Laying laminate with plastic locks. Types of laminate locks: Click, Lock, metal, plastic, aluminum, which locks are better? Options and description

The joints of laminated parquet are both the weakest and strongest parts of the coating. A carefully thought-out locking system ensures a tight connection of the slats, easy assembly and, of course, a smooth, durable finish. flooring.

In 1979, the Swedish company Perstorp AB (in the future Pergo) introduced a new floor covering through the IKEA chain of stores - laminate. Since the technology was just being developed, the new product did not yet have locking joints or even tongue-and-groove edges. A breakthrough was made in 1994, when Välinges took out a patent for a unique development - the world's first mechanical connection for parquet, parquet boards and laminate flooring.

The actively developing giants of the woodworking industry became interested in innovative technology. The laminate manufacturer Alloc was the first to buy the license, introducing the so-called 1G aluminum lock. The following year, 1995, the management of the Kahrs company became interested in the invention. This largest producer parquet boards, which to this day holds a leading position in the market. The modified connection system is called the “2G lock”. In fact, this is a prototype of a coupling kit under the modern name Lock. That is, a connection based on the tongue-and-groove principle, but with a carefully designed compacted profile. When assembling the floor covering with the Lock system, a special elastic adhesive was used.

Diagram of the first locking connections for laminate flooring.

Subsequently, the structure of the connecting elements continues to be refined and at the end of 2001 a patent was published for a locking system in which two adjacent plates are closed at an angle of 45°, and after pressing (snapping) a mechanically tight bond is obtained. It is thanks to this development that the laminate with Click lock, so well known today, is produced. This marks the beginning of the era of glueless joining of floor slabs.

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

Manufacturers of laminated flooring in advertising especially emphasize the glueless 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 the common names like T-Lock, Megalock, Click2Click, Uniclick and others are just replications of the main types with their own modifications. Nothing fundamentally new or unique has been developed yet. Patents for these improvements were issued in order to avoid pirated copying of products from well-known European factories by unscrupulous Asian compilers.

Laminate with an adhesive joining system is no longer produced, although you can occasionally find crafts from Chinese “masters” on sale. Let's 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 a classic click system. The panels snap into place at an angle of 30-45° on four sides, and a fairly high ridge tenon ensures the joint is tight and the connection is resistant to tensile and bending loads. The coating is available in standard form and complete with Silenzio sound-diffusing substrate. The shape of the tongue and groove remains unchanged.

Uniclic by Quick Step

The development of the Belgian plant is no less interesting. The engineering profile provides the possibility of both classic snapping at an angle and the method of attaching or knocking out planks. This The best decision for newbies.

The locking complex from Unilin is convenient for rooms 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-variant assembly system, watch the video from the manufacturer Quick Step.

PressXpress by Balterio

Such laminate interlocking connections are called 3G, 4G or 5G. That is, an element is added to the structure of the Click-joint - a plastic “tongue”, aluminum grips or protrusions, which provide improved adhesion and prevent the planks from diverging over time (the formation of longitudinal and transverse cracks). One of the brightest representatives of this group is PressExpress from the Belgian plant Balterio. A well-designed “additive” to the main coupling eliminates even a hint of the appearance of gaps between the lamellas and significantly strengthens the joint area. Thanks to this solution, the finished floor covering will withstand significant weight without the slightest damage.

Let us note one drawback. According to reviews from craftsmen, when reassembled, plastic inserts become more of a nuisance 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 from Berry Alloc

Laminate flooring with aluminum locks from Allok is unusual in itself. Being a very successful modification of two basic types connections, a metal “tenon and groove” increases the reliability of adhesion and speeds up the assembly mechanism. In addition, this scheme allows you to reduce the weight of the floor covering, which is a significant advantage for floors with reduced load-bearing capacity.

According to the manufacturer aluminum profile on both long sides of the plank, supplemented with a stiffening rib, increases the tensile strength of the connection. The limit according to test reports is 1200 kg/linear. m. That is why aluminum locks are used exclusively in floor coverings of class 33-34, intended for areas with heavy foot traffic. The floor covering can be disassembled and reassembled 3 times.

Which laminate lock is better?

Let us dispel the most widespread myth that the best flooring is made from a laminated flooring with a Click lock. In fact, flooring material with any type of interlocking connection is designed in such a way as to ultimately obtain a perfectly smooth surface without protrusions, cracks or squeaks. Service life and build quality depend on:

1. availability of original coating from well-known brands;
2. professionalism of the installers;
3. strict adherence to instructions.

The Lock connection, unlike its analogue, does not stretch as much over time, so the cover with the Lock-lock is more convenient to reassemble. The click coupling is more rigid, but subject to a high density of the slab - at least 750 kg/m 3. Let’s make it easier for our readers to choose – in large shopping centers 85% of the range is laminate with the Click system.

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

Advice! If you need repairmen, there is a very convenient service for selecting them. Just submit in the form below detailed description work that needs to be done and you will receive offers with prices from construction teams and companies by email. You can see reviews about each of them and photographs with examples of work. It's FREE and there's no obligation.

When choosing a laminate flooring, rarely does anyone understand that the types of laminate locks determine its quality. They are responsible for the gap between the panels, the absence or presence of squeaks, the divergence of 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 and the type of adhesion. We will consider the features of installation and fastening systems in more detail.

Almost all panel interlocking options are based on the tongue-and-groove system. The difference is the profiling of the lock system.

There are several main types:

1. Lock Lock. The simplest option. The cross-section of the spike does not have a simple straight profile, but a complex figure. The groove under it has a complex shape. The panels are laid by horizontally pressing one into the other. The moment of fixation is a click. For quality installation The outer web needs to be tapped. A wooden hammer is used. You can use a regular one, but you will need wooden block or special finishing. Laminate flooring with this type of lock is difficult to dismantle without destruction. Over time, under mechanical load, the connection wears out and the panels separate. Therefore, in addition, the locks are treated with sealant or glue. The surface under the laminate requires high quality. Otherwise, during operation, a situation may arise where the blades diverge.
2. Click lock. Modernized previous look. The tenon has a hook-shaped bend at the upper end, and a protrusion at the bottom, closer to the panel. The groove follows the shape of the protrusions. Fixation occurs when one panel is inserted into another at an angle. A rocking motion is used to lower it to a horizontal position. At this moment, a characteristic click is heard. The lock worked. The connection is strong due to additional fixing protrusions. Coverings can be dismantled and assembled up to 4 times.
3. T-LOCK locks. The option was developed by Tarkett. It combines two types of locking connections, which allows you to achieve maximum adhesion strength of the panels. When laying, technology typical of Click systems is used. Simplicity and reliability have made this type very popular among professionals. The floor covering can be removed up to several times without damaging the locks.
4. 5G. These types of locking 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 complicated. The panel is inserted into the previous one in a horizontal position. When pressed, the insert is removed, when installed in the desired position, a click is heard indicating that the “tongue” is in place and the position is fixed. Installation and dismantling will not be difficult even for a beginner.
5. Megalock lock. Advanced fixation system based on 5G. The locks on the laminate begin to be connected at the end side. Reliability of adhesion is ensured by the end insert. And already to the assembled length of the first strip, the second row is added in width with an offset. Assembly time is minimal compared to other types. Maximum strength and reliability. Installation and dismantling up to 4 times is allowed. Another advantage is increased protection against moisture.
6. ClickXpress lock. It is distinguished by the rounded lower part of the tenon and, accordingly, the groove. Does not have plastic inserts. The work is carried out according to the Click system principle, at an angle. Can be dismantled and installed up to four times.
7. Uniclick lock. The tenon and groove have a special profile that ensures strong adhesion of the planks. Installation can be done at an angle or by tapping. Dismantling is carried out up to 4 times.
8. Aluminum locks. The most reliable connections. Withstands separation resistance up to 1200 kg/sq.m. m. Laying without a threshold is possible. This laminate has two types of lock - tongue and groove, aluminum on the bottom. Distinctive feature– the joints between the canvases are practically invisible. Installation and dismantling is allowed up to 5 times.

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

Useful video: Review of laminate locks

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

If we compare which is better, Lock or Click, from the point of view of dismantling and installation, then the first system is more susceptible to destruction of fastening profiles.

Preparation for installation

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

• Cork . The most expensive option, but environmentally friendly, hides minor unevenness of the rough foundation, and does not compress much under load. Disadvantages include high cost; destruction in a humid environment, with a “warm floor” system.
• Polyethylene foam. Cheap option, has low thermal conductivity, is resistant to moisture and the appearance of bacteria. Short-lived, pressed.
• Expanded polystyrene. A relatively inexpensive option, it is used when installing a “warm floor” system and provides additional sound insulation. Over time it gets pressed.

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

Important points before installation

Correct installation will be ensured if several nuances are taken into account:

1. When purchasing, check with the seller whether additional protective impregnation of the laminate locks is required or not. In the second case, you should first purchase wax. Processing is carried out before installation begins.
2. The laminate must lie for at least 2 days in the room in which it is planned to be installed. This will allow the material to absorb the microclimate of the room, gain temperature regime. This will ensure minimal shrinkage in the future. A greater effect can be achieved by removing the original packaging from the material.
3. Installation is carried out from window to door. The end sides are directed towards the openings, and the long side towards the blank walls. This will reduce the visibility of seams between the canvases.
4. For Lock systems, consider purchasing a special metal pad. It will allow you to easily install 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 planks in different directions.
6. Technical gaps near the walls should be from 5 to 10 mm. There are special clamps. At the time of installation on the floor covering, mechanical impact. As a result, it may move close to the wall if they are not secured.
7. Before work you need to prepare cutting tool– a wood saw or jigsaw. For proper cutting quality, the tool must have minimal teeth.

Having considered all the points, you can safely begin installing the panels.

Before work, read the installation instructions. Unpack the material and start laying it yourself.

Lock systems are laid with tamping along both the end and longitudinal parts. The uniformity of the seams between the canvases should be observed. Another feature is working with the last row. Often you have to trim the width of the panels. Measurements are taken taking into account the technical gap between the wall and the floor finishing, marked, and cut off. The canvas is carefully inserted at a slight angle. Using a metal filler, the seam is compacted to the required 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°, and with a slight oscillatory movement they are moved to a horizontal position. A click should sound.

Useful video: Laying laminate flooring with Click locks

5G systems, Megalock are distinguished by the most simple installation. The tongue and groove is inserted in a horizontal position without finishing.

Laminate manufacturers offer a wide range of locking systems, which one is best determined by the budget possibilities and the reliability of the resulting floor covering. If the locks come apart after a short period of use, this indicates several reasons: poor-quality installation or laminate lock (do not chase a low price), poorly prepared base for the finishing coating.

Conclusion

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

IN modern world Laminate flooring is popular. A special system for laying laminated panels, which snaps them together with a lock, allows you to update the floor easily and quickly.

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

Peculiarities

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

• Laminate flooring locks make the flooring installation process easier. No additional fasteners or glue are needed for installation. The latching device is already built into the panel.
• If the panel is damaged, you can easily replace the broken part. This increases the service life of the laminate.

• The locking system for fastening laminate panels allows you to lay the most accurate floor covering without protruding or depressed areas.
• The sides have a special shape, which, when snapped into place, connects the panels without gaps and does not allow moisture to pass through. This reduces the likelihood of mold growing under the flooring.

Options and description

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

• Locke locks appeared much earlier than the other type and are considered more budget-friendly. This mechanism works on the “tenon and groove” principle, that is, on one side the laminate board is equipped with a tenon with a comb for fixation, and on the other side it is a groove. Installation of lamellas with the Lock system is carried out by driving a tenon into the groove cavity using a wooden mallet or a hammer with a rubber striker until complete connection. Unfortunately, during operation, the combs wear out due to the load on the panels, so gaps may form in the floor covering.

• Click locks, which are also used to connect lamellas, are considered more modern and produced taking into account past mistakes. The name Click locks comes from the characteristic click that is usually heard when the panels are closed. The technology for producing panels with a click-lock is similar to the previous type. However, the tenon side is made in the shape of a hook, and the groove is designed in such a way as to catch this hook. Assembly of a floor covering with such a fastening system does not require special effort and is produced quite quickly. To do this, the panel with the hook side is inserted into the other with the groove at an angle of 45°. After which the panel should be lowered. Then a click will be heard, indicating the entry of the tenon into the groove.

Unlike the lock system, click locks are not afraid of heavy loads and are also easy to disassemble.

In addition to basic locks, many companies, using their own technologies, produce laminate with patented locks. Among the existing proprietary developments are:

• Just Click from the Austrian company Egger can be called classic example locks with a click system. The panels close at an angle of 30° to 45° along the entire perimeter; due to the high tenon, tight joints are obtained, which makes the laminate resistant to heavy loads. Some Egger just-click slat models are available with a special Silenzio underlay, which helps soften the sound of steps.

• Uniclic is an achievement of the Quick Step company from Belgium. A special feature is that it can be snapped both at an angle and when placing and even tamping the slats. This variety is suitable for inexperienced users. Laminate with the Uniclik system is perfect for finishing floors in rooms with a non-standard shape, various obstacles and hard-to-reach places - a multi-level floor or a low-lying radiator.

• ProLoc and SmartLock are developments of the Belgian company Prego. The first type is represented by a fastening system of three components, which increases the resistance of the laminate to heavy loads and allows you to repeatedly disassemble and reassemble the floor covering. The second type refers to simpler fastening systems that are easily mounted at any angle and easily transfer loads.

• Another company Berry Alloc manufactures its products in Belgium and Norway, and Norwegian laminate is produced with aluminum locks. The patented names of locking connections from this company come in two types - 4G and 5G-S Aluminum Locking System. These locks successfully combine all the best qualities of the two main types of locks, and the metal tongue and groove system increases the strength of the fastening and makes the installation process faster.

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

• Also found 5G locks with a plastic insert that resembles a tongue. Distinctive feature This type of lock involves assembling the panels in a horizontal position, which allows even a beginner to lay the covering.

• Snap system for laminated panels T-Lock is a development of the Tarkett company. This type of lock allows you to snap a tenon into the groove of another panel at an angle of 45°, not only along the length of the laminate, but also from its end side. This system is distinguished by its reliability and strength of connection. Dual grip laminate can withstand heavy loads and last a long time. During operation, T-Lock does not wear out, does not break or come apart.

• Another popular slat lock ClickXpress equipped with a rounded bottom on the tongue and groove side, plastic parts not included in the model. The possibility of assembling and disassembling such a coating reaches 4 times.

Which is better?

For a person who is not involved professionally repair work, quite difficult to choose suitable laminate among the variety of lock connections.

According to most experts, the most practical design is flooring with Click locks. And although Lock locks are less susceptible to stretching over time and are easier to disassemble when necessary, and the price of such a laminate is more affordable, they are still a more outdated modification. Over time and under heavy loads the connections at the joints wear out, creating gaps between the panels.

The Click system, in turn, guarantees maximum strength of connections during repeated assembly and disassembly without damaging the locking system. Laying such a coating is very simple and quick, even on floors with minor unevenness.

And although you will have to pay for such a laminate more money, but the quality of the coating will remain at its best for many years.

How to connect correctly?

The method of laying laminated panels and connecting them to each other depends on the type of laminate. Before laying the slats in any case it is necessary to eliminate differences and unevenness of the floor using a screed, and then lay the underlay.

There are two options for connecting panels when installing laminate. The adhesive method, thanks to a special technology, protects the joints between the panels from moisture penetration. Therefore, the lifespan of the flooring is significantly increased. But this method also has many negative points. For example, spending additional money on purchasing a special anhydrous adhesive composition, besides, gluing laminate is always more difficult and takes longer. Warm floors are absolutely incompatible with the adhesive method of laying laminate flooring.

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

It should take at least half a day for the flooring to dry completely.

​However, due to the ease of installation, hardware stores are increasingly offering laminated panels with different locks. Assembly of laminate with Lock-locks occurs by hammering one panel into another. Most Click mechanisms are connected at an angle, and when the panel is lowered to the floor, the lock closes. If necessary, the panels can also be knocked down using a hammer.

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

When laying panels using the adhesive method or using Lock-locks, the panels must be joined first along the length and then along the end side. Click-locks are characterized by gathering the entire row of lamellas at once and attaching it as a whole to the previous row.

Therefore, for a large area of ​​​​the room it is better to enlist the help of an assistant.

Why does it diverge?

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

The cause of failure of the laminate may be dry air, due to which the panels shrink and crack. To avoid this, you need to constantly ventilate the room, or install a humidifier.

Neglecting the screed before laying the laminate leads to the fact that the laminate on an uneven floor diverges, creaks or sways when walking on it, and the locks become unusable.

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

Failure to comply with installation technology laminate also often leads to problems with the coating. Often during installation they forget to leave gaps, and when the boards swell, the laminate cracks. Do not forget to remove construction debris from the floor, since even a small stone can disrupt the operation of the best quality lock.

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

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

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

Lock Lock

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

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

The disadvantage of such a fastening system:

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

Lock with plastic plate

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

Click-locks

Click locks - were developed relatively recently, but have already been found wide application. Most modern lamellas are produced with this type of connection, with various combinations. New technologies have made it possible to get rid of the disadvantages inherent in the previous type of connection.

All flooring elements with click locks are connected to each other at an angle of 45°. No additional actions or tools are required. Even a beginner can handle this simple installation of laminate flooring.

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

Advantages of a click lock

• Double fastenings located at an angle of 45°.
• Durable connecting fabric.

• High safety of the click fastening system during installation: the percentage of damage is incredibly low.
• A small (up to 3 mm) deviation in the level of the subfloor is allowed.
• These types of laminate locks last a very long time without creaking or loosening.
• The ability to easily disassemble and reassemble the cover with click fasteners up to six times without damaging the fastening system.

5g system

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

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

Impregnation of laminate locks

Laminate boards are quite durable and strong, but have a weak point - the locking joint. This is why all types of laminate locks need additional protection. To protect against moisture, the fastening system is treated with a special wax impregnation.

This treatment prevents damage to the fasteners from dampness and moisture. In addition, wax impregnation treatment allows you to:

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

The method of treating locks with wax impregnation depends on the form of its release:

1. Liquid compounds are applied with a brush before laying the laminate. After laying the lamellas, the seams are wiped with a dry cloth.
2. Paste wax sealants are applied in a continuous layer to one of the panels before joining them. Any excess that appears is removed after it dries.

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

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

The degree of suitability of this floor covering for use in the target room depends on the correct choice of laminate locks. Panel joints are both strong and weak side 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 there are on laminate flooring. Having studied them, many inexperienced people are perplexed: why is this necessary? a large number of, if you can use one, but the most convenient one. This raises 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 all the variety, we can highlight the most popular locking connections, as well as several outdated ones. There are also modern systems connections, before use of which special molding of the panels is performed. If you plan to use the laminate with a lock for a long time, it would be reasonable to provide for the possibility of dismantling.

The lock determines the quality of the floor covering. It is this component that determines the degree of surface evenness, the gap between the lamellas, the absence of squeaking and minimizing the likelihood of seams coming apart over time. In addition, the durability of the entire structure depends on the quality of manufacturing of the locking connections and the laminate itself and adherence to assembly technology. In order to properly lay the coating and avoid problems in the future, you need to have an understanding of the types of lamella interconnections.

Types of laminate locks

The classification of castles begins with their division into main subtypes. Many people who are just planning to install this coating do not know what kind of locking systems there are for laminate flooring, and therefore manufacturing companies like to invent their own locking 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 in the way the panels are joined.

Lock Lock

Laminate interlocking systems lock type enjoy the fame of economical option and are used for a long time. The production of these connections is carried out by milling: the connecting element looks like a tenon equipped with a ridge 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. It is difficult to disassemble it without damaging the protruding edges of the lock components, which, among other things, wear out over time from constant loads and friction. If you do not close the gaps with a sealing compound (glue or mastic) during installation, even a small amount of water can ruin the floor.

Before snapping the laminate with the lock, you need to make sure that the surface underneath is good quality. Installation on an uneven floor may cause increased gaps between panels. Assembly is carried out by hammering the tenon into the groove using a wooden hammer until the gap between the panels disappears. It is possible to use a regular metal hammer, but then you will need a wooden block or a piece of hard rubber.

Experienced specialists who have already laminated many apartments talk about the need for constant monitoring of joints during installation and the overall labor intensity of assembling these locking systems. Despite their apparent simplicity and reliability, lock locks have one main drawback: they are non-removable and wear out at the location of the locking ridge, which is why gaps appear between the panels. This indicates that these locking connections are unsuitable for long-term use.

Click Lock

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, but the closing tenon has the shape of a flat hook, and the grooves provide areas for its insertion. 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 allows for 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, laminate with a click lock can be assembled even by a non-professional - you just need to follow the assembly technology to avoid damage and separation of the panels.

Before assembling laminate flooring with a click lock, you need to understand the mechanics of the action. When installing, the panel is inserted into the groove at an angle of 45 degrees, after which the panel should be moved to a horizontal position using rocking movements. When the locking elements are engaged, a click is heard, which is how 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 tongue and groove profiles. It can be assembled either by tapping or by simply snapping it at an angle. Thanks to the lower wedge-shaped edge of the groove, the load is distributed evenly throughout the entire structure. All components of the lock are made of the same material as the panels. This approach to manufacturing avoids deformation of the panels during installation.

There are differing opinions on how to properly engage uniclic locks. Practice shows that installation at an angle is optimal. By joining the panels in this way, you can do without special tools, and also complete the installation faster. It is necessary to attach the short sides of the lamella first, and only then the long ones. To lay the last row, as well as to perform assembly in hard-to-reach places, 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 installing and fixing the panels remains the same.

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

Lock 5g

The design of this coupling mechanism includes iron or plastic insert- tongue. This element ensures the density of connections in the 5g laminate and the reliability of fixing the panels to each other. Like many other locking systems, the 5g lock is latched by inserting a panel vertically. When fixed, the insert is removed, after which a click is heard, notifying that the tongue has taken the right place and the panel is secured. This lock allows you to simultaneously connect panels along the long and short sides by simply pressing from above.

This type of connection has another name - 2-Lock, which is found by 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, securing the panel. The megaloc laminate lock requires assembly from the front side. Upon completion of assembly, the second strip is joined to the first strip with an offset. If we compare assembly time with other types of locks, megaloc is installed as quickly as possible. You can dismantle and reinstall the covering with these locks up to 4 times.

A distinctive feature is the best tightness finished coating. Another advantage of this type of locks is that there is no need to use any tools when installing.

T-Lock

Created by Tarkett based on positive aspects lock and click locking systems. Today this type of connection can be found in the range of dozens of companies. The T-lock lock can be disassembled four times without damaging components. The panels are connected at a very small angle and guarantee strong contact without distortion of the lamellas or excessively large gaps. The disadvantage of the lock is that the joints are quite noticeable, especially in dark colors. Subsequently, the design of the castle was improved: Bottom part The lock 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 used. There are many opinions, but which locks are better is always shown only by practice, because each type of connection has its own advantages that others do not have. IN Lately There is a laminate with wax-impregnated locking systems developed by Witex.

The presence of wax in the locking mechanism increases protection against moisture penetration under the coating several times. In addition, wax-impregnated laminate locks make the coating 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 assert the technological superiority of the latter. The duration of their service depends on many factors, so the most best laminate– this is the one that has a minimum thickness of seams and high-strength connecting systems. Which manufacturer is best to choose is everyone’s business, but experts are confident in the undisputed leadership of German companies.

Sometimes it happens that the lock on a laminate floor does not latch or opens spontaneously. In this case, it is necessary first of all to determine which factor does not correspond to the recommendations for the installation and operation of floors. This will allow you to quickly determine what caused the panels to diverge and understand what should be done if the lock on the laminate opens.

conclusions

Choosing locks for a laminate floor is a responsible matter that needs to be given due attention. When incorrect selection With lock systems, you can only get disappointed in your decision to change the appearance 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 operated.

Modern manufacturers should be given their due; they do not leave customers to their fate, indicating on the laminate pack which locks are used and how the panels should be fastened together.