When it comes to building construction, the floors of a building are just as crucial as its foundation. Not only do they need to withstand the daily wear and tear of our activities, but they also play a significant role in enhancing the aesthetics of the interior space. Selecting the right flooring material is essential to ensure versatility and suitability for your specific building needs.
In this article, we will explore five special types of flooring that are not commonly used but offer unique advantages in various construction scenarios. These flooring options are Linoleum, Rubber, Parquet Wooden, False, and PVC (Vinyl) flooring.
1. Linoleum Flooring
Overview: Linoleum flooring is a composite material made from linseed oil, gums, resins, pigments, wood flour, cork dust, and other fillers. It is available in rolls with varying widths (1.8 to 3.6 meters) and thicknesses (2mm to 6mm). Thicker linoleum is suitable for high-traffic areas such as offices and hospitals.
Benefits:
- Attractive appearance
- Cost-effective
- Durable
- Resilient
- Comfortable
- Moderately warm
- Easy to clean
- Noise reduction properties
Linoleum flooring finds applications in residential buildings, restaurants, hospitals, schools, libraries, and more. However, it is not recommended for use in basement floors.
2. Rubber Flooring
Overview: Rubber flooring is composed of raw rubber, fillers (such as fiber and cork), pigments, and a small amount of sulfur for vulcanization. It is available in both sheet and tile forms and comes in various colors.
Benefits:
- Elasticity
- Aesthetic appeal
- Noise reduction
- Sanitary
- Warmth
- Softness
However, it can be sensitive to oil and grease. Rubber flooring is commonly used in bathrooms, hospitals, and x-ray rooms.
3. False Flooring
Overview: False flooring is specifically used in computer rooms for cable routing beneath the floors. These floors have a designed load-carrying capacity of up to 1200 kg per square meter, making them ideal for supporting heavy equipment.
4. PVC Flooring or Vinyl Flooring
Overview: PVC or vinyl flooring is a solid resilient material known for its high wear resistance and flexibility. It is available in rolls and tiles of various sizes, with thickness options ranging from 1.5mm to 2mm.
Benefits:
- High wear resistance
- Resilience
- Resistance to mild acids, alkalis, and detergents
- Easy maintenance
It is perfect for maintaining clean room conditions, but immediate cleaning is essential for any chemical spills to prevent potential damage.
5. Parquet Wooden Flooring
Overview: Parquet wooden flooring is often used in auditoriums, dance halls, and gymnasiums. It involves wooden blocks supported on the subfloor, with a maximum thickness of 10mm.
The blocks are laid in desired patterns, fixed with hot glue, and secured with panel pins. The heads of these pins are removed, and putty is used to fill the holes. Plywood-based parquet flooring is a recent innovation in this category.
In conclusion, the choice of flooring material in building construction should align with the specific needs and requirements of the space. Each of these unique flooring options offers distinct advantages, ensuring that your building’s floors are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.