One of the most popular and in demand floor coverings of our time is laminate. And this is not surprising, because its use allows you to give the room a completely different look in a short period of time. Today there are a large number of manufacturers who make it in different colors, styles, textures, etc. Laminate flooring is famous for being very easy to assemble. Gone are the days when everything was held together with glue. Now there is glue-free technology. Laminate flooring uses special locks. It is noteworthy that there is a wide variety of them. In this article we will introduce you to all existing types of laminate locks. We will compare them with each other and discuss which one is better.
Someone may object, why, strictly speaking, complicate everything and come up with a large number of locking connections? On the one hand, it may seem that it is best to rivet everything according to the standard and then the installers will not have to bother at all. However, as practice shows, it is during installation that the need for different systems laminate lock.
Already now we can safely say that some types of laminate locks are clearly outdated. They are used by the manufacturer only because he has old equipment. Some laminate locks are considered the most popular and in demand. Others belong exclusively to one of the many companies, that is, they have imposed a patent on their development of the laminate lock, and no one can copy them.
So, if you look at modern market, then you can find the following types of locks for laminate flooring:
Among other things, there are locking systems with aluminum, plastic and other elements. We will present you with more details about all this in this article. However, now we will answer the question: why are there so many varieties of locking systems? For example, locking systems with an aluminum system are designed for loads of up to 1.2 tons per square meter. Plus, after installation a seamless effect is created.
What if you need to dismantle the floors, for example, you live in a house where flooding occurs frequently. And if you disassemble the laminate in time, it will not be damaged. There may be other cases. So, you can choose a system that allows you to disassemble the laminate.
Moreover, the presence of one or another lock for laminate flooring also determines the cost of the product. For example, the Lock system is characteristic primarily of budget laminate. Plus, some locks can create an original picture on the floor when installed, or beautiful seam or complete absence of a seam. So, now we propose to begin directly comparing and studying different locks for laminate flooring.
This type of laminate lock is created by milling the lock part. The thickness of the locking element is equal to the thickness MDF boards. So, on one side of the laminate panel there is a special groove, and on the opposite side there is a tenon. A retainer is built into them, which holds the laminate together while walking on it. This laminate locking system has the following advantages:
For the sake of objectivity, we also note the disadvantages. If excessive load is placed on the floors, friction will form at the joints. For this reason, the fasteners in the groove will begin to wear off, and as a result, the connection will become fragile. This is one of the reasons why gaps often appear between the slats.
Unlike the laminate locking system described above, Click has more advantages. The laminate assembly process is carried out at an angle of 45 degrees. And at the same time you should not make titanic efforts. If the previous lock could be damaged during installation, this one cannot. Moreover, the docking is very tight and reliable. As a result, such a connection can cope with high loads.
Important! A number of well-known and expensive manufacturers produce such laminate, where after installation with the Click system the joints of the lamellas are absolutely invisible. Of course, such laminate locks create a beautiful effect.
You can select a row positive aspects of this system:
So, having looked at the main features of these two systems, let's compare them with each other and immediately determine which laminate locks are better. Speaking for Lock, this locking connection has proven itself positively over the years. This castle is considered the most accessible and inexpensive. After all, the lock is formed by milling directly on the lamella itself. Installation requires a lot of physical effort, as a mallet/hammer and a wooden stand are used. Otherwise the connection will not be fixed.
Important! This method installation requires special skills of a craftsman, since if you apply a little more effort, the lock for the laminate can be damaged. There were often cases when the master missed the hammer and fell straight into a tenon. The consequences are not the most rosy.
Click, in turn, is a more modern locking system for laminate flooring. It completely lacks the disadvantages described above. The process of making a groove occurs in the same way, by milling. But as for the shape of the spike, it looks like a flat hook. The groove, in turn, has a kind of platform into which this tenon fits. As practice shows, the assembly process is very fast. It is necessary to bring the bar to the groove at an angle of 45 degrees. Insert the groove into the tenon. And with a smooth movement, simultaneously pressing and lowering, a strong connection is formed. As a result, you can hear a characteristic click.
So, from this description and comparison, it is clear which of these two laminate locking systems is better. Although you will have to overpay for the latter, the end result will be much more effective.
After a while, manufacturers decided to improve the slat joining system and added plastic to the laminate locks. This technology has characteristic differences and is divided into two features:
But it is important to understand that plastic is used as a connection. And this material tends to break at the most inopportune moment and in the most inopportune place. Therefore, this type of lock for laminate flooring is not very popular.
This method of joining laminate has its own distinctive features and now we will present them to you:
Important! According to the manufacturer, this coating can cope with loads from 850 to 1200 kg per square meter.
As already mentioned, this is a lock patented by the manufacturer, developed using special technology. This docking method can easily be considered the most progressive. The locks have relatively wide special elements, which, when brought together, fit together without distortions or deformations. In this case, you should not give a large slope angle.
When docking, a characteristic click is heard, indicating reliability and complete fixation. Without deforming the lock, the laminate can be disassembled and reassembled up to four times. An important advantage is that this coating is convenient for installation in rooms with cramped dimensions.
When using this technology, the joining process occurs not only from the longitudinal side of the lamella, but also from the short end sections. In this case, there are no difficulties in installation work. The slats snap together very easily. But there is one significant drawback here. In such systems there is always a plastic or aluminum fixing tab. If it is accidentally damaged during installation, it can no longer be repaired, and as a result, the laminate board will automatically become unusable.
In this case, the docking is carried out not only along the long side, but also on the short side. The connection principle boils down to the use of tongue and groove technology. This made it possible to repair the coating if necessary. Moreover, it can be disassembled and reassembled several times without the risk of damaging the coating.
Important! The Megalock locking system allows for complete isolation from moisture penetration. That is why these locks are used in combination with moisture-resistant products.
So, we have discussed with you the most common technologies that are most often found on the domestic market. Now let's turn our attention to lock systems that are patented by different manufacturers.
So, we've covered everything important features and types of locks for laminate flooring. As you can see, they all have very different types and technical characteristics. We hope that this material has given you a lot of useful food for thought. After reading this article and watching the video at the end of the article, you can arm yourself with the necessary knowledge and confidently go to the store. This will guarantee that you will make a quality purchase.
The joints of laminated parquet are both the weakest and strongest parts of the coating. A carefully thought-out locking system ensures a tight connection of the slats, easy assembly and, of course, obtaining an even, durable flooring.
In 1979, the Swedish company Perstorp AB (in the future Pergo) introduced a new floor covering through the IKEA chain of stores - laminate. Since the technology was just being developed, the new product did not yet have locking joints or even tongue-and-groove edges. A breakthrough was made in 1994, when the Välinges company took out a patent for a unique development - the world's first mechanical connection for parquet, parquet boards and laminated coating.
The actively developing giants of the woodworking industry became interested in innovative technology. The laminate manufacturer Alloc was the first to buy the license, introducing the so-called 1G aluminum lock. The following year, 1995, the management of the Kahrs company became interested in the invention. This is the largest manufacturer of parquet boards, which to this day holds a leading position in the market. The modified connection system is called the “2G lock”. In fact, this is a prototype of a coupling kit under the modern name Lock. That is, a connection based on the tongue-and-groove principle, but with a carefully designed compacted profile. When assembling the floor covering with the Lock system, a special elastic adhesive was used.
Diagram of the first locking connections for laminate flooring.
Subsequently, the structure of the connecting elements continues to be refined and at the end of 2001 a patent was published for a locking system in which two adjacent plates are closed at an angle of 45°, and after pressing (snapping) a mechanically tight bond is obtained. It is thanks to this development that the laminate with Click lock, so well known today, is produced. This marks the beginning of the era of glueless joining of floor slabs.
Similar connection kits are intended for implementation in multi-layer thin floor coverings: parquet board, engineered wood, laminated HDF or PVC flooring and others. For traditional parquet, vinyl or LVT tiles, and solid planks, simple tongue and groove joints are used.
Manufacturers of laminated flooring in advertising especially emphasize the glueless locking system, which allows you to quickly, easily and without problems assemble or disassemble the floor. Another advantage - special forms profiles form waterproof joints without the slightest gaps. But, in fact, there are the following basic types of laminate locks:
All the common names like T-Lock, Megalock, Click2Click, Uniclick and others are just replications of the main types with their own modifications. Nothing fundamentally new or unique has been developed yet. Patents for these improvements were issued in order to avoid pirated copying of products from well-known European factories by unscrupulous Asian compilers.
Laminate with an adhesive joining system is no longer produced, although you can occasionally find crafts from Chinese “masters” on sale. Let's consider the most interesting options from such giants as Egger, Quick Step, Balterio, Alloc.
Just Click by Egger
Laminate locks from an Austrian manufacturer are a classic click system. The panels snap into place at an angle of 30-45° on four sides, and a fairly high tongue and groove ensures a tight joint and resistance to tensile and bending loads. The coating is available in standard form and complete with Silenzio sound-diffusing substrate. The shape of the tongue and groove remains unchanged.
Uniclic by Quick Step
The development of the Belgian plant is no less interesting. The engineering profile provides the possibility of both classic snapping at an angle and the method of attaching or knocking out planks. This The best decision for newbies.
The locking complex from Unilin is convenient for rooms with a complex perimeter, the presence of hard-to-reach places or various “obstacles” - pipes, podiums, low-mounted radiators, etc.
To understand the essence of the three-variant assembly system, watch the video from the manufacturer Quick Step.
PressXpress by Balterio
Similar locking connections laminates are called 3G, 4G or 5G. That is, an element is added to the structure of the Click-joint - a plastic “tongue”, aluminum grips or protrusions, which provide improved adhesion and prevent the planks from diverging over time (the formation of longitudinal and transverse cracks). One of the brightest representatives of this group is PressExpress from the Belgian plant Balterio. A well-designed “additive” to the main coupling eliminates even a hint of the appearance of gaps between the lamellas and significantly strengthens the joint area. Thanks to this solution, the finished floor covering will withstand significant weight without the slightest damage.
Let us note one drawback. According to reviews from craftsmen, when reassembled, plastic inserts become more of a nuisance element than an auxiliary one, so they are most often removed with pliers. And to obtain a tight joint, sealing gels or sealing masses are used.
4G and 5G-S Aluminum Locking System from Berry Alloc
Laminate flooring with aluminum locks from Allok is unusual in itself. Being a very successful modification of two basic types of joints, the metal “tenon and groove” increases the reliability of the clutch and speeds up the assembly mechanism. In addition, this scheme allows you to reduce the weight of the floor covering, which is a significant advantage for floors with reduced load-bearing capacity.
According to the manufacturer aluminum profile on both long sides of the plank, supplemented with a stiffening rib, increases the tensile strength of the connection. The limit according to test reports is 1200 kg/linear. m. That is why aluminum locks are used exclusively in floor coverings of class 33-34, intended for areas with heavy foot traffic. The floor covering can be disassembled and reassembled 3 times.
Let us dispel the most widespread myth that the best flooring is made from a laminated flooring with a Click lock. In fact flooring material with any type of locking connection is designed in such a way as to ultimately obtain a perfectly smooth surface without protrusions, cracks and creaks. Service life and build quality depend on:
The Lock connection, unlike its analogue, does not stretch as much over time, so the cover with the Lock-lock is more convenient to reassemble. The click coupling is more rigid, but subject to a high density of the slab - at least 750 kg/m 3. Let’s make it easier for our readers to choose – in large shopping centers 85% of the range is laminate with the Click system.
Let's destroy another stereotype. Some craftsmen claim that the click-lock allows you to lay laminate flooring with differences exceeding the permissible 2 mm per 2 linear meters of surface. We will disappoint such would-be specialists - not a single type of connection is designed to smooth out significant irregularities; an even, solid base is always required. Only in this case will you get a smooth, beautiful and functional floor that will last for at least two decades.
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The degree of suitability of this floor covering for use in the target room depends on the correct choice of laminate locks. Panel joints are both a strength and a weakness of this type of flooring, and therefore you need to take this nuance responsibly. When choosing a floor covering, you will inevitably have to find out what kind of locks there are on laminate flooring. Having studied them, many inexperienced people are perplexed: why such a large number is needed if you can use one, but the most convenient one. This raises the question “Which laminate lock is better than the rest?” Let's figure it out.
Some types of laminate locks have been patented by individual manufacturing companies. Among all the variety, we can highlight the most popular locking connections, as well as several outdated ones. There are also modern systems connections, before use of which special molding of the panels is performed. If you plan to use the laminate with a lock for a long time, it would be reasonable to provide for the possibility of dismantling.
The lock determines the quality of the floor covering. It is this component that determines the degree of surface evenness, the gap between the lamellas, the absence of squeaking and minimizing the likelihood of seams coming apart over time. In addition, the durability of the entire structure depends on the quality of manufacturing of the locking connections and the laminate itself and adherence to assembly technology. In order to properly lay the coating and avoid problems in the future, you need to have an understanding of the types of lamella interconnections.
The classification of castles begins with their division into main subtypes. Many people who are just planning to install this coating do not know what kind of locking systems there are for laminate flooring, and therefore manufacturing companies like to invent their own locking schemes, and then present them as the most reliable on the market. All used laminate locks can be divided into two large groups: lock and click.
The most popular laminate locks
These two types of locks differ in the way the panels are joined.
Lock type laminate systems are renowned as the most economical option and have been used for a long time. The production of these connections is carried out by milling: the connecting element looks like a tenon equipped with a ridge that fits into a groove on the other side of the panel.
Today, lock is an outdated laminate lock, used only by companies that have old production lines at their disposal. It is difficult to disassemble it without damaging the protruding edges of the lock components, which, among other things, wear out over time from constant loads and friction. If you do not close the gaps with a sealing compound (glue or mastic) during installation, then even a small amount of water can ruin the floor.
Before snapping the laminate with the lock lock, you need to make sure that the surface underneath is good quality. Installation on an uneven floor may cause increased gaps between panels. Assembly is carried out by hammering the tenon into the groove using a wooden hammer until the gap between the panels disappears. It is possible to use a regular metal hammer, but then you will need wooden block or a piece of hard rubber.
Experienced specialists who have already laminated many apartments talk about the need for constant monitoring of joints during installation and the overall labor intensity of assembling these locking systems. Despite their apparent simplicity and reliability, lock locks have one main drawback: they are non-removable and wear out at the location of the locking ridge, which is why gaps appear between the panels. This indicates that these locking connections are unsuitable for long-term use.
Most modern laminate collections have click locks, which are considered more modern and do not have the disadvantages of lock locks. They are made in the same way, but the closing tenon has the shape of a flat hook, and the grooves provide areas for its insertion. This design allows you to disassemble the floor up to 3-4 times and securely holds the panels, preventing the appearance of cracks even with heavy loads on the locking mechanism.
Click-click laminate is practical and versatile, as it allows for repeated disassembly. It is also called “just click”. At its core, it is a modernized version of the lock-lock. Since the grooves follow the shape of the fastening hooks, laminate with a click lock can be assembled even by a non-professional - you just need to follow the assembly technology to avoid damage and separation of the panels.
Before assembling laminate flooring with a click lock, you need to understand the mechanics of the action. When installing, the panel is inserted into the groove at an angle of 45 degrees, after which the panel should be moved to a horizontal position using rocking movements. When the locking elements are engaged, a click is heard, which is how this locking mechanism got its name.
In addition to those described above, there are other types of laminate locks on the market:
The uniclic laminate lock differs from others in its special tongue and groove profiles. It can be assembled either by tapping or by simply snapping it at an angle. Thanks to the lower wedge-shaped edge of the groove, the load is distributed evenly throughout the entire structure. All components of the lock are made of the same material as the panels. This approach to manufacturing avoids deformation of the panels during installation.
About how to snap correctly uniclic locks, opinions differ. Practice shows that installation at an angle is optimal. By joining panels in this way, you can do without special tool, and also complete the installation faster. It is necessary to attach the short sides of the lamella first, and only then the long ones. To lay the last row, as well as to assemble in hard to reach place, you need to have a hammer and a wooden pad.
This lock was invented and patented by the manufacturer Quick Step. Other manufacturers may have a different name for a similar type of lock. For example, TwinClick, ProLock or SmartLock. However, the general principle of installing and fixing the panels remains the same.
Laminate flooring equipped with metal locks is rightfully the most reliable. The clutch mechanism can withstand loads of up to 1200 kilograms per square meter. Laminate flooring with aluminum interlocks can be installed without thresholds and can be disassembled up to 5 times without any damage or wear to the ridges in the grooves and tenons. Also, laminate with aluminum locks does not deform over time and has the smallest gaps between panels. An additional aluminum plate increases the strength of the connection and increases protection against moisture penetration under the coating. The Norwegian manufacturer Alloc uses such a lock in its products, giving a lifetime guarantee if the laminate is installed correctly.
The design of this coupling mechanism includes an iron or plastic insert - a tongue. This element ensures the density of connections in the 5g laminate and the reliability of fixing the panels to each other. Like many other locking systems, the 5g lock is latched by inserting a panel vertically. When fixed, the insert is removed, after which a click is heard, notifying that the tongue has occupied Right place and the panel is fixed. This lock allows you to simultaneously connect panels along the long and short sides by simply pressing from above.
This type of connection has another name - 2-Lock, which is found by the manufacturer Tarkett.
This system is developed by Classen based on the 5g lock. Reliability of fixation is achieved through the use of a special insert at the end of the laminate. When connected, the insert bends and then snaps into place with a characteristic click, securing the panel. The megaloc laminate lock requires assembly from the front side. Upon completion of assembly, the second strip is joined to the first strip with an offset. If we compare assembly time with other types of locks, megaloc is installed as quickly as possible. You can dismantle and reinstall the covering with these locks up to 4 times.
A distinctive feature is the best tightness of the finished coating. Another advantage of this type of locks is that there is no need to use any tools when installing.
Created by Tarkett based on the positive aspects of the lock and click locking systems. Today this type of connection can be found in the range of dozens of companies. The T-lock lock can be disassembled four times without damaging components. The panels are connected at a very small angle and guarantee strong contact without distortion of the lamellas or excessively large gaps. The disadvantage of the lock is that the joints are quite visible, especially on dark colors. Subsequently, the design of the castle was improved: the lower part of the castle became more concave, and at the junction the side with the decorative layer became more massive. This is how the TC-Lock was born.
A good locking system is the key to a long service life of a laminate floor. When choosing, you should know in advance the conditions in which it will be used. There are many opinions, but which locks are better is always shown only by practice, because each type of connection has its own advantages that others do not have. IN Lately There is a laminate with wax-impregnated locking systems developed by Witex.
Presence of wax in locking mechanism increases protection against moisture penetration under the coating several times. In addition, wax-impregnated laminate locks make the coating more aesthetically pleasing due to the visual solidity of the floor. Also, the wax coating simplifies the assembly process and increases the resistance of the locking mechanism to external loads, increasing its durability.
Comparing lock and click locks, one can assert the technological superiority of the latter. The duration of their service depends on many factors, so the most best laminate– this is the one that has a minimum thickness of seams and high-strength connecting systems. Which manufacturer is best to choose is everyone’s business, but experts are confident in the undisputed leadership of German companies.
Sometimes it happens that the lock on a laminate floor does not latch or opens spontaneously. In this case, it is necessary first of all to determine which factor does not correspond to the recommendations for the installation and operation of floors. This will allow you to quickly determine what caused the panels to diverge and understand what should be done if the lock on the laminate opens.
Choosing locks for a laminate floor is a responsible matter that needs to be given due attention. When incorrect selection With lock systems, you can only get disappointed in your decision to change the appearance of your home. To make the right choice, you need to clearly understand whether the laminate will lie for a long time or whether it will need to be dismantled, what loads it will experience and under what conditions it will be used.
Modern manufacturers should be given their due; they do not leave customers to their fate, indicating on the laminate pack which locks are used and how the panels should be fastened together.
Without any controversy, laminate can be considered one of the most popular floor coverings today. And not in vain, because it is characterized by very great advantages compared to other analogues. Even an inexperienced person can install a laminate floor, and this saves a lot of money, since if you want to do the work yourself, you don’t have to hire specialists. At the ends of the panels there are special ends, which, when interacting with the grooves on the adjacent panel, form a locking system. Thanks to this technology, you can assemble the floor quickly and without much difficulty. Here we will talk about the types of locks, the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
In recent years, the laminate production industry has been developing rapidly, and therefore, there are many brands of this product. Often, each manufacturer tries to create its own technology for locking connections, and then insist that it is the most flawless and reliable. But be that as it may, various innovations from manufacturers’ designers do not prevent the conditional division of all locks into two groups: “Lock” and “Click”. They differ from each other in the way in which the panels are joined.
If you look at the chronology, then “Locke” locks appeared first and by this time were known as an economy option. To make them, they use the milling method. At its core, it is a tenon with a fixation comb on one panel and a corresponding groove for insertion on the other panel. Installation of the laminated panel occurs by driving a tenon into the groove until the gap between adjacent panels is eliminated. The blows are applied with a wooden hammer or an ordinary metal one, only through a substituted block.
When laying laminate flooring, the craftsman requires attention and constant monitoring of the joints. Despite its simplicity and reliability, the Lock connection has its drawbacks. During operation, friction constantly occurs in the lock system, which leads to premature wear of the coating and the appearance of cracks. To make locks more secure, regardless of their belonging to one of the two groups, it is recommended to treat them with an airtight compound. When buying a laminate with such a connection system, keep in mind that it is not designed for dismantling and re-installation.
The “Click” locking system is considered a more modern development. Its inventors took into account all the shortcomings of the Locke system and corrected them in their brainchild. The manufacturing procedure also involves using the milling method, only here the panel tenon is made in the form of a flat hook. Accordingly, a groove of the required shape is placed on the side of the other panel for tight fastening to the hook.
Laying panels with "CLICK" locks
The prefabricated process of coverings with the “Click” system is not complicated at all. Special effort there is no need to apply it here. The panel is held at an angle of 40-45 degrees and carefully inserted into the groove, then completely lowered to the floor. The fact of the fastening itself will be confirmed by a characteristic click. It is through the presence of this property that the name of this system arose. It securely fixes the panels and does not wear out even with heavy loads and long-term use. Here you don’t have to worry about the panels coming apart and forming cracks. A great advantage is that this coating, if necessary, can be easily disassembled and then reassembled in some other place. Manufacturers of laminate flooring with the “Click” system assure that you can disassemble the laminate 3-4 times without causing harm to it.
It is also recommended to treat the locks of such a laminate with sealant, especially if there are fluctuations in humidity in the room where the coating is installed. Even when using this composition, the possibility of safely dismantling the floor is not excluded, since it can be easily cleaned from the groove.
DIY laminate installation
In the field of construction, new developments appear almost every day. Laminate production is also no exception. For example, now on the market you can find laminate with locks impregnated wax composition. The developer of such products is WITEX, and the brand of laminate itself is called Lock Tec. Thanks to wax, the locks are reliably protected from moisture and do not need to be treated with sealant. In this case, the joints of the panels, when laid correctly, are not visible at all, creating the impression of a completely solid coating.
There are also options with aluminum insert locks. According to technical specifications products, its coating can easily cope with a load of 200 kg/sq.m. The aluminum lamella is attached to the back of the panel and, when laid, engages with the groove of the adjacent board. The design is very simple, so laying the floor will not take much time and effort. Some manufacturers even give a lifetime warranty on floors with such a locking system. The number of repetitions of disassembling and assembling the structure can reach 6 times.
Other innovative developments, such as Megaloc locks, can reduce the installation process of flooring by 3-4 times. This effect is achieved thanks to the unique design of the product. There is an additional plastic lock on the end side of the plate. As usual, assembly occurs along the side, and for end joining, simply pull the panel all the way until a characteristic click is heard.
If you need to answer the question of which lock is better, without a bit of risk you can say – “Click” locks. Essentially different innovations modern manufacturers, are only a modification of this basic fastening system.
When choosing a laminate flooring, rarely does anyone understand that the types of laminate locks determine its quality. They are responsible for the gap between the panels, the absence or presence of squeaks, the divergence of seams, and the evenness of the surface. Therefore, when purchasing a laminate, you should carefully study not only its characteristics, but also the installation method and the type of adhesion. We will consider the features of installation and fastening systems in more detail.
Almost all panel interlocking options are based on the tongue-and-groove system. The difference is the profiling of the lock system.
There are several main types:
Laying laminate flooring without locks is becoming less and less popular due to the use of additional chemistry for fixation and speed of work. Modern types locks make it possible to increase the productivity and quality of the resulting surfaces several times.
Useful video: Review of laminate locks
All laminate floor locks are conventionally divided into two groups according to the operating principle of Lock and Click. The first group is relatively inexpensive, providing quite reliable grip. The second belongs to the expensive segment, but the grip and quality of the resulting surface will be high level. Each type of connection has pros and cons. For some, price is important, for others high quality, reliability.
If we compare which is better, Lock or Click, from the point of view of dismantling and installation, then the first system is more susceptible to destruction of fastening profiles.
Any floor covering requires surface preparation. The best option, if a layer is applied to the rough screed. Such a foundation will ensure the proper level of quality. After the preparatory layer has completely hardened, it is recommended to lay waterproofing. To a greater extent, this applies to the first floors of apartment complexes and private housing.
Depending on the budget it is selected best option. The substrate is covered without overlapping each other. Fixing to the floor and gluing the seams is done with masking tape.
Correct installation will be ensured if several nuances are taken into account:
Having considered all the points, you can safely begin installing the panels.
Before work, read the installation instructions. Unpack the material and start laying it yourself.
Lock systems are laid with tamping along both the end and longitudinal parts. The uniformity of the seams between the canvases should be observed. Another feature is working with the last row. Often you have to trim the width of the panels. A measurement is made taking into account the technical gap between the wall and floor finishing, marked, cut off. The canvas is carefully inserted at a slight angle. Using a metal filler, the seam is compacted to the required size.
Laminate with click lock. Such systems do not require additional tools. The canvases are inserted into each other at an angle of 40–45°, and with a slight oscillatory movement they are moved to a horizontal position. A click should sound.
5G and Megalock systems are distinguished by the simplest installation. The tongue and groove is inserted in a horizontal position without finishing.
Laminate manufacturers offer a wide range of locking systems, which best determine the budget possibilities and reliability of the resulting floor covering. If the locks come apart after a short period of use, this indicates several reasons: poor-quality installation or laminate lock (do not chase a low price), poorly prepared base for the finishing coating.
In such cases, it is necessary to find out the source of trouble and eliminate it. Sometimes this requires disassembling and re-laying panels. But if the cause is not eliminated in a timely manner, the locking connections may completely fail, and then the purchase of new material will be required.
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