Currently, adhesive laminate has practically disappeared from construction stores and markets. , laid in a floating manner, is represented by a huge number of options. When you are trying to navigate this abundance, do not forget that you need to pay close attention to the quality of the locking system. After all, it determines how your floor will withstand constant loads, how long it will retain the appearance it had the first time after installation. We list the most outstanding locking systems - developments from leading manufacturers of laminated floor coverings.

Uniclic lock - the most advanced patented lock system, created by the developers of the world famous concern Quick-Step. The lock is latched. When laying laminate flooring there is no need to use any tools. The tongue and groove design located on the sides of the panel allows for two installation methods. Two adjacent panels can be connected at a slight angle - even less than the standard 45 degrees. Or with its almost complete absence - that is, one panel seems to slide into another. This ensures the simplicity of assembling the laminated covering - you choose how it is more convenient for you to connect the panels in this particular case. Laying can start from any place and be carried out in any convenient direction. The Uniclic lock is located on all four sides of the panel, so that the joining force of the panels will be the same both along their longitudinal sides and at the end. The connection appears virtually seamless. There is no gap between the panels, since there is simply no room for them to move. Only for this locking system the manufacturer gives a lifetime warranty (during initial installation, the quality of the connection of the lamellas is guaranteed to be intact and there are no cracks or divergence of the panels). T-Lock (Tarkett Lock) is an exclusive development of the TARKETT company, for which a patent has been received. This type of lock belongs to the Click-connection category, which is the most progressive today. In general, it has a well-deserved reputation for not too expensive, but exceptionally high-quality products. In Europe this is the most popular laminate– in the middle price category. This popularity is largely due to the quality of the locking system. Wide locking elements are connected when approaching at a slight angle, without deformation or distortion. When the panels are connected, a characteristic click is heard. Reliable fixation occurs. In this case, if desired, the connection can be disassembled - without deforming the lock, and reassembled (up to 3-4 times). The small connection angle is convenient because the laminate is very easy to fit into hard to reach places(under radiators, doors, etc.) Once latched, a constant voltage level is created, preventing the panels from moving apart even under significant and irregular load. The quality of the lock is ensured by ultra-precise milling. The tensile strength of the T-Lock (Tarkett Lock) is normatively defined in European standards ISO/DIS 24334 and is 800 kg/meter.

The LOC-TEC lock is a proprietary “accessory”. The required force to cause rupture of the assembled Loc-Tec locking system must be greater than 1100 N/m. Thus, Vitex laminate will be good in rooms with the most intense traffic. The lock ensures maximum stability of the laid laminate for decades, the absence of distortions and deformations of the seams.

Articles

When you are planning renovations at your home, you want to do it in such a way as to provide the maximum level of comfort for yourself and your loved ones. And what could be more comfortable than being able to walk barefoot at home - and have the floor under your feet always be warm? If you choose laminate flooring, then this problem can be solved quite simply. You just need to worry about installing a floor heating system. Of all types of flooring, laminate is most often installed in conjunction with underfloor heating systems.

Perhaps one of the main advantages of laminated parquet over natural is its resistance to moisture. Natural wood contact with water is openly “afraid”, and owners of luxurious parquet or affordable parquet board constant efforts must be made to prevent prolonged exposure to moisture on the floor covering.

The topic of this article is clearly stated in its title. Renovation in a city apartment or country house, and the purchase of building materials as one of the stages of the process is an extremely troublesome matter. We offer you the opportunity to ease these worries. And also minimize your costs. Isn't this an attractive opportunity?

Before purchasing plumbing equipment for a new or renovated apartment, it is worth taking a closer look at the topic. Of course, to study the range of plumbing fixtures from A to Z, you need to spend a lot of time. But you can glean some useful information from our article.

According to experts, the plumbing market in Russia is more than 80% imported. And plumbing fixtures from China are presented in the widest range. Precisely China.

If you are faced with the task of choosing plumbing fixtures that you will install in your home for many years to come, we recommend that you first of all pay attention to plumbing fixtures from Germany.

The lock of the laminate is the most important indicator of quality; its execution largely determines general view coverings. Having a good lock will allow you to get closer to the answer to the question: “which laminate is better.”

Patented by the Quick-Step concern. The locking system is very convenient when laying laminate flooring in doorways, corners and in confined spaces. The board can be snapped using the standard method, at an angle of 25-30 degrees, or by laying the board completely on the floor, using the tamping method.

Another undeniable advantage is the ability to lay and snap boards both on the left and on the right, which is important in complex room configurations. The boards click into place very easily, with a characteristic clear click. Treatment against moisture penetration is present.

According to the manufacturer, the system allows you to repeatedly disassemble the boards without damaging them. In my fifteen years of practice, the only time I encountered a customer’s desire to remove old laminate and move it to the dacha. In any case, the laminate is deformed during use and takes on unevenness in the floor; assembly in a new place is possible, but it will no longer be of such high quality, even if the boards are numbered. The declared function is useful primarily during normal installation by a novice master, when repeated separation of the boards during the fitting process is inevitable.

After assembly, the surface is perfectly smooth without the slightest difference in height or gaps. A small disadvantage of this type of lock is the ability to diverge along the short side of the boards. Connected with a very small protrusion of the latch at the bottom, visible in the photo.

LockT-Lock and 2-Lock

It was produced and is still available for sale by the Tarkett concern (it is being replaced by a new lock). Feature— a large angle of elevation of the board during installation is not required; an angle of 20-25 degrees is sufficient. T-Lock is well-known, but at the same time quite old, requiring assembly of the entire series. For one person, this is a time-consuming task, and sometimes impossible. At length ordinary room six meters, the slightest shift of any panel at the end joint, left or right, will require dismantling the entire row. Also, transverse joints are often visible,

Moreover, this feature is observed in different collections. This defect is most noticeable in collections of dark tones. During installation, you can feel the moment when the board has settled into place, although not as clearly as with Quick-Step. In our work, in the vast majority of cases, we use a laminate with a thickness of 8 millimeters for longitudinal locks, the protrusion is rather weak - often, when snapping it again, it breaks off. Moisture protection is proprietary - Tech3s.

The 2-Lock lock has a plastic insert, provides high assembly performance, plus the ability to work alone.

Lock - TC'Lock

Lock from TARKETT, which replaced the T-Lock. As sales progress, all laminate collections are transferred to the new lock, and without any increase in price. The old and new lock are not compatible; there will be a difference in height of about 0.4 mm.

The manufacturer claims a tighter connection of the boards, which significantly increases protection from moisture. The tensile test showed a result eight times higher than the specified parameters, according to the EN13329 standard, which can significantly reduce the number of chips and divergence of boards. Boxes with a new lock are marked accordingly. From personal experience, laminate with such locks assembles perfectly. Fixation - without any effort, the installation speed significantly increases. Assembly can be done by one person.

Lock -

From the manufacturer Classen. A plastic insert is installed at the end of the board, which allows you to snap the board into place by simply pressing on the board from above. Provides a very strong mechanical connection. Work with a vacuum cleaner! The main advantage is the speed of installation; unlike standard methods, there is no need to assemble one long strip, which allows one person to work comfortably, without outside help. Very high quality factory moisture protection.

Pergo PerfectFold 3.0 locking system

A type of lock with a plastic insert. Very easy assembly process. Assembly can be done without a partner. No additional tool required. Convenience and speed of installation, has reverse side— repeated disassembly leads to breakage of the lock ridges. It must be collected immediately, without errors. One should be wary of “confident masters.” The lock looks similar to the Uniclik system, which entails the temptation to knock something out, knock on it, and so on. The result is inevitably damaged locks.

A characteristic, soft click will notify you of correct installation. Assembly can be done from different sides of the boards, both tongue and groove. Relevant when assembling floors without thresholds.

No complaints were identified during operation.

Lock -Proclick andJustclic

From the manufacturer Egger, good locks, Pro does not require assembling the entire row; the board is pushed down from above with a fist blow. High assembly speed.

Just-clic replaced it. Unlike the old one, it requires complete assembly of the row during installation. The profile of the lock is in the form of an oval, with minimal gaps following the contours of the tenon and groove. Very precise fitting of the lock elements, requires perfect cleanliness inside.

Purely subjectively, I liked the first option more, the fixation, without a pronounced click, although in both cases there are no complaints. The surface is perfectly flat.

Lock -Twinclick

Russian manufacturer Kronospan. Almost indistinguishable from Tarkett T-lock. Allows you to assemble laminate flooring only in a standard way, in whole rows, it’s better to work together. The quality is at the level of the average price category, without differences in height and gaps. When assembling, there is no feeling of a clear fixation of the lamella. Quite complex work in doorways, a method for adjusting to door frame, by cutting off the lock ridge, is relevant in inconspicuous places. With this type of lock it is difficult to achieve high-quality installation using the now common “entire apartment without thresholds” method. On well-lit surfaces, all the tricks, in the form of a cut lock, will be noticeable, which can lead to rapid wear of the protruding part.

Locks in inexpensive collections do not hold moisture at all; they must be treated with Click Guard sealant. Today, this is already nonsense, given the cost of the sealant and the labor intensity - it is better to choose an option with a waterproof lock.

Lock -Alloc

From a Norwegian manufacturer, very high quality, lock with aluminum insert, for ordinary apartments does not have any advantages, its main advantage is a strong mechanical connection that can manifest itself in large areas, where a conventional laminate requires the installation of dividing thresholds. Ease of installation and clear fixation are a plus. Price is a minus. Compared to the same Classen, given the huge selection of colors, for small apartment, the purchase can hardly be called advisable.

Conclusions:

This article describes only those locks that our masters work with constantly; there are a huge number of different trade names, but the essence remains the same. Padded adhesive locks are a thing of the past. Modern locks allow you to work without glue and sealants, are quite well designed and reliable, provide high quality and strength. The only difference is the ease of installation.

Contrary to manufacturers' statements about the possibility of laying coatings without the use of additional tools, settling the boards using a block or a piece of lock from another lamella is always required! Easy sampling of gaps must be carried out. .

Taking into account the permissible micron gaps, installation work, for any type of lock, should be carried out only with the use of a vacuum cleaner. Dust removal of the groove under the next row is also mandatory!

Laminate flooring that requires laying in a row, it is advisable to lay it with a partner, alone, it is easy to break the lock, this manifests itself in the form of a gap and a characteristic rise in the transverse joint.

All well-known manufacturers in Russia produce laminate in accordance with GOST or TU, often similar to European standards. As a rule, a difference of up to 100 microns is allowed - this is the thickness of a sheet of “Snow Maiden” paper. Tactilely, such a difference will be felt when held with a fingernail, and will be visually visible, although it is considered the norm.

You should not purchase laminate without moisture protection locks, this is no longer relevant, the difference in price is negligible, and the service life differs significantly.

The craftsmen working for us note the successful design of Uniclik locks from Quick-Step, which allow laying laminate flooring in “difficult places” with minimal damage to the lock, and their experience in using coatings from the manufacturer of the same name allows them to give it an “excellent” rating. The preference is for Belgian-made laminate, with the Russian Quick-Step, with quality, however, not everything is so smooth yet. There is no such ease and clarity of assembly. The Uniclic lock is used by the Kastomonu concern, which produces laminate flooring in Elabuga. The new TC-Lock from TARKETT honestly deserves a “good” rating.

Laminate is a modern floor covering that has recently become widespread in our country. Its popularity is explained by its high aesthetic and quality characteristics optimal price, affordable for a buyer with an average level of income.

In many respects, laminate flooring is superior to natural floors.

The basis of the laminate design is a high-density HDF board, in the thickness of which a lock is cut, thanks to which installation of the floor is simple and can be done by a person who does not have the skills of a builder-finisher. Exists large number castle structures, differing both in design and assembly technique. Many manufacturers develop their own locking systems, and some manufacturers use previously developed ones.

	ProLoc locking connection The ProLoc system is developed and patented by Pergo. The system has a triple locking system, installation of the laminate is simple, the joints are treated with wax impregnation. The lock perfectly holds the panels in tight contact and can withstand heavy loads. This is one of the most reliable locks.
	SmartLock connection The SmartLock system is a simpler version of ProLoc. The connecting elements of the laminate are also impregnated with water-repellent impregnation. The locking system is reliable and can withstand heavy loads. Ensures easy installation with an excellent end result.
	ProClick locking connection PROClic is an innovative development by Egger. It features a special geometry that allows you to lay one element at a time. It has high resistance to point loads and pressure strength.
	Zamkovoe Click connection Xpress ClickXpress is developed by the Balterio concern. The system is truly revolutionary. Allows you to assemble laminate very quickly, while panel joints are difficult to find. The lock allows you to repeatedly install and dismantle the floor if necessary.
	Uniclic locking connection Unique system Uniclic - developed by Quick Step. It features an original design of elements. Assembly of the panels is simple and convenient. The panel is inserted into another panel along the long side at an angle of 20-30°, then the assembled row is inserted into the previously assembled one and snaps into place. Assembly requires 2 people.
	Megaloc locking connection Megaloc is a development of the German manufacturer Classen. This is an innovative invention that allows you to speed up the laminate assembly process by 3 times. There is an additional movable plastic lock on the end side of the panel. Assembly is carried out along the long side, as usual, and on the short side, just press on the board and it will snap into place without effort. Installation can be done by 1 person. The edges are impregnated with wax protection.
	Connect System ConnectSystem is another development from Classen. The system has gained great popularity due to its unique streamlined shape. It smooths out unevenness in the base thanks to movable joints at the joints, compensating for the tension between the laminated panels. IsoWaxx wax edge protection protects joints from moisture penetration.
	LocTec locking connection The LocTec system is Witex's own development. Possesses high strength indicators. This is one of the strongest locks. All edges are treated with wax impregnation, which protects the joints from moisture.
	T-Lock connection The T-Lock system is a development by Tarkett, which has become widespread in the flooring market. Many manufacturers have adopted this lock. The system very reliably fixes the panels in tight contact. The assembly is carried out along the long sides, then the assembled row is inserted at an angle into the previous row and snaps into place with a light pressure until it clicks.

Laminate locks, varieties and their types and installation (disassembly) features. Click, Lock, 5G systems. Uniclic, T-Lock, LocTec locks

2014-01-23

The first laminate was installed using only glue and screws. But as they say, the world is full of ideas. And at the end of the XX century. appeared to the world new look laying the laminate - in a floating way, all thanks to the locking connection. The use of HDF board instead of conventional MDF resulted in milling machines received a lock of the most complex shape and incredible precision. All laminate locks divided into 3 groups: Click, Lock and 5G. Of course, there are many more patented names. Each manufacturer has developed its own unique lock for laminate. Let's consider each of them separately.

Laminate with lockLock, or as it is also called a hammer lock, which works on the tongue-and-groove principle. The groove is a kind of comb that can hold the tenon after it is driven in. The laminate is connected by hammering the boards at right angles (90 0 C) using a rubberized hammer or wooden mallet. Disadvantages: after laying laminate with lockLock it cannot be disassembled and, at the same time, not be damaged; moreover, it has been noticed that with such a connection of the laminate, cracks always form over time. Today this locking system is almost never used.

For the convenience and speed of laying laminate flooring with a lock, Lock was developed laminate with plastic lock. Plastic can be springy or hard. Laminate with a rigid plastic lock is difficult to install, but a springy plastic plate on the laminate lock can make the job much easier. But the geometry of the plate is not so ideal for good connection There may be a need for additional padding of the laminate. Sawing the laminate in the area of the plastic lock can lead to its breakage.

SystemClick- This is a method of connecting laminate lamellas at an angle of 45 degrees. This is the most common. Laying laminate flooring using system locksClick occurs in rows, very quickly and without much difficulty. The main advantage of the Click lock is the ability to disassemble and reassemble the floor covering. At the same time, this does not affect the quality of the connection in any way; the boards do not separate even under the heaviest loads. This system recites dozens of separate types of laminate locks.

In addition, there are Click systems with aluminum plates that ensure reliable fixation of the boards from below. Inconveniences laminate with metal lock begin during installation. The fact is that the plate must be placed under the board, while trying not to touch the substrate. The plate itself can cut you, so you need to work extremely carefully.

In order to simplify the assembly of the laminate, without compromising the quality and strength of the connection, the average person was offered system 5 laminate lockG. His distinguishing feature- laying laminate with 1 click. Namely: the short side of the lamella is latched simultaneously with the lock connection on the long side automatically. This became possible thanks to the presence of a “moving tongue” at the end of the laminate board lock. The slats seem to be fastened to each other with simple hand pressure. There are many options 5 laminate locksG. Each manufacturer has improved and patented its type of laminate lock. Below you can familiarize yourself with them in more detail.

Types of laminate locks from different manufacturers

There are various types of laminate locks, which differ from each other in the design of the connecting elements. Leading laminate manufacturers not only independently developed laminate locks, but also patented them. Let's consider laminate locks leading world leaders.

1. Quick-Step Company, laminate with lockUniclic: original design of a tongue-and-groove system snap lock without the use of any tools. Quick-Step offers a lifetime warranty on its interlocking system: no gaps and no panel separation. Laminate Quick Step with lock Uniclic ensures a seamless floor, since the gap is practically invisible. Laying laminate with a lock Uniclic can be done in any direction, in two ways, since the lock is located on all four sides of the lamella. The first involves connecting boards at an angle of only 30 0 C. The second is a horizontal connection of lamellas. It is used when laying coverings in doorway. For such a case, a special pad is used. It should be noted that connecting the laminate with one blow is prohibited. Make small blows along the entire length of the edge in stages until you hear a characteristic click. Dismantling and re-installation can be carried out up to 4 times.

2. Pergo laminate uses the following laminate locks: ProLoc and SmartLock. ProLoc system used for laying laminate flooring in large rooms and in places with intense loads. Its distinctive feature is a triple fastening system. Installation is quite quick and simple. This type of interlocking laminate is particularly moisture resistant, since all joints are additionally impregnated. For rooms with high humidity Pergo recommends the use of SafeSeal, an advanced sealant. When dismantling laminate lock It is almost impossible to damage, which is why the floor can be disassembled and reassembled several times.

SmartLock System- this is more simple laminate lock, the joints of which are also impregnated with moisture-resistant impregnation. The coating can withstand heavy loads, the installation itself is very quick and easy at any angle. The insert ridge itself is fixed in the groove by simply pressing the end of the laminate board. The floor does not deform because the laminate boards are firmly fixed to each other.

3. Next on our list is laminate lockEgger - Pro Click system. Thanks to the special geometry of the lamella, laying the laminate occurs on one side (see photo below), very easily, quickly and very reliably. In this case, it is possible to use STRIP EX and CLIC SEALER sealants. Laminate lock Pro Click provides high level stability of the coating, its strength at any surface tension. Egger laminate can be removed several times without losing the quality of the lock.

4. Balterio laminate floors offer the following revolutionary interlocking systems: Click Xpress, DropXpress and PressXpress. By the way, Balterio laminate can be disassembled as many times as you like. Virtually no loss of quality of the locking connection.

- Click Xpress System- installation of the floor without gaps, creating a seamless coating. At the same time, the laminate can be easily disassembled and re-installed if necessary.

- DropXpress laminate lock is a U-shaped lock of the 5G system. Laying the laminate occurs by connecting boards along the short side from top to bottom, and along the long side they fit joint to joint independently.

- Lock PressXpress from the 5G system. The laminate is connected by simply pressing. At the same time, the groove, which is located inside the panel, ensures reliable fixation and assembly without visible seams.

5. Megaloc Castle from the German brand Classen. Perhaps one of the strongest laminate locks on the end part of the lamella. Interesting technological solution made it possible to create a lock that is easy to install and extremely reliable. The connection occurs using a special tongue and groove (see the figure below).

Installation begins by connecting the boards along the length. But there is one difference. The installation of the next row is a little different: along the first row, the tenon of the board of the new row is applied at an angle, with its long side. To completely connect the ends, the board is lowered and pressed lightly until a characteristic click occurs, since Megalock laminate lock located on the end of the panel. Additional recommended processing of laminate locks ISOWAXX impregnation, which penetrates into the locking joint, fills it and reliably protects it from moisture. If necessary, the laminate can be easily dismantled and reassembled.

6. LocTec lock from the manufacturer Witex: connection strength, tensile strength up to 1100 Nm/lm, reliability and durability - these are the main advantages of the LocTec lock. Highlight from Witex - laminate impregnated with locks paraffin for better protection from moisture. The laminate boards are simply inserted into each other at an angle and click into place with a simple downward push. The floor can be used immediately after installation. If necessary, the floor can be disassembled and reassembled several times.

7. LockT-Lock- an exclusive development of the Tarkett company, is one of the best, adopted by many laminate manufacturers. Laminate with lock T-Lock Installed by simply snapping the laminate boards along the long side using a small angle. The floor is obtained without cracks or distortions. If necessary, Tarkett laminate can be dismantled and re-installed ( Tarkett laminate lock works 3-4 times).

Laminate with lock- this is real grace. Judge for yourself - no dirt, no dust, no need to wait for the glue to dry. Lay the laminate and enjoy the floor to your health. Another question which laminate lock is better. Each manufacturer did their best, offering us not just quick and convenient assembly, but a reliable, durable and very beautiful floor. Choose a laminate depending on your requirements for it. If you have questions regarding the choice of laminate - please contact laminate price

Variety of sizes, colors and textures. This does not limit the choice of laminate flooring. An additional factor depending on the decision to purchase this or that material, a connection system can become. Let's look at the most popular types of laminate locks that provide the necessary technical requirements on installation. We will also figure out what kind of locking system would be better suited for each specific case. And finally, we will give some recommendations for installation and maintenance.

Several decades have passed since the creation of such a coating as laminate. During this time, technology has changed a lot, and this also applies to locks. Every 2-3 years, manufacturers introduce a new type of connection, arguing for improved stability and ease of installation. However, each prototype comes down to two basic ones: Lock and Click. Let's look at them in more detail.

The most popular dismountable systems that have won recognition from installation experts. For each of these types of locks there are many subtypes. Some of them can be found only from certain manufacturers, while others, on the contrary, are in service with most well-known laminate manufacturers.

Both basic systems are based on a tongue-and-groove connection. The difference is only in the profiling of the connecting parts.

Which lock is better Lock or Click

Let's make a comparison based on the characteristics that are most relevant to the buyer.

cheaper;
tight connection.

with prolonged use (with deviations from installation and operation standards), gaps may appear between the lamellas;
a more complex installation process using a mallet and tamping strip;
possibility of damage to the lock during installation.

ease of installation;
installation is carried out without additional tools;
increased strength;
During operation, the lock does not wear out and cracks do not appear;
a tight connection is ensured when using double locks;
Possibility of installation on an imperfectly flat surface;
safe assembly with minimal likelihood of damaging the lock;
possibility of re-coupling after dismantling the coating.

high price.

Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of both systems below.

Lock locks

Translated from English, the name of the connection is translated as “castle”. This method of fastening laminated panels is one of the very first. Currently, this type of surface closure is technologically outdated.

The mating surfaces are a groove on one side and a tenon on the other, which are cut with a milling cutter on the load-bearing layer of the board.

The installation principle is as follows:

A board placed on the floor is attached with a board attached at an angle of 0°.
A tamping block is placed on the opposite side of the lamella.
By lightly hitting the block with a mallet, we achieve tight contact until the gap is eliminated.

Advice: Tamping should be done carefully, without unnecessary effort, since strong blows with a mallet are likely to damage the lock.

In case correct installation connection, the tenon fits completely into the groove, the comb locks into the tenon in the recess and prevents adjacent panels from coming out of the coupling. This type of lock is also called a hammer lock.

The weak link of the structure is the comb, which takes on most of the stress. The mating of the groove and the tenon is quite tight, however, with frequent loads on the lock, the comb wears out. Later, cracks appear at the attachment point. This defect cannot be eliminated without dismantling and subsequent replacement of the panel.

But this defect can be prevented. To do this, it is necessary to install the laminate on a perfectly flat surface, eliminating the smallest particles. construction waste and the use of backing material that will not cause severe subsidence during operation. Otherwise, any “pebble” under the covering will create additional stress in the lock, shortening the life of your floor covering.

Otherwise, although the technology is outdated. This type of lock for laminate flooring provides all the necessary performance properties, provided correct installation And further use. However, manufacturers prefer the Click system, so find “ old version“It’s becoming more and more difficult (if we’re not talking about Chinese counterfeits, but about certified manufacturers).

Click locks

Relatively new technology, according to which the panels are fixed by means of snapping. Main distinctive features from Lock, not counting the installation method, is a different form of tongue with a profiled groove for it.

The spike is also located on the supporting plate and looks like a small hook.

The installation method is as follows:

The panel to be mounted is brought to the board laid on the floor at an angle of 45°. The angle may vary among different manufacturers, so it is necessary to clarify this point.
The hook is driven into the groove.
The panel lowers to horizontal.
A characteristic click is heard and the connection is complete.

It is because of this click that the system got its name.

There is no need for additional tools during installation. Special effort You don’t need to apply it, you don’t need to finish it off with a mallet or hammer either. Otherwise, the locking edge may be damaged.

Note: If, when fixing the plank, a small gap remains, then to remove it it is necessary to lightly tap with a mallet on a previously placed block or other laminate board. This must be done carefully so as not to damage the locking element.

This type of connection is characterized by good density and performance properties - the retaining edge in the groove practically does not wear out over time. Therefore, such a laminate will last a long time without the appearance of gaps and cracks.

Also, the canvas assembled using the Click system can be reassembled. However, it is worth considering that during its service life, the laminate takes on the smallest unevenness of the floor, and in a new place the adhesion may not be so tight, even taking into account the numbering of the boards.

The Click method does not require such strict restrictions on the evenness of the surface on which it is laid (unlike Lock), but this does not mean that there is no need to level the base. A flat base for the laminate is a prerequisite for installation.

Let's look at several subtypes of the Click system that are most popular.

Uniclic

Mainly represented by the Quick Step brand. Installation can be done by simple snapping - to do this, just bring one panel to the other at an angle of 25-30° and fix it. There is also the possibility of horizontal laying with tamping of the joint, for laying in the last row.

It has quite good strength properties. Withstands tensile loads up to 450 kg per linear meter.

Pros of the system:

the lock latches without significant effort;
reassembly is possible;
laying both from left to right and from right to left;
moisture treatment.

Cons:

Over time, the lock may move apart along the end of the bar due to the low ridge in the groove.

JUST click and UNI fit

Patented systems under the Egger brand.

JUST click replaced Pro clic. Unlike its predecessor, assembly of the entire row is required. The plank has two identical tongues and two identical grooves, which allows for interlocking on both sides. Has a high assembly speed.

The groove and tenon are profiled in the form of a conjugate oval, which ensures tighter contact over a larger contact area. The gaps in the lock are minimal, so even the smallest debris is not allowed - check before installing the strip.

Lamella with lock UNI fit can be fixed to the previous row separately, that is, there is no need to assemble a whole row for subsequent fastening. The tenons and grooves on the end and long side are different.

SmartLock and ProLock

Both options are presented by Pegro. SmartLock is a more primitive version in terms of profiling - there is no one additional retaining element on the top of the groove. Due to this, a lower contact density is observed.

Most modern Pergo laminate flooring models are equipped with the ProLock system. Locks of both types have a moisture-repellent impregnation, which, coupled with a massive fiberboard base, makes this coating well protected from moisture (for even better protection, seam sealants are used).

ClickXPress, DropXPress, PressXPress

Represented by the Balterio brand.

ClickXPress It is a tongue-and-groove joint with the lower part profiled in the form of an oval joint. Laying is done at an angle of 45°.

On to the pros of this connection can be attributed:

reliability;
strength;
invisible high-quality seam;
reassembly;

DropXPress is not inherently a Click lock. The connection profile consists of two L-shaped hooks. The hitch is held due to the weight of the laminate panel and the force of friction, since the lowering of the board at an angle of 0° from top to bottom occurs with tension.

This method has its advantages:

increased laying speed;
ease of installation
identical locks for the end and long part

PressXPress- fastenings with a counter-element, part of the new generation 5g. When the board is seated in the groove, the fastening element is displaced, which is driven into the recess. Thus, the effort required for installation is minimal.

Advantages of the castle:

increased installation speed;
strong connection;
invisible seam;
Possibility of installation at any angle.

In 2017, a new connection was presented at the Domotex exhibition FitXPress, which will be used on Balterio laminate Magnitude series, replacing PXP. The difference between the locks is the shape of the latch tongue.

Megaloc

Used on Classen laminate. It is a modification of the 5g system. Replaced the outdated EasyConnect model. The locking tongue is located in the groove, and not on the tongue. Just like the Pergo coating, a wax impregnation is used for moisture insulation.

Installation is carried out in separate panels, and not in a row at once. The boards are laid at an angle until they click. The work can be done alone without assistance. If necessary, disassembling the connection is not difficult.

T-lock, 2-lock, TC-lock

Presented by Tarkett brand

T-lock- satisfied with the old technology, on at the moment quite common, but is being replaced modern systems. It has a relatively small panel joining angle of about 20-25°.

Laying may require the participation of several people, since it is necessary to install entire panels in rows. If there is the slightest shift in one of the boards, you will have to disassemble the entire row and start the process all over again.

The disadvantages include:

the joint is visible on the end part of the laminate, especially in dark colors;
When used repeatedly, the lock along the long part of the lamella may become deformed.

2-Lock- newer model. Has a plastic tab to secure the connection. Allows for quick and easy styling even for one person - assembly is carried out not in a row, but in one panel at a time.

TC-lock is a T-lock receiver. Has everything greater distribution. The cost does not exceed its predecessor. Unfortunately, old collections cannot be combined with the new TC-lock system due to height differences.

Perhaps this is the only negative, let’s focus on the advantages:

There is a tighter contact during coupling, therefore, the likelihood of moisture getting into the locking joint is reduced;
very good strength characteristics - the level of tensile load exceeds the norm by 8 times;
fast and easy assembly;
One person can do the installation.

TwinClic

Presented by the Russian brand Kronospan. At its core, it is an analogue of T-lock. It is also not possible to install one panel at a time - it is necessary to assemble the entire row, which is not always convenient, especially when the installation is carried out by one person.

When fixing the board into the groove, there is no pronounced click. It is better not to use this type of lock for laying laminate flooring throughout the entire apartment, as there is a possibility of the joints lifting under load.

Laminate models in the low price category have very poor protection against moisture.

LocTec

Patented Witex laminate locking system. Refers to high-strength connections. Fairly easy assembly allows you to work alone. The installation process should not be difficult. The result is a smooth floor covering without visible seams.

The joints are impregnated with a special water-repellent mastic.

Alloc

Presented by a Norwegian flooring manufacturer. The quality is up to the mark. Has an aluminum insert. It has excellent strength properties, therefore it is most often used on commercial laminate of classes 33 and 34, which is intended for installation in places with increased operational load.

The strength advantage becomes especially noticeable in large rooms. For such places, it is possible to lay laminate flooring without thresholds over the entire area. For ordinary apartments, installing such a coating is not advisable, since the high price exceeds the benefits that are not destined to be revealed at home.

Lock processing

Most modern laminate models have protection from moisture in the form of impregnation of the lock joint with wax, paraffin, or special mastic. If for some reason you purchased panels that are not subject to this procedure, then you can perform simple manipulations yourself that will increase protection from moisture.

Such formulations are available in liquid or paste forms. It doesn't really matter what consistency you choose. The main thing is that you feel comfortable using the composition.

Advice: If possible, you should buy laminate flooring that protects the locks from moisture.

You can also use sealant to join the panels. In this case, several positive effects can be observed:

increased protection against moisture;
a tighter connection is made;
If necessary, you can disguise the seams.

Modern laminate models are equipped with convenient locks that allow you to make a high-quality joint. In addition, most of them have water-repellent properties and do not require additional processing.

Experienced professionals perform installation for any system without loss of connection quality. If you are a beginner, then when choosing the type of laminate locks, preference should be given to models from the 5g generation with a fixing polymer tongue. In this case, installation will be done quickly and easily, even alone.