FLOOR COVERING

Various materials can be used for floor cover/finish, which include:

1. Concrete
2. Terrazzo
3. Tiles
4. Marble
5. Granolithic finish
6. Asphalt
7. Wood or Timber
8. Rubber
9. Muram
10. Bricks
11. Linoleum flooring
12. Plastic or P.V.C
13. Glass
14. Cork flooring
 CONCRETE FLOOR COVER

Advantages
• Durable
-The material is extremely resilient and can withstand almost anything, whether it’s heavy furniture, high temperature or the risk of scratches on its surface .
-Polished cement concrete flooring inside a house guarantees peace of mind as it will last for years with very little maintenance, unlike other materials such as
vinyl, ceramic or wooden floors that are more prone to scratches, cracks and tears, which require them to be replaced every few years.
• Economical
-concrete acts as the base for many other flooring materials such as vinyl, ceramic tiles and wood, so the only cost incurred in renovating the floor, in such
cases, will be to remove the tiles or coating from the existing base, applying a concrete stain or sealant and polishing to decorate and protect the floor.
• Easy to maintain
Concrete flooring is easy to clean and relatively maintenance-free because it is tough and resistant to damages and stains.
They can be swept and mopped with a neutral cleaning agent, just as you would do to a ceramic, stone or vinyl floor. They can even be washed occasionally,
without having to worry about the floor getting damaged due to excess moisture.
The only maintenance that polished concrete floors require is the periodic application of a sealant or wax to protect the surface.
• Versatile
These floors are also versatile as they form a base on which almost any other type of flooring, such as wood, vinyl or carpet, can be installed, using an underlay
between the concrete and the surface layer. In colder regions, electrical cables or hot water pipes can be embedded into the concrete floor as a radiant floor
heating solution to keep the interiors warm.
Disadvantages
• Moisture
prone to moisture in the ground, concrete floors can get damaged by dampness seeping through from below. This can affect the stain or coating on the
surface.
• Prone to cracks
Although it is a low-maintenance option for flooring, concrete develops cracks over time and will require patching up.
• Cold
They are cold and can affect heat in the room. However, this problem is easily solved by covering the floor with rugs.

TERRAZZO FLOOR COVER

Linoleum flooring

cork flooring
Advantages
• Limitless Design
terrazzo is manufactured by mixing different elements together, you can choose almost any design or floor for any project.
This allows architects to include abstract decorative designs, seals, logos, and other designs during the terrazzo installation.

• Durability
• Environmentally-Friendly
Terrazzo is a beneficial material that helps in the design of sustainable buildings. To preserve scarce materials, terrazzo is a great alternative to other flooring
types. The material can consist of recycled materials that have a positive impact on the health of people and the environment.

• Indoor And Outdoor Applications

Installers can apply terrazzo in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Today you can find this flooring material in high traffic areas such as lobbies, hallways, and stairways. With the ability to repel water and stains, terrazzo is
also a valuable item for countertops, showers, baths, and swimming pools.

Disadvantages
High Initial Cost
Terrazzo will save you money over time as it is quite durable and requires few repairs. However, the initial cost of terrazzo per square foot is higher in
comparison to other materials.

Cold
One of the disadvantages of terrazzo is that the surface does not retain heat well during the cold months.
Unless you have a heat insulator beneath the terrazzo, this may cause discomfort to those who walk across the floor barefoot.
 FACTORS AFFECTING CHOICE OF FLOOR COVER
1.Durability
The floor should have sufficient resistance to wear, temperature changes, disintegration with time and decay
for it to last long.

2. Damp Resistance
The floor should offer sufficient resistance against dampness, to obtain a healthy environment in the
building. Dampness and damp-proofing are the important factors which require careful consideration,
especially in the construction of ground floors.

3.Cost
-The cost of material should be in conformity with the type of building and its likely use. Marble floors and
special clay tile floors are most expensive type whereas terrazo flooring, linoleum flooring, etc. are
moderately expensive. Concrete floor is the cheapest type of floor construction.

4.Apperance
The covering should give a pleasant appearance and a desired color effect.
5.Cleanliness
-The floor should be capable of being cleaned easily and should be non-absorbent. Marble, terrazo and tiled
floors are easily cleaned and useful for the floor construction of hospital, public buildings, etc.

6.Thermal insulation
-It should offer reasonably good thermal insulation so that comfort is imparted to the residents of the building.

7.Fire resistance
-It is crucial for upper floors and should provide sufficient fire resistance so that fire barriers are obtained
between different levels of the building.

8.Sound insulation
-It should insulate the noise and should not be such that noise is produced when users walk on it.
-Sometimes it is required that any movement on the top floors should not disturb the persons working on the
other floors. The suitable flooring is provided which is some-what noiseless when travelled over. Rubber
flooring, cork flooring, asphalt flooring, etc. are such types of floor coverings.

9.Maintenance
The flooring cover should require least maintenance and if repairs are required, they should be easily done.
Certain types of floors require regular and careful maintenance and hence the maintenance cost is high.
Tile, marble, terrazo and concrete floors require less maintenance cost.