Which laminate is better, choice of locks. Types of laminate locks: which one is better? Laminates of the same series with the same latches

Today there is practically no laminate that is installed using glue. Modern panels are connected to each other using special fasteners, which are locks. This type of laminate assembly has certain advantages:

  • floor covering elements are easily connected to each other;
  • laminate flooring can be easily disassembled completely or on any required area, while it can be easily reassembled at a new or previous installation location.

Now on the market building materials Each manufacturer offers its floor products with locks of its own design, and claims that its design is the best and has unique advantages. You can consider in more detail how they differ and how they are similar. different types laminate locks.

Regardless of the manufacturer, locks are divided into two large groups, which differ in the principle of installation. The types of locks are:

  • Lock type latches;
  • collapsible Click type.

Lock type locks

Laminate with a Lock-lock is considered a more affordable modification. It appeared on the market ahead of its competitor. This model performed well thanks to the drive-type lock. Its configuration is cut milling machine from the body of the main layer of the lamella, which is located in the middle part of the product made of HDF or MDF board. One side of the panel has a shaped “tenon”, the other has a matching “groove”. The groove is made in the form of a comb with fixation. During installation, the tenon is driven into the groove.

To hammer one element into another, a wooden mallet or a metal hammer with a wooden stand is used. You can assemble laminate flooring with such a locking structure yourself, but it is better to trust an experienced professional.

Note! To prevent water from penetrating through the joints between products, it is advisable to treat all types of laminate locks with a sealant.

In addition to their advantages, Lock locks have a disadvantage. When walking on a laminate floor, a load is generated that acts on the joint, causing friction. Over time, the fixing part of the comb is subject to abrasion, which leads to a weakening of the contact between the connected panels. Cracks begin to appear at the lock locations, which will no longer be possible to eliminate.

Click locks

Laminate locks of this type were developed later, and they managed to avoid the disadvantages of their predecessor. Laminate flooring with Click locks can be installed even by an amateur who has carefully read the instructions. Assembly of elements occurs at an angle of 45º and ends with snapping. The big advantage of a particular design is the consistency of the quality of the locking connection during the installation process.

Click locks are guaranteed against the appearance of cracks at the joints of the panels. In fact, quality laminate The joints should not be visible at all. If the flooring elements are connected correctly, the floor should look like one monolithic whole.

High-quality click locks are not subject to deformation loads for a long time and do not allow elements to diverge. The floor retains its appearance even under significant loads. When choosing a laminate class, you need to remember that the planned loads on the surface must correspond to those specified on the packaging.

These locks do not risk anything during repeated assembly and disassembly. And if such processes are allowed in the future, you only need to purchase laminate with Click locks. Large and well-known manufacturers of flooring provide a guarantee in case the floor has to be installed and dismantled up to 4 times.

Video

In principle, there is nothing innovative in the new locking connection TC-Lock No. We can say that this is an improved lock T-Lock . First of all, the milling of the lock has been changed - it has become larger. But let's go through it in order. First, let's look at the old castle T-Lock:

The first thing that catches your eye is the more concave part of the lower TC-Lock.

And this is a significant plus, since T-Lock the bottom part was flat. This made it difficult not only to install the laminate Tarkett . Also, thanks to this improvement, the lock tongue will be increased, and accordingly its strength.

The second change is the cutting of the corners of the upper part of the lock joint. They have become more rounded.

In the old T-Lock , even minimal debris could “lift” and make a bump on the front side, with TC-Lock this problem is minimized

The third change is an increase in the thickness of the “shelf” of the upper part of the lock.

And this will reduce the likelihood of swelling in the area of ​​the lock joint. The laminate will lie in one layer, without flaws on the front side, which appeared on uneven bases under artificial lighting.Thanks to all these changes, we get a strong, reliable lock. With the advent TC-Lock The known problems of the old castle will be removed, and this is actually good news. Let's look at the tensile test - one of the important parameters of locks in laminated coatings


As tests have shown, according to the standard EN 13329 (standard for the strength of locking joints) on the long side of the board there is a lock TC-Lock showed results eight times higher than normal, on the short side of the board, four times higher than normal. What do these numbers say? Everything is simple here compared to the standard, thanks to the lock TC-Lock The divergence of the laminate boards and the appearance of cracks, as well as damage (swelling) of the front surface will be minimized. We get a strong, reliable connection, which of course pleases us, but many people have a reasonable question - how is the new lock doing with its protection from moisture? A test was carried out. Laminate Tarkett with new TC - Lock collected, and using silicone a so-called pool was created. After which water was poured there and installed special devices, which record changes in board size. The test results are impressive - after an hour of exposure to water on the laminate, there are no changes. After a day of testing, changes in the joint of the boards were no more than 3%. This clearly shows that the castle TC-Lock protects the laminate thanks to a tight connection.



The last test was carried out by our specialist installers, and they assembled several boards to check the ease of installation. In principle, we did not expect anything else - the lock behaves excellently, the floor is easy to assemble. One of the disadvantages that we found is the old castle T-Lock will not fit with the new one TC-Lock , therefore, hurry up with the installation so as not to have to look for several boards later, as often happens when changing the lock from the manufacturer.
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, laminate is already appearing Tarkett with a new lock. The price of laminate flooring will not change; the name(s) of decors will also remain unchanged. Parties with a new lock will be marked with a special sign:

Which you can find at the end of the pack. If you have any additional questions or need advice, be sure to call, we will be happy to help you.

Can be considered the most common floor covering. The simplicity of laying the panels allows you to do this work yourself without hiring expensive specialists. Each panel has special locks, thanks to which you can assemble flooring, is not particularly difficult. We will tell you what types of laminate locks there are, and which ones are best to give preference to.

Many manufacturers often come up with various locking connections and claim that their system is the best and most reliable. To the question of what kind of locks there are, you can answer this way - all locks are conditionally divided into two groups (varieties):

  •  Locke locks
  •  Click locks

The difference between these groups is the way the panels are joined. Lock locks have been used for a very long time and have proven themselves to be the most economical option. Such laminate locks are produced using the milling method. They are a tenon with a locking comb on one side and a milled groove on the other side of the panel.

Panels with Lock locks are mounted by driving a tenon into the groove until it is completely seated and eliminating the gap between adjacent panels. This is done with a wooden mallet or a metal hammer, after first placing a wooden block or a piece of timber.

This kind of work requires attention from the master and constant monitoring of the joints. Despite the fact that these are simple and reliable locking connections, they have their disadvantages. Under load, the lock comb wears out from friction, which leads to the appearance of cracks between the locks. Unfortunately, panels with such locks cannot be disassembled and reassembled if necessary.

It is important to know! To increase the protection of joints from water, it is recommended to treat any type of laminate joint with a sealant.

A more modern development is considered to be one equipped with click locks. This coating does not have the disadvantages of Locke locks. Locks are also made by milling, but the panel tenon has the appearance of a flat hook. The groove on the other side has a selected area for engagement with the hook.

Assembling the panels is very simple and does not require much effort. The panel is inserted with a tenon into the groove of the previous panel at an angle of 45 degrees. When the panel is lowered to the floor, the hook engages with the groove area and a characteristic double click occurs. This is where the name Twin Click comes from.

This interlocking connection of the laminate securely fixes the panels. Even under heavy load, the lamellas do not diverge when long-term operation. It is very important that such a coating is easy not only to assemble, but also to disassemble. Manufacturers claim that laminate flooring with click locks can be disassembled up to 3-4 times.

If the climate is very humid, such a joint can also be treated with sealant. There is no need to be afraid that the laminate may not be disassembled later. The sealant is easily removed from the groove of the laminate flooring.

The latest developments in laminate flooring

On sale you can find laminate with wax impregnation of locks. This is the so-called Lock Tec lock developed by Witex. All edges are treated with wax, which significantly increases protection against moisture.

Thanks to wax impregnation, the joints between the panels in the right direction styling is practically invisible. The floor looks monolithic, which ensures that the coating is resistant to moisture penetration.

Laminate with an aluminum lock can withstand loads of up to 200 kg per 1 square meter. Metal lamella located on back side panel engages with the groove of the adjacent board. Due to the simplicity of the design, laying this laminate is very quick. Manufacturers guarantee that this will never come apart, and some manufacturers even give a lifetime guarantee (laminate from ALLOC). This coating can be installed and dismantled up to 6 times.

Innovative developments of Megaloc type locks make it possible to speed up the process of laying laminate flooring by 3-4 times. This is due to the location of an additional plastic lock on the end side of the plate. The assembly of the covering is carried out along the side as usual, and to join at the end, just lay the panel and lightly press on it until it clicks.

The question of which laminate locks are better can be answered unambiguously – twinclick locks. A wide variety of locks from different modern manufacturers are essentially just modifications of one reliable locking system.

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 clicked, 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 basic types 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 Lock system is carried out by driving the tenon into the groove cavity using a wooden mallet or a hammer with a rubber striker until the connection is complete. Unfortunately, during operation, the load on the panels causes the combs to wear out, 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 existing proprietary developments can be distinguished:

  • Just Click from the Austrian company Egger can be called a classic example of 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 come with a special Silenzio underlay that helps soften the sound of footsteps.

  • 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 attaching 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– multi-level floor or low-mounted battery.

  • 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 more simple systems mounts that are easy to mount at any angle and easily carry loads.

  • Another company Berry Alloc manufactures its products in Belgium and Norway, and Norwegian laminate is produced with aluminum locks. Proprietary names key connections This company comes in two types - 4G and 5G-S Aluminum Locking System. These locks successfully combine everything best qualities 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 from 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, flooring with Click locks is considered the most practical design. 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 high 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 aspects. For example, waste additional funds to purchase a special water-free adhesive composition; besides, gluing laminate flooring 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, construction 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 out with 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. Don't forget to clean up construction garbage from the floor, since even a small stone can disrupt the operation of the best quality lock.

Types of laminate locks, main 6 types of locks. Which is better?

Laminate is one of the most popular floor coverings among buyers. This is due to its practicality, affordable cost, ease of care and installation. Even a person who does not have special skills can cope with the installation of laminate flooring.


An important advantage of the coating is the widest range available in most hardware stores.

Pick up suitable option, focusing on the price, color and quality of the laminate will not be difficult. Another advantage of the coating is its soundproofing properties. In addition, this floor is multifunctional, as it is suitable for use in living rooms, bedrooms, children's rooms, corridors and kitchens.

Every year the material is improved and acquires new qualities. For example, the Belgian company Quick-Step has released a laminate that is suitable for use in bathrooms. Due to its water-repellent properties, the flooring does not allow liquids to penetrate into the floor, and water remains on the surface. You can get acquainted with this and other Quick-Step products on the website http://dogvozdya.ru/napolnie-pokritiya/laminat/quick-step.

In addition to improving the flooring itself, manufacturers are also innovating in the locks that connect laminate panels and make them into a monolithic structure. With this method of fastening, the panels are connected by inserting the tenon of one board into the groove of the adjacent panel.
There are several types of locks, differing from each other in the principle of operation and the way the elements are connected:

Lock Lock

The simplest type of lock fastener, which is also called “drive-in”. It is a fastening of a tenon and a groove with a comb by driving the first into the second. To install laminate flooring with a Lock lock, it is enough to attach a small block or piece of board to the panel laid on the floor and carefully drive the tenon into the corresponding groove with careful blows of a hammer

If the action is performed with a wooden hammer, the block need not be substituted. There should be no holes or gaps when connecting boards. The advantages of the lock include its reliability, ease of installation and cost-effectiveness. The disadvantages of the fastener are the wear of the comb, which is fixed in the groove. Under the influence of loads, it wears out, comes out of the groove and a gap forms at the junction of the panels.

Click lock

This is a more modern version of the lock compared to Lock. It is a spike made in the shape of a flat hook on one side of the panel and a platform into which the hook engages, on the other side. In order to lay the floor, you need to insert a tenon into the groove of the previous board at an angle of 45 degrees (this figure is different for some manufacturers), and lay the panel on the floor. When the tongue and groove engage, a characteristic click is heard, indicating that the lock is engaged.

The advantages of the Click lock are that it reliably connects the panels, and even under heavy loads no discrepancies occur. Such a coating can be assembled and disassembled about 3 - 4 times, while its performance characteristics will not get worse.

T-Lock

Flooring manufacturer Tarkett has developed a new version of the T-Lock that uses Click technology. The boards are fastened by snapping the tenon into the groove of the adjacent panel, not only on the long side of the board, but also on the end side. Laying occurs by cutting a tenon at an angle of 45 degrees into the groove of an already laid board.

The advantage of the T-Lock is its reliability and strength. Thanks to the double interlocking of the panels, the floor can withstand heavy loads even over a long period of use. The T-Lock does not wear out or break, and the boards secured by it do not come apart. The tensile strength of this design is 800 kg/m. P.

5G Lock (2Lock)

The 5G lock combines Click and Lock technologies. With this grip, the board is secured along the long and short sides with two types of locks. The long part is fixed at an angle, and the end part is placed on top of the underlying panel and snaps into place, like in a Click lock, until a characteristic sound occurs.

The advantages of a 5G lock are its incomparable strength. Thanks to the removable polymer flexible insert, which is located at the end of the panel, the boards fit tightly to each other, regardless of the load. Laminate with a 5G lock can last for many years without losing its characteristics and advantages. Installation, as well as dismantling, of floor coverings with such a lock does not require special skills and abilities.

Megalock lock

The Megalock, manufactured by the German company Classen, is an improved version of the 5G lock. Laying laminate with Megalock fastening is carried out by connecting boards along the length. The tenon of the long part of the board of the row following it is applied to the grooves of the row that has already been laid. The panels are connected at an angle, after which the attached board is lowered and a lock is snapped into its end part.

The presence of a Megalock lock guarantees reliable fastening of the boards in absolutely any conditions. Regardless of the loads and operating conditions, the floor covering will remain perfectly smooth. Another advantage is quick and easy dismantling, which can be done even by an unprepared person.

Aluminum lock

The system is aluminum profile, located at the bottom of the panel or in the load-bearing layer, both on the long side and at the end. Thus, it is formed double connection, and the tenon that falls into the groove is secured with light and reliable aluminum.

Aluminum locks are considered the strongest. The tensile strength is about 12,000 kg, which makes such a lock practically invulnerable to stress and abrasion. The joints between the laminate panels are not visible, so the coating looks monolithic.

An important advantage of laminate with an aluminum lock is that when installing it there is no need to use connecting thresholds. When installing a floor with all other types of locks, thresholds are usually used. On the website http://dogvozdya.ru/napolnie-pokritiya/laminat/porogi you can find big choice thresholds that can be used with any laminate.

Other materials on the topic:

Laminate or parquet board?



Design features and differences of shower cabins...