Locking system 5g. Which laminate is better choice of locks. Which castle is better

When choosing laminate flooring, rarely does anyone realize that the types of laminate locks determine its quality. It is they who are responsible for the gap between the panels, the absence or presence of a creak, the divergence of the seams, and the evenness of the surface. Therefore, when purchasing a laminate, you should carefully study not only its characteristics, but also the installation method, the type of adhesion. We will consider the features of installation, fastening systems in more detail.

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

There are several main types:

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

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

Useful video: Overview of laminate locks

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

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

Preparing for laying

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

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

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

Important points before installation

Proper installation will be ensured if several nuances are provided:

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

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

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

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

Laminate with click lock. Such systems do not require additional tools. The canvases are inserted into each other at an angle of 40–45 °, with a slight oscillatory movement they are taken to a horizontal position. At the same time, a click should sound.

Useful video: Laying laminate flooring with Click locks

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

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

Conclusion

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

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:

• adhesive;
• castle.

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 rightmost 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.

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

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

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

Scheme of the first interlocks for laminate.

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

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

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

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

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

Laminate with an adhesive connection system is no longer produced, although occasionally you can find crafts by Chinese "masters" on sale. Consider the most interesting options from such giants as Egger, Quick Step, Balterio, Alloc.

Just Click by Egger

Laminate locks from an Austrian manufacturer are classics of the click system. The panels are snapped into place at an angle of 30-45° from four sides, and a sufficiently high ridge tenon ensures the tightness of the joint and the resistance of the joint to tensile and bending loads. The coating is available in a standard form and complete with Silenzio sound-diffusing underlay. The shape of the tongue and groove remains unchanged.

Uniclic by Quick Step

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

The lock complex from Unilin is convenient for premises with a complex perimeter, the presence of hard-to-reach places or various “obstacles” - pipes, podiums, low-mounted radiators, etc.

To understand the essence of the three-way assembly system, watch the video from the manufacturer Quick Step.

PressXpress by Balterio

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

Let's note one shortcoming. According to the reviews of the craftsmen, when reassembling, plastic inserts become more of an interfering element than an auxiliary one, so they are most often removed with pliers. And to obtain a tight joint, sealing gels or sealing masses are used.

4G and 5G-S Aluminum Locking System by Berry Alloc

Laminate with aluminum locks from Alloc itself is unusual. Being a very successful modification of the two basic types of connections, the metal "thorn-groove" increases the reliability of the clutch and speeds up the assembly mechanism. In addition, this scheme allows you to reduce the weight of the floor covering, which is a significant plus for floors with reduced bearing capacity.

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

Which laminate lock is better

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

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

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

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

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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.

Types of laminate locks

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 kind of lock systems are on the laminate, and therefore manufacturers like to invent their own lock schemes, and then present 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.

lock

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.

Castle Click

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:

• uniclic;
• aluminum locks;
• megaloc;
• t-lock.

UniClic lock

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.

lock 5g

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.

Megaloc lock

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.

T-lock

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.

Which castle is better?

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.

conclusions

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 the mercy of fate, indicating on a pack of laminate what locks are used and how the panels should be fastened together.

Which laminate lock is better. All about laminate locks.

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

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

Are locks obsolete?

Yes, and it is unrealistic to meet them in a modern laminate. The reason is banal, this castle connection is outdated morally and technically.

The hammer lock had a number of disadvantages:

• Over time, the connection loosened up, gaps appeared between the lamellae.
• It is simply impossible to disassemble such a laminate without problems.
• Difficulty of installation.
• On uneven grounds, such a laminate did not live for a long time, and manufacturers found a way out.

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

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

• Simple installation, which even a non-specialist can handle.
• The laminate can be disassembled and reassembled without any problems without damaging the lamella.
• Reliability - the boards do not diverge even after years of operation.

With the development of new technologies, the emergence of new laminate manufacturers, the castle 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 lock profile will differ from brand to brand. Everyone is trying to make the connection stronger, more reliable. On the short side, there have been significant changes.

I'll explain a little. Laminate installation is divided into two types:

• Row styling.

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

• One board laying.

This installation is made even easier thanks to the 5G snap locks. 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 laminate collections diverge at the ends, especially on uneven grounds. In general, this "click" system has proven itself very well, and many brands have improved it.

Very often, installers kill laminate with a banal lack of knowledge. With click-lock laminate on the short side, they lay the floor in rows. Such a mistake leads to disastrous results - the appearance of cracks. Then, everything is written off to the “defective laminate”. To avoid such problems is simple - 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 ahead. Thanks to new features, every well-known laminate manufacturer develops a strong, reliable connection.

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

laminate locksEgger.

laminate locksKronotex.

He did not 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 you to glue the laminate to the base, with the exception of underfloor heating.

Quick-Step laminate locks.

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

Summing up, I will answer the main question - which laminate lock is better. The answer is simple - they are all good. Laminate flooring is sold in huge quantities every year. Dozens of manufacturers offer their products, on which hundreds of people work - technologists, designers. Who wants to buy laminate flooring with a bad, ill-conceived locking system? The main thing is the base on which the laminated coating will lie. If you prepare everything correctly, the floor will delight you for many years, and serve flawlessly. And it doesn’t matter if Quick Step is for 40 rubles and the Uniclic lock, or Kronostar for 10 rubles and a DoubleClic lock.

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