Flooring of this type is unbacked. For a discussion of backed vinyl, see below. It is intended for use on rigid subfloors, such as smooth-finished or screeded concrete supported above grade, or structurally sound plywood or hardboard floors. Vinyl floors are not recommended for use below grade. They must be applied with an alkaline, moisture-resistant adhesive when used at grade.
Vinyl mats or runners may be laid without adhesive over relatively smooth surfaces.
Large mats generally are installed in a recess in the concrete floor at building entrances. The mats are ribbed or perforated for drainage.
Vinyl flooring consists predominantly of polyvinyl chloride resin as a binder, plasticizers, stabilizers, extenders, inert fillers, and coloring pigments. Because of its unlimited color possibilities and opaqueness to transparent effects, it is widely used. Common thicknesses are 0.080, 3â„32, and 1â„8 in.
Since vinyl resins are tough synthetic polymers, vinyl flooring can withstand heavy loads without indentation, and yet is resilient and comfortable under foot. It is practically unaffected by grease, fat, oils, household cleaners, or solvents. But unless given a protective finish, it is easily scratched and scuffed.
See also Art. 11.36.
Backed Vinyl. The family of backed-vinyl flooring comprises vinyl wearing surfaces from 0.02 to 0.050 in thick, laminated to many different backing materials.
In some products, the vinyl surfaces are unfilled transparent films placed over a design on paper, cork, or degraded vinyl. Filled vinyl surfaces with a 34% vinyl resin binder are placed over plastic composition backing or asphalt-saturated or resin-impregnated felt. The asphalt-felt type may be used in moist areas. Foamed rubber or plastic is incorporated in some of these materials to increase comfort and decrease impact noise.
Asphalt-felt-backed vinyl materials may be applied with a moisture-resistant adhesive on concrete at or below grade.
See also Art. 11.36.
