Linoleum was invented in England about 1860 by Frederick Walton. Apparently he first called it ‘linoxyn’ based on the method of its manufacture: using linseed oil reduced by oxidisation, and mixed with ground cork, resin and pigment, pressed onto a backing of canvas. Before long he combined the Latin words linum (flax) and oleum (oil) to form the word Linoleum.

He regarded his invention as an improved version of oil-cloth rather than an entirely new product as in 1863, he was granted a new patent for the ‘improvement of the manufacture of Wax cloth for floors’. By 1864 he had formed the Linoleum Manufacturing Company with a factory at Staines in Middlesex. The product made from linseed oil, tall oil, rosin, cork, woodflour, chalk, clay, and pigments was pressed into sheets with a jute backing. The key was the acceleration of the oxidation of the oil by heating, so that the oil mixture solidified into a tough, resilient material.

Michael Nairn whose family had a sail cloth business and whose father had set up a floor manufacturing business in Scotland as far back as 1847 saw the advantages of the new product and as soon as allowable started manufacture in Scotland in the 1870’s. He further developed the product and today Nairn flooring, now Forbo Nairn although no longer a Scottish owned company is a major world player with 60% of the market. It has been recognised as an environmentally friendly product as it is composed of natural materials which are both renewable and biodegradable.

Caring for the indoor environment

The main resilient floorings are Vinyl, Linoleum and Rubber.

Often resilient flooring is chosen instead of original materials such as wood laminate, solid hardwood, ceramic tile, natural stone or carpeting because there is a perception that there are

a number advantages in using them. Perhaps you agree with this.

It may be that you feel that some natural surfaces are cold or hard or it might be for very practical reasons as you can argue that wood or carpet may not be a good idea in a kitchen or bathroom. For example, in design terms you might want a strip hardwood effect in a bathroom but see the advantage of using a manmade product as it might prove more resistant to water damage or easier to sanitise. For example a good quality, well fitted product will not stain, curl or swell. If you have seen the effect of water on laminate flooring you would know what I mean.

If you are keen to purchase a natural resilient floor it is likely you will consider linoleum. If you want a strong colour and unusual textured surface it might be that your preference will take you to

rubber or an up-market vinyl.

Whatever the choice, the time comes when it is likely that you will need some assistance to improve its appearance. No matter what daily or weekly routine you have put into practice it is almost inevitable that one day it will look scuffed and forlorn.

Fortunately help is at hand.

Monkland Floor Care is a floor maintenance company serving domestic customers throughout the central belt of Scotland. Commercial work is undertaken throughout Scotland and the North of England.

Monkland Floor Care is dedicated solely to the restoration and maintenance of floors and floor coverings. We do not sell, fabricate or install, however, we do take pride in our work and strive, to the best of our ability and long and hard earned experience, to give clients the desired result that they want to see. Monkland Floor Care offers a range of services for clients who require an experienced and reliable company that specialises in floor care.

We will deep clean, strip and re-seal, provide ongoing regular or periodic maintenance for you whether in your home, office, school, university, restaurant, hotel, shop or hospital. After 31 years in the business we look after the needs of customers in each of these areas. We will be happy to visit and discuss your needs. We will be frank and objective and explain just what you can expect from whatever flooring you have. From long experience, we are aware that not all flooring choices turn out to be what you might have expected. Whatever the circumstances, we can assist you to have a workable maintenance programme. From power scrubbing or bringing your floor finish to a resilient shine to removing the old finish and replacing it. Whatever the need or problem, call us and we will visit and work out the best solution for you in line with the manufacturer’s specification

FREE ESTIMATES!

0131-331-2900

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