Laminate- modern floor covering, which has received Lately widespread in our country. Its popularity is explained by its high aesthetic and quality characteristics at optimal price, affordable for a buyer with an average level of income.
By many indicators laminated coating superior to natural floors.
The basis of the laminate design is a high-density HDF board, in the thickness of which a lock is cut, thanks to which installation of the floor is simple and can be done by a person who does not have the skills of a builder-finisher. Exists a large number of castle structures, differing both in design and assembly technique. Many manufacturers develop their own locking systems, and some manufacturers use previously developed ones.
In this article we will give an overview of the main designs of laminate locking systems.
The ProLoc system is developed and patented by Pergo. The system has a triple locking system, installation of the laminate is simple, the joints are treated with wax impregnation. The lock perfectly holds the panels in tight contact and can withstand heavy loads. This is one of the most reliable locks.
The SmartLock system is a simpler version of ProLoc. The connecting elements of the laminate are also impregnated with water-repellent impregnation. The locking system is reliable and can withstand heavy loads. Provides easy installation with an excellent final result.
PROClic is an innovative development by Egger. It features a special geometry that allows you to lay one element at a time. It has high resistance to point loads and pressure strength.
ClickXpress is developed by the Balterio concern. The system is truly revolutionary. Allows you to assemble laminate very quickly, while panel joints are difficult to find. The lock allows you to repeatedly install and dismantle the floor if necessary.
The unique Uniclic system is developed by Quick Step. Is different original design elements. Assembly of the panels is simple and convenient. The panel is inserted into another panel along the long side at an angle of 20-30°, then the assembled row is inserted into the previously assembled one and snaps into place. Assembly requires 2 people.
Megaloc is a development of the German manufacturer Classen. This is an innovative invention that allows you to speed up the laminate assembly process by 3 times. There is an additional movable plastic lock on the end side of the panel. Assembly is carried out along the long side, as usual, and on the short side, just press on the board and it will snap into place without effort. Installation can be done by 1 person. The edges are impregnated with wax protection.
ConnectSystem is another development from Classen. The system has gained great popularity due to its unique streamlined shape. It smooths out unevenness in the base thanks to movable joints at the joints, compensating for the tension between the laminated panels. IsoWaxx wax edge protection protects joints from moisture penetration.
The LocTec system is Witex's own development. Possesses high strength indicators. This is one of the strongest locks. All edges are treated with wax impregnation, which protects the joints from moisture.
The T-Lock system is a development by Tarkett, which has become widespread on the market. floor coverings. Many manufacturers have adopted this lock. The system very reliably fixes the panels in tight contact. The assembly is carried out along the long sides, then the assembled row is inserted at an angle into the previous row and snaps into place with a light pressure until it clicks.
Based on materials from the site http://interier-nn.ru/tovar.php?id_vid=1&pathVid=laminat - online laminate store.
There are several types of locks for laminate assembly, differing in the design of the connecting elements. Many manufacturers themselves develop locking systems and use them in their floors, and some use previously developed and patented systems.
Pergo laminate's SmartLock double locking system is more simple method ProLoc systems. SmartLock has connecting joints equipped with a special moisture-proof impregnation. The use of joint joints in combination with a highly moisture-resistant backing gives Pergo laminate an additional level of protection for high-density fibreboard floors. The boards can withstand the strongest operating loads of any severity. The SmartLock system allows laminate flooring to be installed quickly and easily, ensuring a superior end result.
In residential construction, Pergo applies the ProLoc lock principle, taking into account the relevant high requirements this sector. It's fast and enough easy way installation of laminate panels, giving an excellent final result. ProLoс system meets high technical requirements, which apply to commercial types of floors installed on large areas and bearing intense loads. The technology is patented and is one of the most reliable floor coverings on the market. The development was created for professional market, it uses a revolutionary triple fastening system with stronger and safer parts. Installation remains as easy and fast as with any other system. ProLoс is equipped with connecting joints with a special moisture-proof impregnation. In combination with a base that has high moisture resistance, it turns out additional protection floor. For areas with an increased need for moisture protection, Pergo has released an improved SafeSeal sealant. Together with the ProLoc system, it provides a perfect moisture-resistant connection.
Egger makes us happy new technology PRO Clic interlocking connection when laying laminate. The special geometry of the Egger profile ensures installation of one element at a time, which facilitates installation - the laminate is laid easily and quickly. The indicators of all qualities of the floor have increased - the degree of stability, high stability under large point loads, strength under surface pressure. It has become possible to lay the laminate using special sealants STRIP EX and CLIC SEALER, eliminating the use of tools. In 1996, the company used the tongue-and-groove connection type and adhesive technology. Then she successfully introduced the lock (click) method. The connection became forceful. At the moment there has been a transition to the Just Clic System (form connection). It is also possible to combine two types of Pro Clic System connection technologies.
Uniclic Multifit® is a revolutionary styling system. The boards can be easily joined together thanks to the ingenious shape of its lock. The Uniclic Multifit® system is unique because you can lay the board in three different ways. This is a 3 in 1 locking system.
The first method is known as "drop" or "click" (1), and the second is known as "angle installation" (2). When connecting two boards, both methods provide simple and quick way laying, which allows not to damage the boards. Nevertheless, unique feature The Uniclic® Multifit system is that parquet boards can also be joined on the same level (3). This is convenient if tilting cannot be arranged parquet board, for example, under doorways and heating radiators.
The Uniclic® Multifit locking system can be used when laying Universal parquet boards, either using the floating method or when rigidly gluing them to the base. In the case of underfloor heating, we recommend using rigid bonding to the base.
No other locking system provides such connection strength. What's more, Universal provides a lifetime warranty on the Uniclic® Multifit locking system. The system can withstand pressures of more than 1200 kg/m 3 - this means that the boards will always remain in place and no gaps will form. In addition, dirt cannot penetrate into the cracks.
So let’s summarize the advantages of the Uniclic Multifit® locking system
Thanks to the patented Uniclic Multifit locking system, Universal parquet floors can be installed quickly using one of three methods, including vertical installation.
SPEED: Installing long planks has never been faster or easier. Professional installers claim that Universal wood flooring takes 30% less time to install than traditional wood flooring installation methods.
CONVENIENCE: Simply click the planks together using the method that works best for you. Damage to the planks is excluded. Even if you need to reinstall the slats, the Uniclic Multifit system makes it easy to lift and replace the required slats.
NO JOINTS: With the Uniclic Multifit system, there are virtually no gaps at the joints. Due to this, the floor remains clean, since virtually no dirt gets between the joints.
PERFECTLY FLAT FLOOR: the panels do not move anywhere, since the ridge fits exactly into the groove. This eliminates differences in height when laying the floor, as well as wear and tear along the edges.
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 species 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, lock systems with aluminum system designed for loads 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. If we talk about Lock, then this is lock connection has proven itself positively over many 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 more modern system lock for laminate. 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 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 the most different types And specifications. 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.
