Sheet Vinyl
Sheet Vinyl flooring is a type of resilient flooring made from plastic. Vinyl sheets come in rolls that are generally either six or twelve feet in width. Each roll contains one single sheet of vinyl which is rolled flat and cut precisely to the shape of the floor. If the floor being covered with vinyl is too large for one sheet, a second sheet will be applied, thus creating a seam where the sheets meet. The numerous advantages of vinyl flooring make it one of the most common commercial floor coverings for those seeking durable and cost-effective solutions. The benefits of sheet vinyl include the variety of colors and styles available which will create exciting new design possibilities, the quality of the floor, its durability, practical maintenance and its moisture and stain resistant characteristics. Furthermore, sheet vinyl floor is padded and hence more comfortable on a person’s feet than other types of floors and are often slip-resistant, making them a superior choice for health care applications. There are several different construction factors to consider when choosing the right sheet vinyl flooring for your facility including, wear layers, decorative processes and different backings. These factors will have a direct affect on your vinyl floor’s appearance, durability and maintenance. Knowing some of the basic differences will help you decide the right flooring for your facility.
Vinyl Construction
There are two types of sheet vinyl floor covering. Homogeneous, which is made of one single layer offering vibrant colors and depth and heterogeneous, which is a multi layer product that includes patterns and unlimited design possibilities. Homogeneous vinyl is a flooring material that has a uniformed structure. It has a solid composition, so it is the same on the bottom as it is on the top. This single layer construction allows the whole thickness of the flooring to operate as a wear layer. Homogeneous sheet vinyl is generally comprised of plastic resins, plasticizers, fillers, pigments and stabilizers; it is also a non-backed material. This type of sheet vinyl is typically 80 mils thick and for this reason it is highly durable. Since the production of homogeneous vinyl consumes less energy, requires fewer chemicals for maintenance and can be recycled at the end of its service life, homogeneous sheet vinyl flooring can be considered an environmentally friendly material. Heterogeneous sheet vinyl is constructed in four layers. The protective top layer is comprised of urethane or other highly durable material. This layer is the protective layer that gives sheet vinyl its easy maintenance and scuff resistance properties. The second layer is comprised of clear vinyl and acts as an additional protective layer. The thicker this layer is, the better the performance and durability. The second layer helps protect against rips, tears and gouges. The third layer of printed vinyl provides the color and design of the flooring. The fourth and final layer is the backing.
Pattern and Designs
Colors and patterns can be added to sheet vinyl to create different styles or designs. There are two types of patterned vinyl: printed and inlaid.
Printed Vinyl
Printed vinyl, also referred to as rotogravure or rotovinyl, is produced by printing a pattern of colored inks onto the vinyl floor’s core layer. The surface is then covered with a protective wear layer. This printing process offers a wide range of design and pattern possibilities. Printed vinyl is generally less expensive than inlaid vinyl but also considered less durable.
Inlaid Vinyl
Inlaid vinyl is produced by injecting colored vinyl chips directly into the vinyl sheet. The granules and sheet vinyl are then fused together with heat and pressure. This process allows for more vibrant and longer lasting colors than printed vinyl. Inlaid vinyl is considered more durable but offers fewer design and pattern possibilities.
Wear Layers
The wear layer is the top layer of vinyl sheets and vinyl tile. This layer protects the surface of the vinyl and also gives it a shine. The wear layer determines the durability and amount of maintenance required to preserve the vinyl flooring. There are three types of wear layers: vinyl no-wax, urethane and enhanced urethane.
Vinyl No-wax
Vinyl no-wax is stain resistant and easy to clean. It is considered the least durable of the three wear layers and less resistant to scuffs, stains and soils. Vinyl no-wax will protect the floor’s color and shine, offering ease of maintenance. Vinyl no-wax sheets or tiles are the least expensive option in vinyl flooring.
Urethane
Urethane, or PVC, is easier to clean and more resistant to scuffs, stains and soils than vinyl no-wax. It keeps its new appearance longer without having to polish or buff. Urethane has a more textured surface and therefore can mimic tile or stone.
Enhanced Urethane
Enhanced urethane is the most durable of wear layers and outperforms vinyl no-wax and ordinary urethane. It resists scuffs, stains and soils, and provides the longest lasting shine without polishing or buffing. An occasional sweeping or mopping is the only required maintenance.
With the abundant choices and complicated installation of sheet vinyl flooring, most manufacturers recommend professional installation. Vinyl sheeting can be bulky and require specialized equipment for cutting, rolling and sealing. Incorrect installation can decrease the life of the flooring, so it is best to let the professionals at Strahm Group help you decide on the right sheet vinyl flooring needs and installation for your facility.