All information on this page is copied material from Gulvfakta, which is a technical reference material, Source: Gulvfakta

1.3.1.1 Introduction

A linoleum floor is one of the floor coverings with the most eco-labels and is primarily made from sustainable materials.
• Linoleum is used in dry rooms in schools, hospitals, offices, shops, homes etc. This is because a linoleum floor can withstand significant stress and that linoleum has a self-repairing effect. Linoleum is available partly as homogeneous floor coverings, where the entire thickness consists of one or more layers with the same composition, color and patterns throughout the thickness, and partly as heterogeneous floor coverings with a back of foam or cork.
• Linoleum is delivered as floor coverings in 2 m width or tiles. The thicknesses for the track products are 2.0, 2.5, 3.2, 4.0 and 4.5 mm. The tiles can be factory-made or cut from track material. Tiles cut from runway products have greater tolerances than factory-made tiles. In addition, linoleum can also be supplied as a floating floor.
• Linoleum used as a floor covering must be CE-marked. CE marking of elastic floor coverings is discussed in the section on CE marking of elastic floor coverings.
• Linoleum used as a floor covering in escape routes and other areas with requirements for fire and smoke development must have documentation to meet the European fire class Dfl-s1 according to DS/EN 13501-1 (class G floor covering).
• Walking comfort and step sound reduction for linoleum floors can be improved by using flexible substrates, eg cork. However, the substrate must always be approved by the linoleum supplier, and the thickness must not exceed the thickness of the floor covering. A number of designs are delivered from the factory with the substrate glued to the back of the linoleum. This type of linoleum is often called "acoustic linoleum". A larger residual impression must be expected in the linoleum when it lies on a flexible surface.
• Linoleum with a high content of coarsely granulated cork is called cork linoleum. It is more impact sound-absorbing and more thermally comfortable, but less durable than ordinary linoleum.
• Linoleum can be supplied as an electrostatic dissipative floor covering for use in rooms with requirements for personal discharge. The supplier can provide detailed information on the electrical resistance of the coatings. The surface of linoleum is smooth and easy to clean. Cork clinoleum has a rougher surface due to the content of coarser cork granules.
• Linoleum must be protected against prolonged exposure to moisture, exposure to alkaline substances, such as certain cleaning agents, and solvents.
For all classified types of linoleum, a 5-year wear guarantee is provided in accordance with the Flooring Industry's rules for material guarantees, provided that the supplier has approved the area of application.

We carry the widest selection of linoleum floors, including brands such as Forbo, DLW and Tarkett. See i.a. these linoleum floors Forbo Marmoleum Fresco Volcanic Ash , DLW Mamorette Plump Gray or Tarkett Veneto xf2 Fog linoleum floor , which are among our popular floors.

In addition to linoleum floors, we are also specialists in linoleum table tops , which are practical and easy to maintain.

1.3.1.2 Properties

Linoleum, which is EN-classified, must meet DS/EN 24011 and thus comply with specific requirements for:
• Length, width, thickness and straightness
• Dimensional stability when moisture changes
• Flexibility and resistance to indentation marks
• Color fastness to artificial light
• Thickness of the coating's substrate

Classification of linoleum is done according to area of application with the thickness as the basis for the classification, see checklist 1. The classification only distinguishes between thicknesses 2.0 and 2.5 mm. The thickness of the linoleum can be chosen up to 4.5 mm depending on the expected intensity of use, i.e. depending on the application area and load.

The classes for residential, business and industry shown in checklist 1 can be further divided into moderate, normal, high and very high. In addition to the properties included in the classification, there will often be a need to set requirements for other properties, depending on the current application. These properties are part of the Floor Industry's supplementary properties, which for linoleum include:

In addition, there may be demands are made in connection with walking comfort and thermal comfort.

Appearance

New and fresh linoleum can sometimes appear with a slight yellowing of the surface (yellow film or drying chamber film). This toning disappears when the linoleum is exposed to daylight, after which it will appear in its original colour. Yellow film or drying chamber film must be taken into account when evaluating collection samples. Samples should therefore be placed in sunlight for a few days before final color assessment.

Requirements for the place of performance

Time must be set aside for the linoleum to acclimatise. The acclimatization takes place by cutting the linoleum and placing it vertically in a loosely rolled form for at least 24 hours before laying. Even after long storage in the building, a packaged roll cannot be expected to be in moisture equilibrium with the surroundings. During and after gluing linoleum, the temperature in the air and subfloor must be 17-25°C and the humidity 35%-75% RH.

The substrate must have the same flatness as required by the finished floor, normally ± 2 mm on a 2 m straight log. Flatness and floors, including requirements and measurement methods, are described in Choosing a floor in the section Flatness and floors. If linoleum is to be laid directly on cast decks, the concrete's pore moisture (residual build-up moisture) must be no more than 85% RH. Moisture and floors, including requirements and measurement methods, are also described in the section Technology and quality. There must not be strong drafts or strong sunlight during the laying of the floor. Linoleum rolls are stored upright. Linoleum must be laid on an absorbent substrate to ensure that the glue adheres well to the substrate. If there is insufficient absorbency, e.g. on a substrate of asphalt or epoxy, a layer of suitable putty compound at least 2 mm thick must be applied.

1.3.1.3 Laying and use

Conditions in connection with laying and use

Linoleum shrinks and expands in connection with moisture absorption and moisture release, e.g. with moisture from gluing or with changes in humidity. It is therefore to be expected that cuts to adjacent constructions or cuts in butted joints may open up slightly during dry periods. Close cutting to vertical surfaces is not possible, therefore it will be necessary to fit strips if you do not want a visible joint along the floor. Linoleum shrinks in the longitudinal direction of the tracks, and expands across the track direction. Correct free cutting in track joints is therefore very important, as the glue joint in the first part of the glue's curing phase will not be able to hold the coating to the substrate if compression occurs in the joint. The supplier's instructions on the execution of additions and cuts must be followed.

Linoleum can either be laid with butted joints, which for example is often used when laying patterns, or by sealing the joints with a fusible wire, which melts into the joint milled joint between the courses. Solid colored coverings are demanding in terms of use, because they make great demands on cleaning in order to maintain the same visual impression as for marbled linoleum coverings. In addition, board joints in the substrate and sealing with fusible wire will appear more visible than with marbled linoleum coverings. The principles for track layout should be agreed between the contractor and client, taking into account the roll lengths in which the product can be delivered. Unless otherwise agreed, strips should always be fed unbroken into door openings and window niches. For large rooms (> 60 m2), the tracks should be displayed in consecutive number order. This may create a need for end joints. In addition, hanging folds can create a need for end joints. Correctly executed end joints are as durable as longitudinal joints.

Thread jointing

Wire jointing with fusible wire must not be carried out before the glue has hardened. After grouting, the thread must be cut off at level with the surface of the tracks, so that cleaning water and dirt do not accumulate in and around the joint. The supplier's instructions on thread jointing must be followed.

Electrostatic dissipative floors

Linoleum is suitable as a conductive floor covering and can be used in rooms where there is a need for electrical charges to be dissipated.
Conductive linoleum has a special composition and is laid in conductive glue. In addition, the floor must be further connected to ground through copper wire according to the supplier's instructions. It must be agreed where the floor contractor must run the copper wire up the wall.
Installation of electrostatically dissipative linoleum floors must be carried out in consultation with the covering supplier. Grounding must be carried out by an authorized electrician.
Statically dissipative and statically conductive elastic floor coverings - terms, requirements, etc. - are described in more detail in Choosing a floor in the section Electrostatic charging.
Cleaning
The future users must be informed about correct cleaning , as incorrect cleaning can cause damage to the surface and annoying odors when washing the floor. The supplier's instructions on cleaning and maintenance of linoleum floors must be given to the user. Dry or wet mopping or vacuuming is used for daily cleaning. The floor is washed as needed.
In areas where wet cleaning is necessary on a larger scale, track joints should be sealed (wire jointed) with a fusible link. Cleaning of linoleum floors is discussed in the section Cleaning of elastic floor coverings.

Construction cleaning - cleaning of linoleum floors before use

Linoleum is treated by the factory with a protective surface treatment that protects the floor during the construction period, facilitates future cleaning and minimizes cleaning costs. The surface treatment is an integral part of the coating and must therefore only be removed if there are conditions that make it necessary. If the coating has been soiled/scratched during the construction period, it must be scrubbed with a suitable scouring pad with detergent added. The coating is then washed with a detergent/care product. The supplier's instructions must be followed.

1.3.1.4 Checklist 1 and 2

Properties included in the EN classification of linoleum floors.

Checklist 1. Classification of linoleum for use in homes, business and industry is based on the thickness. The classes can be further divided into moderate, normal, high (and very high). Other properties comply with the marked values for EN-classified products. The specified values are minimum values.

Checklist 2. Additional properties that may need to be specified, e.g. due to special effects on the floor during the current use.