Is it possible to lay a laminate on linoleum: factors that influence the decision

Is it possible to lay a laminate on linoleum

A detailed step-by-step instruction, attached by each responsible manufacturer to the laminate produced by him, contains information about the acceptable options for the basis. Manufacturers convince that laying laminate on linoleum, as well as on parquet flooring, can be done subject to the rules prescribed in the general recommendations. However, the process of arranging a room using this material, mounted on top of linoleum, has several subtle nuances. It is advisable to know about them for those who do not seek to redo work again in a couple of years.

Content

• Why lay on a linoleum laminate?
• If linoleum will be the basis

• Dependence on the age of the base
• New linoleum and laminate flooring

An illiterate laid laminate floor after a short period of time will begin to creak, “heave” with a kind of house, make unpleasant vibrations underfoot. Then the castle system will be shaken and broken, gaps will appear, moisture, dust, sand, brought on shoe soles from the street, will penetrate through them. These are the natural consequences of violations of technology and manufacturer’s recommendations, among which improper preparation of the foundation is often a decisive factor..

Why lay on a linoleum laminate?

At first glance, this method should be surprising. Indeed, in the predominant number of cases, the old floor is completely dismantled. However, the floor covering provided that it complies with building codes and the rules specified by the manufacturer can be used as an excellent substrate that attenuates sound resonance inherent in laminated floors. The owner of the premises will not need to purchase cork or foam material, spend time installing the cushioning and leveling layer, which is especially necessary in multi-storey buildings with restless neighbors.

Thanks to the thermal insulation qualities of linoleum, heat losses will be significantly reduced. This is important for owners of autonomous low-rise buildings and owners of apartments located in the first floors directly above the first ceilings and basements from the foundation. Therefore, linoleum as an additional layer of the multilayer floor structure will allow to obtain an economic effect, both during installation and during subsequent operation.

If linoleum will be the basis

In order to avoid premature wear of the laminated coating, laid on top of linoleum, it is necessary to take into account the following series of requirements:

• the floor surface with wall linoleum should not have hollows, bends and bulges with plane level differences of more than 2 mm per 2m of the finished area;
• the linoleum base, acting as a substrate, must be dry, absolutely clean;
• linoleum must be firmly and securely attached to the floor.

It is recommended to lay an additional insulation layer between the laminate and linoleum. It will increase the thermal characteristics of the floor and reduce the penetration of sound vibrations. Preferably, the thickness of the material selected for the device of the insulating interlayer is greater than 2 mm. The insulating layer is placed across the direction of the flooring boards.

Dependence on the age of the base

The question “is it possible to lay a laminate on linoleum”, there are several correct answers. They depend on the quality and “age” of the floor covering. Of course, the old worn linoleum is not suitable for flooring. Especially if the floor plane is not perfect. It must be completely dismantled, the concrete surface must be polished, it is advisable to make a new polymer or concrete screed.

The old, but still strong and even floor with linoleum should also be mistrusted. If the material used for the arrangement was released about fifteen years ago, it simply ended its operational life. Old versions of this flooring were equipped with a fabric base, it naturally wore out over the years of active use. The products released in the last century also had problems with environmental safety. There is another unpleasant pitfall: under the linoleum, colonies of bacteria destroying building materials could breed, mold, fungus could appear that adversely affect sanitary and hygienic conditions and people’s health.

New linoleum and laminate flooring

Who may want to lay laminate flooring on brand new linoleum?

• The owners of apartments in a new building, if the developer sold the apartment with a fine finish.
• The new owners repaired before the sale of housing from the secondary fund.
• A similar situation may arise if the linoleum previously selected does not harmonize with the general interior solution..

A well-equipped floor with new linoleum will help reduce the amount needed to purchase the material. Thanks to the presence of this leveling layer, you can buy a laminate with a smaller thickness of the strips. It will be significantly cheaper than flooring, the thickness of the elements of which varies from 9 to 11 mm. Laminate flooring with boards no thicker than 8 mm can be laid on a perfectly aligned surface.

If you still decide to dismantle the worn out old linoleum, then the installation process of the laminate flooring strips is carried out according to general standards.

Laminate flooring can be laid on linoleum if it forms a solid, strong, perfectly even base as specified in the building codes. Old linoleum is not suitable for further use as a leveling layer and substrate.