Laminate locks: which look is better. Types of laminate locks: Click, Lock, metal, plastic, aluminum, which locks are better? Click connection

In the modern world, laminate flooring is popular. A special system of stacking laminated panels, snapping them together with a lock, allows you to update the floor quickly and easily.

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

Features:

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

Laminate locks make it easy to install the flooring. No additional fasteners or glue are required for installation. The latching device is already installed in the panel.
If the panel is damaged, the broken part can be easily replaced. This increases the lifespan of the laminate.

The locking system for fastening laminate panels allows you to lay the most neat flooring without protruding or depressed areas.
The sides are specially shaped, which, when snapped in, connect the panels without gaps and do not allow moisture to pass through. This reduces the likelihood of mold growth under the flooring.

Variants and Description

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

Locke locks appeared much earlier than other types and are considered more budgetary. This mechanism works on the principle of "thorn-groove", that is, on one side, the laminate board is equipped with a spike with a comb for fixing, and on the other side it is a groove. Installation of lamellas with the Lock system is carried out by driving the spike into the groove cavity using a wooden mallet or a hammer with a rubber striker until complete connection. Unfortunately, during operation from the load on the panels, the combs are worn out, therefore, gaps may form in the floor covering.

Click-locks, which are also used for joining lamellas are considered more modern and made taking into account past mistakes. The name of Click locks comes from the characteristic click that is usually heard when closing panels. The technology of production of panels with a click-lock is similar to the previous type. However, the side with the tenon is in the form of a hook, and the groove is designed so that the hook is hooked. Assembling a floor covering with such a fastening system does not require much effort and is done quite quickly. To do this, the side with the hook is inserted into the other with a groove at an angle of 45 °. Then the panel should be lowered. Then a click will be heard, indicating the entry of the spike 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 flooring with patented locks. Among the existing proprietary developments are:

Just Clickfrom the Austrian company Egger can be called a classic example of locks with a click system. The panels are closed at an angle from 30 ° to 45 ° along the entire perimeter, due to the high tenon, tight joints are obtained, which makes the laminate resistant to serious loads. Some Egger just-click lamellas come with a special Silenzio backing to help soften footsteps.

Uniclicis an achievement of the Belgian company Quick Step. A special feature is that it can be snapped in both at an angle and when the strips are attached and even knocked out. This variety will suit inexperienced users. Laminate with uniclik system is perfect for finishing the floor in rooms with a non-standard shape, various obstacles and hard-to-reach places - a multi-level floor or a low battery.

ProLoc and SmartLockare the 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 assemble the floor covering. The second type refers to simpler fastening systems that can be easily mounted at any angle and can easily transfer loads.

Another company Berry alloc manufactures its products in Belgium and Norway, and the Norwegian laminate is produced with aluminum locks. The patented names of the locks of this company are of 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 the metal tongue and groove system increases the strength of the fastening and makes the installation process faster.

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

Also meet 5G lockswith a plastic insert that resembles a tongue. A distinctive feature of this type of locks is the assembly of panels in a horizontal position, which allows even a beginner to install the coating.

Laminated Panel Snap System T-Lockis a development of the Tarkett company. This type of locks allows you to snap the tongue 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. Such a system is distinguished by its reliability and firmness of the connection. Dual-clutch laminate flooring can withstand heavy loads and last a long time. During operation, T-Lock is not erased, does not break or disperse.

Another popular lamella lock ClickXpressequipped with a rounded bottom part on the side of the tongue and groove, there are no plastic parts in the model. The possibility of assembling and disassembling such a coating comes up to 4 times.

Which is better?

It is rather difficult for a person who is not engaged in professional repair work to choose a suitable laminate among the variety of lock joints.

According to most experts, the most practical design is a floor covering with click locks. And although Lock locks are less susceptible to stretching over time and are easier to disassemble as needed, and the price of such a laminate is more democratic, they are still a more outdated modification. Over time and under the influence of heavy loads joints at the joints wear out, forming gaps between the panels.

The Click system, in turn, guarantees maximum strength of the joints when repeatedly assembled and disassembled and without damaging the lock system. It is very easy and quick to install such a covering, even on a floor with slight irregularities.

And although more money will have to be paid for such a laminate, the quality of the coating will remain at its best for more than one year.

How to connect correctly?

The way laminated panels are laid and joined together depends on the type of laminate. Before laying the lamellas anyway it is necessary to eliminate the difference and unevenness of the floorwith a screed, and then lay the underlay.

There are two options for connecting panels when installing a laminate. The glue method, due to a special technology, protects the joints between the panels from moisture penetration. Therefore, the lifespan of the floor covering is significantly increased. But this method has many negative aspects. For example, spending additional funds to purchase a special anhydrous adhesive, besides, it is always more difficult and longer to glue the laminate. Underfloor heating is absolutely incompatible with the adhesive method of laying the laminate.

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

It should take at least half a day until the floor covering is completely dry.

However, due to the ease of installation, hardware stores are increasingly offering laminated panels with different locks.Assembly of laminate with Lock-locks is carried out 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 is closed. If necessary, the panels can also be knocked out with a hammer.

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

When laying the panels with the glue method or using Lock-locks, the panels must be joined first along the length, and then along the end side. For Click-locks, it is characteristic to collect the entire row of lamellas at once and attach it with a whole canvas to the previous row.

Therefore, for a large area of \u200b\u200bthe room, it is better to enlist the support of an assistant.

Why does it diverge?

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

The cause of failure of the laminate can 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 installing laminate flooring leads to the fact that the laminate on an uneven floor opens up, squeaks or sways when walking on it, and the locks become unusable.

If the panel lock breaks very quickly, it may be due to the poor quality of the product. There is no need to chase cheapness and choose models from unknown manufacturers.

Non-compliance with laying technologylaminate flooring also often leads to coating problems. Often, during installation, they forget to leave gaps, and when the boards swell, the laminate cracks. Do not forget to remove construction waste from the floor, since even a small stone can disrupt the operation of the highest quality lock.

The correct choice of laminate locks determines the suitability of this flooring for use in the target area. Panel joints are both the strong and weak side of this type of flooring, 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 the laminate has. Having studied them, many inexperienced people are perplexed: why do you need such a large amount, if you can apply one, but the most convenient one. From this comes the question "Which laminate lock is better than the rest?" Let's figure it out.

Several types of laminate locks have been patented by individual manufacturers. Among all the variety, one can single out the most popular lock connections, as well as several outdated ones. There are also modern connection systems, before using which a special molding of panels is performed. If you plan to operate the 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 on this component that the degree of surface evenness, the gap between the lamellae, the absence of squeak and the minimization of the likelihood of seams diverging over time depend. In addition, the durability of the entire structure depends on the quality of the manufacture of the locking joints and the laminate itself and the observance of the assembly technology. In order to properly lay the coating and avoid problems in the future, it is necessary to have an understanding of the types of lamella coupling.

Types of laminate locks

The classification of locks begins with their division into main subspecies. Many people who are just planning to install this coating do not know what kind of locking systems are in laminate flooring, 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 conditionally divided into two large groups: lock and click.

Lock Lock

Laminate lock systems are renowned as 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, which 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, wear off over time from constant stress and friction. If the gaps are not covered with a sealing compound (glue or mastic) during installation, then even a small amount of water can ruin the floor.

Ensure that the surface underneath is of good quality before snapping on a laminate with a lock. Laying on uneven floors may cause increased gaps between panels. Assembly is carried out by driving the spike into the groove with a wooden hammer until the gap disappears between the panels. You can use a regular metal hammer, but then you need a block of wood or a piece of hard rubber.

Experienced specialists, who have already laminated many apartments, talk about the need for constant control of joints during installation and the overall laboriousness of assembling these locking systems. With outward 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 tool joints for many years of operation.

Click lock

Most modern laminate flooring 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 is in the form of a flat hook, and there are platforms for its entry in the grooves. This design allows the floor to be disassembled up to 3-4 times and reliably holds the panels, preventing the appearance of gaps 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 fastening hooks, a laminate with a click lock can be assembled even by a non-professional - it is enough just to follow the assembly technology in order 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 locking 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 the special profiles of the tenons and grooves. It can be assembled both by knocking down and by simple snapping at an angle. Due to the lower wedge-shaped edge of the groove, the load is distributed evenly throughout the structure. All components of the lock are made from the same material as the panels. This approach to manufacturing avoids deformation of the panels during installation.

Opinions differ as to how to properly snap uniclic locks. Practice shows that the optimal installation is at an angle. By joining the panels in this way, it is possible to do without a special tool, and also to complete the installation faster. It is necessary to fasten 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 pad.

This lock was invented and patented by the manufacturer Quick Step. Other manufacturers may have a different name for a similar type of lock. For example TwinClick, ProLock or SmartLock. However, the general principle of installation and fixing of the panels remained the same.

Laminate, equipped with metal locks, is rightfully the most reliable. The clutch can withstand loads up to 1200 kilograms per square meter. Laminate with aluminum locks can be installed without thresholds and disassembled up to 5 times without any damage or erasure of the protrusions in the grooves and tenons. Also, a laminate with aluminum locks does not deform over time and has the smallest gaps between the panels. An additional aluminum plate increases the strength of the joint and increases the protection against moisture penetration under the coating. Such a lock is used in its products by the Norwegian manufacturer Alloc, giving a lifetime warranty if the laminate is installed correctly.

5g lock

The design of this coupling mechanism includes an iron or plastic insert - a tongue. This element ensures tightness of joints in 5g laminate and reliable fixing of panels to each other. Like many other locking systems, the 5g lock snaps into place by inserting the panel vertically. When fixed, the insert is removed, after which a click is heard, indicating that the tongue has taken the right place and the panel is fixed. This lock makes it possible to connect panels on the long and short sides at the same time by simply pressing from above.

This type of connection has another name - 2-Lock, which is found at the manufacturer Tarkett.

MegaLoc lock

This system was developed by Classen based on a 5g lock. Reliability of fixation is achieved through the use of a special insert at the end of the laminate. When connected, the insert is bent and then, with a characteristic click, snaps into place, fixing the panel. Laminate lock megaloc means assembly from the front side. Upon completion of the assembly, the second is attached to the first strip with an offset. If we compare the assembly time with other types of locks, the megaloc is mounted as quickly as possible. It is possible to dismantle and reinstall the covering 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 tools when laying.

T-Lock

Created by Tarkett based on the positive aspects of lock and click 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 components. The connection of the panels is carried out at a very low angle and guarantees a firm contact without distortion of the lamellas and excessively large gaps. The disadvantage of the lock is that the joints are quite visible, 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 lock is better?

A good locking system is the key to a long service life of your 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 locking systems, developed by Witex.

The presence of wax in the locking mechanism increases the protection against moisture penetration under the coating several times. In addition, wax-impregnated laminate locks make the floor more aesthetically pleasing 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 with the minimum thickness of the seams and high-strength joint systems. Which manufacturer is better to choose is everyone's business, but experts are confident in the undisputed leadership of German companies.

Sometimes it happens that the lock on the laminate floor does not snap into place or the lock opens spontaneously. 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 use of floors. This will allow you to quickly determine what caused the discrepancy of the panels and understand what to do if the lock on the laminate is opened.

findings

The choice of locks for laminate flooring is a responsible matter that needs to be given due attention. In the case of the wrong selection of locking systems, you can only get disappointment in your decision to change the look of your 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 under what conditions it will be used.

We should pay tribute to modern manufacturers, they do not leave buyers to their fate, indicating on the laminate stack which locks are used and how the panels should be fastened together.

Few people think about what an important role the laminate lock plays in the durability of the entire flooring. It is thanks to this connection that they do not appear between the boards, and the floor serves for a very long time. By the way, many companies use only proven locking systems, or create their own, unique and patented.

In the article we will tell you about the types of laminate locks, their design and installation. You will find out which option is best for your home.

Glueless Laminate Lock System

All versions of modern lamellas are mounted and attached in a glueless way. This means that all components are held in place only with latches. In truth, this mounting option has a lot of advantages, but the main thing is the fact that it is much easier to lay the entire flooring, moreover, you can always dismantle the desired part.

Nevertheless, many systems differ significantly from each other. If we are talking about a laminate with metal locks, then you can always choose one of two options:

Latches (Lock);
floors on a collapsible system (Click).

Such connections are considered today one of the most economical options. This model has proven itself well, which is why many people prefer it. System elements are manufactured by milling from the thickness of MDF or HDF board.

There is a special spike on one side of each panel. On the opposite side there is a groove with a locking comb. It is with their help that the connection is carried out. To hammer the panels, use a special tool - a wooden mallet. It is better to entrust the installation of laminate with a lock of this type to professionals so as not to damage the panels.

Laminate with lockLock has several advantages including:

Possibility of assembling and re-disassembling the already laid coating;
strong connection between adjacent floor panels;
affordable cost.

! Are there any disadvantages? Yes, like any other option. The fact is that with a large load on the floor, friction occurs at the point of contact. Over time, this leads to erasure of the retaining comb and deterioration of the condition of the connection contacts. As a result, the first cracks begin to appear that cannot be eliminated.

Laminate flooring with plastic locks was developed to overcome the disadvantages of such a joining system. Plastic plates are designed to fix the boards immediately after installation.

Today there are two types of such plates:

Springy ones allow you to snap the elements in one motion. The stacking speed is one of the advantages of such a plate. But, the fact is that the geometry of the laminated flooring is not always ideal for snapping in. As a result, the board begins to deform (by the front part), or it is necessary to knock out the lamellas from the opposite side;
rigid ones have the same design, but in order to connect the elements, it is necessary to insert each panel into another in a longitudinal motion. There are no visible advantages in this case, but among the disadvantages they note the complexity of installation.

Such lamellas have appeared relatively recently. They are completely devoid of all those shortcomings that were inherent in their predecessors. Even an inexperienced assembler can install the flooring. All elements are interconnected at an angle of 45 ° without much effort.

The safety of the fastening system is a definite plus: there is practically no damage during the installation process. At the same time, the panels are tightly connected to each other and can withstand even heavy loads, despite the long service life. The tension that occurs during installation keeps the boards permanently.

! The higher the quality of the connectionsClick, the less noticeable the joints of the panels will be. High quality products from a reliable manufacturer completely hide any joints. You can notice them if you start looking closely. That is why this mounting option is more popular than the previous one.

Benefits of Click Mounts:

The presence of double mountings located at an angle of 45 degrees;
incredibly durable canvas;
low probability of damage to the connection of the boards during assembly;
possible installation and dismantling of the coating up to six times;
ease of installation: you can start and complete the whole process yourself, without using the services of experienced repairmen;
slight curvature of the rough base is allowed (up to 3 mm per square meter);
no need to use additional tools.

Laminate with aluminum locks is also attached in a glueless way, using a special groove installed on the lamellas. This is the most reliable connection option and ensures that the floor never comes apart.

! Modern aluminum mounts can take enormous loads. With all this, the features of the mechanism guarantee a quick installation. If necessary, you can always replace the damaged element.

The joint can withstand tensile strength of the order of 850-1 200 kg per 1 meter? This is a truly unique characteristic that makes such a system a leader. In addition, this feature allows the installation / dismantling of the entire flooring to be performed several times. WITHOUT harm to the boards.

You can re-do the floor up to six times. Therefore, such boards are considered practically indispensable for a temporary office or apartment. At the same time, installation is as easy and economical as possible, both in terms of money and in terms of time. All panels snap into place only with a one-time slight pressure. The result is inconspicuous joints and a perfectly flat surface.

! This solidity of the finishing base guarantees one hundred percent protection against moisture penetration into the "laminated cake". Due to the connection system, boards can be mounted on almost any base. Moreover, the entire system is so thin that it is not able to increase the thickness of the lamellas. Spread over a large area? Forget about the connecting nuts!

It is known that the connection system of any laminated flooring, regardless of the manufacturer, panel thickness and wear resistance, is the so-called weak point of the floor.

When even a small amount of moisture makes its way between the individual elements, it leads to colossal problems, including warping of the canvas and its destruction. Therefore, the problem of moisture resistance is considered the # 1 problem.

Today different manufacturers try to solve this problem in different ways. In most cases, a positive outcome is achieved by impregnating the joints with special water-repellent compounds and adhesives for lamellas. How to distinguish such products from others? It usually has a blue-green base and is labeled as waterproof on the packaging.

Another solution to the problem of increasing water resistance is impregnation of board elements with a special water-repellent glue. This method is more popular, therefore, laminate with impregnated locks is bought most often.

A special wax impregnation gives the lamellas additional moisture resistance, and also protects the seams from moisture.

! When purchasing such products, check the type of impregnation yourself: just scrape off the wax with your fingernail. Succeeded? If so, the material is of poor quality and you will have to keep looking.

In some cases, you can carry out the impregnation yourself. To do this, apply a special compound with a brush to the entire part of the joint. It does not glue the lamellas themselves and does not require reapplication. The excess can be easily removed with a simple wipe.

This is another important question. So what are the best laminate locks?

Laminate is a modern, durable, wear-resistant and comfortable floor covering. Installation of the flooring can be done without special skills. The amount of effort will depend on what types of laminate locks are used by the manufacturer on the product used when decorating the apartment. Some of them do not provide for disassembly and reassembly of the coating. Others speed up the work. Still others are most convenient if you need to minimize the displacement of the lamellas.

Why do we need different types of locks

Considering the prices and analyzing the proposals of the laminate, the average user does not understand why there are different types of castle zones. It would seem that it is more rational to use only one, the most convenient one. In practice, things are different.

Some laminate locks are outdated and are only used by manufacturers with older production lines. Others appear as the most common. Still others are patented by individual companies. Some belong to the latest technological solutions, such locks on the laminate require a special approach to the formation of lamellas.

The following types of docking mechanics systems are found on the modern market:

the simplest option is Lock;
widespread Click;
the patented Tarkett T-Lock brand;
5G using a plastic or metal fixation piece;
Megalock, such locks on the laminate have an end jointing zone on the tongue;
ClickExpress, this system is slightly better than the popular Click;
unicklick locking system, which not only provides convenient assembly of the covering and maximum adhesion strength of the lamellas, but also guarantees the assembly and disassembly of the flooring up to 4 times without damaging the laying elements.

Closing the list is a special class of laminate joining zones where aluminum parts are used. Such laminate locking systems guarantee resistance to the force of separation of the lamellas up to 1200 kg per square meter, as well as invisibility of the joining lines between the laying elements.

When choosing a specific type of laminate lamella for home decoration, it is useful to immediately assess whether or not disassembly and subsequent assembly of the coating is necessary. If you are purchasing a budget segment product that will wear out during the time between repairs, you can save money by choosing a product with a Lock lock.

For a deck designed to last for decades, it is helpful to consider disassembling and reassembling the deck. For such a case, manufacturers will offer different types of laminate locks.

To understand exactly which locks on the styling elements will be most convenient in a particular apartment, we will consider in detail the properties of each of them. Laminates from different manufacturers, of the same strength class and thickness, may have different joining systems. The final price of the products will depend on their complexity, so you should carefully choose a specific product when buying.

Lock

The Lock-type area is considered obsolete. Its thesis description looks like this:

on one side of the lamella along the length there is a groove, on the other - a thorn;
the spike is serrated;
the laminate is laid by hammering one lamella into another with a rubber or wooden hammer.

It is easy to obtain a durable coating with Lock joints. It can be sealed with a wide range of adhesives and mixtures. But the lock laminate of the Lock class does not provide for dismantling and re-assembly of the coating. It is almost impossible to do this without damaging the styling elements. In addition, if even a small amount of water gets into the joining line unprotected with glue, the deformation of the base of the laminate board will quickly spoil the flooring.

There is also the problem of long-term use of flooring made of elements with Lock locks. Over time, due to mechanical deformation of the lamellae under load, the connecting line loses strength. The material simply abrades, the lock spike is depleted. In order to keep the process of destruction to a minimum, the surface under the decking must meet strict requirements, 2 mm height difference per square meter. Actually, the industry standard was developed specifically for the laminate with Lock locks.

Click

The most common, fairly simple and durable lock. It uses the same tenon and groove technology as the Lock connection. However, clogging is not required. Working with the Click lock can be described as follows:

the spike of the lamella has a hook-like bend at the end and a protrusion on the reverse side;
the profiling of the groove corresponds to the spike configuration;
the installation of the laminate with the Click system is carried out by inserting the tenon of one lamella into the groove of the other and light pressure with swaying.

When the lock is locked, a characteristic click sounds, which gave the common name to the class of docking zones. The Click system is convenient, simple and durable. The cover can be disassembled and reassembled up to 4 times. However, one of the disadvantages of Lock locks remained. The tongue-and-groove will wear off over time and the connection will weaken.

T-Lock

Tarkett has carefully considered the benefits of the aging Lock and the popular Click system. T-Lock's patented design takes advantage of the two systems' most visible advantages. The lamellas are connected at a low angle, almost horizontally (unlike the Click, where the initial parking angle can be 40 degrees), and are fixed to ensure the strength of the connection. At the same time, laying is quickly done without distortions and cracks (which is why the Lock system is attractive).

Today the Tarkett company is not a monopoly and T-Lock locks offer dozens of brands in their products. The laminate covering of lamellas equipped with such a system allows disassembly and re-laying of the flooring without damaging the joint area up to 4 times.

5G

In a laminate equipped with a 5G locking scheme, the lamellae are connected not only along the length, but also in the area of \u200b\u200bthe end part. When laying, the board is fixed easily, literally with one click. There is a slight drawback to this connection system. It necessarily uses an aluminum or plastic retaining tab that cannot be repaired. Its failure means that the laying board will have to be replaced.

5G is not widespread. The development company patented its invention, so other brands were forced to follow their own path.

Megalock

The very own path that companies have taken in trying to offer customers the functionality of a patented 5G system. Megalock provides board fixation from the end and along the length, but provides for a special order of the covering assembly.

The first row of lamellas is laid with the connection of the ends. It takes place by inserting special grooves into the grooves of the laying elements, which can be purchased as ordinary consumable hardware.
The second row of panels is mounted offset.
The connection along the length is carried out in the usual way, each of the lamellas to be laid is fixed in place with a light hand pressure.
In each row, the boards are connected by end zones using tongue-and-groove piles.

The tongue-and-groove connection of the lamellas made it possible to achieve a high maintainability of the coating, to ensure many cycles of assembly and disassembly of the flooring, when processing the joint zones with special impregnations, it is possible to achieve complete protection of the lock connection from moisture.

The advantages of various locking joints can be enumerated for a long time. The list includes many names and subspecies, most of which belong only to individual brands. The listed types of connections are enough to understand how this or that laminate with locks works. It is an excellent floor covering that is characterized by durability, excellent aesthetics and a solid lifespan. And the lock joints, which simultaneously speed up the assembly and improve the quality of the flooring, will allow you to do all the work on decorating a house or apartment yourself.

Laminate is one of the most popular floor coverings. Today, there are many types of similar products that are durable and beautifully designed. To facilitate the installation of boards, they are equipped with special lock latches, which we will talk about in more detail today.

Advantages and disadvantages

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

Collapsible design. laminate with such a latch can be disassembled and reassembled. But the number of repetitions is limited, since the structures have little strength and over time may lose their original properties.
Connection strength. This is achieved through special grooves that fit into each other, preventing the laminate from moving.
Low cost. This is due to the simplicity of manufacture and uncomplicated form.

But such designs are not universal. If the locks give in to significant loads constantly, then this leads to an increase in friction between the boards. In this case, the lock "sways" and gradually loses its properties, and this increases the distance between the lamellas. The cracks that have appeared in such a laminate are technically impossible to repair or repair. The only solution is laying of new boards.

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

Double mounts. Systems of connecting elements are positioned when docked to each other at an angle of 45 degrees. That is why the connection is visually almost invisible on the surface of the laminate. To find it, you need to take a good look at the drawing of the material.
High strength. Such locks can withstand significant breaking forces, making them superior to previous models.
The minimum probability that laminate boards will be damaged during assembly.

The locks are durable, which allows the cycle of dismantling and laying up to 6 times. Here they are also slightly ahead of the previously considered modifications.
Laying laminate flooring with such locks is very simple, which does not require special skills in working with such objects.
Products with such systems can be located on a surface that has small differences. This value can be up to 3 mm per square meter of area.
Installation is carried out manually, which excludes the use of any auxiliary tools.

Among the negative sides of such a connection is only the complexity of their production, which affects the cost of finished goods. But this difference is almost imperceptible, since high-quality products of European manufacturers will serve for a long time, regardless of the type of lock.

What are the types of locking systems?

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

Lock

This type of construction is the most common, since its production involves only milling the ends. This latch consists of a thorn and a groove, which repeat the structure of each other. They are equipped with several combs, which, when snapped in, do not allow them to slip out. To secure the lock, hit under one of the ends of the laminate. These operations are performed using a wooden or rubber mallet, which will not damage the structure of the lock. Therefore, to lay the board on the floor, you need to have a little experience with these substances.

Lock locks are relatively simple and therefore are losing their popularity. Today many companies supplement such systems with special plastic plates. This makes installation work easier for beginners. This type of locks can be divided into 2 subtypes:

Springy. The design of this type is classic, as the lock snaps into place when connected.
Tough. To connect such elements, you need to insert one groove and align in the longitudinal direction. But the installation of such a laminate is much more complicated, which requires studying the description of this technology.

Click

These types of locks also consist of two grooves, which are complementary. But in order to connect them, you will have to correctly insert the structures one into the other at an angle of about 30-45 degrees. After that, the plates are aligned on the floor, which causes the lock to click and lock. Today they began to produce a laminate with aluminum locks of the same type, but this connection can already withstand a significantly higher load.

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

Just-Clic.Locks of this type are equipped with a laminate of the Austrian manufacturer Egger. These mechanisms are located on all sides, which makes it easier to install the laminate. A feature of such a product is the presence of a high ridge, which will provide a reliable joint and high joint strength.
Uniclic.The castle is made in Belgium. It combines the technology of snapping and knocking the planks, so beginners who do not have certain skills in working with other systems use it.
PressXpress... This group includes peculiar locks such as 3G, 4G and 5G. A feature of this system is the presence of a plastic tongue, which improves adhesion between the connecting elements. These double structures have a minimal joint and also minimize the formation of gaps between the lamellas. But if you re-assemble such a laminate, then the plastic elements can bring a little difficulty.
4G and 5G-S Aluminum Locking System... These systems are hybrid, as they combine both classic designs. At the same time, metal inserts provide high strength and durability of the laminate.

As you can see, the variety of locking systems is very wide, therefore, before laying the laminate, it is important to determine the type of joint of the lock in order to choose the optimal laying algorithm.

Which one is better to choose?

Locking systems of the types considered have unique properties, but at the same time they can radically differ in technical parameters. Many experts claim that the Click system is the most practical lock design. The advantage of this system is its durability. Click locks during installation form a kind of monolith that is difficult to destroy or loosen.

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

When choosing lamellas, it is important to take into account their manufacturer, since the quality of the final surface and the duration of its operation depend on him.

How to treat moisture?

Laminate is a material based on wood fibers and piece polymers. Therefore, many types of boards absorb moisture very well, which negatively affects its structure. To exclude such an effect, it is necessary to prevent the ingress of water into the lower layers of the lamellas, where the wood is located. The solution to this problem is additional processing of the seams after laying the laminate.

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

Sealant. The best option would be a silicone-based mixture. Such substances do not allow moisture to pass through. Before applying this mixture to the joints, the surface must be leveled, therefore the laying of the lamellas must be constantly monitored.
Wax. This substance is very popular, since the material qualitatively protects the joints from moisture and is easy to apply. However, the mixture wears off over time, so you need to cover the laminate periodically with it.
Polish. Compositions of this type are specially produced for laminate flooring. The products are marketed in both solid and liquid state (spray). The use of polishes significantly increases the service life of the top layer, as well as gives it an attractive gloss.

Why does laminate flooring diverge?

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

Low humidity... Dry air causes the woody substrate of the material to begin to shrink. You can eliminate this phenomenon by creating optimal air humidity inside the room. The simplest option is to periodically ventilate the room. If this does not help, you can install a humidifier and control the indicators piece by piece.
Uneven floor... Differences in the surface lead to the fact that the lamellas are joined unevenly, and this leads to a difference in height at the joint. Please note that in some cases they can diverge, and sometimes, on the contrary, shrink (especially under pressure). The only solution to this problem is to re-lay the lamellas. However, it is important to carefully level the floor beforehand in order to glue the laminate to the surface without any drops.