Laminate with plastic locks laying. Lock with plastic plate

Laminate is a modern, durable, wear-resistant and comfortable floor covering. Installation of the flooring can be performed without special skills. The amount of effort will depend on what types of laminate locks are used by the manufacturer on the product used in the design of the apartment. Some of them do not provide for disassembly and reassembly of the coating. Others speed things up. The third ones are most convenient if you need to minimize the displacement of the lamellas.

Why do we need different types of locks

Looking at prices and analyzing laminate offers, it is not clear to the average user why there are different types of castle zones. It would seem that it is more rational to use only one, the most convenient one. In practice, things are different.

Some laminate locks are outdated and only used by manufacturers with older production lines. Others appear to be the most common. Still others are patented by individual companies. Some belong to the latest technological solutions, such laminate locks require a special approach to lamella molding.

The following types of docking mechanics systems are found on the modern market:

• the easiest option is Lock;
• widespread Click;
• patented by the Tarkett T-Lock brand;
• 5G using a plastic or metal fixation piece;
• Megalock, such locks on a laminate have an end docking area on tongues;
• ClickExpress, this system is slightly better than the common Click;
• the Unicklick locking system, which not only provides convenient assembly of the coating and maximum adhesion strength of the lamellas, but also guarantees assembly and disassembly of the flooring up to 4 times without damaging the laying elements.

The list is closed by a special class of laminated docking areas where aluminum parts are used. Such interlocking systems of the laminate guarantee the resistance to the separation force of the lamellas up to 1200 kg per sq.m, as well as the invisibility of the joining lines between the laying elements.

When choosing a specific type of laminate lamellas for home decoration, it is useful to immediately assess whether or not disassembly and subsequent assembly of the coating is necessary. If you purchase a budget segment product that wears out between repairs, you can save money by choosing a product with a Lock lock.

For a pavement designed to last decades, it is useful to provide for the disassembly and assembly of the deck. For such a case, manufacturers will offer different types of laminate locks.

In order to understand exactly which locks on the laying elements will be most convenient in a particular apartment, we will consider in detail the properties of each of them. Laminate from different manufacturers, of the same strength class and thickness, may have different connection systems from each other. The final price of the products will depend on their complexity, so you should carefully choose a specific product when buying.

lock

The lock zone type Lock is deprecated. Her thesis description looks like this:

• on one side of the lamella there is a groove along the length, on the other - a spike;
• the spike has a toothed shape;
• Laminate is laid with hammering one lamella into another with a rubber or wooden hammer.

It is easy to obtain a durable coating with the help of locking connections of the Lock class. It can be sealed with a wide range of adhesives and mixtures. But the Lock class laminate does not provide for the dismantling and reassembly of the coating. To do this without damaging the styling elements is almost impossible. In addition, if even a small amount of water gets into the joining line that is not protected by glue, the deformation of the base of the laminate board will quickly ruin the flooring.

There is also the problem of long-term use of flooring, created from elements with Lock locks. Over time, due to mechanical deformation of the lamellas under load, the connecting line loses its strength. The material simply wears out, the spike of the castle is depleted. In order to minimize the destruction process, the surface under the deck must meet the strict requirements of 2 mm height difference per square meter. Actually, the industry standard was developed specifically for laminate with Lock locks.

Click

The most common, fairly simple and durable lock. It uses the same tenon-and-groove technology as the Lock connection. However, clogging is not required. You can describe the work with the Click lock like this:

• the spike of the lamella has a hook-shaped bend at the end and a protrusion on the reverse side;
• groove profiling corresponds to the tenon configuration;
• Laying laminate flooring with the Click system occurs by inserting the tenon of one lamella into the groove of the other and light pressure with a rocking motion.

When the lock is fixed, a characteristic click sounds, which gave the common name to the class of docking zones. The Click system is convenient, simple, durable. Can be disassembled and reassembled up to 4 times. However, one of the shortcomings of the Locks remained. The tenon groove wears out over time and the connection weakens.

T-Lock

Tarkett has carefully taken into account the merits of the outdated Lock and the widespread Click system. The patented design of T-Lock implements the most notable advantages of the two systems. The slats are connected at a small angle, almost horizontally (unlike Click, where the initial parking angle can be 40 degrees), fixed with a guarantee of connection strength. At the same time, laying is quickly done without distortions and cracks (which is what makes the Lock system attractive).

Today, Tarkett is not a monopoly and T-Lock locks offer dozens of brands in their products. Laminate flooring from lamellas equipped with such a system allows dismantling and re-laying of the flooring without damaging the joint area up to 4 times.

5G

In a laminate equipped with a 5G locking scheme, the lamellas are connected not only along the length, but also in the area of ​​​​the end part. When laying the board, it is fixed easily, literally with one click. There is a small drawback of this connection system. It necessarily uses an aluminum or plastic fixing tongue that cannot be repaired. Its failure means that the laying board will have to be replaced.

The 5G system is not widespread. The development company patented its invention, so other brands were forced to follow their own path.

Megalock

The very own way that companies have gone, trying to offer customers the functionality of a patented 5G system. Megalock provides fixation of the board from the end and along the length, but provides for a special procedure for assembling the coating.

1. The first row of lamellas is laid with the ends joined. It passes by inserting special tongues into the grooves of the laying elements, which can be purchased as ordinary consumable hardware.
2. The second row of panels is mounted offset.
3. The connection along the length is carried out in the usual way, each of the stacked lamellas is fixed in its place with a light touch of the hand.
4. In each row, the boards are connected by end zones using tongues.

The tongue-and-groove connection of the lamellas made it possible to achieve high maintainability of the coating, to provide many cycles of assembly and disassembly of the flooring, while treating the joining zones with special impregnations, it is possible to achieve complete protection of the interlock from moisture.

The advantages of various castle connections can be listed for a long time. The list contains many names and subspecies, most of which belong only to individual brands. The listed types of connection are enough to understand how one or another laminate on locks works. This is an excellent floor covering, characterized by durability, excellent aesthetics and a solid service life. And lock connections, which simultaneously speed up assembly and improve the quality of the flooring, will allow you to do all the work on decorating a house or apartment yourself.

When choosing laminate flooring, rarely does anyone realize that the types of laminate locks determine its quality. It is they who are responsible for the gap between the panels, the absence or presence of a creak, the divergence of the 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, the type of adhesion. We will consider the features of installation, fastening systems in more detail.

Almost all panel coupling options are based on the tenon-groove system. The difference is the profiling of the lock system.

There are several main types:

1. lock. The easiest option. The spike in the section has not a simple straight profile, but a complex figure. The groove under it has a complex shape. The panels are laid by horizontal pressing one into the other. The moment of fixation is a click. For a quality installation, tamping of the extreme canvas is required. A wooden mallet is used. You can use a regular one, but you will need a wooden block or a special finishing touch. Laminate with this type of lock is difficult to dismantle without destruction. Over time, under mechanical stress, the connection is erased, the panels diverge. Therefore, in addition, the processing of locks with sealant or glue is used. The surface under the laminate requires high quality. Otherwise, during operation, a situation of divergence of the canvases may occur.
2. Click lock. Modernized previous view. The spike has a hook-shaped bend at the upper end, and a protrusion at the bottom closer to the panel. The groove repeats the shape of the protrusions. Fixation occurs when one panel is inserted into another at an angle. Swinging motion produce lowering to a horizontal position. At this moment, a characteristic click is heard. The lock worked. The connection is strong due to additional fixing protrusions. They are dismantled, the coatings are assembled up to 4 times.
3. T-locks. Option developed by Tarkett. It combines two types of locking joints, which allows achieving maximum adhesion strength of the panels. When laying, the technology characteristic of Click-systems is used. Simplicity, reliability ensured great popularity of this type among professionals. The floor covering can be dismantled up to several times without damaging the locks.
4. 5G. These types of lock systems have a plastic or metal insert in the middle that resembles a "tongue". Thanks to it, a tight connection of the canvases is ensured. The installation method is not difficult. The panel is inserted into the previous one in a horizontal position. When pressed, the insert is removed, when placed in the desired position, a click is heard indicating that the “tongue” has fallen into place, the position is fixed. Installation, dismantling will not cause difficulty even for a beginner.
5. Mega Lock. Advanced fixation system based on 5G. Connect the locks on the laminate begin on the end side. Reliability of coupling is provided with an end insert. And already to the assembled length of the first strip with an offset, the second row is attached to the width. Assembly time is minimal compared to other types. Maximum durability and reliability. Mounting and dismounting up to 4 times is allowed. Another advantage is increased protection against moisture.
6. ClickXpress lock. It differs by the rounded lower part of the spike, respectively, and the groove. Does not have plastic inserts. Works are carried out according to the principle of the Click system, at an angle. Dismantling, installation up to four times is possible.
7. Uniclick lock. The spike and groove have a special profile that ensures a strong grip of the planks. Installation can be both at an angle and by knocking. Dismantling is carried out up to 4 times.
8. aluminum locks. The most reliable connections. Withstand separation resistance up to 1200 kg/sq. m. Laying without a threshold is possible. Such a laminate has two types of lock - thorn-groove, aluminum on the bottom. A distinctive feature is that the joints between the canvases are practically invisible. Installation, dismantling is allowed up to 5 times.

Laying laminate without locks is becoming less and less popular due to the use of additional chemicals for fixing and the speed of work. Modern types of locks allow several times to increase the productivity and quality of the resulting surfaces.

Useful video: Overview of laminate locks

Conventionally, all laminate floor locks are divided into two groups according to the principle of Lock and Click. The first group is relatively inexpensive, providing quite reliable grip. The second belongs to the expensive segment, but the adhesion and quality of the resulting surface will be high. Each type of connection has pros and cons. For some, price is important, but for others, high quality and reliability.

If we compare what is better than Lock or Click, in terms of dismantling-mounting, then the first system is more prone to destruction of mounting profiles.

Preparing for laying

Any floor covering requires surface preparation. The best option is if a layer is applied to the rough screed. Such a basis will ensure the proper level of quality. After complete hardening of the preparatory layer, it is recommended to lay the waterproofing. To a greater extent, this applies to the first floors of apartment complexes, private housing.

• Cork . The most expensive option, but environmentally friendly, hides small irregularities in the rough base, is not pressed under load. The disadvantages include high cost; destruction in a humid environment, with the "warm floor" system.
• Polyethylene foam. A cheap option, has a low thermal conductivity, is resistant to moisture, the appearance of bacteria. Short-lived, pressed.
• Styrofoam. A relatively inexpensive option, used when installing the "warm floor" system, it provides additional sound insulation. It compresses over time.

Depending on the budget, the best option is selected. The substrate is covered without overlapping each other. Fixing to the floor, gluing the seams is done with masking tape.

Important points before installation

Proper installation will be ensured if several nuances are provided:

1. When buying, check with the seller whether additional protective impregnation of laminate locks is required or not. In the second case, you should purchase wax in advance. Processing is carried out prior to installation.
2. Laminate must lie down for at least 2 days in the room where laying is planned. This will allow the material to absorb the microclimate of the room, dial the temperature. This will ensure minimal shrinkage in the future. A greater effect can be achieved by removing the factory packaging from the material.
3. Installation is carried out from a window to a door. The end sides are directed towards the openings, and the long side towards the blank walls. This will reduce the visibility of the seams between the canvases.
4. For Lock systems, provide for the purchase of a special metal lining. It will allow you to easily mount floor coverings, even against walls.
5. Long rows are mounted offset. The first one starts with a long floorboard, the second - with a short one. This will ensure high-quality adhesion of the slats in different directions.
6. Technical gaps near the walls should be from 5 to 10 mm. There are special fasteners. At the time of laying on the flooring, a mechanical effect is carried out. As a result, it can move close to the wall if they are not fixed.
7. Before work, you need to prepare a cutting tool - a hacksaw for wood or a jigsaw. For proper cut quality, the tool must have minimum teeth.

Having provided all the points, you can safely take on the installation of panels.

Before work, read the installation instructions. Unpack the material, start laying with your own hands.

Lock systems are laid with padding both along the end and along the longitudinal part. The uniformity of the seams between the canvases should be observed. Another feature is the work with the last row. Often it is necessary to cut the width of the panels. A measurement is made taking into account the technical gap between the wall and the floor finish, marked, cut off. The canvas is inserted gently at a slight angle. With the help of a metal finisher, the seam is sealed to the desired 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 °, with a slight oscillatory movement they are taken to a horizontal position. At the same time, a click should sound.

Useful video: Laying laminate flooring with Click locks

5G systems, Megalock are distinguished by the simplest installation. The tenon groove is inserted in a horizontal position without finishing.

Laminate manufacturers offer a wide range of locking systems, which best determine the budget and reliability of the resulting flooring. If the locks diverge with a short service life, this indicates several reasons: poor-quality installation or a laminate lock (do not chase the low price), the base for the finish coat is poorly prepared.

Conclusion

In such cases, it is necessary to find out the source of troubles and eliminate it. Sometimes this requires disassembling and re-laying the panels. But if the cause is not eliminated in a timely manner, the lock connections can completely fail, and then the purchase of new material will be required.

Variety of sizes, colors and textures. This is not limited to the choice of laminate flooring. An additional factor in deciding whether to purchase a particular material may be the connection system. Consider the most popular types of laminate locks that provide the necessary technical requirements for laying. We will also figure out which locking system is best suited for each specific case. And finally, we will give a few recommendations for installation and maintenance.

Several decades have passed since the creation of such a coating as a laminate. During this time, technology has changed a lot, this also applies to locks. Every 2-3 years, manufacturers introduce a new type of connection, arguing this with improved stability and ease of installation. However, each prototype comes down to two basic ones: Lock and Click. Let's consider them in more detail.

The most popular collapsible systems that have won the recognition of laying masters. For each of these types of castles, there are many subspecies. Some of them can be found only in individual manufacturers, while others, on the contrary, are in service with most well-known laminate manufacturers.

Both basic systems are based on a tenon-and-groove connection. The difference is only in the profiling of the connecting parts.

Which lock is better Lock or Click

We will make a comparison according to the characteristics that are most relevant for the buyer.

• cheaper;
• tight connection.

• with prolonged use (with a deviation from the installation and operation standards), gaps between the lamellas may appear;
• a more complex laying process using a mallet and a padding strip;
• the risk of damage to the lock during installation.

• ease of installation;
• installation is made without additional tools;
• increased strength;
• during operation, the lock does not wear out, cracks do not appear;
• a tight connection is ensured when using double locks;
• the possibility of mounting on an imperfectly flat surface;
• safe assembly with minimal chance of damaging the lock;
• the possibility of re-coupling after dismantling the coating.

• high price.

Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of both systems below.

Lock locks

Translated from English, the name of the compound is translated as "castle". This method of fastening laminated panels is one of the very first. At present, this type of surface closure is technologically obsolete.

On the one hand, the mating surfaces are a groove, on the other hand, a spike, which are cut by a cutter on the bearing layer of the board.

The installation principle is as follows:

1. An attached board is attached to the board located on the floor at an angle of 0 °.
2. A padding bar is substituted for the opposite side of the lamella.
3. With light blows of the mallet on the bar, we achieve tight contact until the gap is eliminated.

Advice: tamping should be done carefully, without any extra effort, since with strong blows with a mallet, there is a high probability of damage to the lock.

If the connection is correctly installed, the stud fully enters the groove, the comb fixes it into the stud in the recess and prevents the adjacent panels from coming out of the hitch. This type of lock is also called a lock.

The weak link in the design is precisely the comb, which takes most of the stress on itself. The connection between the groove and the thorn is quite tight, however, with frequent loads on the lock, the comb is abraded. In the future, cracks appear at the attachment point. This defect cannot be eliminated without dismantling and subsequent replacement of the panel.

But this defect can be prevented. To do this, it is necessary to install the laminate on a perfectly flat surface with the elimination of the smallest particles of construction debris and the use of a substrate material that will not give a strong subsidence during operation. Otherwise, any "pebble" under the coating will create additional stress in the castle, reducing the life of your flooring.

Otherwise, even though the technology is outdated. This type of laminate lock provides all the necessary performance properties, subject to proper installation and further use. However, manufacturers prefer the Click system, so finding the “old version” is becoming increasingly difficult (if we are talking not about Chinese fakes, but about certified manufacturers).

Click locks

A relatively new technology, according to which the panels are fixed by means of snaps. The main distinguishing features from Lock, apart from the installation method, is a different shape of the tongue with a groove profiling for it.

The spike is also located on the carrier plate and looks like a small hook.

The installation method is as follows:

1. A panel to be mounted is brought to the board laid on the floor at an angle of 45°. The angle may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so this point needs to be clarified.
2. The hook is driven into the groove.
3. The panel is lowered to the horizontal.
4. A characteristic click is heard, the connection is made.

It is because of this click that the system got its name.

There is no need for additional tools during installation. You don’t need to make special efforts, finish it off with a mallet or hammer too. Otherwise, the key edge may be damaged.

Note: if, when fixing the plank, a small gap remains, then to select it, it is necessary to lightly tap with a mallet on a previously substituted bar or other laminate board. This must be done carefully so as not to spoil the lock element.

This type of connection is characterized by good density and operational properties - the retaining edge in the groove practically does not wear out over time. Therefore, such a laminate will last a long time without the appearance of gaps and cracks.

Also, the canvas assembled by the Click system can be reassembled. However, it is worth considering that during the life of the laminate takes on the smallest unevenness of the floor, and in a new place the adhesion may not be so tight, even taking into account the numbering of the boards.

The Click method does not require such strict restrictions on the evenness of the surface on which it fits (unlike Lock), but this does not mean that the base does not need to be leveled. An even base for laminate is a prerequisite for installation.

Let's consider several subtypes of the Click system, which are the most popular.

Uniclic

It is mainly represented by the Quick Step brand. Installation can be done by simple snapping - for this it is enough to bring one panel to another at an angle of 25-30 ° and fix it. There is also the possibility of laying horizontally with joint padding, for laying in the last row.

It has fairly good strength properties. Withstands a tensile load of up to 450 kg per linear meter.

System advantages:

• the lock snaps into place without much effort;
• reassembly is possible;
• laying both from left to right and from right to left;
• moisture treatment.

Minuses:

• over time, the lock may disperse along the end of the bar due to the low ridge in the groove.

JUST clic and UNI fit

Patented systems under the Egger brand.

JUST click replaced Pro clic. Unlike its predecessor, assembly of the entire series is required. The bar has two identical tongues and two identical grooves, which makes it possible to engage on both sides. It has a high assembly speed.

The groove and spike are profiled in the form of a conjugated oval, in connection with which a tighter contact is provided over an increased contact area. The gaps in the lock are minimal, so even the smallest debris is not allowed - check the strips before mounting.

Lamel with a lock UNI-fit can be fixed to the previous row separately, that is, it is not necessary to assemble a whole row for subsequent fastening. The spikes and grooves on the end and the long side are different.

SmartLock and ProLock

Both options are presented by Pegro. SmartLock is a more primitive version in terms of profiling - there is one additional retaining element on the top of the slot missing. As a result, a lower contact density is observed.

Most modern Pergo laminate models are equipped with the ProLock system. Both types of locks have a moisture-repellent impregnation, which, coupled with a massive fibreboard base, makes this coating well protected from moisture (sealants are used for even better protection).

ClickXPress, DropXPress, PressXPress

Represented by the brand Balterio.

ClickXPress represents a bunch of groove-thorn with a profiling of the lower part in the form of an oval conjugation. Laying is done at an angle of 45°.

The advantages of this connection include:

• reliability;
• strength;
• imperceptible high-quality seam;
• reassembly;

DropXPress is not inherently a Click-lock. The connection profile consists of two L-shaped hooks. The hitch is held due to the weight of the laminate panel and the friction force, since the lowering of the board at an angle of 0 ° from top to bottom occurs with an interference fit.

This method has its advantages:

• increased laying speed;
• ease of installation
• the same locks for the end and the long part

PressXPress- mounts with a counter-element, included in the new generation of 5g. When the board is seated in the groove, the fastening element is displaced, which is driven into the recess. Thus, the effort required for installation is minimal.

Advantages of the castle:

• increased installation speed;
• strong connection;
• invisible seam;
• possibility of installation at any angle.

In 2017, a new connection was presented at Domotex FitXPress, which will be used on Balterio's Magnitude Series laminate flooring, replacing PXP. The difference between the locks lies in the shape of the latch tongue.

Megaloc

Used on Classen laminate. It is a modification of the 5g system. Replaced the outdated EasyConnect model. The locking tab is located in the groove, not on the tongue. Just like on the Pergo coating, wax impregnation is used for moisture insulation.

Installation is carried out in separate panels, and not a whole row at once. Boards are laid at an angle until they click. Work can be done alone without outside help. If necessary, disassemble the connection is not difficult.

T-lock, 2-lock, TC-lock

Featured by Tarkett

T-lock- the old technology is satisfied, at the moment it is quite common, but it is being replaced by modern systems. It has a relatively small joining angle of panels of the order of 20-25°.

Laying may require the participation of several people, since it is necessary to mount the panels in rows as a whole. At the slightest shift of one of the boards, you will have to disassemble the entire row and start the process again.

Of the minuses can be identified:

• the joint is visible on the end of the laminate, especially in dark colors;
• with repeated use, the lock along the long part of the lamella may be deformed.

2 lock- newer model. It has a plastic tab to secure the connection. Allows for quick and easy laying even by one person - the assembly is carried out not in a whole row, but in one panel.

TC lock is a T-lock receiver. It is becoming more widespread. The cost does not exceed its predecessor. Unfortunately, old collections cannot be docked with the new TC-lock system due to the height difference.

Perhaps this is the only negative, let's focus on the pros:

• there is a tighter contact during coupling, therefore, the probability of moisture getting into the interlock is reduced;
• very good strength characteristics - the level of tensile load exceeds the norm by 8 times;
• quick and easy assembly;
• one person can do the installation.

TwinClic

Represented by the Russian brand Kronospan. At its core, it is an analogue of T-lock. It is also not possible to lay one panel at a time - it is necessary to assemble the entire row, which is not always convenient, especially when the installation is performed by one person.

When fixing the board in the groove, there is no pronounced click. It is better not to use this type of lock for laying laminate with a solid floor throughout the apartment, since there is a possibility of raising the joints under loads.

On models of laminate, which is in a low price category, there is very little protection against moisture.

LocTec

Patented Witex laminate locking system. Refers to high-strength compounds. Fairly easy assembly allows you to work alone. The installation process should not be difficult. The result is a smooth floor covering without visible seams.

Docking points are impregnated with a special water-repellent mastic.

Alloc

Introduced by a Norwegian flooring manufacturer. The quality is up to the mark. Has an aluminum insert. It has excellent strength properties, so it is most often used on commercial grade 33 and 34 laminate, which is designed for laying in places with increased operational load.

The advantage in strength becomes especially noticeable in large rooms. For such places, it is possible to lay a laminate without thresholds over the entire area. For ordinary apartments, the installation of such a coating is not advisable, since the high price exceeds the benefits that are not destined to be revealed at home.

Lock processing

Most modern laminate models are protected from moisture in the form of impregnation of the interlock with wax, paraffin, and special mastic. If for some reason you have purchased panels that are not subject to this procedure, then you yourself can perform simple manipulations that will increase protection against moisture.

Such formulations are available in liquid or paste forms. Of particular difference is what consistency you choose. The main thing is that you feel comfortable using the composition.

Advice: if possible, it is worth buying a laminate with protection of locks from moisture.

You can also use sealant to join the panels. In this case, several positive effects can be observed:

• increased protection against moisture;
• a tighter connection is made;
• if necessary, you can mask the seams.

Modern laminate models are equipped with convenient locks that allow you to perform a high-quality joint. In addition, most of them have water-repellent properties and do not need additional processing.

Experienced craftsmen perform installation for any system without loss of connection quality. If you are a beginner, then when choosing the type of laminate locks, preference should be given to models from the 5g generation with a fixing polymer tongue. In this case, laying will be carried out quickly and easily even alone.

Choosing a laminate, you need to pay attention not only to the color scheme and the quality of the boards themselves. An important selection criterion is the type of board connection. Let's look at the types of laminate locks that are most used in modern models of this flooring.

All types of laminate are mounted using a glueless method, the lamellas are held only with the help of latches. This method is faster and more convenient to install, besides, if necessary, it is easy to replace the damaged part of the floor covering.

It should be noted right away that many laminate manufacturers are developing their own, unique and patented joint types. We will consider what kind of locks a laminate has and the general principle of such connections.

lock

Such a connection is considered more economical, although somewhat outdated. The principle of such a lock is a tenon-groove, also called a driven connection, according to the installation principle:

• During installation, the end parts of the lamellas are brought together.
• Then, with the help of a mallet, they are knocked together through a wooden lining.

The disadvantage of such a mounting system:

• Over time, from friction, the grooves are erased and loosened, forming cracks that can no longer be sealed.
• It is better to entrust the installation of lamellas with similar grooves to a person with experience, since the locks of such a laminate are quite easy to damage during installation.

Lock with plastic plate

Especially for the fight against shortcomings, this type of fastener was developed. These plastic-coated laminate locks make installation somewhat easier and more secure.

Click-locks

Click locks have been developed relatively recently, but have already found wide application. Most modern lamellas are produced with this type of connection, with various combinations. New technologies have made it possible to get rid of the shortcomings inherent in the previous type of connection.

All flooring elements with click locks are connected to each other at an angle of 45°. No additional steps or tools are required. With such a simple laying of laminate, even a beginner can handle it.

Advice! The higher the quality of the lamellas with click locks, the less noticeable the joint between the boards. For reputable manufacturers, the butt seam is completely invisible. This is what explains the popularity of such a connection.

Benefits of click-lock

• Double fasteners located at an angle of 45 °.
• Durable bonding fabric.

• High safety of the click fastening system during installation: the percentage of damage is incredibly low.
• A slight (up to 3 mm) deviation in the level of the subfloor is allowed.
• These types of laminate locks last a very long time, without creaking or loosening.
• The ability to easily disassemble and reassemble the cover with click fasteners up to six times without damaging the fastening system.

5g system

For even easier and faster laminate installation, the 5g mounting system has been developed. This type of lock allows you to connect the boards with just one click. The 5g system has a movable tongue that allows you to connect on both the long and short sides of the board at the same time.

Thanks to the 5g system, the panels are "fastened" to one another simply and securely. Many manufacturers have improved the 5g mount and patented it under their own name, but the principle of the laminate locks has remained.

Impregnation of laminate locks

The laminate board is quite strong and strong, but it has a weak point - the lock connection. That is why all types of laminate locks need additional protection. To protect against moisture, the fastening system is treated with a special wax impregnation.

This treatment prevents damage to the fasteners from dampness and moisture. In addition, waxing treatment allows:

• Eliminate floor creaking over time.
• Much easier to install yourself.
• To increase the strength and resistance to mechanical deformation of fasteners under the action of gravity.

The method of processing locks with wax impregnation depends on the form of its release:

1. Liquid compounds are applied with a brush before laying the laminate. After laying the lamellas, the seams are wiped with a dry cloth.
2. Paste wax sealants are applied in a continuous layer on one of the panels before they are joined. The surplus that comes out is removed after it dries.

Advice! It is not necessary to cover the entire surface of the board with wax impregnation. In addition, it is impractical, wax can damage the water-repellent layer, which will lead to further complete uselessness of the laminate.

So, it's safe to say which locks are best for home and office. All experts recommend laminate with click fasteners as the most reliable and modern. And the possibility of easy laying the flooring with your own hands only confirms the correctness of the choice.

The joints of laminated parquet are both the weakest and strongest part of the coating. A carefully thought-out locking system ensures a tight connection of the lamellas, easy assembly and, of course, obtaining a smooth, durable floor covering.

In 1979, the Swedish company Perstorp AB (in the future Pergo) introduced a new flooring to customers through the IKEA chain of stores - laminate. Since the technology was just being developed, the novelty did not yet have interlocks and even tongue-and-groove edges. The breakthrough came in 1994 when Välinges took out a patent for a unique development, the world's first mechanical joint for parquet, parquet and laminate flooring.

The actively developing giants of the woodworking industry became interested in the innovative technology. The first to buy the license was the laminate manufacturer Alloc, which introduced the so-called 1G aluminum lock. In the following 1995, the leaders of Kahrs 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 was called "lock 2G". In fact, this is a prototype of a coupling kit under the modern name Lock. That is, a connection according to the "thorn-groove" principle, but with a carefully designed compacted profile. When assembling the flooring with the Lock system, a special elastic adhesive was used.

Scheme of the first interlocks for laminate.

In the future, the structure of the connecting elements continues to be refined and at the end of 2001 a patent for a locking system is published in which two adjacent plates are joined at an angle of 45°, and after pressing (snapping) a mechanically tight bond is obtained. It is thanks to this development that the Click lock laminate, so famous today, is produced. From here begins the era of adhesive-free joining of floor tiles.

Such connecting kits are intended for implementation in multi-layer thin floor coverings: parquet board, engineered solid wood, laminated HDF or PVC floor, and others. For traditional parquet, vinyl or LVT tiles, solid board, simple tongue and groove joints are used.

Manufacturers of laminate flooring in advertising emphasize the adhesive-free locking system, which allows you to quickly, easily and without problems assemble or disassemble the floor. Another advantage is that special profile shapes form waterproof joints without the slightest gaps. But, in fact, there are the following basic types of laminate locks:

1. Tongue-and-groove or Lock.
2. Snap or Click.

All found names like T-Lock, Megalock, Click2Click, Uniclick and others are just replication of the main types with their own modifications. Nothing fundamentally new or unique has yet been developed. Patents for these improvements have been issued in order to avoid pirated copying of products from well-known European factories by unscrupulous Asian compilers.

Laminate with an adhesive connection system is no longer produced, although occasionally you can find crafts by Chinese "masters" on sale. 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 classics of the click system. The panels are snapped into place at an angle of 30-45° from four sides, and a sufficiently high ridge tenon ensures the tightness of the joint and the resistance of the connection to tensile and bending loads. The coating is available in a standard form and complete with Silenzio sound-diffusing underlay. The shape of the tongue and groove remains unchanged.

Uniclic by Quick Step

No less interesting is the development of the Belgian plant. The engineering profile provides the possibility of both classic snap-in at an angle, and the method of attaching or knocking down planks. This is the best solution for beginners.

The lock complex from Unilin is convenient for premises 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-way assembly system, watch the video from the manufacturer Quick Step.

PressXpress by Balterio

Similar laminate interlocks are called 3G, 4G, or 5G. That is, an element is added to the Click-joint structure - a plastic “tongue”, aluminum grips or protrusions that provide improved grip and prevent the slats from separating over time (the formation of longitudinal and transverse slots). One of the brightest representatives of this group is PressExpress from the Belgian plant Balterio. A well-designed “additive” to the main hitch eliminates even a hint of the appearance of gaps between the lamellas and significantly strengthens the joint area. Thanks to this solution, the finished flooring will withstand a significant weight without the slightest damage.

Let's note one shortcoming. According to the reviews of the craftsmen, when reassembling, plastic inserts become more of an interfering 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 by Berry Alloc

Laminate with aluminum locks from Alloc itself is unusual. Being a very successful modification of the two basic types of connections, the metal "thorn-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 plus for floors with reduced bearing capacity.

According to the manufacturer, the aluminum profile on both long sides of the bar, supplemented with a stiffener, increases the tensile strength of the connection. The limit according to the test reports is 1200 kg/r.m. m. That is why aluminum locks are used exclusively in class 33-34 flooring, designed for places with heavy foot traffic. It is allowed to disassemble and reassemble the floor covering 3 times.

Which laminate lock is better

Let's dispel the most popular myth that says that the best floor is obtained from a laminate flooring with a Click lock. In fact, flooring material with any type of interlock is designed in such a way as to end up with a perfectly smooth surface without protrusions, cracks and squeaks. Service life and build quality depends on:

1. availability of original coverage from well-known brands;
2. professionalism of stackers;
3. strict adherence to instructions.

The Lock joint, unlike its analog, does not stretch so much over time, so the coating with a lock-lock is more convenient in reassembly. The click hitch is more rigid, but subject to the high density of the plate - at least 750 kg / m 3. Let's make it easier for our readers to choose - in large shopping centers, 85% of the assortment is a laminate with the Click system.

Let's break another stereotype. Some masters claim that the click-lock allows you to lay the laminate on the floor with differences exceeding the allowable 2 mm per 2 linear meters of the surface. We will disappoint such unfortunate specialists - not a single type of connection is designed to smooth out significant irregularities, an even, solid foundation is always required. Only in this case you will get a smooth, beautiful and functional floor that will last at least two decades.

Advice! If you need repairmen, there is a very convenient service for their selection. Just send in the form below a detailed description of the work to be done and you will receive offers with prices from construction teams and firms by mail. You can see reviews of each of them and photos with examples of work. It's FREE and there's no obligation.