The joints of laminated parquet are both the weakest and strong part coverings. A carefully thought-out locking system ensures a tight connection of the slats, easy assembly and, of course, obtaining a smooth, durable floor covering.
In 1979, the Swedish company Perstorp AB (in the future Pergo) introduced a new 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 board and laminated coating.
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 essence, this is a prototype of a coupling kit for 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.
Such connecting kits are designed for implementation in multi-layer thin floor coverings: parquet boards, 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:
- Tongue-and-groove or Lock.
- 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 a tight joint and resistance to tensile and bending loads. The coating is available in standard form and complete with Silenzio sound-diffusing underlay. 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 best solution for beginners.
The lock complex from Unilin is convenient for rooms with a complex perimeter, the presence 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 of joints, the metal “tenon and groove” increases the reliability of the clutch and speeds up the assembly mechanism. In addition, this scheme allows you to reduce the weight of the floor covering, which is a significant 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 locking connection is designed in such a way as to ultimately obtain a perfectly smooth surface without protrusions, cracks and creaks. Service life and build quality depend on:
- availability of original coating from well-known brands;
- professionalism of the installers;
- 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 by 2 linear meters surfaces. We will disappoint such would-be specialists - not a single type of connection is designed to smooth out significant irregularities; an even, solid base is always required. 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:
- 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 high-quality installation, tamping of the outer blade is required. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- ClickXpress lock. Features a rounded bottom tenon, respectively, and 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.
- 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.
- 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 at 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. A cheap option, has reduced 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- For Lock systems, consider purchasing a special metal pad. It will allow you to easily install floor coverings even against walls.
- Long rows are mounted offset. The first one starts with a long floorboard, the second - with a short one. This will ensure high-quality adhesion of the slats in different directions.
- Technical gaps near the walls should be from 5 to 10 mm. There are special clamps. At the time of installation, mechanical action is applied to the floor covering. As a result, it may move close to the wall if they are not secured.
- 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. A measurement is made taking into account the technical gap between the wall and floor finishing, marked, 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 best determine the budget possibilities and 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 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 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, 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 moisture protection? 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.
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.
- Lock system 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 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 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. Name Click locks came from a characteristic click, which 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° around 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 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. The patented names of locking connections from this company come 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 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 one 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 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 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 waste from the floor, since even a small stone can disrupt the operation of the best quality lock.
I’m rarely asked “which type of laminate lock is better, more convenient or stronger” and it’s clear why such a question is not relevant. The buyer considers the product as a whole, focusing on the final result - appearance, comfort, service life of the coating. And how the process of performing the work of a hired worker will take place is not important to many. However, recently, people have become more picky, which is right. Therefore, this article will be of interest to many readers who are planning to lay laminate flooring themselves. Or re-read large number information, but still haven’t figured it out - which laminate to buy, with Lock or Click 3G, 5G locks and what is the difference between them?
Dear readers! Below in the text there will be links to the largest stores where you can view products with specific locking connections.
The type of locking connection does not seem to directly affect the operation process. This is partly true, but much depends on the conditions in which the installation is carried out.
The evenness of the floor and walls, the presence of door blocks, the method of flooring, the experience of the craftsman - all this contributes or hinders the assembly of the laminate with various types castle And difficulty in execution can lead to damage to the coating and disappointment from the results of apartment renovation.
List of articles you must read before purchasing laminate flooring.
The brief background written below is important for understanding the entire process of creating and improving lock joints. You can read the conclusions below or draw them yourself.
Connecting Valinge and Unilin laminate locks - from Lock to Click, a little history
In 1977-1979, the Swedish company Perstorp AB (later Pergo) introduced laminated parquet with an adhesive locking system - an adhesive lock. The development of the laminate was done with the participation of Darko Pervan, who later founded the Valinge company in 1993. In 1994-1996, Bureau Valinge designs and licenses the world's first 2G lock for the mechanical connection of laminate locks. Offering to use the invention on Pergo laminate, but the company refuses the former employee's generous offer.
The lock connection with the name Lock is a prototype of the further development of the lock with the name Click - which can be attributed to the name of the joint of a laminate or 3G parquet board.
Many Chinese laminate manufacturers represented on Russian market, a slight modification is usedLock-lock without brand name fromValinge. Which no longer needs to pay bonuses due to the expiration of the invention.
Lock – the lock is lockable. It is assembled one board at a time using a hammer and finishing block with significant effort. At the moment, the Lock locking system is outdated morally and physically, but most importantly, it is really inconvenient to assemble. NOW PRACTICALLY NOT USED.
Laminate lock 3G-Click
In 1994, the company entered into a licensing agreement for the use of its lock with the parquet board manufacturer Kahrs (Chers) - 2G locking system and the Norwegian licensee Alloc AS - 1G locking connection. But the product launch will take place in 1996. From 1996 to 2001, under the leadership of Darko Pervan, a number of further modifications of the locking connection were made to 3G Click and commissioning.
In narrow circles there is a debate about who is the founder of laminate:Pergo orAlloc.
In 1990, Unilin and Quick-Step joined forces and launched laminate flooring under their own brand for the first time in Belgium.
In 1997, the concern presented new development- Uniclic castle, which later won many awards. The locking connection is class 3G. Unilin believes that they were the first to introduce the 3G floor locking system into operation. Looking ahead, I will say - in my opinion and others, the Uniclic locking connection is the best, at least of those known to me.
From then until 2007, there were disputes between Valinge and Unilin about the legality of activities relating to the issuance of a patent to licensees. For example, Apple and Samsung had a similar dispute over the invention of the idea and its implementation for controlling the smartphone screen by touching the fingers.
In 2007, Unilin (patent BE 9600527, BE 9700344) and Valinge (patent WO 94/26999) reached a preliminary agreement on a legal framework in which a third party undertakes to obtain a license from one of the rights holders to use adhesive-free floor panel assembly systems.
Simply put, they divided the market. In the context of the above, we take into account that inventions various systems Locking is used not only for the convenience of consumers, but to fight competitors and extract financial benefits. Then marketing work is carried out, as a result of which the buyer, through advertising, conveys the idea that the new locking connection is more effective than the previous one. Although this may not be the case.
Laminate locks 5G Click
There is fierce competition all over the world in various fields from international politics to the provision of small household services. They are trying to keep opponents in the convoy in various ways, using various methods for these purposes. Of course, the surest way is to improve your products and quality of service.
For example, at one time I also thought about modifications to equipment that could be introduced to stay ahead of competitors in my field. With a squeak, despite the protests of my wife, I purchased a large industrial vacuum cleaner. Even earlier, the idea of using an MFP for trimming door frames was spotted. This useful devices, facilitating the work process and making the result more tidy.
In 2003-2004, the guys from the marketing company Valinge, led by Darko Pervan, sat down and thought about what they could do to bypass their European neighbors and capture the flooring market. Having decided that it was necessary to work in the area of improving the convenience of locking locks, they implemented the idea of introducing a plastic tongue as a latch. It became possible to assemble laminated panels not in rows, but individually, focusing attention on one board rather than the entire row.
Thus, the 5G Click laminate lock was released. A powerful advertising campaign and explanatory work was carried out. The financial aspects were agreed upon with the licensees, an appropriate increase was made to the final cost of the product, and everyone was satisfied.
What is this preface for? It shows the commercial component of projects. First and foremost, everyone wants to benefit financially while showing they care about their customers. Even if real result the innovative idea turned out to be not as successful in practice as advertised. But it was launched into a large project and serious money was spent, this is not an indicator of its quality. Surely one can remain silent about the negative aspects of a product?
My personal opinion... When technically simple products are complicated to more complex ones, the latter have a higher chance of failure. What happens periodically under certain flooring installation conditions. Examples will be given below.
RESULT:
It can definitely be argued that a more modern castleClick, aka 3G and 5G, more durable in locking, more convenient to install a completely outdated lock connectionLock.
Types of laminate locks – 3G and 5G pros and cons
Modern types of laminate brands can be divided, by and large, into two types of locking designs, which have their own pros and cons. Let me remind you that both refer to Click connection and the installation method is different between them.
- Classic lock – 3G. Floor coverings with this type of joint are assembled in rows.
- New lock - 5G. This type of laminate is assembled one plank at a time. Now I will explain in more detail.
3G Click lock – description and features with examples
The 3G Click lock has a spike on one long and one short side in its design. During assembly, the ridge is inserted into the groove of the previous board. The last die is cut to size, completing the assembly of the first row of laminate.
Next, spacer wedges are installed between the wall and the slats, and the second row along the short part is assembled in the same way as the first. And then the connected row is evenly inserted into the first row with a tenon into the groove, tapping with a special tool along the entire length.
Different manufacturers have their own characteristics in the design of locks. They differ from each other in the angle at which the bar enters, in the length of the ridge, and in the thickness of the base of the locking joint. These features complicate or simplify the installation process.
Below are several examples of a similar type of lock used by leading manufacturers of laminated flooring
Laminate lock T-Lock (Tarkett)
An average lock in terms of installation complexity from a well-known manufacturer. The connection is generously lubricated with wax to protect it from moisture, but due to the excess, the paraffin composition periodically rolls off and the planks fit tightly into the grooves.
The comb is short; if the room is long and there are differences in the floor, it can be difficult to evenly insert into the groove of the previous row. The design feature of the locking connection is the presence of a micro-step. Most often, due to its presence, you have to tap the row in two stages for a complete fit.
Tarkett is very difficult to assemble without thresholds between rooms, if you need to assemble rows in reverse side. The insertion angle of the planks is average (about 30 degrees) - because of this, it is not possible to install the laminate under the door frame without cutting the lock. Despite this, I like Tarkett itself, but more on that in another article. I recommend it when self-installation in a simple room.
Twin Clic laminate lock (Kronospan)
Quite a successful locking connection. For the first self-installation I would recommend the Twin Clic lock out of all the options. Laminated boards can be inserted very easily and effortlessly. The angle at which they start is low, about 15 degrees, which is convenient when you have low-cost heating radiators. A relatively thick edge at the base of the lock implies greater tensile strength.
Like all covers with a 3G lock, reassembling it in the opposite direction requires considerable effort. I like this locking type model. Although questions arise regarding the geometry of the slats.
Uniclic laminate lock (Quick Step)
Uniclic is the best lock joint in my opinion. I will try to express my conclusions in simple words.
The Uniclic lock looks like an arrowhead from the side - long, about 4 mm, and sharp. The recess into which the comb is inserted completely follows its contour. There is no backlash in this connection, like most other types of joints.
Due to the tight closure of the lockUniclic, large contact area and lack of play, the connection firmly holds the tensile load. For the same reason, sealing Uniclik is not recommended. The sealant simply has nowhere to go.
I should note that the Quick-Step 12mm has a more recessed groove profile. But the panels can also fit at a zero angle, although more tightly.
Due to the low partition in the mating part, the Quick-Step lock can be connected to each other at a zero angle, although its natural operating mode is about 10-15 degrees. This feature is necessary when laying laminate flooring without thresholds with already installed door blocks when it is necessary to place panels under the door frame to avoid gaps.
When installing the Quick Step laminate planks parallel to the floor, the lock does not break, including due to the lower part of the arrow-shaped ridge lubricated with wax. Roughly speaking, it’s like sticking your hand into a jar - it goes deep easily, but you can’t pull it out.
Another advantage of the Uniclic locking connection is that it is practically complete absence the need to pad the laminate boards with finishing timber. The design of the arrow-shaped ridge has a unique relief. The recess completely repeats it, and until the contours match, the planks will not sit in place.
When connecting the dies evenly at the ends and evenly inserting a row of laminate into the previous one, it is enough to press on the edge of the boards and they will sit in place. However, we still use a finishing tool. This feature is described rather as an amazing mechanical development and serves as an example.
LockUniclic from the flooring manufacturerUnilin has the ability to tighten locks together. And even on an uneven base it can be assembled with virtually no gaps.
In the opposite direction, the Uniclik lock connection is assembled worse than 5G type locks, but better than most 3G connections due to the long and sharp comb.
One of the disadvantages of the Uniclic key connection is the high difficulty of inserting the last row of laminate if it is narrow. This feature is especially evident in 12 mm thick planks.
I recommend the Uniclic locking connection when laying laminate flooring yourself. However, difficulties may arise when arranging the second row if the collection has a small board width.
Laminate lock Just Clic (Egger)
Egger is a leading manufacturer of laminated flooring. Previously and currently it is equipped with a Just Clic lock. But is there a transition period happening now? to the UniFit locking connection. Apparently, UniClic integration is happening everywhere. I wonder if this is due to the weak economic performance of the Egger company, forcing the company to look for new impulses for drive? Or European calculation for the future?
Dear readers! At the moment, the Just Clic locking joint is not found regularly. In Egger there is a substitution for another compound. From time to time this lock is used in Artens laminate.
Just Clic – This type of 3G lock is similar to the Tarkett T-Lock. The same short front tenon has one advantage over UniClic - it does not need to be cut down when laying. Whereas with Quick-Step it is advisable to cut it off, otherwise, in large rooms, it may rest against the wall. It happens that an extra 2.5 mm can play a role when setting the gap from the wall.
Just Click has a rounded shape at the bottom and fits into the recess at a high angle, about 40 degrees, which makes it not very convenient to install with low-standing heating radiators, especially with door frames installed. If you want to properly place a panel under the jamb, you need to cut off the lock with a knife and place the inserted and adjacent panel together with glue.
Just Clic is a fairly strong lock. On the mating part of the lock, the base has a rounded shape with a thickening. It turns out that the move is “half-bearing”. Thanks to this design solution, the tensile connection is quite strong.
When installing, be careful with the edge of the lock mate. Although it is thick, it is pointed at the top and is easy to break. This will not particularly affect the strength of the lock, but if the broken piece remains in the groove, a step may form at the junction of the panels, which may not be immediately noticed.
It is very difficult to assemble the laminate in the opposite direction with this type of 3G lock. Therefore, I do not recommend using Egger laminate with Just Clic lock for technically difficult threshold-free installations.
5G laminate plastic lock. Advantages and Disadvantages
In 2004, the Valinge Laboratory Bureau published a relatively new principle locking 5G floor coverings. Structurally, the difference from its predecessor was in the end joint. The connection and latching of the lock along the short part was carried out using a plastic tongue.
This system worked as follows: the board being laid was inserted along the long part into the groove of the previous row, closely adjacent to the end of the previous plank and smoothly lowered. The plastic tongue has a staple-like shape and, when pressed, goes into a groove. And when the panel is completely laid down, it clicks into the recess of the laid laminated panel, closing it.
Thus, it became possible to install by inserting and assembling the laminate one board at a time. This method generally speeds up the installation process, but not always. It all depends on the design of the lock, each manufacturer has its own, and other features, for example, thickness.
There are two types 5G laminate locks with plastic
Few people paid attention to it in articles, because it is not mentioned, and copywriters do not know this. But there is a laminate with 5G plastic locks on different sides of the laminated panel.
When I receive a phone call from a customer, the first thing I do is ask what brand of laminate they are going to install. If “Classen” plays, I’m generally calm. Although it is not the most convenient to install, and for this reason.
The end lock has a long platform with a thick partition, so it is nominally strong to break. But the partition is designed at a right angle and, if you have to disassemble the laminate to trim the first row, this part is easy to break even for me, with my work experience.
The long part of the groove has a rounded shape with a high side. Therefore, the slats are inserted at a high angle, which in some cases is inconvenient, but strong.
It’s easy to move laminated panels in the opposite direction, this is the advantage of 5G types of locks over 3G.
In general, the lock is not bad, but difficulties may arise when assembling/disassembling the first row of laminate.
Pros of the 5G Click lock
- Laminate flooring with a 5G plastic lock is more convenient to assemble in long rooms due to the absence of the need to lift and insert the entire row, as with a coating with a classic connection. 3G laminate with a small lock, if the base is uneven, with a large room size it can be difficult to insert into the groove of the previous row. And by the time you reach the end, the beginning may simply fall out of the groove. Let me remind you that a row of laminate is achieved with a tool when it is completely inserted at an angle into the previous one.
- When laying laminate flooring without gaps between rooms, you regularly have to install the panels with the back of the lock. Laminate flooring with a plastic tongue is much easier to insert in this way, installing only one board. Whereas the classics need to be linked together in a whole series.
- A 5G keystone connection is faster to assemble if you work together. Since you can lay 2 or 3 rows at the same time.
Cons of the 5G Click Lock
- A little more expensive price. Rubles for 50-100 per m2.
- Sometimes after installation, plastic locks may click into place. When connecting a laminate with a classic coupling, the tongue is immediately inserted into the groove and remains in the recess, even if it diverges a little. And the plastic tongue, due to the curvature of the base or a violation of the geometry of the bar, simply will not reach the groove and may creak or click.
By the way, I believe this is the reason why most laminates with 5G locks have a bevel. The cracks on it are not so noticeable. Read
- When laminated panels are skewed in the other direction during installation, the locks overlap. And on the board being laid it can form a crease in the edges. This usually occurs on 8mm thick laminate, e.g.
- Most types of 5G lock have difficulty in assembling the first row, but not all. I still haven’t fully figured out why for some brands the installation process occurs normally - the plastic insert springs and then snaps into place. And for some, serious difficulties arise when assembling the first row. You have to pump the bar in or lay it flat on the lock and hit it with your hand at an angle of 45 degrees in the desired direction.
- It is difficult to describe technical details that are repeated again... Another disadvantage is the difficulty of disassembling. It often becomes necessary to remove the first row to trim panels along the contour of wall irregularities. This is done to close the gap with a skirting board between the laminate and the wall. For significant curvature, plastic or MDF plinth will not be able to close the gap. If dismantling the panels is done by yourself in a simple way, lifting the panel 45 degrees and pulling it out of the groove, as is done in classic 3G, then for most 5G connections part of the lock will simply fly off. If the protrusion on the end lock is located at a right angle.
UniFit laminate lock (Egger)
I will describe the last lock in this article from the Egger company. The UniFit connection appeared recently, from the start of installation it feels like about a year ago, but I could be wrong. The clutch design along the long part is derived from Unilin with all the ensuing advantages. And the end part is equipped with a plastic insert. Thus, Egger Pro and Egger Home are the carrier of the 5G lock. But Egger’s new collections still have a 3G latch.
The ridge along the long part of the board resembles an arrow-shaped shape. For this reason, it fits easily into the groove of the previous plank and, what is important, at a slight angle. In principle, it can be hammered, like the Quick Step, parallel to the floor. However, the tenon is flat on the underside. It seems to me that if the base is uneven, this design is easier to jump out of the groove.
The end lock consists of a groove and a plastic insert located in it. When the panel is snapped into place, the insert, resting against the edge of the previous board, slides in and then snaps out. Thus, falling into place and locking the connected panels. This design doesn’t look very impressive, but it does its job.
In principle, this connection is convenient, although I do not like the placement of the plastic insert in the form of an “S” in place of the spike.
Unfortunately, in my collected collection of scraps I did not find the 5G Kronotex lock - which I liked. There are also no cuts from leading manufacturers Berry-Alloc and Pergo. Let me draw your attention to the fact that Pergo has a connection like Quick Step and a 5G plastic lock.
Alloc laminate lock – expert review
While I was writing the article, I almost forgot about the laminated coating from the Norwegian manufacturer, about which the story would have been incomplete and disgraced by critics. Alloc is the most expensive laminate I know in Russia.
The high cost of this brand is explained by a specialized aluminum lock that can withstand heavy loads and its place of origin: Norway is an expensive country.
The Alloc lock's locking device is based on the connection of strips by means of metal plate, embedded in each panel from the bottom along the long and short parts. Accordingly, the entire tensile load falls on the aluminum side of the part - stronger than any HDF.
The width of the plate allows the panels to be mounted at almost zero angle.
Allok's advantages are obvious. Why not include it in best castle locking?
- Expensiveness of the product. Whose cost exceeds the price of the closest premium competitors by an average of 1000 rubles.
- Low feasibility of use in an apartment. Despite the impressive density and, accordingly, durability of the coating, as well as the impregnation of panels with moisture-resistant compounds, laminate is afraid of moisture, like other brands. This is evidenced by a visit to one order, where the old laminated floor, which was Allok, was dismantled. It feels like it was watered from a basin, although the service life of the laminate at that time was about 7 years. What the customers kindly informed me about after my question about the service life.
- Enough complex installation Alloc. This concerns not so much the insertion of one board into another, but the complexity of sawing. If the laminate board is positioned incorrectly during cutting, it is easy to tear off the integrated HDF panel metal lock. As a result, the laid laminate clicks.
The best laminate lock - summary, review
As you may have guessed from the text, the best laminate lock for me is the Uniclic 3G-Click connection. It is easy to insert, minimizing the possibility of edge bending. Uniclic is quick to work with and has a strong, tear-resistant connection. Possibility to insert laminate under the lock without cutting off part of the lock door frames. What is important when deciding to replace the flooring when there is no desire to update the doors.
It is also not the most difficult of the 3G latch types when laying the floor in the opposite direction.
5G laminate locks are modern, which is positioned in advertising brochures as more easy option. The principles of this type of docking are speed of assembly, simplicity, and accessibility.
But this is not entirely true. A technically more complex product is more susceptible to the risk of defects due to floor unevenness, violation of the geometry of the planks, especially for 8mm thick laminate. The installation speed drops, since most brands of laminate still need to be reinforced with finishing timber.
However, the 5G Click connection is more convenient when installing the laminate in the opposite direction. This type of installation is required with a continuous flooring method.
This article expresses my personal opinion based on installing many thousands of meters of laminate flooring. As a craftsman, it doesn’t matter to me whether a laminated floor is laid with what type of 3G or 5G lock, except in cases of continuous installation.
I focus buyers not only on the type of locking connection, but also on a manufacturer with more reliable geometry and overall quality (film strength, wear resistance class).
- The weakest lock is laminateKronostar,Kronopol,Oktoberfest (SwissKrono) and many Chinese
- The most difficult lock to assemble is many Chinese ones,Ritter, Lamineli
- The most durable - laminateAlloc with metal lock
- The most convenient lock -?
- The best laminate lock -Uniclic,Quick-Step (author's choice)
In this article I express my personal opinion based on re-read articles and personal observations.
Good luck with your choice! You can ask - as soon as I read it, I will definitely answer.