Service life of wall and floor coverings. Laminate classification: where and which is better to apply

In order for the life of the laminate to correspond to the period declared by the manufacturer, when choosing a laminate, you need to understand that important condition for this is the wear resistance class of laminated panels. The class of operation of the laminate meets the requirements European standard EN13329 and is established based on the results of 18 tests. During testing, it is determined over what period of operation the laminate retains its original appearance and does not lose quality characteristics in different conditions.

According to the EN13329 standard, there are two types of laminate: the first type is for use in domestic premises, the second type is for use in commercial premises.

The higher the class of the laminate, the higher its strength, the greater its thickness and the stronger it is. lock system, which largely determines its service life. Laminate 21, 22 and 23 class has a thickness of 6-8 mm, the thickness of the laminate 31, 32, 33 and 34 class varies from 8 to 12 mm. The greater the thickness of the laminate, the easier its installation and the more reliable the locking connection.

Class 31, 32, 33 and 34 laminate flooring are commercial flooring and therefore suitable for use in medium to high traffic areas.

Class 31 laminate flooring is designed for use in residential and commercial areas with low traffic, which assume a low operational load on the floor. The service life of such a laminate is 3-5 years, but in some cases, for example, it can last up to 10 years.

Laminate class 32 can be used as a floor covering in rooms with an average operating load. The service life of this class of material is 10 years. When used at home, it can last up to 15 years. It can be, bedrooms, living room,.

Laminate class 34 is designed for installation in rooms with an ultra-high load on the floor. It can be shopping, dance and sports halls, clubs, car dealerships, as well as other institutions and establishments with high traffic. The service life of a laminate floor of this class is 10 years, and at home its durability is practically unlimited and depends on care and respect.

In order for laminate flooring to serve faithfully for many years, it must be properly maintained and properly maintained. For this it is recommended:

Do not use for cleaning.
Fulfill wet cleaning a special mop with a microfiber washcloth.
Carefully move the furniture, placing a soft cloth under the legs.
Protect the surface of the laminate from water and chemically active substances.

Choosing a laminate floor for an apartment

What is a laminate?

Look at the plank diagram:

1 - transparent wear-resistant layer for protection;

2 — decorative layer, reproduces the pattern of natural wood, stone or ceramic tiles;

3 - high density fiberboard (HDF) base is responsible for the stability of the plank, stability;

4 - stabilizing layer, prevents the deformation of the bar.

Where can you put

It's true universal material. It can be laid in bedrooms, living rooms, nurseries, hallways and kitchens.

They also began to actively stack in, including seasonal residence. But this is risky, as the warranty will only cover finishes in residential areas with a constant temperature and slight fluctuations in humidity: from 30% in winter to 60% in summer.

Seasonal Vacation home most of the cold season is not heated, and, naturally, the floors in it either warm up or cool down. Such climatic cataclysms are not useful for finishing.

Today, the material can serve as original design walls. The planks are fixed directly to the base using silicone glue and studs (nails without a cap) or wooden crate. Of course, such lining should not be used near water sources, as kitchen apron or wall decoration in the bathroom.

What thickness of laminate to choose for an apartment? If heavy furniture and equipment will be installed in the room, it is better not to use a coating thinner than 10 mm, otherwise it will not withstand long static loads. However, if you plan to install slats on underfloor heating, choose thinner boards as they will conduct heat better.

3. Wrong shade

To make the room look harmonious and visually “do not fall apart” into separate parts, everything Decoration Materials must be kept in one color scheme- warm or cold, even if they are in contrasting shades, for example, a dark floor and light doors.

If you want to visually expand small room, use light cold tones in the decoration, and if you want to make it more comfortable too large space choose warm colors.

4. Moisture-resistant laminate is confused with waterproof

Humidity is one of the main enemies of this material: if water enters the joint, the boards easily absorb it and swell, which causes irregularities and the decorative coating leaves. Manufacturers have taken this feature into account and offer waterproof options that can be laid in areas such as the kitchen and even the bathroom. If you decide on such an experiment, the main thing is not to confuse moisture and waterproof laminate.

What is the difference? Moisture-resistant is based on a high-strength fibreboard, it is treated with paraffin and other compounds that can protect the board from moisture only for a while. This coating will last various pollution and wet cleaning, and fungus. But if you do not immediately wipe the water from the surface, it will penetrate inside the joint, the finish will begin to deform and rise, as a result, the floor will become uneven. Moisture-resistant laminate changes volume with temperature changes, therefore. But for a bathroom, sauna, balcony or veranda, it is no longer suitable.

Only the waterproof type can survive direct contact with water. It is able to withstand prolonged exposure to water, does not deform during temperature changes and practically does not wear out. All joints of the waterproof floor are treated with heated wax, and the surface is made non-slippery and given antistatic properties so that dust does not settle on it.

5. Ill-considered substrate savings

Another typical situation is when, when drawing up an estimate for repairs, they forget to include a substrate. As a result, you have to spend time on additional trips to the store. Or they take the cheapest one, if the entire budget was spent, and then they regret it very much. After all, a high-quality substrate not only levels concrete surface, but also provides additional noise and heat insulation, softens the shock load and extends the life of the floor covering up to 5 years.

A cheap substrate has a big, but not obvious minus - the smell. Of course, the unpleasant odor will disappear, but this will not stop the substrate from emitting chemical substances, which can be toxic and cause allergies. Therefore, we recommend not to save and choose options from natural materials, for example, cork or coniferous substrate.

The technical one is not electrified, which means that it does not attract dust, does not absorb extraneous odors, is hypoallergenic and contributes to the natural regulation of the internal climate in the room. The coniferous substrate is made of 100% natural materials - coniferous wood. It significantly reduces "impact" noise, the room will become noticeably warmer due to the low thermal conductivity of the material. Density coniferous substrate chosen to smooth small bumps"rough" floor and protect the locks from excessive pressure.

The final elements include various heights, widths, configurations, as well as overlays for the inlets of the elements heating system and sills.

How to choose a quality laminate

Choose manufacturer's products with a guarantee.
Do not chase cheapness, because there are no too cheap and high-quality goods.
Pay attention to the connection type. There is a so-called "click", when the lamellas are connected with the help of locks, and "lok" - when the elements seem to be driven into each other. The first, of course, is more convenient.
Don't buy a product with a strong scent.
Manufacturers offer the most different colors and relief. There are also types with a pattern, when on upper layer apply a pattern or marks. The choice is yours, but one-stop solution- This is an imitation of a wooden surface.

Price

As for the price range, it is very wide: from 288 rubles/m² to 2940 rubles/m². And the natural desire of the buyer to minimize material costs is understandable. Some manufacturers are drawing attention to this. They save on top quality protective coating or HDF-bases. But all this has a negative effect on consumer qualities floor and, accordingly, on the period of its operation.

How to care

To ensure that after a few years the floor looks the same as on the first day after installation, it must be properly looked after. About rugs in the hallway and felt pads on the legs of furniture, we hope everyone already knows. It is advisable for owners of mobile chairs to replace hard rollers with soft rubber ones.

The floor of the laminate planks with chamfers is first cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, then a wet cleaning is carried out, and then wiped with microfiber.

Ordinary slightly damp cloth. Make sure the fabric is damp, not wet.

Specialized cleaners are usually added to a bucket of clean water in the amount indicated on the package. Then they wipe the floor with a cloth moistened with this solution and well wrung out. To remove stubborn stains, use a small amount of undiluted cleaner or leave it for several minutes on heavily soiled areas. After cleaning, it is important to check for marks and streaks, as poorly removed cleaners attract dirt. Cleaning compositions based on have the same effect. They cannot penetrate deep into the coating and form a film on the surface. They do not need to be used for cleaning.

Water protection

The weak point of the laminate is the moisture-sensitive locking joints of the planks. If water often gets on the floor and, even worse, stagnates, then, gradually penetrating through the ends into the main plate, it can cause deformation. Because of this, it is advised to coat the upper parts of the interlock with a sealant. For example, compositions of polyurethane or silicone resins in an organic solvent or more environmentally friendly wax. All of them effectively protect the flooring from the negative effects of water, but neutralize the important technological quality of the material - quick and easy installation.

Moisture-resistant laminate differs from the usual one only in the rate of moisture absorption due to the presence of water-repellent impregnations in the base, so you should not leave puddles on its surface either.

To defeat hydrophobia, some manufacturers increase the density of the base and reduce its absorbency, others add water-repellent impregnations to the base plate, and they all process the ends of the planks protective composition. Among such collections: Classic Aqua + (Egger), Sensation (Pergo), Impressive Ultra (Quick-Step).

Do not allow the appearance and accumulation of large amounts of water on the floor near the window sills with flower pots and water taps.

Mistakes that will shorten the life of your laminate

It is important to strictly follow the laying technology. We pay attention to typical situations. They can significantly reduce the life of the floor and do not apply to warranty cases:

laying material without acclimatization in the room for 48 hours;
laying on a screed with a moisture content of more than 2.5%;
laying on an uneven base with height differences of more than 2 mm over a length of 1 m;
lack of waterproofing film and substrate;
lack of small gaps around the perimeter of the room (8-10 mm) and along the line doorway;
the use of film electric underfloor heating (infrared heating mats). If the laminate is laid on, then a vapor barrier must be used. It is laid under the substrate. During operation of the heating system, the temperature on the surface of the floor covering should not exceed 27–28 ˚C.

By the way, when moving, a characteristic clattering sound is often heard. This is evidence that between top coat and the base has a small gap. It works as a kind of resonator, amplifying the sounds of heel strikes and causing irritation to the inhabitants of the apartment, and especially to the neighbors below.

It is not difficult to level the undesirable effect. Put in between decorative coating and the base substrate, which will act as a shock absorber and effectively extinguish impact noise. Moreover, the underlayment will increase the “thermal comfort” on the floor surface and smooth out minor unevenness of the base, if they do not exceed 2 mm in a 2 m long section. Otherwise, the floor base must be pre-leveled.

Do not use too thick substrates: 4–5 mm. Then, when walking on the floor, installing heavy furniture, the planks will strongly sag and create an additional load on the locking connection. As a consequence, the locks can be damaged in the worst case. Too thin substrates (less than 2 mm) will not provide acoustic comfort. Experts believe optimum thickness from 2 to 3 mm.

Laminate is always laid on the floor in a floating manner so that it is free to expand and return to its original state with changes in temperature and humidity. Small gaps (5–8 mm) are left along the perimeter of the room near walls, steps, pipes, etc., as well as along the line of the doorway. They are necessary for the natural movement of the coating. It is impossible to attach the planks to the base with nails, screws, glue. This can cause creaking, gaps between separate elements or, conversely, their warpage.

Everyone can easily and quickly choose the right laminate flooring for a particular room. Laminate flooring goes through many tests before it goes on the market for soundproofing, protection against scratches and damage, resistance to water, light and abrasion. Before buying, you need to find out the quality and service life of the laminate.

The main types of coverage

Class 33 laminate is one of the most durable coatings. It can withstand water for hours. It is also important to note the good wear resistance of this material. Class 33 laminate flooring is commonly used for flooring in commercial buildings that are characterized by a high daily traffic of people ( shopping centers, hospitals).

Laminate of classes 31 and 32 is also used in commercial premises, but with less people traffic. It is best suited for office space, banquet halls. Such a coating can easily withstand prolonged contact with moisture, and it also exhibits resistance to scratches and abrasion.

Laminates of 32 and 33 classes may differ from 31 mainly by additional decor - a special bevel or gloss on the surface.

Also, experts distinguish laminated coating of classes 21, 22, 23. Such types are usually used for houses and apartments. Class 21 laminate is considered the most unstable and low quality, it is used mainly in bedrooms, which are distinguished by their dryness and which family members rarely enter.

Over time, manufacturers of laminated coatings have ceased to create models of such classes, as they are short-lived in operation, limited in use and are of low demand. Such a laminate was especially popular abroad and in Russia until the beginning of the 21st century, after which its popularity began to decline significantly.

Laminate 31 class

Class 31 laminated flooring is used in private houses and apartments, which are characterized by low and medium pressure on the floor. Some firms allow the use of such a coating in commercial premises, but note that the life of the laminate in this case will be significantly reduced.

The types of laminate produced under this class are known for their affordability, as well as a wide variety of additional decoration. Experts advise using a special sound substrate when installing such a flooring or purchasing a laminate equipped with a soundproofing system in advance. best solution will purchase cork backing.

Model Qualities

This class of laminate is best suited for bedrooms, children's rooms, hallways, small office corridors with a low floor load. To the main distinctive features This type of coverage can include:

the presence of a locking connection on a mechanical basis;
the thinness of the boards (width does not exceed 8 mm);
when installed in a house, the operating time ranges from 10 to 12 years.

Laminated coating 32 class

Greatest Demand in the modern market it falls on the 32nd class of laminate. Floor coverings of this type are produced at almost all construction enterprises both in Russia and abroad. This class of coating is characterized by patterns on wood, different types design, natural color.

In terms of its resistance to moisture, abrasion and wear resistance, class 32 laminate is much better than class 31, but its price is much higher. The main features of this coverage include:

the thickness of laminated boards ranges from 7 to 12 mm;
almost every laminate produced at the enterprise has a special non-slip surface, which helps to ensure the safety of all family members;
The service life of class 32 laminate reaches 15 years in residential buildings and up to 5 years in commercial premises.

This type will be good for use in a house or apartment with any floor load and daily traffic. It is allowed to lay it in corridors, dining rooms, kitchens. Also, experts do not prohibit the use of it when covering the floor in small shops, offices, hotel corridors with low foot traffic.

Features 33 class

Class 33 laminate flooring is allowed to be used freely in both residential and commercial premises. There are no restrictions on this coverage model. At the same time, it is important to note the rather high cost of the material, which is justified by it. good quality and relevant characteristics:

The thickness of the laminate panels can vary from 8 to 12 mm.
Built-in reinforced mechanical locking system, which is particularly resistant to pressure from the outside.
Beautiful and detailed drawings can be seen on the surface of the floor. The coating has an imitation under natural wood and others Construction Materials.
The large thickness of the panels ultimately creates good sound insulation and thermal insulation in the rooms. If earlier additional insulation materials were required to maintain heat in the room or eliminate unnecessary sounds, then after laying such a coating they will no longer be needed.
Laminated boards are particularly resistant to water, so they can fit perfectly in any room (with a high humidity index). It is best to talk about this property of the selected laminate model with the store manager before buying.
The service life of class 33 laminate can exceed 20 years for residential premises and 10-12 years for public places and establishments.

Increased usage time

Laminate is a flooring that needs regular and proper care. To increase the life of the laminate at home, it is important to choose special detergents, properly remove dirt from the floor surface and carry out regular cleaning.

It is important to protect the laminated coating from dust and pollution. To do this, it is best to use a dry cleaning method, which will help facilitate the task: a vacuum cleaner or a soft cloth will do.

Washing models of vacuum cleaners in this case will not work, as they can only damage the coating. When purchasing laminated boards, the seller must tell in detail how best to wash them and how to care for them.

In this article, we will look at one of the most popular finishing coatings floors - laminate. Here are the main characteristics of the laminate and its features. Let's compare different kinds laminate, load classes and labeling of the laminate. And also describe what the laminate consists of.

Laminate is a floor covering made of boards with a top protective layer impregnated with resins.

The main features of the laminate.

Advantages:

ease of installation (assembly);
easy maintenance of the coating;
antistatic - the laminate does not accumulate static electricity and does not conduct electric current;
such a floor is quite resistant to loads;
the laminate coating is resistant to fats, alkalis (not required additional funds for surface protection)
panels can be replaced if necessary (the coating is dismantled starting from the last laid panel).

Flaws:

insufficiently moisture resistant coating - it cannot be washed with large quantity water;
requires a flat base.

Characteristics:

manufacturers indicate many characteristics with pictograms;
wear resistance class - from 21 to 43.

Classes 21, 22, 23 are intended for rooms where the movement of people is insignificant (21 - for the floor in the bedroom or study, 23 - can be placed in all areas of the residential building, including the hallway and kitchen). Class 31 and above are intended for premises where there is an active movement of people;

flammability G2;
resistant to pressure (collapse);
lightfast;
formaldehyde emission coefficient. Laminate coatings contain formaldehyde materials, therefore, when buying, always require a certificate of conformity and the conclusion of the sanitary and epidemiological service. The content of formaldehyde should not be more than 0.01 mg/m 3 , phenol content should not be more than 0.003 mg/m 3 ;
moisture resistance. In moisture-resistant laminates, the main plate of the structure has a greenish color. This laminate is used for finishing rooms with high humidity. Its lining contains antiseptic substances that destroy fungi, and the base itself (wood board) is made with additives that reduce water absorption;
life time. The service life of laminates depends on their wear resistance class. The higher the wear resistance class, the longer the service life. Laminate from class 31 is considered high class, its service life is 15-20 years. But more often lower grades of laminates are used (because of their availability).

The service life and marking of the laminate.

Service life 2-3 years. Scope - commercial premises with low load. At home, it can lie for about 10 years in rooms such as a bedroom or pantry (with a small load). Designation:

It is intended for operation in commercial premises with an average load. Service life 3-5 years. At home, such a floor can lie for 12-15 years even in rooms with a high operational load (dining room, corridor, living room).

Operation in commercial premises with intensive loading. Service life 5-6 years. It is almost pointless to buy such a floor for use at home. Some manufacturers give a lifetime warranty for this class, subject to use at home.

It is also worth noting that now all laminate classes are designed specifically for use in commercial premises and the service life is also indicated by default for commercial premises. This means that if the manufacturer gives a guarantee for the floor for 10 years or more, then this guarantee applies only to the use of the floor in domestic conditions. There are no guarantees for the operation of a floor in a commercial premises for more than 6 years.

structure of the laminate.

Laminating film (overlay) - a coating that makes the surface of the laminate resistant to abrasion. This high-strength melamine or acrylic resin film is the "laminating" that gave the whole product its name. This coating is single-layer and multi-layer (composite). The surface can be either smooth or textured.
The decorative layer is treated and impregnated paper or furniture foil that imitates wood and all sorts of other textures.
The basis of the laminated panel is a fibreboard. The base is made from chipboard or fiberboard material (from English-speaking manufacturers - HDF). The main properties of the plate are strength, rigidity, invariance of geometric parameters and the ability to withstand moisture.
moisture resistant layer. Unrefined, resin impregnated paper. It protects the overlying board (chipboard or fiberboard) from moisture and compensates surface tension, which occurs after lamination of the working layer of the panel.

types of laminate.

Glueless laminate.

Glueless laminate is also called lock laminate. The panels are connected by snapping due to a special form of cutting on the long edges of the panels - a spike and a groove. Not required when installing special tools assembly is very easy, so you can easily do it yourself. Glueless laminate is recommended for use in dry rooms with constant humidity and temperature, otherwise the laminate will quickly begin to collapse at the junction of the panels. Easy to fit, easy to dismantle for partial or complete replacement.

Adhesive laminate.

Adhesive laminate is suitable for rooms with high humidity, as the adhesive prevents moisture from penetrating into the seams - and this is the main advantage of adhesive laminate. The panels are interconnected with a special water-repellent adhesive (not PVA). Glue is applied to the ends of the panels, after which they are joined. Excess glue is removed. Basically, the installation is very similar to the installation of glueless laminate. It is desirable to work at a temperature of 10-20 degrees in a ventilated room.

Adhesive laminate, unlike glueless laminate, is very difficult to dismantle for partial or complete replacement.

when buying a laminate, be sure to pay attention to the manufacturer's advice, for example, on required quantity glue;
laminate is stored at a distance of at least 1 m from the walls, in a dry, heated room, without drafts. Before laying, unpacked laminate plates are laid in a row in the middle of the room at a temperature of at least 18 ° C and humidity up to 75%. And leave for 2-3 days. Each package is unpacked just before packing;
the base for laying must be even;
to hide the seam, it is recommended to lay the panels parallel to the incidence of light from the window;
even if the laminate is adhesive, you should not wash it with plenty of water;
detergents can leave whitish marks on the surface of the laminate.

Developments modern technologies gave us the opportunity to purchase a high-quality analogue of a parquet board - this is a laminate. Its cost is lower, but the view is also worthy. Laminate has gained respect and demand among buyers around the world, which is not surprising, because it has excellent performance and properties.

The classification of operation makes it possible to accurately determine the period during which the laminate will not reduce its properties and will not lose good appearance.

Laminate classification.

Today, manufacturing companies are actively working to create a more advanced laminate top layer, and new ones are also being developed. design solutions.

By external signs, the laminate flooring has long been no different from natural parquet boards.

There are two groups of laminate, which are the main ones:

Laminate flooring for home use. The term of its use does not exceed 5-6 years. The price of laminate flooring for the home is lower.
Laminate for commercial use. Its service life is from 3 to 6 years, when used in commercial premises. Commercial laminate can be used at home, then its service life can reach 10 years. The cost of such coverage is higher.

According to European standards, these two main types of coating are divided into additional classifications for wear resistance. The use of a laminated coating in accordance with its classification will help to significantly increase its service life.

Home laminate.

Class 21. This laminated coating has the shortest service life. It does not exceed 1-2 years. This is due to the fact that cheap building materials are used in its production. It finds its application in those areas where the load on the flooring is minimal (pantry, bedroom, etc.).
Class 22. The term of its operation does not exceed 2-4 years. It is manufactured using materials that are stronger and of a higher quality than class 21. It is also preferred in areas where the laminate is not heavily stressed. It could be Walk-in closet, room for children, bedroom.
Class 23. The floor covering of this class has a service life of about 4-6 years. It has gained great popularity among the population. Laminate of this class is placed in rooms where the load on the floor is higher: kitchen, corridor, living room, dining room and others.

Commercial laminate.

31 class. Floor covering is used in places where the load is minimal. As a rule, these are meeting rooms, reception rooms, small offices and so on. The service life of the coating is 2-3 years. But, if a laminated coating of this class is used at home, then it will last from 10 to 12 years.
Class 32. It is used in those places where the load on the flooring is medium. As a rule, it finds application in offices. There, the laminate can last for a period of 3-5 years. But often this class of coverage can be found at home. There, its service life grows from 12 to 15 years.
Class 33. This type of coverage perfect solution for rooms where the load on the floor is very high. For commercial conditions, the life of this type of laminate will be 5-6 years. AT home use this coating will last 15 years, and possibly all 20.

Manufacturers do not overestimate this species laminate, saying that it has an eternal guarantee. The main advantage of class 33 laminated coating is not only a long service life, but also an excellent appearance that will not change over the entire service life.

Advice! When purchasing a laminate, be sure to check all the documentation that accompanies it. It contains all the characteristics of this coating and image. Laminate for residential premises is designated in the form of a house.

The numbers and little men indicate to us the maximum load on this type of coating.

Advantages and disadvantages of laminate flooring.

Laminate is a good alternative parquet board.
Its care is very easy. All you need is to wash it on time, without polishing.
Laminate installation is quite simple. It can be done on your own. By purchasing this cover, you get to it detailed instructions with installation instructions.
AT ready-made Laminate does not differ from parquet, only it costs much lower.
Laminate flooring is environmentally friendly. It is perfect for allergy sufferers.
Laminate is much stronger and lighter than boards.
Any pollution is removed very simply. If nail polish or paint has been spilled on the coating, then you can remove the stain with acetone without fear of damaging the surface.
Laying laminate flooring is possible on any type of flooring: linoleum, hard floor, tile, wood, as well as on short pile flooring.
The material is strong and wear resistant.
Special film on a laminate freely withstand heavy loads for 15-20 years.
The laminated coating is not subject to scratches, dents from furniture or studs. If a heavy object falls on the floor, it will not leave a trace. Laminate is resistant to high temperature. If ash from a fireplace or a cigarette falls on it, they will not leave marks on the coating. The laminate will not suffer even if you roller skate on it. You can even draw.
The wood fiber backing gives the laminate increased strength and a rigid base.
Laminate is difficult to distinguish from natural materials. Externally, it completely imitates trees of valuable species. It is difficult to distinguish it. But laminate doesn't just mimic wood, it can be made into tile, stone, granite, carpet, and more.

Main disadvantages.

The main disadvantages of laminate are:

The cover is not very durable. If it is actively used, then the service life will not exceed 4-5 years. Although it was written on the packaging that the laminate will last from 15 to 20 years.
Laminate is suitable for those people who often change the interior in their apartment. It is impossible to make a new cycling or paint the coating with varnish or paint. When the service life has expired, the laminated coating will simply have to be replaced with a new one.
The most important disadvantage is that no matter how beautiful and high-quality the laminate looks, it will always remain only an imitation of a wooden floor.

Advice! When choosing a laminated coating, be sure to study its characteristics. Just looking at a photo of how the finished floor will look or a video of its installation will be far from enough.