Today, quartz-vinyl tiles (abbreviated as KVP) have become a very popular finishing material for flooring, due to their high strength properties. Initially, it had a slightly different field of application, but in the modern world it is actively used in the arrangement of houses and apartments.
Content
This finishing material is rightfully recognized as ideal for floor coverings. This circumstance is expressed in the versatility of the masonry, high-quality performance and the breadth of design applications. For the production of such products, ordinary quartz sand is used. Depending on the model being produced, the sand content in the initial mixture can reach from 60 to 80%, and the rest will be various inclusions. These additional ingredients are needed to give the product its special strength, unique styling and other physical properties.
Usually, the entire KVP is subdivided into glue and lock. The first option is distinguished by the variability of the design, and the second is less whimsical to the evenness of the base on which it will be laid. Characteristic for all types of tiles in question will be properties such as resistance to open fire, increased moisture protection, increased tensile strength. Individual impurities in the formulation can increase UV resistance and the ability to operate in extremely high ambient temperatures. Other impurities will help to give the product a special tone and color, and in general create a special texture for the desired appearance. This can be achieved by adding polyurethane or metallized varnish to the original composition. It should be noted that inclusions do not in any way affect the strength of the final product - it will stably maintain a stable base. Certain other ingredients may be responsible for enhancing sound or thermal insulation levels. Thus, a standard quartz vinyl tile consists of 5-6 layers.
Tile composition by layers:
In the case of correct adherence to all steps of the technological process, the output is an almost ideal product that is distinguished by both strength and beauty. For castle types of KVP, it is possible to skip the 2nd layer, while strengthening the 3rd. Thus, in this technology, the laying of a specialized substrate is not required.
KVP can be subdivided into types and types according to many criteria. However, the type of installation will remain the main criterion. For this type, it is possible to distinguish 4 installation methods:
In addition to the above gradation, quartz-vinyl tiles can also differ in wear resistance class:
As a rule, factory models of quartz-vinyl tiles are available in three variations:
Initially, KVP was conceived as a tile for arranging industrial premises in industry, therefore, a high tensile strength was set for it. Subsequently, when quartz-vinyl tiles began to be used for domestic needs, a need was discovered to add aesthetic qualities and conditions of versatility to its properties. Hence, some of the advantages and disadvantages of a modern KVP appeared.
The main plus factor is the long service life of such a floor covering.When used in rooms that are not burdened with high human traffic, the tiles almost do not wear out. In these circumstances, the factor that it was originally designed not only to withstand a large flow of people, but also to move various heavy loads and objects through it, up to small-capacity self-propelled equipment, plays an important role. At the same time, if individual elements are damaged, their replacement should not cause any special difficulties for the user - the entire operation can be carried out independently, without the involvement of third-party specialists or the use of specialized tools.
The next considerable advantage can be called high resistance to the environment, for example, interaction with moisture or operation in conditions of high air humidity. At the same time, it is worth remembering the effect of high temperatures - quartz does not burn in fire, and when heated, it does not emit caustic, toxic or substances hazardous to human breathing. Hence, it is clear that the use of such a coating on objects where flooding / fire is possible is more than justified.
Another important addition is the high noise insulation properties. This feature makes it possible not to use additional materials in the finishing process to reduce the propagation of sound waves, and from here you can see a clear saving on building materials. The standard absorbed power of the KVP is about 19 decibels, which guarantees a comfortable coexistence of the user with neighbors.
And the last plus is the variety of design solutions. Quartz vinyl tile product is available on the market in various shapes, colors and patterns. Therefore, it will not be difficult for a competent interior designer to use such a tile to find an exclusive solution for any room. It should be mentioned here that the price offered on the market is higher than the acceptable one, and given the long service life, the resulting finish will be fully justified.
The negative properties of quartz-vinyl products include the fact that they are quite whimsical to untreated surfaces on which they need to be mounted. Installation on a surface devoid of pouring a screed for leveling, which does not have an additional waterproofing layer, will subsequently result in the loss of heat-saving properties or soundproofing. In addition, the lack of proper surface treatment will reduce the service life of the coating itself.
Almost any type of tile (lock, adhesive, self-adhesive) is suitable for the equipment of premises in which a standard load on the coating is assumed. But for the equipment of hallways (especially their parts that can go outside, that is, on the street) it is better to use the "imitation under the laminate" option. Most professional installers prefer this type due to the fact that grooves-locks are used for adhesion between the elements, and in general this method provides for the possibility of some deviations from the norm. Moreover, the thickness of samples imitating a laminate, 5.5 millimeters, is quite enough for a hard and reliable coating. In some cases, it is possible to increase adhesion both to the surface and between the parts of the tiles with the help of glue (this will be just right for the street part of the coating). At the same time, it is worth choosing a universal and modern adhesive composition that will be little subject to destruction when exposed to weather conditions. Here the best choice would be acrylic or rubber based glue.
Regarding trimming the corners - all such manipulations must be carried out in advance, that is, before the installation begins. During work, all excess glue protruding must be immediately removed before it dries completely. Professionals recommend carrying out outdoor work with a moisture threshold not exceeding six percent, in order to be sure of the reliability of the coupling.However, for each type of tile, special conditions may be imposed in this regard, about which the manufacturer indicates the information in the instructions.
IMPORTANT! It is worth remembering that quartz-vinyl tiles practically do not expand when interacting with moisture, so there is no need to leave any gaps between the tile element and the walls.
The tile in question has another positive quality - it does not require any special care. The tiles can be washed using almost any aggressive "chemistry", using hard brushes on a vacuum cleaner, or using an industrial broom - the risk of scratches is minimal, and caustic stains can be freely removed with an iron sponge. And even if a separate part of the coating was nevertheless damaged, then it can always be replaced with a new one separately, without disassembling the entire floor.
The main parameters to be guided by when choosing a tile will be:
At the moment, the most popular and, accordingly, cheaper are KVP-elements with a thickness of 1.6 to 3.2 millimeters, with a length-to-width ratio of 60 to 30 centimeters. Such models are considered the easiest to install. However, they do not often have an additional ornament or background; rather, they are designed in a neutral style.
A variety of backgrounds, colors and patterns is present in more expensive tile samples, which have a non-standard shape (rectangle or even a triangle) and are directly designed to bring exclusive design projects to life. It is necessary to select such a tile in tandem with a person who will be directly involved in its installation. Practice shows that it will be difficult for an unprepared user to lay down the design option. Moreover, in most individual projects, KVP-tiles will have to be cut into component parts.
When choosing quartz-vinyl tiles, special attention should be paid to the manufacturer's brand. Below are the most popular manufacturers in the vastness of the Russian Federation.
TILE - a brand originally from the Republic of South Korea, which specializes in the production of products with increased wear resistance. Their products are distinguished by an affordable price, however, they do not shine with textured variety. To the useful properties of this Korean product, you can add the presence of anti-fungal inclusions in the composition, which makes such tiles ideal for use in rooms where special cleanliness conditions are required (medical institutions, laboratories, etc.). Despite its Asian origin, the product fully complies with European standards.
DECORIA - the products of this manufacturer are distinguished by their versatility. It has increased adhesion properties, therefore it is suitable not only for flooring equipment, but even for wall decoration on large areas. An important feature is the presence of domestic certificates for goods in addition to European ones.
VINILAM - this company has taken its niche in the Russian market thanks to a wide range of samples. It is possible to find any models from them - from the simplest ones to models of non-standard shape and with a design pattern. However, prices for the entire product line are rather big.
ALPINE - this manufacturer is more focused on the consumer from the industrial community. Its products are characterized by increased durability at the expense of aesthetic solutions. The company cares very much about the end user, so the installation instructions are very detailed.
TARKETT Is a real leader in the segment of price / quality ratio. Its products are intended for equipment of coatings in any premises, while it is distinguished by a special ecological cleanliness. The choice of textures and background colors is wide, but not overwhelming. Therefore, having chosen a colored tile, you should purchase it with a margin, because.due to the speed of updating model lines, there is a risk that such products will no longer be released.
FINEFLOOR - a European (Belgium) manufacturer that focused its products on enhancing its thermal insulation and noise insulation properties. Thanks to some secret ingredients, the Belgian tile flooring has a slightly springy effect. Otherwise, the versatility of the scope and wear resistance can be noted.
Designed for use in domestic premises, easily tolerates high ambient humidity. The delivery set is spacious enough and has eight elements. The products are accompanied by detailed instructions and are certified according to the European standard.
Name | Index |
---|---|
Manufacturer country | Belgium |
Number of items in a package | 8 |
Width in mm | 191 |
Length in mm | 1316 |
Thickness in mm | 4.2 |
Price, rubles | 3500 |
This model is interspersed with natural stone. The entire line is distinguished by the variability of color design. In production, the technology "Nano Silver" is used, which improves the antibacterial properties of the coating, while at the same time forming resistance to ultraviolet light.
Name | Index |
---|---|
Manufacturer country | South Korea |
Number of items in a package | 28 |
Width in mm | 184 |
Length in mm | 950 |
Thickness in mm | 4.89 |
Price, rubles | 4900 |
This model is recommended for installation in rooms with an average traffic load. Adapted for use in high humidity conditions. It is extremely unpretentious to the surface of the placement base - even installation on a plank base with some height differences is allowed. Installed with external glue application.
Name | Index |
---|---|
Manufacturer country | South Korea |
Number of items in a package | 6 |
Width in mm | 184 |
Length in mm | 1219 |
Thickness in mm | 2 |
Price, rubles | 5100 |
This KVP element is distinguished by an environmentally friendly material composition (New Age technology is used), characterized by absolute water resistance. The 33rd class of strength allows you to equip this model as hallways (with access to the street), and swimming pools and bathrooms. The pattern is stylized as granite chips. The declared service life is 15 years.
Name | Index |
---|---|
Manufacturer country | Russia |
Number of items in a package | 18 |
Width in mm | 152 |
Length in mm | 914 |
Thickness in mm | 0.4 |
Price, rubles | 2200 |
This tile has the highest 43rd wear resistance class, which is achieved by increasing the protective coating by 0.5 mm. It is recommended for use both in domestic conditions and in production in rooms with increased human traffic. Perfectly cleanable with various abrasives, extremely scratch resistant.
Name | Index |
---|---|
Manufacturer country | South Korea |
Number of items in a package | 6 |
Width in mm | 184 |
Length in mm | 1219 |
Thickness in mm | 0.5 |
Price, rubles | 7000 |
A universal specimen of increased wear resistance class (43). Thanks to the extended linear range, it is possible to choose a pattern both for a design solution and in a strict texture. It is extremely resistant to various types of mechanical damage, interacts well with abrasive substances. Installed with an external adhesive backing.
Name | Index |
---|---|
Manufacturer country | France |
Number of items in a package | 15 |
Width in mm | 184 |
Length in mm | 1219 |
Thickness in mm | 0.7 |
Price, rubles | 10800 |
The analysis of the market for quartz-vinyl products shows that it is possible to purchase them in any way, without fear of being deceived. In most cases, both online sites and retail construction networks offer only high-quality domestic or Western samples. The variety of the presented models is so wide that it will not be difficult to choose the required option. Particularly pleasing is the fact that products began to appear on the Russian market, the installation of which can be carried out in two or more ways. It should be noted separately that the material in question is distinguished by extremely affordable prices.