Quartz vinyl tiles. Is quartz-vinyl tile on the kitchen floor harmful? Quartz vinyl flooring

Quartz-vinyl flooring is a durable coating with a high degree of wear resistance. Initially, the scope of such floors was considered exclusively industrial premises. Quartz-vinyl tile flooring has proven itself as a flooring suitable for areas with very high traffic and wheeled vehicles. For some time now, quartz-vinyl tiles have also been used as a finishing material for floors in apartments. Reviews of experts indicate that the domestic use of this material has become possible due to major changes in its design. What is a quartz sand floor tile?

What are tiles made from?

The main component of the tile composition is quartz sand, the proportion of which, depending on the model of the material, ranges from 60 to 80%. For the production of flooring, other elements that perform their functions are also used. Quartz sand itself provides the finished flooring with high strength, resistance to high humidity and fire resistance.

The remaining components: vinyl, plasticizers, stabilizers, pigments - improve the properties of the tile and are responsible for the aesthetics of its appearance. Thanks to plasticizers, the finished material acquires some flexibility necessary during installation, and stabilizers protect the floor covering from light and temperature effects. The material acquires one or another color due to the addition of special pigments; special additives allow to achieve the effect of imitation of any texture.

As the top layer of the tile, manufacturers use polyurethane, metallized polish and other products that help to simultaneously give the coating an attractive look and protect it from external influences as much as possible.

Quartz tile used for flooring is a multilayer material. The coverage structure from bottom to top looks like this:

• 1 layer - PVC base, which ensures the stability of the coating and good adhesion of the adhesive to the floor base;
• 2 layer - fiberglass, which performs a reinforcing function;
• 3 layer - directly quartz vinyl, is the central layer;
• 4th layer - a decorative layer responsible for the relief, pattern and color of the finished coating;
• 5 layer - a protective transparent substrate, protects the pattern from fading;
• 6th layer - polyurethane layer, which increases wear resistance and resistance to chemical attack.

Pros and cons of tiles

Quartz-vinyl tile has its own advantages and disadvantages that you need to study before making a purchase. The advantages of the material include high wear resistance, which allows the use of the material where there is an intensive movement of people and machines. The use of such material in everyday life allows you to guarantee a long service life of the floor covering. If one of the finished floor tiles becomes unusable, it can be easily replaced with a new element. You can make a replacement with your own hands without the involvement of specialists.

Among the advantages of quartz-vinyl tiles, fire safety, antistatic and moisture resistance should be noted. The moisture resistance of tiles can be estimated at almost 100%: due to its composition, it is not at all afraid of water. Thanks to the main component of the composition - quartz sand - the tile does not support combustion and does not emit toxic compounds.

One of the advantages of quartz tiles over other floor coverings is the excellent soundproofing qualities of the material. The coating has the ability to absorb shock noise up to 19 dB, which provides a comfortable atmosphere in the room.

Quartz vinyl floor tiles are available in a wide range, you can choose the material with the surface design that suits your apartment. The tile is easily and quickly mounted, simply removed and inexpensive, but with all the listed advantages of the materials, one should not forget about the presence of material shortcomings.

The main disadvantage of using quartz tiles for flooring is the need for high-quality preparation of a perfectly even base. Before installing the tiles, hydro and thermal insulation should be laid: these works are carried out without fail, otherwise the finished floor will be cold and uncomfortable to move. To create an even base, most often a screed is poured, which lengthens the time for repair work, as it must dry out for several weeks.

Choosing a tile

When choosing a tile, you need to pay attention to several points: the manufacturer, the size and thickness of the elements, the wear resistance class and the color scheme. The most popular quartz tile manufacturers today are Upofloor, Armstrong, Rikett Flooring, Polyfloor, Art Tile. The material is produced in the form of squares and rectangles of different sizes with a thickness of 1.6 to 3.2 mm.

The most commonly used type of quartz coating is a square tile with a side of 30 or 60 cm. Such elements are easy to fit and allow you to create a single canvas without a specific pattern. Manufacturers produce tiles in the form of rectangles and triangles. Such materials are suitable when you want to assemble a floor with an unusual pattern. If necessary, the tiles can be cut into curved elements: the parts are made using the water cutting method. The preparation of such elements is possible only at the factory and requires additional costs for the preparation of the sketch and the cutting process itself. The result of the work will eventually be an exclusive floor covering with an original pattern. You can evaluate the effectiveness of this finishing method in the photo of finished floors.

Quartz-vinyl floor tiles can have a thickness of up to 3.2 mm, the maximum thickness allows the material to be classified as the highest wear resistance class 43. It is not necessary to purchase such tiles for finishing floors in an apartment; the coating with the greatest thickness belongs to the group of industrial materials, the use of which in residential premises does not make sense. As a floor covering for an apartment, materials of 23-42 wear resistance classes, characterized by a thickness of 2-2.5 mm, are suitable. Thinner quartz tiles can only be used where there is little traffic.

In terms of abrasion, quartz-vinyl tiles are also divided into several categories, the best of which is the “T” category. Most models of quartz tiles currently sold on the Russian market correspond to this category. Class "T" material is very durable, resistant to chemicals, including alkalis and acids.

When choosing a tile for your apartment, you should pay attention to the category of combustibility and smoke-generating ability of the material. Quartz tiles for finishing apartment floors must meet the categories G-2 (fire resistance) and D-2 (smoke generation). It is not advisable to purchase material of higher categories for domestic purposes.

The design of quartz tiles is selected based on your personal preferences and the general idea of ​​​​the interior of the room in which the renovation is being done. You can choose the desired pattern or imitation of the natural texture of different colors and tones.

Installation of quartz tiles

Quartz-vinyl coverings can be mounted in two ways: with or without glue. In the first case, the floors are assembled from elements attached to the base with glue, in the second - from tiles with a lock connection. The latter method is good because there is no need to adhere the coating to the base, you do not need to buy a special adhesive, and the assembly and disassembly of the floor is as easy as possible. The elements of the tile are connected to each other according to the "thorn-groove" principle. The indisputable advantage of this method of installing a quartz floor is the ability to disassemble the coating without damaging the material.

Laying quartz-vinyl floors with adhesive is more difficult to perform. For installation you will need a special glue. Acrylic adhesives and rubber-based vinyl compounds are suitable as an adhesive, but the best option is a special compound recommended by the manufacturer of your chosen tile.

Laying quartz tiles begins with preparatory work. First you need to dismantle the old coating and carefully level the work surface. After dismantling the previous finishing layer, it is required to remove construction debris, and then putty all cracks and crevices. The working surface must be perfectly flat: all bulges and pits must be eliminated. If it is not possible to level the base, then resort to using a leveling screed.

Next, you can proceed to fixing the tile itself. To do this, the marking of the starting point and the line of laying the elements of the coating is done. Then glue is applied to the marked area with a spatula and the tile itself is laid. Over the tile should be walked several times with a roller, this is necessary to smooth the coating. Corner and edge tiles, if necessary, are cut to the required parameters. All excess glue is carefully removed with a sponge or rag.

Quartz-vinyl floors are not very demanding on installation conditions, but experts say that it is still necessary to follow some rules. Quartz tiles should be laid on a dry base, the moisture content of which should not exceed 5-6%. Floor elements are laid on the surface covered with glue not immediately, but after a few minutes. To achieve the best result, experts advise following the recommendations of tile and adhesive manufacturers. The instructions for the adhesive composition contain complete instructions for its use.

There is no need to strongly press the tile to the floor, the material will stick to the base anyway, but excessive pressing in some places can disrupt the unity of the canvas. For good gluing of the elements, two-time rolling with a roller is enough. There should not be any distances between the tiles themselves, but at the joints with the walls it is recommended to leave small gaps, which are then filled with sealant.

In order for the finished coating to have an attractive appearance and excellent strength, the working base must be even, and air must not penetrate under the tile during installation. Additional processing of densely laid quartz-vinyl tiles is not required, but in rooms with high humidity it is recommended to treat the joints between the elements using cold welding.

Vinyl and quartz-vinyl tiles: Differences and features.

Quartz-vinyl tile

Quartz-vinyl-based floor tiles are a new generation of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flooring. The main difference in composition is the presence of quartz sand. The last component is not so small - as much as 60-80%, while PVC and various additives - about 20%. Quartz-vinyl tiles are closer in origin to the mineral quartz than to PVC. This gives the tile strength, almost zero abrasion, fire safety, moisture resistance. The presence of polyvinyl chloride in the composition allows you to imitate any materials, as well as their texture.

Quartz-vinyl tile is multi-layered:

The first, top layer is a transparent durable polyurethane, this layer protects the tiles from scratches, deformations, abrasion;

The second visible layer is a decorative film. She is responsible for the coloring and pattern of the flooring;

The third layer consists of quartz vinyl. It is basic and gives the coating its main properties: strength, sound insulation, moisture resistance;

The fourth layer performs a reinforcing function and consists of fiberglass. Glass fiber forms the structure of the coating, makes the tile resistant to deformation;

Fifth, base soi is made up of vinyl.

By production of a quartz vinyl tile harmful substances are not used. This distinguishes quartz vinyl tiles from linoleum, in the production of which plasticizers and foam concentrates are used. Not for nothing, as you know, linoleum has a strong unpleasant odor, which is associated with the release (emission) of enough substances from it. So, quartz vinyl tile is an environmentally friendly material!

Vinyl tiles

In vinyl tiles, the calender backing is a pvc layer made by successive rolling through a roll system. This technology allows you to get a fairly thin, but at the same time dense material. The base also plays the role of a heat-insulating material. Also, fiberglass is used in the structure of vinyl tiles, thanks to which the tile does not stretch or shrink. The decorative layer of vinyl tiles gives a lot of colors, a relief transparent layer, protects the surface from damage. There is no quartz sand in vinyl tiles. In general, the production of vinyl tiles is similar to the production of commercial linoleum.

Pros and cons of PVC tiles:

Floor tiles have antifungal and antibacterial properties

Due to its unique structure, the tile dampens the shock load on the human spine when walking or during physical exercises, and also has a high injury safety. For these reasons, it is placed in children's rooms, as well as in gyms.

The tile is not afraid of water, even boiling water. It does not change its geometric dimensions, does not swell and does not allow water to leak at the joints. This property allows the use of tiles in the "wet areas" of apartments and houses, as well as in the decoration of residential areas of sea and river transport

The tile is easy to install, does not require special tools and skills

Repairability of PVC tiles - very quickly damaged vinyl tiles can be easily replaced with the same tiles. At the same time, the work is carried out silently and dustlessly. To do this, you do not need to dismantle the entire floor, as is the case with laminated floors, the replacement of one tile is local and does not require the dismantling of the entire coating. This feature makes the coating very durable, while maintaining an impeccable appearance.

Water resistance. The tile is not afraid of water and aggressive detergents, has 43 wear resistance class.

Impact resistance - floor tiles are not afraid of shock loads, even if a heavy object falls, it will remain intact.

Excellent decorative properties - a large number of colors and decors, the possibility of combining tiles from different manufacturers and creating a pattern from tiles.

When installing adhesive coatings, it is not required to leave gaps and thresholds between rooms, which significantly improves the appearance of the premises.

The main disadvantage of vill and quartz-vinyl coatings is that PVC coatings are very thin and repeat all the unevenness of the floor; before installation, you need to pay a lot of attention to the screed. The floor must be perfectly flat, otherwise pvc tiles can repeat all the irregularities of the base. Also of the minuses, it is worth noting its artificiality. It cannot boast of high aesthetic properties, which are so valued today. It does not have the nobility of wood, the tactile sensations when walking on tiles are completely different.

On our site you can find pvc tiles for every taste and color.

We offer a huge selection of manufacturers of quartz vinyl tiles (Art tile, DeArt Floor, Refloor, Decoria, Fine Floor, Orhid Tile, Vinilam) and vinyl (Tarkett New Age, Lounge, Jazz).

Each of us is trying to make our living space more ergonomic and comfortable, and plays a significant role in arranging a country house or a city apartment. But aesthetic qualities alone are not enough. When choosing a coating, you should not make hasty decisions and focus only on the appearance and cost, since these criteria do not affect the quality of the product.

The choice should be consistent and thoughtful, then it will turn out to transform the interior with a sufficiently high-quality coating and forget about dismantling work and various unpleasant alterations for a long time. For this, it is better to use quartz-vinyl tiles.

Contributed to the creation of an atmosphere of warmth and comfort in the house, but had drawbacks. Over time, it dried and cracked. Linoleum was much more practical, but the poor choice for design did not give a chance to get a highly aesthetic result.

Or linoleum on the floors looks perfect, but, unfortunately, these materials are not as durable as piece ceramic products. Ceramic tile corresponds to the indicator of a long service life, but it is not entirely durable and can crack under mechanical stress, which will finally violate the integrity of the coating.

Fortunately, today the situation on the materials market has changed, and we have the opportunity to get a lot of alternative solutions.

Benefits of vinyl flooring

Vinyl floors have become a good substitute for expensive parquet, and now, thanks to various functional characteristics, it has become possible to create original design compositions, fill the interior with individual details, and combine various textures and shapes.

Vinyl floors combine the advantages of laminate, wood floors, linoleum and at the same time are completely devoid of their disadvantages. As manufacturers tell us, this is almost a unique floor covering. But is it true? In this article, we will deal with the disadvantages and advantages of vinyl floors, carefully consider the quality characteristics.

Production technology

The relatively low cost of vinyl coating is due to the simple production technology. It is based on the method of hot pressing of polyvinyl chloride, quartz chips and a mass of inert fillers and various components. And although vinyl floors are made up of non-natural elements, this coating is quite safe for people regarding toxic emissions.

Types of vinyl coverings

Vinyl flooring is made in three versions - these are rolls, rectangular tiles and vinyl laminate. They are divided into wear resistance classes and have different quality and technical characteristics.

The wear resistance class is the main characteristic that is paid attention to when buying a floor covering.

Wear classes

– 43rd class in terms of wear resistance (protective layer 3 mm). Vinyl flooring for high traffic areas and heavy floor loads. It is used, as a rule, in gyms, production shops, warehouses, etc. Features of the vinyl coating of the 43rd class are anti-slip and antistatic properties of the top layer, increased elasticity. The service life is about 20 years.

- 32nd - 42nd class in terms of wear resistance (protective layer 2.5 mm). Vinyl flooring for public spaces. The service life is about 12-15 years.

- 23rd - 31st class for wear resistance (protective layer 2 mm). Vinyl covering for domestic premises with low traffic intensity. The service life is about 7 years.

Advantages of quartz-vinyl tiles

Quartz-vinyl tile ideally combines the entire set of universal quality parameters and has properties that make it possible to use it in almost any room. Manufacturers managed to combine in one coating the entire list of necessary criteria that symbolize that this material is really of high quality and reliable.

Material composition

The composition of the material contains quartz sand, which gives the coating strength, vinyl ensures the plasticity of the created composition, and high thermal stability and wear resistance is achieved by applying a top layer of polyurethane, which is able to withstand any mechanical stress.

In addition, the polyurethane layer has a high moisture resistance, so this coating can be used in the bathroom, kitchen, hall and other rooms, as the material is laid end to end, which completely eliminates the penetration of moisture to the rough base and has additional waterproofing protection in kind of glue. The material has a high coefficient of thermal stability, which completely eliminates deformation during temperature changes.

Range

A wide range of coatings deserves special attention; the line includes a huge number of different textures that imitate any finishing material. The modern collection includes a wide range of textures - wood, slate, ceramics, stone. A high rate of frost resistance allows the use of quartz-vinyl tiles on open verandas.

Self-adhesive floors

Dealing with the types of vinyl coating, self-adhesive floors can be designated as a separate group - adhesive material is applied on the back side, covered with a special protective film. This coating greatly facilitates installation and you do not have to bother yourself with the choice and search for glue. The cost of such coverage is slightly higher than usual.

protective layer

Quartz-vinyl tiles are covered with a protective layer, which has the highest - 43rd wear resistance class. He is not afraid of falling heavy objects, exposure to chemicals, the tile is resistant to scratches and other damage. The protective layer gives the tiles an anti-slip effect, which reduces the risk of possible falls and injuries.

Coating structure

The coating structure is multi-layered and consists of 5 parts:

1. Base (adhesive layer with a protective film), in other words it is a self-adhesive floor.
2. Polyvinyl chloride layer (base layer).
3. Decorative layer with an image. There is a very rich choice of both plain coatings and various patterns (patterns, images, imitations of natural materials, etc.)
4. A transparent layer of polyvinyl chloride, which is UV protection.
5. A layer of polyurethane treated with ultraviolet rays, which protects the coating from mechanical damage.

Advantages of quartz-vinyl coating

• Resistance to mechanical damage (with proper use and care, vinyl will last you for many years).
• Waterproof (high humidity is not a hindrance to the use of vinyl in bathrooms and toilets).
• Durability (operation period up to 20 years, depending on the wear resistance class).
• Possibility of laying self-adhesive tiles on the old flooring.

disadvantages

• Since the tile is quite flexible, a perfectly flat base is required for laying. Otherwise, floor imperfections will be noticeable.
• Self-adhesive tiles cannot be glued to a cement screed, in such cases it is better to purchase products with a tenon-groove fastening.
• Additional floor insulation is required (unfortunately, the vinyl coating has a small thickness).
• Pretty high cost.

findings

With the help of quartz-vinyl tiles, you can realize any design fantasy. A variety of designer decors for vinyl flooring allow you to create these types of flooring. Vinyl flooring is easy to clean: just wipe with a damp cloth to remove dirt.

Quartz vinyl floor tile is a material admired by manufacturers and retailers. An innovative structure, a lot of advantages and an almost complete absence of disadvantages. Is this cover really perfect? Our independent analysis will help you figure it out.

What is the tile made from?

Quartz-vinyl flooring is made up of several highly bonded layers. 60-80% quartz sand is added to the mixture for the base layer, the remaining share of 20-40% is occupied by polyvinyl chloride and various additives.

On the decorative layer photo printing is applied, the pattern of which very realistically imitates natural materials - wood, marble, granite, pebbles and others. Base layer from a mixture of vinyl and quartz makes the tile durable, flexible and gives the perfect geometry.

Function protective layer- prevent chipping, abrasion and color fading.

Advantages of quartz-vinyl flooring

1. Huge range of decors. Wood of various species is transmitted not only externally, but also to the touch with the help of a textured surface. Stone-look tile looks as chic as natural material, but at the same time it doesn’t slip when wet, it’s not cold, it’s not loud. The modularity of the tiles allows you to lay out different patterns on the floor, creating a unique floor covering.

2. More affordable price compared to solid board, cork floors, parquet.

3. Wear resistance and long service life. To comply with this paragraph, it is important to choose the right tile, which we will discuss below.

4. 100% moisture resistant. Calmly tolerates spilled water and frequent wet cleaning, as well as prolonged flooding.

5. Reliable, does not crack when heavy objects are dropped.

6. Quick and easy installation, which even a beginner can do.

7. Easy care if the surface is smooth.

8. Does not form mold and mildew even in high humidity conditions.

Cons of quartz-vinyl floors

In order to choose the right flooring, it is important to know the shortcomings of PVC tiles, which we were able to identify by studying information from manufacturers, research scientists and customer reviews.

1. Although the tile contains quartz sand, it is in fact artificial material, which can cause allergies, especially in children and chronic allergy sufferers.

2. As plasticizers are added to the protective layer of the tile phthalates- salts that do not bind to polymer molecules, so they constantly evaporate into the surrounding air. The negative impact of phthalates on the reproductive system, liver and kidneys, their ability to provoke asthma, oncology, and metabolic disorders has been proven. Children are especially susceptible to the effects - psycho-neurological conditions associated with distracted attention, lack of self-control may develop, boys may experience suppression of male sexual characteristics.

3. Stabilizers in PVC tiles help to maintain the original properties, do not age. In their role, some manufacturers use lead and cadmium - heavy metals whose detrimental effect is a well-known fact. European brands add zinc and calcium as stabilizers, otherwise they will not pass certification. But Chinese and Korean manufacturers choose cheaper components, so there is a high probability of heavy metals in their products.

3. Consumer and us tested - quartz-vinyl floor static and attracts dust.

4. Textured tile surface difficult to wash, the dirt is clogged in the veins and between the roughness.

5. PVC products decompose for decades, and when smoldering, it releases toxic chlorine compounds, which causes significant damage to the environment.

Another feature that cannot be attributed to pluses or minuses is that quartz-vinyl tiles are labeled for fire hazard - KM2-KM3 (weakly or moderately combustible, moderately flammable, moderately toxic, with high smoke-generating ability). It should be borne in mind that when exposed to fire, PVC begins to release toxic vinyl chloride and other compounds into the air, so in case of fire, you must immediately leave the room with PVC flooring.

What is the best quartz-vinyl flooring?

When deciding to choose PVC floor tiles, it is important to adhere to the following rules:

1. Select material in accordance with the class of the room:

• 23-31 class - for residential premises with a low degree of exploitation.

• 32-42 class - home premises with high traffic, commercial - with an average intensity of operation.

• Class 43 - commercial premises with high traffic - foyers, halls, corridors of shopping centers, airports, as well as industrial premises.

2. Choose tiles with a protective layer thickness of at least 0.3 mm, and for commercial premises - at least 0.5 mm. 2mm thick tiles for home use only. This recommendation is based on feedback from our customers. We present one of them. There are white scuff marks on the floor.

Given that fading began to occur after a year of operation, we do not exclude the marriage of a batch of South Korean tiles. Its characteristics are: thickness 3 mm, protective layer 0.3 mm, wear resistance class - 32.

3. Before laying PVC tiles, it is necessary to prepare the base in accordance with the requirements of SNiP. This is a prerequisite for the durability of the coating, despite the fact that the tile is flexible. The service life and resistance to wear of the floor depends on the evenness of the base.

• The base must be level and stable over the entire area of ​​the room. The maximum difference is 2 mm per 1 m.

• The base must have a strength of at least 15 MPa.

• To check the geometric characteristics of the base, you can use the "rule" tool with a length of 2 m.

• When using a self-leveling mixture, the thickness of its layer is provided at least 2 mm.

4. Think about safety. The content of phthalates, heavy metals, polyvinyl chloride is the worst solution for a child's room or bedroom. It is quite acceptable to use tiles in corridors, on loggias and balconies, in garages, warehouses, halls - where people stay for a short time.

Which PVC tile manufacturer is the best?

Here are some brands of quartz-vinyl flooring and their features:

South Korea. Service life - 25 years. Wear resistance classes - 32-43. Application in the temperature range from -15 to +60 ⁰С. Thickness - 3 mm. Protective layer: 42/32 class - 0.2 - 0.25 mm, 42/33 class - 0.3 mm, 43/33 class - 0.5 mm. Resistant to short-term exposure to burning cigarettes. NanoSilver coating with silver ions provides protection against germs. Fire danger - KM2.

Orchid Tile. South Korea. Thickness 3 mm, protective layer 0.3 mm. 34 application class.

Art Tile. South Korea. For premises of 34-43 classes (residential, commercial and industrial). Has a surface with antibacterial properties. Protective layer PU 0.5 mm. Fire hazard class: KM2.

Alpine floor. South Korea. Thickness 3-5.5 mm. Protective layer Extreme Protection 0.3-0.5 mm depending on the collection. For premises of 34-43 classes. Fire danger - KM2.

There are other South Korean brands (for example, Laflor coated with NanoSilver), the characteristics of which approximately coincide with the above brands.

Among them, we would like to highlight PVC tiles with NanoSilver antibacterial coating, which helps fight harmful microorganisms. Tiles with a protective layer of 0.5 mm will last a long time, so we can recommend it. However, do not forget about the content of phthalates, which manufacturers are usually silent about. We do not recommend using these coatings in bedrooms and children's rooms.

fine floor. Belgium. Very durable tiles, can withstand loads up to 100 kg per m2. Wear class 34-43. Thickness - 2.5-4.5 mm, protective layer 0.3-0.5 mm. Fire certificate KM2. Certificates confirming the safety and absence of harmful substances.

CERAMIN by Classen. Germany. Innovation in flooring. Blend of natural minerals with polyolefins used in food and medicine packaging. Does not contain phthalates, chlorine, plasticizers, heavy metals. The coating is available for recycling. Top layer SEALTEC.

As you can see, there are European brands that do not contain phthalates and have all certificates confirming safety. Indeed, in Europe strictly monitor the quality. However, European floor coverings are more expensive than South Korean ones and, due to their cost, are not in demand in Russia. Their price can be compared with a parquet board or cork floors in the economy segment. And often natural coating wins.

Which quartz-vinyl floor to choose is up to the buyer. But in order for it to serve for a long time, it is important to follow our recommendations. Tiles with a thickness of 2 mm and a protective layer of 0.2 mm will probably last 10 years in the living room, but in the corridor, most likely, they will quickly wear out and change color.

Of the budget, but reliable Korean options, we advise you to opt for tiles of the Decoria and LaFlor brands with silver ions.

The responsibility for safety also falls on the shoulders of consumers. in Russia there is no mandatory certification of floor coverings, and products with phthalates in the composition continue to enter the market.

We advise our customers to purchase natural coatings in residential premises. For example, a cork floor lasts for decades, and when it loses its original properties, it is varnished and looks like new. A durable material is also a parquet board, which gives the aesthetics and comfort of natural wood.

Quartz vinyl tile is a relatively new building material that is of great interest to home remodelers. This increased demand is due to the fact that this type of coating has a number of necessary qualities and requirements for the floor. Thanks to the analysis of customer reviews, you will find out which tiles the majority of Russian consumers choose.

What is quartz tile?

The new coating, which has many positive qualities compared to laminate, parquet, is called "quartz-vinyl floor tiles". Reviews about her are mostly positive. The coating is a heavy and dense material, at the same time flexible and resilient, which has proven itself in finishing both outdoors and indoors.

Composition of quartz vinyl tiles

This material belongs to advanced PVC coatings, which include, in addition to polyvinyl chloride, also Sand-quartz makes up a mass fraction of 60 to 80%, the remaining 20-40% is PVC and impurities. In its composition, the quartz-vinyl coating is closer to the mineral quartz than to polyvinyl chloride, which affects the quality and characteristics of the material. It has almost zero abrasion, fireproof and moisture resistant.

This flooring, due to the presence of polyvinyl chloride in its composition, is able to imitate the texture of various materials - wood, granite, slate, marble. Quartz-vinyl floor tiles instantly spread reviews about themselves: buyers note that it does not break into pieces and does not crack even when a heavy object is dropped on it.

Layering of quartz vinyl panels

Like many coatings, quartz vinyl tiles have a heterogeneous structure, it consists of several layers:

1. Vinyl - is the basis of the tile, which provides adhesion to the subfloor.
2. Fiberglass - is a reinforcing layer consisting of thin plates, which are obtained by hot pressing without the use of harmful chemical additives.
3. Quartz vinyl is a kind of unique material, it consists of fine river sand without impurities and pure shell rock.
4. A decorative layer that gives an aesthetic appearance to the material, it imitates any surface, including natural ones.
5. Polyurethane is a transparent layer applied over tiles that increases the durability of the flooring.

It is clear that all parts of the coating, called "quartz vinyl tile", must be fastened together. The binding element is polyvinyl chloride, which is absolutely safe for humans and perfectly glues any surface. As a result, the thickness of quartz vinyl floor tiles is 1.6-4 mm.

Some details about the composition of quartz vinyl

Each element in this product has its own function. In addition to quartz sand, quartz-vinyl tile, reviews of which speak for themselves, consists of a variety of plasticizers, stabilizers, pigment and other additives. The former are used to give the material elasticity. Stabilizers neutralize the negative effects of extreme temperatures, ultraviolet rays.

In order to simplify the care of the flooring made of quartz vinyl boards as much as possible, manufacturers of this material use various methods: they cover the front surface with polyurethane or use metallized emulsion polish as a protection, etc.

Despite the fact that quartz-vinyl floor tiles have excellent reviews, but, like any finishing material, this coating has its positive and negative sides.

Advantages of quartz vinyl tiles

Many appreciate quartz vinyl tiles for their high strength and phenomenal wear resistance. Among other things, due to the fact that polyvinyl chloride is included in the composition of this finishing material, quartz vinyl floor tiles acquire natural warmth. In the reviews, buyers note that it is pleasant to the touch, unlike ceramic. The main advantages of quartz vinyl flooring:

1. Environmental friendliness of the material. Harmful substances are not emitted even at high temperatures.
2. Quartz vinyl tile, reviews of which tell us that it does not absorb water at all, is widely used in rooms with a high level of humidity.
3. Fire resistance. It does not support the combustion process, that is, it is a self-extinguishing material.
4. High resistance to chemical agents.
5. A high level of wear resistance and, accordingly, durability, the service life of the tile is 25 years.
6. Resistant to temperature changes.
7. Impact resistance.
8. It has noise-absorbing qualities.
9. Ease of maintenance and repair. Tiles can be washed with any detergent. If repairs are needed, a single tile can be easily removed and replaced with a new panel.
10. Excellent aesthetic properties.
11. If desired, you can make a "warm" floor under quartz vinyl tiles, there is no need to lay a substrate.
12. The material does not conduct electricity and is antistatic.

Disadvantages of quartz vinyl coating

In addition to the above advantages, this flooring has its drawbacks, consumers in their reviews note that:

1. Gaps may appear between the tiles over time, which cannot happen when using rolled materials.
2. It is undesirable to mount the tile on a cement base, since quartz-vinyl tile, reviews of which indicate its high heat transfer and thermal conductivity, will still always be cool in rooms with a concrete cold floor.
3. Installation of a quartz vinyl coating requires a carefully prepared surface, since all the irregularities will be clearly visible after laying the tiles, because the material is quite thin. Judging by the reviews, laying quartz vinyl tiles causes some difficulties for ordinary people, but this disadvantage is compensated by other positive characteristics.

Where Can Quartz Vinyl Tiles Be Used?

Due to its composition, quartz-vinyl floor tiles do not change their physical parameters under the influence of high humidity, as well as from temperature changes. After a sufficiently long time, the floor will not creak and retain its aesthetic external data. The manufacturer recommends using it in rooms with temperatures ranging from -30 to +60 degrees. This means that this floor covering can be used in any premises:

• in living rooms;
• children's rooms;
• bathroom;
• kitchen;
• dressing room;
• on the terrace;
• veranda;
• unglazed balcony;
• in the shop;
• office.

If you analyze customer reviews, you can see that the majority installs quartz vinyl in living rooms and bedrooms, less often in the kitchen and bathroom.

Dimensions and design of quartz vinyl boards

The sizes of such tiles are different, the most common are 30 x 30 and 60 x 60 cm. The coating is 2-2.4 mm thick - the most demanded by consumers testify to this). It is from this indicator - thickness - that the level of wear resistance of the material depends.

In construction stores, customers are offered quartz vinyl panels of different configurations: square, rectangular, triangular. Since this material can be used in almost any room, it is possible to choose a suitable design, especially since the front surface of the tiles can imitate any range of shades, tones and colors. In their reviews, consumers are satisfied with a wide range of products, most choose square or rectangular slabs.

Types and types of fastening of quartz vinyl panels

There are several ways to connect tiles:

1. With adhesive locks. Each tile has 4 adhesive strips: 2 outside and 2 inside. Thanks to them, the panels are connected to each other. The gap between them is imperceptible, even by touch it is very difficult to determine. It is necessary to lay this type of panel on a flat surface. In the reviews, many write that it is not necessary to remove the old coating, the main thing is that the base is even.
2. Glue mounting. In this case, the quartz vinyl tile does not have any locks and is attached with a special adhesive to the floor base. This material is attached only to a perfectly leveled surface, preferably treated with a primer solution.
3. Glue method. The entire back side of the quartz vinyl panel is covered with a compound that provides adhesion to any kind of surface. According to reviews, most use this method of attaching tile material.
4. Groove method. It is similar to the connection of tiles, where there is a spike on one side and a groove on the other. For laying this coating, a flat subfloor surface is also required.
5. Connection with a lock. The basis for it is plastic, with spikes located along the edge in such a way as to be fixed in special locks that are located on the adjacent panel. To install tiles with a locking connection, a flat surface is required, since this material is not flexible and plastic enough.

Installation Instructions for Quartz Vinyl Flooring

From this article it becomes clear that the most popular modern coating is quartz vinyl tiles, reviews, the whole truth about the qualities and physical parameters of which have already been studied and discussed above. To properly mount it, you need to heed the advice of more experienced craftsmen, which they leave in their reviews:

1. It is necessary to lay tiles on a flat and dry screed. The base must be pre-cleaned of dust and dirt.
2. It is necessary to eliminate all cracks, height differences, bumps. It is recommended to treat the concrete base with soil and, if necessary, trim.
3. The temperature required for the installation of a quartz vinyl coating should not be lower than 15 degrees Celsius.
4. Tiles must be glued back to back. For fixing, it is desirable to use acrylic dispersion compounds or rubber-based vinyl adhesive.
5. The coating elements must be placed tightly to each other, but they must not be strongly compressed or squeezed.
6. After laying the tile, you need to press it to the base of the floor and roll it with a massive roller in all directions for better adhesion.

Floor coverings based on vinyl and quartz will create a reliable wear-resistant floor in the room that is not afraid of moisture and temperature fluctuations. With careful and proper care, this coating will last for decades and will delight you with its impeccable appearance.