What is a laminate, I think everyone knows. This stuff is very popular right now. Excellent appearance and quite affordable price - these are the main factors that people take into account when choosing this flooring for their home or apartment. How to lay laminate This is what we are going to try to figure out now.
As usual, we start with surface preparation. To begin with, our subfloor needs to be examined for any irregularities. Basically, manufacturers allow unevenness up to 2 mm per meter of floor area. Those. You take an even rail (level, rule) 1 meter long and apply it to the floor in different places and in different directions, determining the presence of depressions and bumps.
Differences on concrete floors are leveled with a thin screed device from self-leveling bulk mixtures. If you have uneven wooden floors, then it is advisable to put chipboard or plywood on them. Good for laying laminate flooring. It is important to understand here that the more irregularities on the base, the more likely there are gaps between the laminate panels. When walking on the floor in places of unevenness, the panels bend relative to each other, the interlocks gradually wear out. And the lower the quality of the laminate itself, the faster the cracks will appear.
The next step is to lay the underlay. Its thickness is usually from 2 to 4 mm. It is not worth making the substrate thicker, this will again lead to wear of the locks. The choice of substrates is now very diverse. The cheapest are obtained from polyethylene foams (penofol, polyfoam, isolon and many others).
Cork substrates are more environmentally friendly, but also more expensive. There are substrates made of extruded polystyrene foam, made in the form of rectangular sheets. One side is ribbed. When laying, it should be facing down.
In general, the choice is large, and besides, it is constantly replenished. To be honest, I can't advise what to choose. I never felt any noticeable difference. As usual with every manufacturer, his product is the best. Let me just say that the service life of all the above types of substrates is much higher than that of the laminate itself, so any of them is quite acceptable.
When laying laminate on a concrete base, additional waterproofing must be spread under the substrate. It can be, for example, a simple polyethylene film 0.2 mm thick or any other waterproofing film.
Before laying, the laminate should lie in the room for at least 2 days so that it adapts to the temperature and humidity of the room. Laying is recommended to be done along the direction of sunlight. When laid across, the joints give small shadows and they become a little more noticeable, spoiling the integrity of the appearance.
In general, there are two ways to install a laminate:
The adhesive laying method has one good advantage - the joints are reliably protected from moisture penetration. As a result, the service life of the coating is increased. But the laying process itself is more complicated and time-consuming (compared to the castle), besides, there are additional costs for glue. In rooms where a floor heating system is installed, it is not recommended to use this method.
Glue laying is carried out by applying a special water-repellent glue to the ends of the panels (sold together with the laminate). Under no circumstances should a water-based adhesive (e.g. PVA) be used. This will cause the joints to swell. Glue is applied to the panel groove along the entire length. Then the groove is joined with the spike of the previously laid panel. The connection is sealed with light hammer blows through a wooden block. Excess glue is wiped off with a damp cloth.
After laying 3 rows of panels, it is better to let the glue dry for a couple of hours. Then we lay the floor to the end. The coating can be put into operation 10-12 hours after installation is completed.
The adhesive method of laying is now used less and less. There is practically no such laminate on sale. It is being squeezed out of the market by lock panels. This is due to the ease of installation of the latter. Moreover, the coating of the lock laminate can even be disassembled without damaging the panels and, for example, transferred to another room. Although, to be honest, I have never heard of anyone doing this.
Locks from all manufacturers of laminate have their own characteristics and differences. But in general, all of them can be divided into 2 groups: Click And lock.
When laying laminate with locks such as lock one panel is driven into another with a hammer. Thanks to special combs, the spike is securely fixed in the groove without the use of glue.
Type locks Click appeared later and are considered to be of better quality and wear-resistant. They are mounted by turning one panel into another at an angle (30-45º). Then it is pressed to the floor and the lock snaps into place. I’ll add on my own that you still have to hammer the laminate with a hammer, although manufacturers don’t write about this on the instructions.
The installation sequence of the laminate of all the types described above is almost the same. Laying starts from the left corner of the room. Before laying the 1st row, it is necessary to measure the width of the room and calculate how wide the last row will be. Otherwise, it may turn out that you cover the whole room and at the end there will be a gap of 2-3 cm along the wall. You can’t close it with a plinth, and such a narrow strip of laminate will not hold well. The width must be at least 5 cm. To do this, you will need to cut the panels of the first row to length.
Between the laminate and the walls it is necessary to leave a gap for thermal expansion. Usually it is made about 1 cm. The main thing is that it is then closed with a plinth.
So we collect the first row of laminate from left to right. The rightmost panel basically always needs to be cut off (do not forget the gaps). From the remaining piece, you can start the next row, so we get the necessary spacing of the seams. It is recommended that this difference be at least 30 cm.
Having typed the first row between the laminate and the walls, we insert wedges to provide the necessary clearance, while you need to monitor the straightness of the row. Actually, I do things a little differently. When knocking panels of subsequent rows with a hammer, the wedges often fly out, the straightness of the row is disturbed, in general, it is inconvenient. Therefore, I fix the first row with self-tapping screws with washers (if we lay them on a wooden floor) or dowel-nails with washers (if the floor is concrete). I screw them in the corners and at the joints of the panels of the first row. After finishing the installation of the laminate, be sure to unscrew it.
When laying laminate with glue and with hammer type locks lock each subsequent panel is first joined along the long edge, then along the end.
When laying laminate with lock type Click first, a whole series of panels is assembled and then it is completely inserted into the previous one. With a large width of the room alone, it is inconvenient to do this, it is better together.
When installing for tamping laminate panels, it is convenient to use a special set of tools. If this is not available, knock the laminate through a piece of panel (10-15 cm), inserting it into the groove with a spike. When installing the extreme right panels of the row and the entire last row, you can wring it out of the wall with a small nail puller, only carefully, through the lining, so as not to damage the walls and laminate.
After completing the installation, you need to install the skirting boards, and they can only be fixed to the wall, and not to the floor.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Proper installation will be ensured if several nuances are provided:
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.
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 a low price), the base for the finish coat is poorly prepared.
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.
Laminate is one of the most popular floor coverings among buyers. This is due to its practicality, affordable cost, ease of care and styling. Even a person who does not have special skills and abilities can cope with the installation of a laminate floor.
An important advantage of the coating is the widest range presented in most hardware stores.
Choosing the right option, focusing on the price, color and quality of the laminate is not difficult. Another advantage of the coating is its soundproofing properties. In addition, this floor is multifunctional, as it is suitable for use in living rooms, bedrooms, children's rooms, corridors and kitchens.
Every year the material is improved and acquires new qualities. For example, the Belgian company Quick - Step has released a laminate that is suitable for use in bathrooms. Due to its water-repellent properties, the floor covering does not allow liquid to penetrate into the floor, and water remains on the surface. You can get acquainted with this and other Quick-Step products on the website http://dogvozdya.ru/napolnie-pokritiya/laminat/quick-step.
In addition to improving the flooring itself, manufacturers are also innovating in the locks that connect the laminate panels and make them a monolithic structure. With this method of fastening, the panels are connected by inserting the spike of one board into the groove of the adjacent panel.
There are several types of locks that differ from each other in the principle of operation and the way the elements are connected:
The simplest type of lock fastener, which is also called "driving". It is a fastening of a spike and a groove with a comb, by driving the first into the second. To lay a laminate with a Lock lock, it is enough to attach a small block or piece of board to the panel laid on the floor and, with careful hammer blows, drive the spike into the corresponding groove
If the action is performed with a wooden mallet, the bar can not be substituted. When connecting boards, there should be no holes or gaps. The advantages of the castle include its reliability, ease of installation and cost-effectiveness. The disadvantages of fasteners are the wear of the comb, which is fixed in the groove. Under the influence of loads, it is erased, leaves the groove and a gap forms at the junction of the panels.
This is a more modern version of the lock compared to Lock. It is a spike made in the form of a flat hook on one side of the panel and a platform, which engages with the hook, on the other side. In order to lay the floor, it is necessary to insert the spike into the groove of the previous board at an angle of 45 degrees (some manufacturers have a different figure), and lay the panel on the floor. When the spike and groove are engaged, a characteristic click is heard, indicating that the lock is engaged.
Advantages of the Click-lock is that it securely connects the panels, and even under heavy load there are no discrepancies. Such a coating can be assembled and disassembled about 3 - 4 times, while its performance will not deteriorate.
Flooring manufacturer Tarkett has developed a new version of the T-Lock that uses Click technology. The fastening of the boards is carried out by snapping the spike into the groove of the adjacent panel, not only on the long side of the board, but also on the end. Laying occurs by cutting the spike at an angle of 45 degrees into the groove of the already laid board.
The advantage of the T - Lock is its reliability and strength. Due to the double bonding of the panels, the floor is able to withstand heavy loads even with a long service life. The T-Lock does not wear out or break, and the boards fixed to it do not diverge. The tensile strength of this design is 800 kg/m. P.
The 5G lock combines Click and Lock technologies. With this grip, the board is fixed along the long and short sides with two types of locks. The long part is fixed at an angle, and the end part is superimposed on top of the underlying panel and snaps into place, as in a Click lock, until a characteristic sound occurs.
The advantages of a 5G lock are incomparable strength. Thanks to the removable polymer flexible insert, which is located at the end of the panel, the boards fit snugly against each other, regardless of the load. Laminate with a 5G lock is able to last for many years without losing its characteristics and advantages. Installation, as well as dismantling, of a floor covering with such a lock does not require special skills and abilities.
The Megalock lock, manufactured by the German company Classen, is an advanced version of the 5G lock. Laying laminate with Megalock fastening is carried out by joining the boards along the length. To the grooves of a row that has already been laid, a spike is applied to the long part of the board of the row following it. The panels are connected at an angle, after which the attached board is lowered and a lock is snapped into its end part.
The presence of the Megalock lock guarantees reliable fastening of the boards in absolutely any conditions. Regardless of the loads and operating conditions, the floor covering will remain perfectly even. Another plus is the quick and easy dismantling, which even an unprepared person can do.
The system is an aluminum profile located at the bottom of the panel or in the carrier layer, both on the long side and on the end. Thus, a double connection is formed, and the spike, which has fallen into the groove, is fixed with light and reliable aluminum.
Aluminum locks are considered the strongest. The breaking force is about 12,000 kg, which makes such a lock practically invulnerable to stress and abrasion. The joints between the laminate panels are not visible, so the coating looks monolithic.
An important advantage of laminate with an aluminum lock is that when laying it, there is no need to use connecting thresholds. When installing the floor with all other types of locks, thresholds are usually used. On the site http://dogvozdya.ru/napolnie-pokritiya/laminat/porogi you can find a large selection of thresholds that can be used with any laminate.
Other related materials:
Laminate or parquet board?
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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.
We will make a comparison according to the characteristics that are most relevant for the buyer.
Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of both systems below.
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:
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).
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:
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 is laid (unlike Lock), but this does not mean that it is not necessary to level the base. An even base for laminate is a prerequisite for installation.
Let's consider several subtypes of the Click system, which are the most popular.
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:
Minuses:
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. 
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 (seam sealants are used for even better protection).
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:
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:
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:
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. 
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
The suitability of the floor covering for use in the target room depends on the correct choice of laminate locks. Panel joints are both a strong and weak side of this type of floor, and therefore you need to take this nuance responsibly. When choosing a floor covering, you will inevitably have to find out what kind of locks a laminate has. After studying them, many inexperienced people are perplexed: why such a large number is needed, if one can be used, but the most convenient one. From this comes the question “Which laminate lock is better than the rest?” Let's figure it out.
Some types of laminate locks have been patented by individual manufacturing companies. Among the variety, one can single out the most popular castle connections, as well as several outdated ones. There are also modern connection systems, before the use of which a special molding of the panels is performed. If you plan to use a laminate with a lock for a long time, it would be wise to provide for the possibility of dismantling.
The lock determines the quality of the flooring. It is from this component that the degree of evenness of the surface, the gap between the lamellae, the absence of creaking and minimizing the likelihood of divergence of seams over time depends. In addition, the durability of the entire structure depends on the quality of the manufacture of the interlocks and the laminate itself and compliance with the assembly technology. In order to properly lay the coating and avoid problems in the future, it is necessary to have an idea about the types of lamella coupling.
The classification of castles begins with their division into main subspecies. Many people who are just planning to install this flooring do not know what laminate lock systems are, and therefore manufacturers like to invent their own lock schemes, and then advertise them as the most reliable on the market. All used laminate locks can be divided into two large groups: lock and click.
The most popular laminate locks
These two types of locks differ from each other in the way the panels are joined.
Laminate lock systems are reputed to be the most economical option and have been used for a long time. The production of these joints is done by milling: the connecting element looks like a tongue equipped with a tongue that fits into a groove on the other side of the panel.
Today, lock is an outdated laminate lock, used only by companies that have old production lines at their disposal. It is difficult to disassemble it without damaging the protruding edges of the lock components, which, among other things, are erased over time from constant stress and friction. If you do not close the gaps with a sealing compound (glue or mastic) during installation, then even a small amount of water can ruin the floor.
Before latching a laminate with a lock, you need to make sure that the surface underneath is of good quality. Laying on an uneven floor may increase the gaps between the panels. Assembly is carried out by hammering the spike into the groove with a wooden hammer until the gap between the panels disappears. It is allowed to use an ordinary metal hammer, but then you need a wooden block or a piece of hard rubber.
Experienced specialists who have already laminated many apartments speak of the need for constant monitoring of joints during installation and the overall laboriousness of assembling these locking systems. With external simplicity and reliability, lock-locks have one main drawback: they are non-separable and wear out at the location of the fixing ridge, which causes gaps between the panels. This indicates the unsuitability of these interlocks for long-term operation.
Most modern laminate collections have click-locks, which are considered more modern and do not have the disadvantages of lock-locks. They are made in the same way, however, the closing spike has the shape of a flat hook, and in the grooves there are platforms for its entry. This design allows you to disassemble the floor up to 3-4 times and securely holds the panels, preventing the appearance of cracks even with heavy loads on the locking mechanism.
Click-click laminate is practical and versatile, as it implies the possibility of repeated disassembly. It is also called "just click". At its core, it is a modernized version of the lock-lock. Since the grooves follow the shape of the fixing hooks, the click-lock laminate can be assembled even by a non-professional - it is enough to follow the assembly technology to avoid damage and divergence of the panels.
Before assembling a laminate with a click lock, you need to understand the mechanics of the action. During installation, the panel is inserted into the groove at an angle of 45 degrees, after which the panel should be moved to a horizontal position with swinging movements. When the closing elements are coupled, a click is heard, thanks to which this locking mechanism got its name.
In addition to those described above, there are other types of laminate locks on the market:
The uniclic laminate lock differs from others in its special profiles of tongues and grooves. You can assemble it both by knocking it down, and by simply snapping it at an angle. Thanks to the lower wedge-shaped edge of the groove, the load is distributed evenly throughout the structure. All lock components are made from the same material as the panels. This approach to manufacturing avoids deformation of the panels during installation.
Opinions differ on how to properly latch uniclic locks. Practice shows that installation at an angle is optimal. By docking the panels in this way, you can do without a special tool, and also make installation faster. It is necessary to fix the short sides of the lamella first, and only then the long ones. To lay the last row, as well as to assemble in a hard-to-reach place, you need to have a hammer and a wooden lining.
This lock was invented and patented by the manufacturer Quick Step. Other manufacturers of a similar type of lock may be called differently. For example TwinClick, ProLock or SmartLock. However, the general principle of installing and fixing the panels remains the same.
Laminate, equipped with metal locks, is rightfully the most reliable. The coupling mechanism can withstand loads up to 1200 kilograms per square meter. Laminate with aluminum locks can be laid without thresholds and disassembled up to 5 times without any damage or abrasion of the protrusions in the grooves and on the studs. Also, laminate with aluminum locks does not deform over time and is distinguished by the smallest gaps between the panels. An additional aluminum plate increases the strength of the connection and increases protection against moisture ingress under the coating. Such a lock is used in its products by the Norwegian manufacturer Alloc, giving a lifetime guarantee with proper laying of the laminate.
The design of this coupling mechanism includes an iron or plastic insert - tongue. This element ensures the tightness of the joints in the 5g laminate and the reliability of fixing the panels to each other. Like many other lock systems, the 5G lock snaps into place by inserting a panel vertically. When fixing, the insert is removed, after which a click is heard, notifying that the tongue has taken the right place and the panel is fixed. This lock allows you to simultaneously connect panels on the long and short sides with a simple push from above.
This type of connection has another name - 2-Lock, which is found in the manufacturer Tarkett.
This system is developed by Classen based on the 5g lock. Reliability of fixation is achieved through the use of a special insert at the end of the laminate. When connected, the insert bends and then snaps into place with a characteristic click, fixing the panel. The megaloc laminate lock implies assembly from the front side. Upon completion of the assembly, the second strip is attached to the first strip with an offset. If we compare the assembly time with other types of locks, then megaloc is mounted as quickly as possible. It is possible to dismantle and reinstall the cover with these locks up to 4 times.
A distinctive feature is the best tightness of the finished coating. Another advantage of this type of locks is that there is no need to use any tool when laying.
Created by Tarkett based on the positive aspects of the lock and click locking systems. Today, this type of connection can be found in the assortment of dozens of companies. The T-lock can be disassembled four times without damaging the components. The panels are connected at a very small angle and guarantee the strength of contact without distortion of the lamellas and excessively large gaps. The disadvantage of the lock is the visibility of the joints, especially in dark colors. Subsequently, the design of the castle was improved: the lower part of the castle became more concave, and at the junction, the side with the decorative layer became more massive. This is how the TC-Lock was born.
A good locking system is the key to a long service life of a laminate floor. When choosing, you should know in advance the conditions in which it will be operated. There are many opinions, but which locks are better - only practice always shows, because each type of connection has its own advantages that others do not have. Recently there is a laminate with wax-impregnated lock systems, developed by Witex.
The presence of wax in the locking mechanism several times increases the protection against moisture getting under the coating. In addition, wax-impregnated laminate locks make the coating more aesthetic due to the visual solidity of the floor. Also, the wax coating simplifies the assembly process and increases the resistance of the locking mechanism to external loads, increasing its durability.
Comparing lock- and click-locks, one can argue about the technological superiority of the latter. The duration of their service depends on many factors, so the best laminate is the one that has the minimum thickness of the seams and high-strength connecting systems. Which manufacturer is better to choose is everyone's business, but experts are confident in the undisputed leadership of German firms.
Sometimes it happens that the lock on the laminate floor does not latch or spontaneously opens. In this case, it is necessary first of all to determine which of the factors does not correspond to the recommendations for the installation and operation of floors. This will allow you to quickly determine what caused the divergence of the panels and understand what should be done if the lock has opened on the laminate.
The choice of locks for a laminate floor is a responsible matter that needs to be given due attention. In case of incorrect selection of locking systems, you can only get disappointed in your decision to change the appearance of the home. To make the right choice, you need to clearly understand whether the laminate will lie for a long time or whether it will need to be dismantled, what loads it will experience and in what conditions it will be used.
We should pay tribute to modern manufacturers, they do not leave buyers to their own devices, indicating on a pack of laminate what locks are used and how the panels should be fastened together.
