In the realm of constructing buildings, the significance of floors can be likened to the importance of a solid foundation. Not only do floors endure the daily rigors of our activities, but they also contribute significantly to the visual appeal of a building’s interior. Selecting the right flooring is a pivotal decision, necessitating versatility that aligns seamlessly with the unique characteristics of each building.
While there are numerous flooring types in construction, this article explores five distinctive options that deviate from the commonplace. These unconventional choices are Linoleum flooring, Rubber flooring, Parquet Wooden flooring, False flooring, and PVC or Vinyl flooring.
Composition and Characteristics: Linoleum flooring is a blend of linseed oil, gums, resins, pigments, wood flour, cork dust, and other fillers. It is available in rolls with widths ranging from 1.8 to 3.6 meters and thicknesses from 2mm to 6mm. Thicker linoleum is recommended for areas subjected to substantial wear, such as shops and hospitals.
Applications and Benefits: Known for its attractiveness, affordability, durability, resilience, and comfort, linoleum flooring is versatile. Its noise reduction properties make it suitable for diverse settings like residential spaces, restaurants, hospitals, and offices. However, it is not recommended for basement floors.
Composition and Characteristics: Rubber flooring comprises raw rubber, fillers (fiber, cork, etc.), pigments, and a small percentage of sulfur for vulcanization. It comes in sheet or tile form and is available in various colors.
Applications and Considerations: Elastic and visually appealing, rubber flooring finds applications in bathrooms and hospitals. However, it is susceptible to damage from oil and grease.
Specialized Use: False flooring is specifically designed for computer rooms to facilitate cable routing beneath the floor. These floors boast a load-carrying capacity of 1200 kg per square meter and a safe point load of 400 kg with minimal deflection.
Composition and Properties: PVC or vinyl flooring is a laminated, solid, resilient, and flexible material with high wear resistance. It is ideal for maintaining clean room conditions, available in rolls or tiles of varying sizes.
Chemical Resistance: The surface of vinyl flooring exhibits resistance to mild acids, alkalis, soaps, detergents, and petrol. Immediate cleaning is crucial in the case of spills to prevent potential damage.
Applications and Installation: Used in auditoriums, dance halls, and gymnasiums, parquet wooden flooring involves supporting wooden blocks on the subfloor. These blocks, not exceeding 10mm in thickness, are arranged in patterns, glued, nailed, and puttied for a secure and visually appealing finish.
Recent Innovations: A recent development includes parquet flooring made from plywood, showcasing the ongoing evolution in flooring solutions.
In conclusion, the choice of flooring is a pivotal aspect of building construction, influencing both functionality and aesthetics. Exploring these less common yet highly effective flooring options provides a broader perspective on tailoring choices to specific building requirements.
