Many people place a high value on longevity and ease of maintenance when it comes to garage flooring. Linoleum is one option that frequently comes to mind. However, can flooring actually be installed in a garage, and if so, what kind is appropriate?
Garages are often subjected to a lot of traffic, oil and chemical exposure, changing temperatures, and cars coming and going. Not every type of flooring material is resistant to conditions like these. Given its durability and ease of upkeep, linoleum might be a good choice, but it’s important to select the appropriate kind.
Under the harsh conditions of a garage, ordinary household linoleum might not endure very well. On the other hand, certain varieties of linoleum are made to withstand more difficult circumstances. These kinds are better suited for use in garages since they are frequently stronger and have increased resistance to wear and tear.
The various kinds of linoleum that can be used in garages, installation techniques, and upkeep advice for linoleum garage floors are all covered in this article. You can decide whether linoleum is the best option for your garage flooring needs by being aware of these factors.
- Requirements
- Selection rules
- Covering collections
- Ideal
- Grabo
- Tarkett
- Gerflor
- Sinteros
- Installation instructions
- Foundation requirements
- Preparation
- Laying PVC covering
- Difficulties and mistakes
- Pros and cons of laying
- Average prices for installation work
- Video on the topic
- Modular floor in the garage
- Modular floor for garage repair PVC or Rubber tiles
- Garage, linoleum, breakdown
- Linoleum in the garage
- Garage floors. # Garage floors # Floors #Concrete floors
- OSB board can be laid on the floor.Moisture-resistant use for the floor. OSB floors osb board floor
Requirements
In a technical room, a typical floor covering needs to be able to sustain a car’s high pressure and weight of up to one ton. As a result, no linoleum is appropriate for these uses.
You can only install an industrial-grade covering in the garage. It is employed in manufacturing facilities and offers a wide margin of safety.
Using semi-commercial or residential types 31 and 32 linoleum in a garage is not recommended. And for that reason:
- The coating will quickly deteriorate and scratches will appear from the impact of car tires and tools.
- It will not withstand temperature changes in the room (from frost to thawing).
The only flooring types that meet all the requirements for a garage are semi-commercial class 33 and commercial (industrial) type linoleum.
The following GOST 58899-2020 determines requirements for PVC:
- They must contain pentachlorophenol less than 0.1 mg/m2. m, formaldehyde less than 0.5 mg/sq. m, that is, to be non-toxic.
- Friction coefficient more than 0.4 on a wet floor (anti-slip);
- Floors must have an antistatic electrodissipative effect. Electrical resistance indicator ≤ 5 * 10 4 Ohms of accumulated electricity in a room with a risk of sparks in the presence of flammable gases and liquids.
- Protective coating that will not disintegrate from chemicals: oils, fuels and lubricants.
Additional indicators as per SNiP 01/21/97:
- In rooms where highly flammable combustible substances are stored, floor coverings must be marked NG or G1.
- The recommended thickness of heterogeneous linoleum is 3 mm and above for use in technical rooms.
- Abrasion not lower than 0.9 g/m2. cm. or 9 µm.
- The edges of the joined panels are connected by welding.
You can’t buy linoleum without a fire safety certificate.
Selection rules
You should be aware that ice and snow form during the winter months when selecting a coating. If you use a shovel to clean it too soon, you risk damaging the PVC covering.
Variations in selection:
- Non-slip, rough surface.
- Ability to withstand low temperatures.
- Abrasion within 0.9 g/m2. cm.
- As low a flammability class as possible, it is better to choose products marked KM5.
- A heterogeneous coating thickness of more than 3 mm with synthetic pile, or homogeneous vinyl with a thickness of 2 mm or more.
The owner of the vehicle must decide on other factors; color and shade selection are irrelevant.
Because it can tolerate cold temperatures, rubber linoleum is highly sought after by consumers.
Covering collections
To help you navigate the PVC coating options, it’s a good idea to research the available linoleums.
Producers:
- Ideal.
- Grabo.
- Tarkett.
- Gerflor.
- Sinteros.
Ideal
The coating, which is semi-commercial in nature, mimics wood and blends in naturally with the interior of the garage. Light and dark shades. Features:
- Application class — 32.
- Thickness — 3.8–4.8 mm.
- Fire safety class — KM 5.
- Base — PVC.
- Protective layer thickness — 0.5 mm.
Gatherings:
- West Wood Empire;
- Ultra Garda.
An average of 800 rubles per square meter.
The coating is covered by a 15-year warranty from the manufacturer.
Grabo
Tech rooms can use both commercial and semi-commercial linoleum. Shades: blue, sand, and gray Features:
- Application class — 33/3
- Thickness — 2 mm.
- Fire safety class — KM 2.
- Homogeneous base — PVC.
- Protective layer thickness — 0.7 mm.
Diamond Standart Plaza is the collection.
Features: its surface is rough.
Averaging 1,500 rubles per square meter.
Tarkett
Commercial carpet is stronger than ever. Temperature fluctuations do not frighten homogeneous coating.
Tarkett coating characteristics include:
- Application class: 43.
- Homogeneous base – PVC.
- Fire safety class – KM 5.
The material is covered by a 20-year warranty from the manufacturer.
Granite Safe is being collected.
Avg. price per square meter: 1400 rub.
Gerflor
For technical rooms, the French manufacturer provides a range of color options, including marble and self-leveling floors with corundum chips.
Features:
- Application class: 34/43.
- Homogeneous base – PVC.
- Fire hazard class – KM 2.
Intended to operate with medium loads.
Mipolam Troplan is the collection.
The product is priced at 1600 rubles per square meter on average.
Sinteros
Even though the manufacturer primarily makes PVC coatings for homes, there are commercial versions of collections in the product line. One such collection is called Sinteros and has a line that runs from 01 to 10.
Features:
- Application class: 34/43.
- Base – PVC homogeneous.
- Fire hazard class – KM 2.
Medium to heavy loads can be supported by the coating.
Collection: 01, 02, 10. Sinteros.
Coverage costs 415 rubles per square meter on average.
The following traits of the species are covered in the video:
If you select the proper kind, it is not only feasible but also practical to lay linoleum in a garage. Garage floors are best covered with commercial-grade linoleum because of its extreme durability, resistance to moisture, and ability to withstand heavy traffic. This kind of linoleum is resilient to temperature changes, chemicals, and oil spills in addition to withstanding the weight of automobiles. If installation and upkeep are done correctly, your garage floor should last for many years.
Installation instructions
It is worthwhile to ascertain which specifications relate to the subfloor beneath the linoleum.
Foundation requirements
Specifications for SNIP-based concrete pavement:
- The base must be cleaned of dust and leveled from distortions.
- The screed can be made of concrete of class not lower than 22.5.
- The concrete coating has been pre-grinded to remove cement laitance and grouted with appropriate means.
Plank floors in your garage will need to be taken out. Should you still choose to leave them, you must place OSB or plywood sheets that are resistant to moisture on top of the coating. The linoleum will be shielded from deformation by this layering option.
Preparation
Experts advise waterproofing to shield the floor covering from moisture seeping through the screed. With a 5 mm overlap on the walls, this film is arranged on top of the concrete base.
Insulation is completed next. For this work, foamed polystyrene or a comparable material is appropriate. However, thermal insulation is not a panacea. Oriented boards or plywood sheets are the best options for leveling the surface. After that, put linoleum over them.
Fungi will grow and there will be more humidity beneath the PVC coating if the installation is done on clean concrete.
Laying PVC covering
The material must first be spread out over the surface and left for two to three days. The floor will have bumps and waves if this isn’t done.
The warm season is when linoleum installation takes place.
When a garage’s width is insufficient for a standard roll, the panels are cut and adhered to.
Soldering is typically done with a hot tool. This approach should only be used when contacting a qualified specialist.
You will require a specific compound if you choose to install it yourself. It’s an adhesive with active ingredients that melts the material; it’s known as cold welding.
Adhesive tape is used during joint welding. After cutting it, glue it to the joint. Place a composition of adhesive between the sheets and let it set.
Once a predetermined amount of time has passed, take the tape off.
Polyurethane glue or bitumen mastic are used to lay the roll. The cloth is applied to the coating’s back surface after being folded back.
Difficulties and mistakes
In construction, mistakes are common among novices. This happens as a result of improper coating selection and installation technology ignorance.
Mistakes:
- Choosing a household type of linoleum. Such a base will not help protect the floors, as it will quickly become unusable due to temperature changes and high humidity.
- Laying directly on a concrete base without waterproofing. Dampness from the floor can lead to the appearance of mold and mildew under the linoleum; the heterogeneous base will deteriorate.
- Installation without insulation. Such a covering will not last long, given the cold bridges coming from below.
Work during the cold season may cause difficulties with laying. The linoleum won’t be able to straighten out properly, causing surface bumps.
Pros and cons of laying
Because PVC coatings increase the risk of fire and are toxic, experts are not always in favor of installing linoleum in garages.
Principal drawbacks:
- Unpleasant factory smell of rubber. Usually disappears after several months or weeks of use.
- Slip. Despite the manufacturer"s efforts to eliminate the problem of slipping on PVC coating, dangerous situations may arise in winter.
- Rapid wear. Constant pressure from car tires can cause linoleum to lose its original shine.
Benefits of application:
- Ease of installation. Does not require special equipment and machinery.
- Affordable price unlike other coatings.
Average prices for installation work
Because work in a garage necessitates base preparation, waterproofing, thermal insulation, and OSB board installation, the cost of these processes should be taken into account in addition to the primary costs associated with linoleum installation.
Price ranges in the Russian Federation, approximately:
- Leveling concrete screed – 600 rubles / sq. m.
- Installation of plywood – 450 rubles / sq. m.
- Waterproofing and thermal insulation can cost 200-300 rubles / sq. m.
- Laying commercial linoleum – 350 rubles / sq. m.
- With full gluing – 550 rubles / sq. m.
- Hot welding – 300 rubles / sq. m.
Question | Answer |
Is it possible to lay linoleum in a garage? | Yes, but you need to choose the right type. |
What types are suitable? | Heavy-duty linoleum designed for high traffic and commercial use is best. |
Although installing linoleum in a garage can be a useful and affordable flooring option, it’s crucial to select the correct kind to guarantee longevity and durability. Not all linoleum is made equal, and garage environments pose particular difficulties because of things like heavy traffic, possible chemical spills, and temperature fluctuations.
Commercial-grade vinyl flooring or linoleum is frequently the best option for a garage. These kinds are stronger against oils, greases, and other materials frequently found in garages and are made to endure heavy use. Additionally, they typically have a stronger wear layer that helps shield them from dings and other harm from tools and cars.
The subfloor must be properly prepared in a garage before linoleum is installed. To guarantee that the linoleum adheres properly and functions as intended, the surface needs to be level, clean, and dry. Sealing the edges is a smart idea as well, as moisture seepage can eventually cause problems with mold and mildew.
All things considered, linoleum can be a good choice for garage flooring; however, choosing the right kind and making sure it is installed correctly are essential to having a durable and functional floor. You can reap the rewards of a hygienic, low-maintenance surface that can withstand the rigors of garage use by doing this.