Types of laminate locks: what is it?

Laminate is one of the most popular flooring. Today, there are many types of similar products, which are durable and beautiful design. To facilitate the installation of boards, they are equipped with special locking clips, which we will discuss in more detail today.

Installation of laminate is a relatively simple operation, which is achieved through the use of special locking grooves. They allow you to quickly and efficiently join planks together. There are only two types of laminate locks, which differ in several parameters. The simplest and most economical option is the type of Lock system, which has several advantages:

• Folding design. laminate with such a latch can be disassembled and mounted again. But the number of repetitions is limited, because the structures have little strength and may lose their original properties over time.
• Bonding strength.This is achieved through special grooves that fit into each other, not allowing the laminate to move.
• Low cost. This is due to ease of manufacture and simple form.

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

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

• Double mounts. Systems of connecting elements are arranged 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 look good at the drawing of the material.
• High strength.Such locks can withstand considerable efforts to break, which makes them superior to previous models.
• The minimum probability that during the assembly of the laminate board will be damaged.

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

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

This type of design is the most common, since its production involves only the milling of the ends. This latch consists of a spike and a groove, which repeat the structure of each other. They are equipped with several ridges, which in the latched state do not allow to slide out. To lock the lock, hit one of the ends of the laminate. Perform these operations with a wooden or rubber mallet, which will not damage the structure of the castle. Therefore, to lay the board on the floor, you need to have little experience with these substances.

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

• Springy. This type of construction is classic, as the lock snaps into place when connected.
• Hard. To connect these 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.

These types of locks also consist of two grooves that are complementary. But in order to connect them, it is necessary to correctly insert the structures into one another at an angle of about 30-45 degrees. After this, the plates are aligned on the floor, which leads to snapping-in and fixing the lock. Today they have begun to produce laminate with aluminum locks of the same type, but this compound can withstand much higher loads.

Click-locks are more common, leading to the emergence of many varieties of them. Among this diversity, several classical constructions should be highlighted:

• Just-click. The locks of this type is equipped with laminate Austrian manufacturer Egger. These mechanisms are located on all sides, which allows to simplify the laying of the laminate. The peculiarity of such a product is the presence of a high ridge, which will provide a reliable joint and high strength of the joint.
• Uniclic. Castle Belgian production. It combines the technology of snapping and podbivaya slats, so it is used by beginners who do not have certain skills to work with other systems.
• PressXpress. This group includes peculiar lock constructions such as 3G, 4G and 5G.A feature of this system is the presence of a plastic tongue, which improves the adhesion between the connecting elements. Such double structures have minimal joint, and also minimize the occurrence of gaps between the lamellae. But if you re-assemble such a laminate, the plastic elements can be a little difficult.
• 4G and 5G-S Aluminum Locking System. These systems are hybrid, as they combine in themselves both classic designs. Metal inserts at the same time provide high strength and durability of the laminate.

The lock systems of the types considered have unique properties, but they can be completely different technical parameters. Many experts argue that the Click system is the most practical design of the lock. The advantage of this system is durability. Click locks during installation form a kind of monolith, which is difficult to destroy or loosen.

In turnThe lock system is somewhat easier and cheaper. If the quality of the surface on which the laminate fits, meets all the requirements of the manufacturer, the type of connection practically does not play a role.

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 eliminate such an impact, water should be prevented from entering the lower layers of the lamellae, where the wood is located. The solution to this problem is an additional treatment of the seams after laying the laminate.

Today for such purposes use several types of substances:

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

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

• Low humidity. Dry air leads to the fact that the wood substrate of the material begins to decrease. To exclude such a phenomenon can be creating inside the room the optimum humidity. The easiest option is to periodically air the room. If this does not help, you can install a humidifier and monitor the performance of the piece.
• Uneven floor. The surface drops cause the lamellas to fit unevenly, and this leads to a difference in height at the junction.Please note that in some cases they may diverge, and sometimes vice versa shrink (especially under pressure). The solution to this problem is only the re-laying of the slats. However, it is important to carefully pre-level the floor in order to glue the laminate to the surface without drops.

• Wrong installation. This is due to the fact that experts have left a small gap between the wall and the coating. It allows the laminate to expand and contract without damage.
• Marriage. This is a very common cause of cracks. Especially often it concerns cheap products that are equipped with low-quality locks. This problem can be solved only by complete replacement of the laminate.

This phenomenon is relatively common, since the laminate may be improperly operated or poor quality material is used. To solve the problem with broken locks in several ways. Some experts recommend pressing the lamella to the floor using a concrete mix. To do this, you need to drill a few holes in inconspicuous places, and then pour the solution there. But it should be understood that this is not a complete solution to the problem.

Laminate locks are an important attribute on which the durability and reliability of the floor depend. To get a quality result, purchase products only from well-known and trusted manufacturers.

You will learn more about what types of laminate locks are available in the following video.