What is a lock connection in a laminate. Types of laminate locks: what is it

Laminate is one of the most popular floor coverings. Today, there are many types of similar products that are durable and beautiful design. To facilitate the installation of boards, they are equipped with special locks, which we will talk about in more detail today.

Advantages and disadvantages

Laminate installation is a relatively simple operation, which is achieved through the use of special locking slots. They allow high-quality and fast joining of the planks. There are only two types of laminate locks, which differ in several parameters. The simplest and economical option is a type of Lock system, which has several advantages:

• Detachable design. laminate with such a latch can be disassembled and mounted again. But the number of repetitions is limited, since the structures have little strength and may lose their original properties over time.
• Connection strength. This is achieved through special grooves that go into each other, preventing the laminate from moving.
• Low cost. This is due to the ease of manufacture and simple shape.

But such designs are not universal. If the locks are constantly subjected to significant loads, then this leads to an increase in friction between the boards. At the same time, the lock “swings” and gradually loses its properties, and this increases the distance between the lamellas. The gaps that have appeared in such a laminate are technically impossible to repair or repair. The only solution is laying new boards.

Recently, manufacturers began to equip the material with grooves of the type Click. Such mechanisms have many positive aspects which led to such huge popularity. The advantages of such products include:

• Double mounts. Systems of connecting elements are located when docked to each other at an angle of 45 degrees. That is why the connection is visually almost imperceptible on the surface of the laminate. To find it, you need to take a good look at the pattern of the material.
• High strength. Such locks can withstand significant breaking forces, which makes them superior to previous models.
• Minimal chance that laminate boards will be damaged during assembly.

• The locks are durable, which allows you to perform a cycle of dismantling and laying up to 6 times. Here they are also slightly ahead of the previously considered modifications.
• Laying laminate with such locks is very simple, which does not require special skills to work with such objects.
• Products with such systems can be located on a surface that has small differences. This value can reach 3 mm per square meter area.
• Installation is carried out manually, which eliminates the use of any auxiliary tools.

Among negative aspects of such a connection is only the complexity of their production, which affects the cost of finished goods. But this difference is almost imperceptible, since high-quality products from European manufacturers will last a long time regardless of the type of lock.

What are lock systems?

Laminate lock systems are constantly being improved, which leads to the emergence of many of their modifications. But technically, all locks belong to one of 2 types:

lock

This type of structure is the most common, since its production involves only end milling. This latch consists of a spike and a groove that repeat the structure of each other. They are equipped with several combs, which, when latched, do not allow slipping out. To fix the Lock-lock, you should hit under one of the ends of the laminate. These operations are performed using a wooden or rubber mallet, which will not allow damage to the structure of the castle. So, to lay the board on the floor, you need to have a little experience with these substances.

Lock-locks are relatively simple and therefore are losing their popularity. Today, many companies supplement such systems with special plastic plates. This makes it possible to simplify installation work for newbies. This type of locks can be divided into 2 subtypes:

• Springy. This type of construction is classic, as the lock snaps into place when connected.
• Rigid. To connect similar elements, you need to insert one groove and align in the longitudinal direction. But the installation of such a laminate is much more complicated, which requires studying the description of this technology.

Click

These types of locks also consist of two slots that complement each other. But in order to connect them, you will have to correctly insert the structures one into the other at an angle of about 30-45 degrees. After that, the plates are aligned on the floor, which leads to the snapping and fixation of the lock. Today they began to produce a laminate with aluminum locks of the same type, but this connection can withstand a much higher load.

Click-locks are more common, which has led to the emergence of many varieties of them. Among this diversity, several classic designs should be distinguished:

• Just click. Locks of this type are equipped with a laminate of the Austrian manufacturer Egger. These mechanisms are located on all sides, which makes it easier to lay the laminate. A feature of such a product is the presence of a high comb, which will provide a reliable joint and high strength of the connection.
• Uniclic. Belgian castle. It combines the technology of snapping and knocking the slats, so it is used by beginners who do not have certain skills in working with other systems.
• PressXpress. This group includes peculiar locking structures such as 3G, 4G and 5G. A feature of this system is the presence of a plastic tongue, which improves the adhesion between the docking elements. Such double designs have a minimum joint, and also minimize the occurrence of gaps between the lamellas. But if you re-assemble such a laminate, then plastic elements can bring a little difficulty.
• 4G and 5G-S Aluminum Locking System. These systems are hybrid, as they combine both classic designs. Metal inserts at the same time provide high strength and durability of the laminate.

As you can see, the variety of lock systems is very wide, therefore, before laying the laminate, it is important to determine the type of lock connection in order to select the optimal laying algorithm.

Which is better to choose?

The lock systems of the considered types have unique properties, but at the same time they can radically differ in technical parameters. Many experts claim that the Click system is the most practical design castle. The advantage of this system is durability. Click locks during installation form a kind of monolith that is difficult to destroy or loosen.

In its turn , Lock systems are somewhat simpler and cheaper. If the quality of the surface on which the laminate is laid meets all the requirements of the manufacturer, then the type of connection practically does not play a role.

When choosing lamellas, it is important to take into account their manufacturer, since the quality of the final surface and the duration of its operation depend on it.

How to treat from moisture?

Laminate is a material based on wood fibers and piece polymers. Therefore, many types of boards absorb moisture very well, which negatively affects its structure. To exclude such an impact, water should be prevented from entering the lower layers of the lamellas, where the wood is located. The solution to this problem is additional processing seams after laying the laminate.

Today, several types of substances are used for such purposes:

• Sealant. The best option there will be a mixture based on silicone. Such substances do not allow moisture to pass through. Before applying this mixture to the joints, you need to level the surface, so the laying of the lamellas must be constantly monitored.
• Wax. This substance is very popular, as the material qualitatively protects the joints from moisture and is easy to apply. However, the mixture wears off over time, so you need to cover the laminate with it periodically.
• Polish. Compositions of this type are specially produced for laminate. The products are presented on the market both in solid and liquid state(spray). The use of polishes significantly increases the service life of the top layer, and also gives it an attractive shine.

Why does laminate come apart?

The quality of operation of laminate locks depends on many factors. There are times when the joints begin to diverge, which leads to the formation of small gaps. There are several reasons for this phenomenon:

• Low humidity. Dry air causes the wood substrate of the material to shrink. You can eliminate this phenomenon by creating inside the room optimal humidity air. The easiest option is to periodically air the room. If this does not help, you can install a humidifier and control the performance individually.
• uneven floor. Surface differences lead to the fact that the lamellas are joined unevenly, and this leads to a difference in height at the junction. Please note that in some cases they can diverge, and sometimes, on the contrary, shrink (especially under pressure). The solution to this problem is only laying the lamellas again. However, it is important to carefully level the floor beforehand in order to glue the laminate to the surface without drops.

Laminate is one of the most popular and sought-after floor coverings of our time. And this is not surprising, because its use allows for short span time to give the room a completely different look. Today, there are a large number of manufacturers who make it in different colors, styles, textures, and more. Laminate is famous for being very easy to assemble. Gone are the days when everything was glued together. Now there is glueless technology. Special locks are used in the laminate. 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.

Why do we need different types of locks

Someone may object, but why, in fact, complicate everything and come up with a large number of castle joints? 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, just the same, it is during installation that it often becomes necessary to have 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 for the reason that 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 patented their development on the laminate lock, and no one can copy them.

So, if you look at the modern market, then you can find the following types of laminate locks:

1. Lock is the simplest of all.
2. Click - this type of laminate lock is the most common.
3. Tarkett T-Lock this species lock for laminate and is just the same patented.
4. 5G - this system uses metal or plastic part fixation.
5. Megalock - this type of laminate lock is distinguished by the presence of an end joint zone on the tongues.
6. Click Express - in terms of prevalence, it can be compared with another Click system.
7. Unicklick - this laminate lock is different in that the coating can be assembled and disassembled at least four times.

Among other things, there are locking systems with aluminum, plastic and other elements. More about all this, we will present to you in this article. However, now we will give an answer to the question, why so many varieties of castle systems. For example, locking systems with an aluminum system are designed for loads up to 1.2 tons per square meter. Plus, after installation, a seamless effect is created.

But what if you need to dismantle the floors, for example, you live in a house where flooding often occurs. 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 also indicates the cost of the product. For example, the Lock system is predominantly characteristic of a budget laminate. Plus, some locks can create an original picture on the floor during installation, whether it is a beautiful seam or a complete lack of a seam. So, now we propose to directly start comparing and studying different locks for laminate.

Lock system locks

This type of laminate lock is created by milling the lock part. The thickness of the locking element is equal to the thickness of the MDF board. So, on one side of the laminate panel there is a special groove, and on the opposite side there is a spike. A latch is built into them, which holds the laminate together in the process of walking on it. This laminate lock system has the following advantages:

• Although difficult, it is possible to disassemble the laminate in order to re-lay it or replace individual strips. But without damage to the castle can not do.
• Relatively simple design, which is located directly on the panel itself.
• Laminate with this type of castle has a relatively low cost, which significantly affects the family budget.

For the sake of objectivity, we note the cons. If excessive load is applied to the floors, then friction will form at the joints. For this reason, the latches in the groove will begin to wear out, as a result, the connection will become fragile. This is one of the reasons why gaps often appear between the planks.

Click system locks

Unlike the laminate lock system described above, Click has more advantages. The assembly process of the laminate is carried out at an angle of 45 degrees. And at the same time, you should not make a titanic effort. If the previous lock can be damaged during installation, then these are not. Moreover, the docking is very tight and reliable. As a result, such a connection will cope with high loads.

Important! A number of well-known and expensive manufacturers produce such a laminate, where after installation by the Click system, the joints of the lamella joints are absolutely not visible. Of course, such laminate locks create a beautiful effect.

There are a number of positive aspects of this system:

• Double mount at 45 degree angle.
• After the installation is completed, the flooring has sufficient strength.
• During operation, the risk of deformation is practically reduced to zero.
• If you have certain skills, you can disassemble up to six times.
• Even a non-professional in this field can handle the installation process.
• No special building material is required for installation.
• According to the information provided by the manufacturers, a floor difference along the plane of up to 3 mm per square meter is allowed.
• During installation, it is impossible to damage the laminate.

What is better Click or Lock?

So, having considered the main features of these two systems, let's compare them with each other and immediately determine which laminate locks are better. If we speak for Lock, then this is a lock connection throughout years proved to be positive. This castle is considered the most affordable and inexpensive. After all, the lock is formed by milling directly on the lamella itself. For installation, it is necessary to make a lot of physical effort, since a mallet / hammer is used and wooden stand. Otherwise, the connection will not be committed.

Important! This method installation requires special skills of the master, since if you make a little more effort, the laminate lock can be damaged. Often there were cases when the master missed the hammer and fell right into the thorn. The consequences are not the most encouraging.

Click, in turn, more modern system laminate lock. It completely lacks the shortcomings 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 where this spike enters. 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 spike. 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 becomes obvious which of these two laminate lock systems is better. Although you will have to overpay for the latter, the end result will be much more effective.

Lock systems

Lock with plastic plate

After a while, the manufacturers decided to improve the lamella docking system and added plastic to the laminate locks. This technology has characteristic differences and is divided into two features:

1. Springy. The main difference is that you can literally snap it in one motion. This plate has an important advantage - the speed of installation work. However, there are often clear barriers to quick installation. This is explained by the fact that the floors are always even. As a result, the lamella begins to succumb to deformation, which leads to difficulties.
2. Rigid. The snap-in design is the same, but the panels must be inserted in a longitudinal motion to connect. All this greatly complicates and delays the installation process. Apparently this system the castle is able to withstand a large load, there is no exact information.

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 lamianat is not very popular.

Click with aluminum plate

This method of joining the laminate has its own distinctive features and now we present them to you:

• Easy installation of the cover.
• Due to the presence of aluminum in the grooves, a very strong connection is formed that can cope with high loads.
• This type of docking is able to survive 6 cycles of installation and dismantling of the coating for various reasons.
• Possibility to create an airtight coating. So moisture will definitely not get under the laminate.
• It is possible to carry out installation on a completely different surface, for example, a concrete screed, a wooden floor, and so on.

Important! According to the manufacturer, this coating is able to cope with a load of 850 to 1200 kg per square meter.

Tarkett T-Lock

As already mentioned, this is a lock patented by the manufacturer, developed using a special technology. This docking method can be safely attributed to the most progressive. The locks are relatively wide special elements, which, when approached, are joined without distortions and deformations. In this case, a large angle of inclination should not be given.

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 when laying in rooms with cramped dimensions.

5G

When using this technology, the docking process occurs not only from the longitudinal side of the lamella, but also from short end sections. At the same time, there are no difficulties during installation work. The slats snap on very easily. But there is one significant drawback here. In such systems, there is always a plastic or aluminum fixing tongue. If during installation it is accidentally damaged, then it can no longer be repaired, as a result, the laminate board will automatically become unusable.

Megalock

In this case, docking is carried out not only on the long side, but also on the short side. The principle of connection is reduced to the use of tongue and groove technology. Due to this, the coating became possible to repair if necessary. Moreover, it can be disassembled and reassembled several times without the risk of damage to the coating.

Important! The Megalock lock system allows you to achieve complete insulation against moisture penetration. That is why these locks are used in combination with moisture resistant products.

Systems from other manufacturers

So, we have discussed with you the most common technologies that are most often found on the domestic market. Now let's pay attention to the lock systems that are patented by different manufacturers.

1. Uniclic. Laminate with uni click locks has an original latching system. Docking takes place according to the tenon-groove method, but without any additional tool. The result of joining the laminate with uni click locks is the complete absence of cracks, the divergence of the panels after a while, the absence of a visible seam.
2. ProLock and SmartLock. As for ProLoc, this locking system has found its application in rooms where laminate is being installed on large area. Also in those places where there will be a serious load on the coating. The laying method has no problems, everything is simple. If the room is high humidity, then preference is given to the SafeSeal system. If we talk about SmartLock, then its joints are treated with a special moisture-proof impregnation. During installation, it is important to observe correct angle in this case, no special problems should arise.
3. Pro click. The installation process of the laminate is carried out according to one geometry. Additionally, it is recommended to use special sealants to improve the docking properties. Even under surface tension conditions, Pro Click will not produce cracks or other defects.
4. ClickXpress, DropXpress and PressXpress. All these locks are inherent in one manufacturer - Balterio. Each of them has its own characteristics. Click Xpress allows you to achieve the effect of a seamless coating. Disassembly is allowed. DropXpress is U-shaped and resembles a 5G system. As for PressXpress, docking is done by pressing. No visible seams.
5. classen. This type of laminate lock is a representative of a German manufacturer. We can safely say that this is one of the most reliable and strong locks. The connection process is accompanied by a tongue and groove.
6. Witex. According to the manufacturer, this lock has a tensile strength of up to 1100 Nm / p.m. As a result, it is characterized as reliable and durable. However, there is an important difference and it boils down to the fact that the joint is treated with paraffin.

Conclusion

So here we are, we've covered everything. important features and varieties of locks for laminate. As you can see, they all have different types and specifications. We hope that this material has given you a lot. wholesome food for reflection. After reading this article and watching the video at the end of the article, you will be able to arm yourself necessary knowledge and boldly go to the store. This will ensure that you make a quality purchase.

Types of laminate locks, the main 6 types of locks. Which is better?

Laminate is one of the most popular floor coverings among buyers. This is due to its practicality, affordable cost, ease of care and styling. Even a person who does not have special skills and abilities can cope with the installation of a laminate floor.

An important advantage of the coating is the widest range available in most hardware stores.

Choosing the right option, focusing on the price, color and quality of the laminate is not difficult. Another advantage of the coating is its soundproofing properties. In addition, this floor is multifunctional, as it is suitable for use in living rooms, bedrooms, children's rooms, corridors and kitchens.

Every year the material is improved and acquires new qualities. For example, the Belgian company Quick - Step has released a laminate that is suitable for use in bathrooms. Due to its water-repellent properties, the floor covering does not allow liquid to penetrate into the floor, and water remains on the surface. You can get acquainted with this and other Quick-Step products on the website http://dogvozdya.ru/napolnie-pokritiya/laminat/quick-step.

In addition to improving the flooring itself, manufacturers are also innovating in the locks that connect the laminate panels, and making them monolithic structure. With this method of fastening, the panels are connected by inserting the spike of one board into the groove of the adjacent panel.
There are several types of locks that differ from each other in the principle of operation and the way the elements are connected:

lock

The simplest type of lock fastener, which is also called "driving". It is a fastening of a spike and a groove with a comb, by driving the first into the second. To lay a laminate with a Lock lock, it is enough to attach a small block or piece of board to the panel laid on the floor and, with careful hammer blows, drive the spike into the corresponding groove

If the action is performed with a wooden mallet, the bar can not be substituted. When connecting boards, there should be no holes or gaps. The advantages of the castle include its reliability, ease of installation and cost-effectiveness. The disadvantages of fasteners are the wear of the comb, which is fixed in the groove. Under the influence of loads, it is erased, leaves the groove and a gap forms at the junction of the panels.

Castle Click

This is a more modern version of the lock compared to Lock. It is a spike made in the form of a flat hook on one side of the panel and a platform, which engages with the hook, on the other side. In order to lay the floor, it is necessary to put the spike into the groove of the previous board at an angle of 45 degrees (some manufacturers have a different figure), and lay the panel on the floor. When the spike and groove are engaged, a characteristic click is heard, indicating that the lock is engaged.

Advantages of the Click-lock is that it securely connects the panels, and even under heavy load there are no discrepancies. Such a coating can be assembled and disassembled about 3 - 4 times, while it performance characteristics won't get worse.

T - Lock

Flooring manufacturer Tarkett has developed new version T-Lock lock, which works on the basis of Click technology. The fastening of the boards is carried out by snapping the spike into the groove of the adjacent panel, not only on the long side of the board, but also on the end. Laying occurs by cutting the spike at an angle of 45 degrees into the groove of the already laid board.

The advantage of the T - Lock is its reliability and strength. Due to the double bonding of the panels, the floor is able to withstand heavy loads even with a long service life. The T-Lock does not wear out or break, and the boards fixed to it do not diverge. The tensile strength of this design is 800 kg/m. P.

5G lock (2Lock)

The 5G lock combines Click and Lock technologies. With this grip, the board is fixed along the long and short sides with two types of locks. The long part is fixed at an angle, and the end part is superimposed on top of the underlying panel and snaps into place, as in a Click lock, until a characteristic sound occurs.

The advantages of a 5G lock are incomparable strength. Thanks to the removable polymer flexible insert, which is located at the end of the panel, the boards fit snugly against each other, regardless of the load. Laminate with a 5G lock is able to last for many years without losing its characteristics and advantages. Installation, as well as dismantling, of a floor covering with such a lock does not require special skills and abilities.

Castle Megalock

The Megalock lock, manufactured by the German company Classen, is an advanced version of the 5G lock. Laying laminate with Megalock fastening is carried out by joining the boards along the length. To the grooves of a row that has already been laid, a spike is applied to the long part of the board of the row following it. The panels are connected at an angle, after which the attached board is lowered and a lock is snapped into its end part.

The presence of the Megalock lock guarantees reliable fastening of the boards in absolutely any conditions. Regardless of the loads and operating conditions, the floor covering will remain perfectly even. Another plus is the quick and easy dismantling, which even an unprepared person can do.

aluminum lock

The system is aluminum profile, located at the bottom of the panel or in the carrier layer, both on the long side and at the end. Thus, a double connection is formed, and the spike, which has fallen into the groove, is fixed with light and reliable aluminum.

Aluminum locks are considered the strongest. The breaking force is about 12,000 kg, which makes such a lock practically invulnerable to stress and abrasion. The joints between the laminate panels are not visible, so the coating looks monolithic.

An important advantage of laminate with an aluminum lock is that when laying it, there is no need to use connecting thresholds. When installing the floor with all other types of locks, thresholds are usually used. On the site http://dogvozdya.ru/napolnie-pokritiya/laminat/porogi you can find big choice thresholds that can be used with any laminate.

Other related materials:

laminate or parquet board?

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Laminate floors on this moment are one of the most popular types of floor coverings not only in our country, but all over the world. Laminate manufacturing plants are located in many countries of the world, so in stores you can find a model suitable for a particular room and design without much effort.

Choosing a laminate is not difficult. Certain problems arise during its installation. It cannot be said that laying a laminate equipped with a locking system is extremely difficult, but for this you need to know some of the nuances and features of the work.

It is worth noting that the laminate without locks, which must be pasted on draft base using special adhesive compositions, it’s better not to lay it with your own hands, but to invite masters for this work. Adhesive models of laminate floors are gradually becoming a thing of the past, so on modern market they are rare now.

Before laying laminate flooring, you need to properly prepare the base. Features of the preparation of the rough surface will depend on what material it is made of:

• Wooden floor (boards). The first step is to make sure that the surface is flat and does not have serious deviations. An acceptable indicator of deviation from the ideal evenness of the floor is considered to be no more than 2.5-3.5 mm per 2 sq.m. surfaces. If there are serious differences in height, it is imperative to level the base. To do this, you can use a unit for grinding a wooden floor (it is not necessary to buy, but take it for a day from companies that rent construction equipment), or use chipboard sheets that are tightly attracted to the base from wood with self-tapping screws and perfectly prepare the surface for mounting the laminate (many experts note that laying laminate on chipboard is the best option). In the event that the floor is frankly old, it is strongly recommended to replace broken and unreliable-looking boards with new ones. This is due to the fact that the service life of the laminate is more than 10-15 years in a residential area (even for models of class 31), therefore, in the future, in order to repair the subfloor, it will be necessary to disassemble the floor covering.

• Concrete floor. In the case of a concrete floor, the first step is to level the surface. If a concrete screed was flooded not so long ago, then, most likely, there will be no irregularities, but in old houses and apartments concrete base you almost always need to level. The simplest leveling option in this case is the use of special self-leveling compounds (the so-called "self-leveling screed"), which are presented in a variety of hardware stores. Other alignment methods, in principle, can not be considered (except to make a screed traditional way if there is excess cement).

Additional work

1. Before carrying out any work, it is recommended to keep the purchased laminate panels that are planned to be laid in the room in which the installation will take place. This is necessary in order for the panels to acclimatize, “get used” to the room, and gain the necessary humidity.
2. After all the preparation and leveling of the base are completed, it will be correct to additionally lay a waterproofing layer that will protect the laminate from moisture penetration from the side of the subfloor. To do this, you can use the usual polyethylene film. The laying of the film must be carried out perpendicular to the planned direction of installation of the laminate panels. The film is laid with an overlap of about 15-20 cm.
3. In addition, you need to decide in advance on the direction of installation of the laminate. In situations where the windows in the room are located only on one wall, the installation of the laminate must be carried out in the direction of the light. When laying the laminate perpendicularly, it will turn out that at the entrance to the room the joints between the boards will be very clearly visible, which will worsen the appearance of the floor covering.
4. During the installation of a laminated floor, it is impossible to allow any debris to remain under the laid panels - all waste and broken parts of the laminate must be promptly removed, preventing them from penetrating under the installed floor. If something remains under the laminate, it can lead to some floor defects in the future.

Modern laminate is equipped with a locking system, and locks can be of only two types (although there are many varieties): Lock and Click. Locks click type more technologically advanced and are usually called double. The main advantage of such a locking system is high level the reliability of connecting panels to each other, as well as the minimum likelihood of damage to the laminate boards during installation. The Lock system is considered easier to install. Besides, Laminate models with Lock locks are usually cheaper. At the same time, the level of reliability of the connection of the boards will be slightly less, in contrast to the cases with Click locks..

Laminate installation with click locks

Installing a laminate with the Click system does not cause great difficulties. First of all, you need to measure the dimensions of the room with a tape measure to determine the width of the boards against the wall. The laminate installation scheme provides that the panels that will be located near the walls should be approximately the same width, although small differences in width are allowed.

Installation of laminated boards should be started from the far left corner of the room. It will be correct to focus on the light coming from the window, as mentioned above. Before starting work, you need to lay small wedges no more than 1 cm thick along each of the 4 walls (you can buy them in a store or do it yourself). The presence of these wedges will provide a technological clearance, which is required during the operation of the laminate. Wedges are removed immediately after all installation work is completed.

The initial panel is installed in the far corner of the room. Further, the second one must be inserted into the end part of the installed laminated panel. Installation should be carried out at an angle of about 30 degrees, which will allow the boards to snap into place with each other (there will be a characteristic click - “click”). It continues in the same way until we reach the opposite wall.

The assembly of the following rows must be carried out in a checkerboard pattern. In other words, the formed joint between the panels top row it is necessary to shift by about half the length of the panel of the next row. Installing laminated boards in this way will ensure even distribution of the load. With straight laying, the load will be concentrated in separate sections gender.

Laminate of the 2nd row does not need to be fastened to the boards of the first row. First, the second row is assembled separately, after which it must be attached to the previous one. It is difficult to do this alone, so you will need the help of a partner. To connect the rows to each other, it is necessary to join them together at the same angle as the lamellas. The assembly of subsequent rows is carried out according to the same scheme - we form a finished row and join it with the previous one. In the case of Click locks, you cannot use a mallet or block to fit the slats.

Of course, you can choose other laying methods - for example, diagonally or herringbone. When choosing these installation methods, the work will be somewhat more difficult. In addition, the consumption of laminate will increase (by about 10-15%). Sawn panels and leftovers can be used at the beginning and end of the row, reducing waste.

Laminate installation with locks

Planks equipped with the Lock locking system do not cause difficulties during installation. Before starting work, you need to prepare a bar, mallet or rubberized hammer. The connection of laminated panels of this type is carried out using the familiar tongue and groove system. In other words, the spike of one board must fit into the groove of the second, which will ensure the connection of the lamellas.

Before laying, you must also estimate the width of the lamellas for the last row. In cases where the width is too small and visually unattractive, it is recommended to cut the lamellas in both the initial and last row, making them approximately the same in width. It is also necessary to install wedges to provide a technological gap.

Laying boards is also carried out from the far left corner of the room. We take the first laminated board, put it in the corner of the room, attach the next board to the end part, insert it into the groove. There will be no click here, but to ensure that the boards are connected to each other as tightly as possible, it is necessary to hammer the boards with a little effort after they are inserted into each other. The assembly of the row is carried out according to the same scheme.

Here it is also necessary to ensure the staggered order of mounting the panels, ensuring the distance between the joints of the laminated boards is at least 35-40 cm to distribute the load.

The second row is laid in the following way: a board is taken, brought to the first row, inserted into the panel, knocked out with a hammer. When connecting the second board of the second row with the first row, you should retreat slightly from the first board of the second row (approximately 20-30 mm). First we connect it with the boards of the first row, and then lightly beat it with a hammer to the first board of the second row.

Laminate is the most popular flooring that even an inexperienced landlord can lay on the floor on their own. Laminate can be laid or castle.

The ease of lock installation is ensured by a system of locks, which are specially designed for convenience, ensuring a strong connection of the boards, and long-term operation of the floor covering. Currently, the main type of fastening of laminate boards is locking.

Types of laminate locks

The most common locking connections for laminate boards are Click, Lock, 5G, in which there are many subspecies. Replacing MDF boards with HDF boards allows using milling machines to produce locks more complex shapes, providing strong long-term adhesion of floor elements.

Click system

The most common, has some undeniable advantages. A feature of the lock is that the next board for closing should be located at an angle of 45 ° to the previous one. The protrusion is inserted into the grooves at an angle and snaps into place by bringing the board to a horizontal position.

The locking system allows you to assemble and disassemble the floor several times without damaging the slats.

There are several subspecies of this locking system, one of which is metal locks. They include aluminum plates that fix the panels from below. Laying laminate with metal locks the technology is more complex, while it can be damaged by aluminum plates.

Varieties

• Laminate Egger (Germany) has a Pro Click system. The lamella itself has a geometry that allows laying the coating on one side. The lock provides high connection strength, high quality styling. The cover can be assembled and disassembled several times. , it is possible to ensure high resistance of interlocks to moisture.
• Laminate Tarkett (Russia) with T-Lock. It combines the benefits of the Click system with additional opportunity short circuits Lock system. This lock system use these coatings. Lamellas with such connections are easy to lay, they simply snap along the length at a slight angle. The lock allows reuse 3-4 times.

Lock system (driving)

This tongue and groove connection system, the most economical, is made by milling MDF or HDF boards in height. One side of the bar has a groove with a fixing tongue, and the other side has a tenon. slats in horizontal position connect by hammering the spike into the groove with a rubber mallet or hammer through wooden block attached to the opposite side of the board.

The disadvantage of such an interlock is that the coating cannot be disassembled without damaging the connections. In addition, with the time of operation of such coatings, noticeable gaps form between the lamellas. The production of such interlocks is gradually decreasing.

Manufacturers are trying to improve connections by inserting rigid or springy plastic elements. But plastic elements are also not perfect, they are poorly sawn, they can crack. When mounting boards with rigid plates, it is required to insert the next panel into the previous one with a longitudinal movement, which complicates the work.

Varieties

• Prego laminate (Belgium) is produced with two types of locks ProLoc and SmsrtLock. The ProLoc system is designed for large-area, heavy-duty floors. It is a triple fastening system. All locks are impregnated with hydrophobic compounds to increase resistance to moisture. The floor can be repeatedly assembled and disassembled, since the lock structure is such that it is difficult to damage it during assembly and disassembly.

SmartLock is a simpler lock impregnated hydrophobic liquid. It can be mounted at any angle, the coating is of high quality, withstands increased loads.

• Laminate Classen (Germany) with a Megaloc lock, which is considered the strongest in locking systems. The lamellas are connected by means of a tongue and groove. The lock is easy to install and very secure.

Locks 5G

Stronger, lighter and more precise assembly of laminate boards is possible when using boards with 5G interlocks. In this type of connection, the boards are connected in a horizontal position. The previous board is lifted a little, the next one is brought under it, the connection occurs simultaneously along the length and width of the board with the help of a tongue specially located at the end of the board, which helps to fasten one board to another.

Such floor coverings can be taken apart and reassembled several times. Experienced builders prefer this type of interlock to others because it is the simplest and provides the fastest laying.

Varieties

Balterio laminate (Belgium) with PressXpress lock system. Laminate boards are mounted with a simple push. The groove placed inside the lamella ensures secure fixation and the absence of visible gaps.

Types of laminate locks, which is better

Laminate lock joints have their positive and negative qualities.

Locks:

• disassembly and reassembly possible;
• provides a strong connection of boards;
• optimal price of the material.

Drawback: when long-term operation and heavy loads on the floor as a result of friction at the joints of the slats, the comb wears out, the contacts between the slats deteriorate, gaps form, which cannot be eliminated.

Click locks:

• strong connection of slats;
• double fastening, located at an angle of 45 °;
• the possibility of multiple disassembly without damaging the locks;
• simplicity and ease of installation;
• it can be used with base curvature up to 3 mm per 1 m.

When choosing which type of lock is better, listen to the opinion of experts, they recommend click system. It is optimal in terms of strength, ease of installation, material price. The system allows you to assemble and disassemble the canvas up to 6 times, if necessary, replace damaged floor fragments. The boards will not disperse over time, even with a heavy load on the floor.