Double click locking connection. How to lay laminate flooring with different types of locks

Can be considered the most common floor covering. The simplicity of laying the panels allows you to do this work yourself without hiring expensive specialists. Each panel has special locks, thanks to which it is not difficult to assemble the floor covering. special labor. We will tell you what types of laminate locks there are, and which ones are best to give preference to.

Many manufacturers often come up with various locking connections and claim that their system is the most reliable. To the question of what kind of locks there are, you can answer this way - all locks are conditionally divided into two groups:

•  Locke locks
•  Click locks

The difference between these groups is the way the panels are joined. Lock locks have been used for a very long time and have proven themselves to be the most economical option. Such laminate locks are produced using the milling method. They are a tenon with a locking comb on one side and a milled groove on the other side of the panel.

Panels with Lock locks are mounted by driving a tenon into the groove until it is completely seated and eliminating the gap between adjacent panels. This is done with a wooden mallet or a metal hammer, after first placing a wooden block or a piece of timber.

This kind of work requires attention from the master and constant monitoring of the joints. Despite the fact that these are simple and reliable locking connections, they have their disadvantages. Under load, the lock comb wears out from friction, which leads to the appearance of cracks between the locks. Unfortunately, panels with such locks cannot be disassembled and reassembled if necessary.

It is important to know! To increase the protection of joints from water, it is recommended to treat any type of laminate joint with a sealant.

A more modern development is considered to be one equipped with click locks. This coating does not have the disadvantages of Locke locks. Locks are also made by milling, but the panel tenon has the appearance of a flat hook. The groove on the other side has a selected area for engagement with the hook.

Assembling the panels is very simple and does not require much effort. The panel is inserted with a tenon into the groove of the previous panel at an angle of 45 degrees. When the panel is lowered to the floor, the hook engages with the groove area and a characteristic click occurs. This is where the name Click comes from.

This interlocking connection of the laminate securely fixes the panels. Even under heavy load, the lamellas do not diverge during long-term use. It is very important that such a coating is easy not only to assemble, but also to disassemble. Manufacturers claim that laminate flooring with click locks can be disassembled up to 3-4 times.

If the climate is very humid, such a joint can also be treated with sealant. There is no need to be afraid that the laminate may not be disassembled later. The sealant is easily removed from the groove of the laminate flooring.

The latest developments in laminate flooring

On sale you can find laminate with wax impregnation of locks. This is the so-called Lock Tec lock developed by Witex. All edges are treated with wax, which significantly increases protection against moisture.

Thanks to wax impregnation, the joints between the panels are practically invisible when laid in the correct direction. The floor looks monolithic, which ensures that the coating is resistant to moisture penetration.

Laminate with an aluminum lock can withstand loads of up to 200 kg per 1 square meter. The metal lamella located on the back side of the panel engages with the groove of the adjacent board. Due to the simplicity of the design, laying this laminate is very quick. Manufacturers guarantee that this will never come apart, and some manufacturers even give a lifetime guarantee (laminate from ALLOC). This coating can be installed and dismantled up to 6 times.

Innovative developments of Megaloc type locks make it possible to speed up the process of laying laminate flooring by 3-4 times. This is due to the location of the additional plastic lock on the end side of the plate. The assembly of the covering is carried out along the side as usual, and to join at the end, just lay the panel and lightly press on it until it clicks.

The question of which laminate locks are better can be answered unambiguously – Click locks. A wide variety of locks from different modern manufacturers are essentially just modifications of one reliable locking system.

IN modern world Laminate flooring is popular. A special system for laying laminated panels, which snaps them together with a lock, allows you to update the floor easily and quickly.

The service life of the flooring directly depends on the quality of the locks and compliance with the technology of laying the panels.

Peculiarities

The technology for locking laminate flooring was developed not so long ago, but has already earned the love and recognition of people involved in repairs. There are several reasons for this:

• Laminate flooring locks make the flooring installation process easier. No additional fasteners or glue are needed for installation. The latching device is already built into the panel.
• If the panel is damaged, you can easily replace the broken part. This increases the service life of the laminate.

• The locking system for fastening laminate panels allows you to lay the most accurate floor covering without protruding or depressed areas.
• The sides have special form, which, when snapped together, connect the panels without gaps and do not allow moisture to pass through. This reduces the likelihood of mold growing under the flooring.

Options and description

First, let's look at the basic types of locks:

• Locke locks appeared much earlier than the other type and are considered more budget-friendly. This mechanism works on the “tenon and groove” principle, that is, on one side the laminate board is equipped with a tenon with a comb for fixation, and on the other side it is a groove. Installation of lamellas with the Lock system is carried out by driving a tenon into the groove cavity using a wooden mallet or a hammer with a rubber striker until complete connection. Unfortunately, during operation, the combs wear out due to the load on the panels, so gaps may form in the floor covering.

• Click locks, which are also used to connect lamellas, are considered more modern and produced taking into account past mistakes. Name Click locks came from a characteristic click, which is usually heard when the panels are closed. The technology for producing panels with a click-lock is similar to the previous type. However, the tenon side is made in the shape of a hook, and the groove is designed in such a way as to catch this hook. Assembling a floor covering with such a fastening system does not require much effort and is done quite quickly. To do this, the panel with the hook side is inserted into the other with the groove at an angle of 45°. After which the panel should be lowered. Then a click will be heard, indicating the entry of the tenon into the groove.

Unlike the lock system, click locks are not afraid of heavy loads and are also easy to disassemble.

In addition to basic locks, many companies, using their own technologies, produce laminate with patented locks. Among the existing proprietary developments are:

• Just Click from the Austrian company Egger can be called a classic example of locks with a click system. The panels close at an angle of 30° to 45° along the entire perimeter; due to the high tenon, tight joints are obtained, which makes the laminate resistant to heavy loads. Some Egger just-click slat models are available with a special Silenzio underlay, which helps soften the sound of steps.

• Uniclic is an achievement of the company Quick Step from Belgium. A special feature is that it can be snapped both at an angle and when placing and even tamping the slats. This variety is suitable for inexperienced users. Laminate with the Uniclik system is perfect for finishing floors in rooms with a non-standard shape, various obstacles and hard-to-reach places - a multi-level floor or a low-lying radiator.

• ProLoc and SmartLock are developments of the Belgian company Prego. The first type is represented by a fastening system of three components, which increases the resistance of the laminate to heavy loads and allows you to repeatedly disassemble and reassemble the floor covering. The second type refers to simpler fastening systems that are easily mounted at any angle and easily transfer loads.

• Another company Berry Alloc manufactures its products in Belgium and Norway, and Norwegian laminate is produced with aluminum locks. The patented names of locking connections from this company come in two types - 4G and 5G-S Aluminum Locking System. These locks successfully combine everything best qualities two main types of locks, and the metal tongue and groove system increases the strength of the fastening and makes the installation process faster.

Aluminum locks allow the use of laminate flooring in areas with high loads and high foot traffic. According to the manufacturer, the panels can be disassembled 3 times and reassembled without losing the quality of the floor covering.

• Also found 5G locks with a plastic insert that resembles a tongue. A distinctive feature of this type of lock is that the panels are assembled in a horizontal position, which allows even a beginner to lay the covering.

• Snap system for laminated panels T-Lock is a development of the Tarkett company. This type of lock allows you to snap a tenon into the groove of another panel at an angle of 45°, not only along the length of the laminate, but also from its end side. This system is distinguished by its reliability and strength of connection. Dual grip laminate can withstand heavy loads and last a long time. During operation, T-Lock does not wear out, does not break or come apart.

• Another popular slat lock ClickXpress equipped with a rounded bottom on the tongue and groove side, plastic parts not included in the model. The possibility of assembling and disassembling such a coating reaches 4 times.

Which is better?

For a person who is not involved professionally repair work, it is quite difficult to choose a suitable laminate among the variety of lock joints.

According to most experts, the most practical design is flooring with Click locks. And although Lock locks are less susceptible to stretching over time and are easier to disassemble when necessary, and the price of such a laminate is more affordable, they are still a more outdated modification. Over time and under heavy loads the connections at the joints wear out, creating gaps between the panels.

The Click system, in turn, guarantees maximum strength of connections during repeated assembly and disassembly without damaging the locking system. Laying such a coating is very simple and quick, even on floors with minor unevenness.

And although you will have to pay for such a laminate more money, but the quality of the coating will remain high for many years.

How to connect correctly?

The method of laying laminated panels and connecting them to each other depends on the type of laminate. Before laying the slats in any case it is necessary to eliminate differences and unevenness of the floor using a screed, and then lay the underlay.

There are two options for connecting panels when installing laminate. The adhesive method, thanks to a special technology, protects the joints between panels from moisture penetration. Therefore, the lifespan of the flooring is significantly increased. But this method also has many negative points. For example, spending additional money on purchasing a special waterless adhesive composition, besides, gluing laminate is always more difficult and takes longer. Warm floors are absolutely incompatible with glue method laying laminate.

In order to lay laminate flooring in this way, you need to apply glue to the groove part of the panel and insert a tenon into it. Then, using a hammer with a wooden head, you need to press the lamellas together as tightly as possible. Excess adhesive solution must be removed using a cloth rag. First you need to lay out three rows of slats and wait a few hours for the glue to set. Then you can fill the rest of the room with slats.

It should take at least half a day for the flooring to dry completely.

​However, due to the ease of installation, hardware stores are increasingly offering laminated panels with different locks. Assembly of laminate with Lock-locks occurs by hammering one panel into another. Most Click mechanisms are connected at an angle, and when the panel is lowered to the floor, the lock closes. If necessary, the panels can also be knocked down using a hammer.

Laminate with a locking connection has approximately the same assembly algorithm. Before laying, you need to measure the width of the room so that at least 5 cm in length remains for the last row. If necessary, you need to shorten the slats of the first row. In addition, you need to leave gaps for thermal expansion.

When laying panels using the adhesive method or using Lock-locks, the panels must be joined first along the length and then along the end side. Click-locks are characterized by gathering the entire row of lamellas at once and attaching it as a whole to the previous row.

Therefore for large area premises, it is better to enlist the support of an assistant.

Why does it diverge?

Sometimes even a flawless floor covering like laminate can fall apart. Then it is necessary to determine the cause of the damage to the coating and, if possible, eliminate it.

The cause of failure of the laminate may be dry air, due to which the panels shrink and crack. To avoid this, you need to constantly ventilate the room, or install a humidifier.

Variety of sizes, colors and textures. This does not limit the choice of laminated floor coverings. An additional factor in deciding to purchase a particular material may be the connection system. Let's look at the most popular types of laminate locks that provide the necessary technical requirements on installation. We will also figure out what kind of locking system would be better suited for each specific case. And finally, we will give some recommendations for installation and maintenance.

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

The most popular dismountable systems that have won recognition from installation experts. For each of these types of locks there are many subtypes. Some of them can be found only from certain manufacturers, while others, on the contrary, are in service with most well-known laminate manufacturers.

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

Which lock is better Lock or Click

Let's make a comparison based on the characteristics that are most relevant to the buyer.

• cheaper;
• tight connection.

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

• ease of installation;
• installation is carried out without additional tools;
• increased strength;
• During operation, the lock does not wear out and cracks do not appear;
• a tight connection is ensured when using double locks;
• Possibility of installation on non-ideal flat surface;
• safe assembly with minimal likelihood of damaging the lock;
• 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 name connection is translated as “lock”. This method fastening laminated panels is one of the very first. Currently, this type of surface closure is technologically outdated.

The mating surfaces are a groove on one side and a tenon on the other, which are cut with a milling cutter on the load-bearing layer of the board.

The installation principle is as follows:

1. A board placed on the floor is attached with a board attached at an angle of 0°.
2. A tamping block is placed on the opposite side of the lamella.
3. By lightly hitting the block with a mallet, we achieve tight contact until the gap is eliminated.

Advice: tamping should be done carefully, without extra effort, since when strong blows Using a mallet is likely to damage the lock.

When correct installation connection, the tenon fits completely into the groove, the comb locks into the tenon in the recess and prevents adjacent panels from coming out of the coupling. This type a lock is also called a hammer lock.

The weak link of the structure is the comb, which takes on most of the stress. The mating of the groove and the tenon is quite tight, however, with frequent loads on the lock, the comb wears out. Later, 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, eliminating the smallest particles. construction waste and the use of backing material that will not cause severe subsidence during operation. Otherwise, any “pebble” under the covering will create additional stress in the lock, shortening the life of your floor covering.

Otherwise, although the technology is outdated. This type of lock for laminate flooring provides all the necessary performance properties, provided correct installation And further use. However, manufacturers prefer the Click system, so find “ old version“It’s becoming more and more difficult (if we’re not talking about Chinese counterfeits, but about certified manufacturers).

Click locks

Relatively new technology, according to which the panels are fixed by means of snapping. Main distinctive features from Lock, not counting the installation method, is a different form of tongue with a profiled groove for it.

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

The installation method is as follows:

1. The panel to be mounted is brought to the board laid on the floor at an angle of 45°. Angle may vary different manufacturers, so it is necessary to clarify this point.
2. The hook is driven into the groove.
3. The panel lowers to the horizontal.
4. A characteristic click is heard and the connection is complete.

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

During installation there is no need for additional tools. You don’t need to put in any special effort; you don’t need to finish it off with a mallet or hammer either. Otherwise, the locking edge may be damaged.

Note: If, when fixing the plank, a small gap remains, then to remove it it is necessary to lightly tap with a mallet on a previously placed block or other laminate board. This must be done carefully so as not to damage the locking element.

This type The connection is characterized by good density and performance 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 using the Click system can be reassembled. However, it is worth considering that during its service life, 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 is laid (unlike Lock), but this does not mean that there is no need to level the base. Smooth base for laminate – required condition during installation.

Let's look at several subtypes of the Click system that are most popular.

Uniclic

Mainly represented by the Quick Step brand. Installation can be done by simple snapping - to do this, just bring one panel to the other at an angle of 25-30° and fix it. There is also the possibility of horizontal laying with tamping of the joint, for laying in the last row.

It has quite good strength properties. Withstands tensile loads up to 450 kg per linear meter.

Pros of the system:

• the lock latches without significant effort;
• reassembly is possible;
• laying both from left to right and from right to left;
• moisture treatment.

Minuses:

• Over time, the lock may move apart along the end of the bar due to the low ridge in the groove.

JUST click and UNI fit

Patented systems under the Egger brand.

JUST click replaced Pro clic. Unlike its predecessor, assembly of the entire row is required. The plank has two identical tongues and two identical grooves, which allows for interlocking on both sides. Has a high assembly speed.

The groove and tenon are profiled in the form of a conjugate oval, which ensures tighter contact over a larger contact area. The gaps in the lock are minimal, so even the smallest debris is not allowed - check before installing the strip.

Lamel with lock UNI fit can be fixed to the previous row separately, that is, there is no need to collect whole line for subsequent fastening. The tenons and grooves on the end and 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 no one additional retaining element on the top of the groove. Due to this, a lower contact density is observed.

Majority modern models Pergo laminates are equipped with the ProLock system. Locks of both types have a moisture-repellent impregnation, which, coupled with a massive wood-fiber board base, makes this coating well protected from moisture (for even better protection seam sealants are used).

ClickXPress, DropXPress, PressXPress

Represented by the Balterio brand.

ClickXPress It is a tongue-and-groove joint with the lower part profiled in the form of an oval joint. Laying is done at an angle of 45°.

The advantages of this connection include:

• reliability;
• strength;
• invisible 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 force of friction, since the lowering of the board at an angle of 0° from top to bottom occurs with tension.

This method has its advantages:

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

PressXPress- fastenings with a counter-element, part of the new generation 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 the Domotex exhibition FitXPress, which will be used on Balterio laminate Magnitude series, replacing PXP. The difference between the locks is 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 tongue is located in the groove, and not on the tongue. Just like the Pergo coating, a wax impregnation is used for moisture insulation.

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

T-lock, 2-lock, TC-lock

Presented by Tarkett brand

T-lock- happy old technology, on this moment quite common, but is being replaced modern systems. It has a relatively small panel joining angle of about 20-25°.

Laying may require the participation of several people, since it is necessary to install entire panels in rows. If there is the slightest shift in one of the boards, you will have to disassemble the entire row and start the process all over again.

The disadvantages include:

• the joint is visible on the end part of the laminate, especially in dark colors;
• at reuse The lock along the long part of the lamella may become deformed.

2-Lock- newer model. Has a plastic tab to secure the connection. Allows quick and easy installation even by one person - assembly is carried out not over a whole row, but one panel at a time.

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

Perhaps this is the only negative, let’s focus on the advantages:

• There is a tighter contact during coupling, therefore, the likelihood of moisture getting into the locking joint 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

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

When fixing the board into the groove, there is no pronounced click. It is better not to use this type of lock for laying laminate flooring throughout the entire apartment, as there is a possibility of the joints lifting under load.

On laminate models located in low price category, very poor protection against moisture.

LocTec

Patented Witex laminate locking system. Refers to high-strength connections. 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.

The joints are impregnated with a special water-repellent mastic.

Alloc

Presented by a Norwegian flooring manufacturer. The quality is up to the mark. Has an aluminum insert. It has excellent strength properties, therefore it is most often used on commercial laminate of classes 33 and 34, which is intended for installation in places with increased operational load.

The advantage in strength becomes especially noticeable in large rooms. For such places, it is possible to lay laminate flooring without thresholds over the entire area. For ordinary apartments 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 have protection from moisture in the form of impregnation of the lock joint with wax, paraffin, or special mastic. If for some reason you purchased panels that are not subject to this procedure, then you can perform simple manipulations yourself that will increase protection from moisture.

Such formulations are available in liquid or paste forms. It doesn't really matter what consistency you choose. The main thing is that you feel comfortable using the composition.

Advice: If possible, you should buy laminate flooring that protects the 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 disguise the seams.

Modern laminate models are equipped with convenient locks that allow you to make a high-quality joint. In addition, most of them have water-repellent properties and do not require 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, installation will be done quickly and easily, even alone.

Today, laminate has become the most popular floor covering. This state of affairs is due, among other things, to prostate montage. All work can be easily done with your own hands, without inviting specialists. This simplicity is due to the presence of special locks on each panel. Thanks to them, you can quickly lay a beautiful and practical floor.
Locks can be used in two designs. We will talk about the features of each in this article.

Which is better Lock or Click

Laminate manufacturers, when advertising their products, claim that their panels have the most modern locks, as well as composition and wear resistance. But, despite their assurances and the wide variety of models, there are only two types of locks:

• Locke locks
• Click locks

Their main difference- This is a method of joining panels. Locke locks were the first to appear. Over a long century of service, they have proven themselves to be very economical.
Such locks look like a milled groove on one side of the panel and a tenon with a fixed comb on the other side. This entire structure is made using the milling method. To connect the panels to each other, you need to insert the tenon into the groove and hammer it in using a wooden mallet.

Helpful information! Strikes must be struck before complete disappearance gaps If you don't have a mallet, you can use a regular hammer. You just need to wrap it with a rag. You need to be careful when working. It is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the joints between the panels.

Locke locks easy to install and quite reliable. But they have not solved the shortcomings either. With prolonged loading, the comb on the spikes wears out (the same thing happens if there are significant unevennesses in the floor. While walking on it, the comb wears out). As a result, gaps appear between the panels. Another disadvantage is the impossibility of dismantling. If one panel is damaged, it will be difficult to replace it. Since the locks are disposable, repairing the laminate is practically impossible. Click locks a later invention and it does not have the disadvantages of its older brother. Such structures are made in the same way, but have a different structure. On one side there is a spike made in the form of a flat hook. On the other side there is a platform that engages with the hook.
This type of laminate is even easier to install than using a lock-lock. There is no need to use a hammer or mallet to install it. It's done like this— the new panel is installed at an angle of 45 degrees close to the previous one. Then it is smoothly lowered until there is a characteristic click (this is where the lock got its name). At this time, the hook fits into the groove and the panels are firmly connected, almost like using laminate glue. This connection can withstand much greater loads than lock locks. In this case, no cracks appear. The problem with dismantling has also been eliminated. According to the manufacturers, click locks can easily withstand up to four disassemblies. Whatever lock is used, the connection needs additional protection from moisture penetration. Sealant is perfect for these purposes.

Helpful information! If you use click locks, then you should not be afraid that such a coating will not allow you to dismantle the panels. The sealant is easily removed from the interpanel space and does not interfere with “opening” the locks.

The latest developments in laminate flooring

Manufacturers are constantly improving their products. So today you can find laminate with wax impregnation of locks. After installation, the floor looks like a single monolith, the joints are practically invisible. Another advantage of this impregnation is protection against moisture penetration. There is no need to use sealant for such joints. Also today, panels with aluminum locks have begun to appear. The back side of this laminate is equipped with a metal lamella. Such locks can withstand loads of up to two centners per square meter.
This floor is very easy to assemble and disassemble. Moreover, manufacturers sometimes give a lifetime guarantee on joints; cracks will never appear in them. And you can disassemble laminate flooring with aluminum locks six times. You can also find laminate with additional plastic locks at the ends. The assembly of such a floor is carried out in the usual way

, the panels are connected at the sides. Then the ends are connected by simply pressing until they click. Laying such a laminate is almost three times faster. Important!

If we draw a conclusion from the above, then the answer to the question: which lock is better? - there will be a click-lock. It simplifies installation (everything can be done without using tools, with your bare hands) and the connections are much stronger than lock locks. This design also allows for dismantling, and repeated dismantling. All innovations that have been introduced into the lock design recently are only modifications of the click lock. They improve the adhesion of the panels and protect them from the formation of cracks at the joints and moisture ingress.

But still, this is a proven and long-used click-lock. Laminate is one of the most popular floor coverings. Today there are many types of such products, which are durable and beautiful design

. To facilitate the installation of boards, they are equipped with special locking fasteners, which we will talk about in more detail today.

Advantages and disadvantages Installing laminate flooring is a relatively simple operation, which is achieved through the use of special key grooves. They allow you to quickly and efficiently join the planks together. There are only two types of laminate locks, which differ in several parameters.

• Collapsible design. laminate with such a latch can be disassembled and reassembled. But the number of repetitions is limited, since the structures have little strength and over time may lose their original properties.
• Connection strength. This is achieved through special grooves that fit 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 subject to significant loads constantly, this leads to increased friction between the boards. At the same time, the lock “swings” and gradually loses its properties, and this increases the distance between the slats. The cracks that appear in such a laminate are technically impossible to restore or repair. The only solution is laying new boards.

Recently, manufacturers began to equip the material with grooves like Click. There are many similar mechanisms positive aspects, which led to such enormous popularity. The advantages of such products include:

• Double fastenings. 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 invisible 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.
• There is a minimal chance that the laminate boards will be damaged during assembly.

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

Among negative aspects Such compounds are only complicated by the complexity of their production, which affects the cost of finished goods. But this difference is almost unnoticeable, since quality products European manufacturers will last a long time regardless of the type of lock.

What types of lock systems are there?

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

Lock

This type of structure is the most common, since its production involves only milling the ends. This latch consists of a tongue and groove, which repeat the structure of each other. They are equipped with several ridges, which, when latched, do not allow them to slip out. To secure 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 damage the structure of the lock. That's why, To lay a board on the floor, you need to have some experience working with these substances.

Lock locks are relatively simple and are therefore falling out of favor. Today, many companies complement such systems with special plastic plates. This allows you to simplify installation work for newbies. This type of lock can be divided into 2 subtypes:

• Springy. This type of design is classic, as the lock snaps into place when connected.
• Tough. To connect such elements, you need to insert one groove and align it 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 grooves that are complementary. But in order to connect them, you will have to correctly insert the structures into one another at an angle of approximately 30-45 degrees. After this, the plates are leveled on the floor, which leads to the lock clicking and fixing. Today they have begun to produce laminate with aluminum locks of the same type, but this connection can withstand a significantly higher load.

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

• Just-Click. Laminate flooring from the Austrian manufacturer Egger is equipped with locks of this type. These mechanisms are located on all sides, which makes laying the laminate easier. A special feature of this product is the presence of a high ridge, which will ensure a reliable joint and high strength of the connection.
• Uniclic. The lock is made in Belgium. It combines the technology of snapping and tapping slats, so it is used by beginners who do not have specific skills in working with other systems.
• PressXpress. This group includes unique locking structures of the 3G, 4G and 5G types. A special feature of this system is the presence of a plastic tongue, which improves adhesion between the connecting elements. Such double structures have a minimal joint and also minimize the occurrence of gaps between the slats. But if you reassemble such a laminate, then plastic elements may cause minor difficulties.
• 4G and 5G-S Aluminum Locking System. These systems are hybrid, as they combine both classic designs. Metal inserts provide high strength and durability of the laminate.

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

Which one is better to choose?

Lock systems of the types considered have unique properties, but may differ radically technical parameters. Many experts claim that the Click system is the most practical lock design. The advantage of this system is its strength. Click locks When installed, they form a kind of monolith that is difficult to destroy or loosen.

In its turn , Lock system somewhat simpler and cheaper. If the quality of the surface on which the laminate is laid meets all the manufacturer’s requirements, then the type of connection practically does not matter.

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 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 prevent such an impact, water should be prevented from getting into the lower layers of the lamellas, where the wood is located. The solution to this problem is additional processing of the seams after laying the laminate.

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

• Sealant. The best option would be a silicone-based mixture. 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 effectively protects 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 flooring. The products are presented on the market in both solid and liquid (spray) states. 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 backing of the material to begin to shrink. This phenomenon can be eliminated by creating inside the room optimal humidity air. The simplest option is to periodically ventilate the room. If this does not help, you can install a humidifier and monitor the indicators individually.
• Uneven floor. Surface differences lead to the lamellas joining unevenly, and this leads to a difference in heights at the joint. Please note that in some cases they may diverge, and sometimes, on the contrary, shrink (especially under pressure). The only solution to this problem is to re-lay the lamellas. However, it is important to carefully level the floor first in order to glue the laminate onto the surface without any differences.