A secure locking system eliminates the possibility. Laminate locks: everything you need to know

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

All types of laminate are installed using the glueless method; the slats are held in place only with latches. This method is faster and more convenient to install, and if necessary, it is easy to replace the damaged part of the floor covering.

It should be noted right away that many laminate manufacturers develop their own unique and patented types of connections. We will look at what kind of locks there are on laminate flooring and general principle such connections.

Lock Lock

This connection is considered more economical, although somewhat outdated.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

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

The disadvantage of such a fastening system:

• Over time, due to friction, the grooves wear out and become loose, forming cracks that can no longer be sealed.
• It is better to entrust the installation of lamellas with such grooves to a person with experience, since the locks of such a laminate are quite easily damaged during installation.

Lock with plastic plate

This type of fastener was developed specifically to combat these shortcomings. These laminate locks with plastic coated make installation somewhat easier and make this connection more reliable.

Click-locks

Click locks were developed relatively recently, but have already found widespread use. Most modern lamellas are produced with this type of connection, with various combinations. New technologies have made it possible to get rid of the disadvantages 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 actions or tools are required. Even a beginner can handle this simple installation of laminate flooring.

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

Advantages of a click lock

• Double fastenings located at an angle of 45°.
• Durable connecting fabric.
• High safety of the click fastening system during installation: the percentage of damage is incredibly low.
• A small (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

To make laminate installation even easier and faster, the 5g fastening system has been developed. This type of lock allows you to connect boards with just one click. The 5g system has a movable tongue that allows you to connect simultaneously along the long and short sides of the board.

Thanks to the 5g system, the panels “clip” to one another simply and securely. Many manufacturers have improved the 5g fastening and patented it under their own name, but the principle of operation of laminate locks remains the same.

Impregnation of laminate locks

Laminate boards are quite durable and strong, but have weakness– lock connection. This 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, wax impregnation treatment allows you to:

• Eliminate squeaking of the floor covering over time.
• Significantly simplify DIY installation.
• Increase the strength and resistance to mechanical deformation of fasteners under the influence of gravity.

The method of treating 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 to one of the panels before joining them. Any excess that appears is removed after it dries.

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

So, we can say with confidence which locks are best for your home and office. All experts recommend laminate flooring with click fasteners as the most reliable and modern. And the possibility of easily laying the flooring with your own hands only confirms the correctness of the choice.

Variety of sizes, colors and textures. This does not limit the choice of laminate flooring. An additional factor depending on the decision to purchase this or that material, a connection system can become. 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 an imperfectly 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 unnecessary 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 site. 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, removing the smallest particles of construction debris and using a 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. The main distinguishing features of 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 mounted panel is brought to the board laid on the floor at an angle of 45°. Angle may vary depending on different manufacturers, so it is necessary to clarify this point.
2. The hook is driven into the groove.
3. The panel lowers to horizontal.
4. A characteristic click is heard and the connection is complete.

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 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 of 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. A flat base for the laminate is a prerequisite for 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. It is also possible horizontal laying with tamped connection, for laying in 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.

Lamella 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- quite old technology, quite common at the moment, 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;
• When used repeatedly, the lock along the long part of the lamella may become deformed.

2-Lock- more new 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. Has everything greater distribution. 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;
• fast and easy assembly;
• One person can do the installation.

TwinClic

Presented by the Russian brand Kronospan. In essence 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 strength advantage 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 professionals 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.

Which laminate lock is better? All about laminate locks.

With the development of technology adhesive installation laminate has long gone into oblivion. Replaced by reliable and simple locks, glueless floating laminate installation rules the roost. Therefore, the question arises, which laminate lock is the best, which laminate manufacturer has the best secure locks? We'll figure out.

Previously, it was necessary to distinguish between the types - Click lock and Lock lock.

Are locks obsolete?

Yes, and meet them at modern laminate unreal. The reason is banal, this locking connection is outdated morally and technically.

The drive-in Lock had a number of disadvantages:

• Over time, the connection became loose and gaps appeared between the lamellas.
• It is simply impossible to disassemble such a laminate without problems.
• Difficult to install.
• This type of laminate did not last long on uneven surfaces, and manufacturers found a way out.

Click-locks for laminate flooring - fast, reliable, high quality.

Unlike the previous connection, Click had a number of advantages.

• Simple installation that even a non-specialist can handle.
• Laminate can be disassembled and assembled without problems, without damaging the lamella.
• Reliability – the boards do not come apart even after years of use.

With the development of new technologies and the emergence of new laminate manufacturers, the lock began to improve. Each brand tried to surprise. Now, almost every manufacturer has its own locking system.

Modern laminate locks.

On the long side of the laminate board, practically nothing has changed. There is a groove and a ridge.

Of course, the side length of the lock will vary between brands. Everyone is trying to make the connection stronger and more reliable. On the short side, significant changes have occurred.

Let me explain a little. Laminate installation is divided into two types:

• Row laying.

It's simple - the boards are connected into one line, which is then inserted into another line, snapped into place, and tapped.

• Laying one board at a time.

This installation has become even easier thanks to the end locks with a latch (5G). Installation can be carried out by one person without problems. The first row of your future floor is assembled, then the first board of the second row is mounted, the next lamella is inserted and snapped into place.

Everything is simple and fast. The disadvantages of such a system are that some wide collections of laminate diverge at the ends, especially on uneven bases. Overall, this “click” system has worked very well and many brands have improved upon it.

Very often, installers kill laminate flooring with a simple lack of knowledge. When laminate flooring is click-locked on the short side, they lay the flooring in rows. Such a mistake leads to disastrous results - the appearance of cracks. Then, everything is written off as “defective laminate.” It’s easy to avoid such problems - read the instructions.

Which laminate lock is better?

Comparing laminate locks from different manufacturers, based on experience, we can say with confidence that there are no bad lock connections. The production technology of modern laminated parquet has stepped far forward. Thanks to new opportunities, everyone famous manufacturer laminate creates a strong and reliable connection.

A breakthrough in laminate locks was made by Unilin back in 1997, which introduced the Uniclic glue-free system in Quick-Step laminate. It is thanks to Unilin patents that we can observe the development of the locking system among various laminate manufacturers.

Laminate locksEgger.

Laminate locksKronotex.

He didn’t reinvent the wheel and uses the proven Clic locking system. All collections of the manufacturer are produced with this lock on the short side of the board. The most interesting thing is that Kronotex allows laminate flooring to be glued to the base, with the exception of heated floors.

Quick-Step laminate locks.

It is clear that the lock will be Uniclic - reliable, proven, simple. Thanks to patented technology, the Uniclic locking system is used on laminate flooring from various manufacturers.

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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 castles, 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.
These 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. 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. IN modern world Laminate flooring is popular. Special system

Laying laminated panels, snapping 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 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 a special shape, which, when snapped into place, connects the panels without gaps and does not allow moisture to pass through. This reduces the likelihood of mold growing under the flooring.

Options and description

First, let's look at basic types 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 Quick Step company 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– multi-level floor or low-mounted battery.

• 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 more simple systems fasteners that are easy to install 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 all the best qualities of the two main types of locks, and metal system tenon and groove increases the strength of the fastening and makes the installation process faster.

Aluminum locks allow laminate flooring to be used in areas with increased load and high intensity of pedestrian 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 plastic insert, which resembles a tongue. Distinctive feature This type of lock involves assembling the panels 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 lower part on the tongue and groove side; there are no plastic parts 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 the panels from moisture penetration. Therefore, the lifespan of the flooring is significantly increased. But this method also has many negative aspects. For example, waste additional funds to purchase a special water-free adhesive composition; besides, gluing laminate flooring 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. Surplus adhesive solution must be cleaned with a cloth. 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 construction stores are increasingly being offered 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 lock 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 such a flawless floor covering as laminate can come 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.

Neglecting the screed before laying the laminate leads to the fact that the laminate uneven floor it comes apart, creaks or sways when you walk on it, and the locks become unusable.