friendly Alternative To Vinyl Flooring

 When most people think of resilient flooring options, linoleum is probably not at the top of their list. However, green-minded consumers are rediscovering this old-fashioned floor covering that’s a safer alternative to vinyl.


Various Styles/Colours To Suit Different Tastes

Unlike modern PVC plastic-based linoleum, the traditional material uses natural materials like linseed oil, jute and cork along with tree resins and other fillers. This makes linoleum very durable and long-lasting, especially when compared to the average vinyl product that can easily crack or peel. In addition, linoleum is also manufactured without any toxic chemical plasticizers that are used to create the flexible vinyl material. These chemicals are recognized carcinogens and are not ideal for use in the home environment.



Soft And Warm Underfoot

Today’s Linoleum Flooring is made in a variety of styles and colors to suit a wide range of tastes. It can be purchased in either sheet or tile form and can be patterned to look similar to marble or terrazzo surfaces, as well as wood or stone. Many manufacturers have improved their finishing processes so that the new linoleum is more durable than in the past. If a manufacturer’s guidelines are followed, the flooring can easily last for 25 years or more.


Resists Damage From Fats, Oils

Most Linoleum Flooring products are available in both matte and glossy finishes. The textured surface of the matt linoleum is soft and warm underfoot, while the glossier versions are more durable and scratch resistant. Most linoleum floors are printed with a protective coating that is built into the finished product. While the protective coating does make the linoleum more hygienic and easier to clean, it does leave the product susceptible to some color fade due to light exposure. This color fading is called “ambering” and is a normal part of the process. The ambering can be reduced by periodic buffing with a high-speed rotary machine and a neutral floor cleaner.


Conclusion:

Linoleum is an extremely durable, beautiful, and environmentally-friendly floor covering. It is unaffected by reasonable floor temperatures, does not support combustion, and resists damage from fats, oils, organic solvents, certain alkalies, and moisture. The material is naturally anti-static and does not attract dirt like other floor surfaces, making it easy to keep clean. While linoleum does have a slightly higher up front cost than most other vinyl products, its longevity and durability results in lower maintenance costs over time.


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