Castle system. Types of laminate locks: which is better? Locking system t lock reviews

In the modern world, laminate flooring is popular. A special system of stacking laminated panels, snapping them together with a lock, allows you to update the floor quickly and easily.

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

Peculiarities

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

Laminate locks make it easy to install the flooring. No additional fasteners or glue are required for installation. The latching device is already installed in the panel.
If the panel is damaged, the broken part can be easily replaced. This increases the lifespan of the laminate.

The locking system for fastening laminate panels allows you to lay the most neat flooring without protruding or depressed areas.
The sides are specially shaped, which, when snapped in, connect the panels without gaps and do not allow moisture to pass through. This reduces the likelihood of mold growth under the flooring.

Variants 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 budgetary. This mechanism works on the principle of "thorn-groove", that is, on one side the laminate board is equipped with a spike with a comb for fixing, and on the other side it is a groove. Installation of lamellas with the Lock system is carried out by driving the thorn into the groove cavity using a wooden mallet or a hammer with a rubber striker until the connection is complete. Unfortunately, during operation from the load on the panels, the combs wear out, so gaps can form in the floor covering.

Click-locks, which are also used for joining lamellas are considered more modern and made taking into account past mistakes. The name of Click locks comes from the characteristic click that is usually heard when closing panels. The technology for the production of panels with a click-lock is similar to the previous type. However, the side with the tenon is in the form of a hook, and the groove is designed so that the hook is hooked. Assembling a floor covering with such a fastening system does not require much effort and is done quite quickly. To do this, the side with the hook is inserted into the other with a groove at an angle of 45 °. Then the panel should be lowered. Then a click will be heard, indicating the entry of the spike 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 flooring with patented locks. Among the existing proprietary developments are:

Just Click from the Austrian company Egger can be called a classic example of locks with a click system. The panels are closed at an angle from 30 ° to 45 ° along the entire perimeter, due to the high tenon, tight joints are obtained, which makes the laminate resistant to serious stress. Some Egger just-click lamellas come with a special Silenzio backing that helps to soften the sound of footsteps.

Uniclic is an achievement of the Belgian company Quick Step. A special feature is that it can be snapped into place both at an angle and when attaching and even knocking the slats. This variety will suit inexperienced users. Laminate with uniclik system is perfect for finishing the floor in rooms with a non-standard shape, various obstacles and hard-to-reach places - a multi-level floor or a low-lying battery.

ProLoc and SmartLock are the 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 assemble the floor covering. The second type refers to simpler fastening systems that can be easily mounted at any angle and can easily transfer loads.

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

Aluminum locks allow laminate flooring to be used in places with increased traffic and high foot traffic. According to the manufacturer, the panels can be disassembled 3 times and reassembled without losing the quality of the flooring.

Also meet 5G locks with a plastic insert that resembles a tongue. A distinctive feature of this type of locks is the assembly of panels in a horizontal position, which allows even a beginner to install the coating.

Laminated panel snapping system T-Lock is a development of the Tarkett company. This type of locks allows you to snap the tongue 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. Such a system is distinguished by its reliability and firmness of the connection. Double-clutch laminate flooring can withstand heavy loads and last a long time. During operation, T-Lock is not erased, does not break or disperse.

Another popular lamella lock ClickXpress equipped with a rounded lower part on the side of the tongue and groove, there are no plastic parts in the model. The possibility of assembling and disassembling such a coating comes up to 4 times.

Which is better?

It is quite difficult for a person who is not engaged in professional repair work to choose a suitable laminate among the variety of lock joints.

According to most experts, the most practical design is a floor covering with Click-locks. And although Lock locks are less susceptible to stretching over time and are easier to disassemble as needed, and the price of such a laminate is more democratic, they are still a more outdated modification. Over time and under the influence of heavy loads the joints at the joints wear out, forming gaps between the panels.

The Click system, in turn, guarantees maximum strength of the joints when repeatedly assembled and disassembled and without damaging the lock system. It is very easy and quick to install such a covering, even on a floor with slight irregularities.

And although more money will have to be paid for such a laminate, the quality of the coating will remain at its best for more than one year.

How to connect correctly?

The way laminated panels are laid and connected to each other depends on the type of laminate. Before laying the lamellas anyway it is necessary to eliminate the difference and unevenness of the floor with a screed, and then lay the underlay.

There are two options for connecting panels when installing a laminate. The glue method, due to a special technology, protects the joints between the panels from moisture penetration. Therefore, the lifespan of the flooring is significantly increased. But this method has many negative aspects. For example, spending additional funds on the purchase of a special anhydrous adhesive, besides, it is always more difficult and longer to glue the laminate. Underfloor heating is absolutely incompatible with the adhesive method of laying the laminate.

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

It should take at least half a day until the floor covering is completely dry.

However, due to the ease of installation, hardware stores are increasingly offering laminated panels with different locks. Assembly of laminate with Lock-locks is carried out 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 is closed. If necessary, the panels can also be knocked out with a hammer.

Laminate with a lock 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, the lamellas of the first row must be shortened. In addition, it is necessary to leave gaps for thermal expansion.

When laying the panels with the glue method or using Lock-locks, the panels must be joined first along the length, and then along the end side. For Click-locks, it is characteristic to collect the entire row of lamellas at once and attach it with a whole canvas to the previous row.

Therefore, for a large area of \ u200b \ u200bthe room, it is better to enlist the support of an assistant.

Why does it diverge?

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

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

Neglecting the screed before installing laminate flooring leads to the fact that the laminate on an uneven floor opens up, squeaks or sways when walking on it, and locks become unusable.

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

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

Variety of sizes, colors and textures. This does not limit the choice of laminate flooring. An additional factor in deciding the acquisition of a particular material may be the connection system. Consider the most popular types of laminate locks that provide the necessary technical requirements for installation. We will also figure out which locking system is best 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, technologies have changed a lot, this also applies to locks. Every 2-3 years, manufacturers present a new type of connection, arguing that it is improved stability and ease of installation. However, each prototype comes down to two basic ones: Lock and Click. Let's consider them in more detail.

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

Both basic systems are based on a tenon and groove connection. The only difference is in the profiling of the fittings.

Which lock is better Lock or Click

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

cheaper;
tight connection.

with prolonged use (with deviations in installation and operation standards), gaps between the lamellas may appear;
more complex installation process using a mallet and tamping bar;
the likelihood 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, no cracks appear;
a tight connection is ensured when using double locking locks;
the ability to mount on an imperfectly flat surface;
safe assembly with a minimum probability of damaging the lock;
the possibility of re-hitching after dismantling the cover.

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 compound is translated as "lock". This method of fixing laminated panels is one of the very first. Currently, this type of surface closure is technologically outdated.

The mating surfaces on one side are a groove, on the other a spike, which are cut by a milling cutter on the supporting layer of the board.

The installation principle is as follows:

An attachment board is attached to a board on the floor at an angle of 0 °.
A tamping block is placed on the opposite side of the lamella.
With light blows of the mallet on the bar, we achieve tight contact until the gap is eliminated.

Advice: tamping should be done carefully, without unnecessary effort, since with strong blows with a mallet, there is a high probability of damage to the lock.

If the joint is correctly installed, the tongue fully enters the groove, the comb fixes it into the tenon in the groove and prevents adjacent panels from coming out of the hitch. This type of lock is also called driven lock.

The weak link in the design is precisely the comb, which takes most of the stress on itself. The mating of the groove and the spike is quite tight, however, with frequent loads on the lock, the comb wears out. In the future, 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 with the elimination of the smallest particles of construction debris and the use of a backing material that will not give a strong drawdown during operation. Otherwise, any "pebble" under the flooring will create additional stress in the lock, shortening the life of your flooring.

For the rest, even though the technology is outdated. This type of laminate lock provides all the necessary performance properties, provided it is properly installed and used. However, manufacturers prefer the Click system, so finding the "old version" is becoming more and more difficult (if we talk not about Chinese fakes, but about certified manufacturers).

Click locks

A relatively new technology, according to which the panels are fixed by means of snapping. The main distinguishing features of Lock, apart from the installation method, is a different form of tongue and groove with profiling of the groove for it.

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

The styling 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 from manufacturer to manufacturer, therefore it is necessary to clarify this point.
The hook is driven into the groove.
The panel descends to the horizontal.
A characteristic click is heard, the connection is complete.

It is from this click that the system got its name.

There is no need for additional tools during installation. You do not need to make any special efforts, to finish off with a mallet or a hammer too. Otherwise, the locking edge may be damaged.

Note: if, when fixing the strip, a small gap remains, then for its selection it is necessary to lightly tap with a mallet on a previously substituted bar or other laminate board. This must be done carefully so as not to spoil the locking element.

This type of connection is characterized by good density and performance properties - the holding 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 crevices.

Also, the canvas assembled using the Click system can be reassembled. However, it should be borne in mind that during the life of the laminate it takes on the smallest irregularities in 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 flatness of the surface on which it is laid (unlike the Lock), but this does not mean that the base does not need to be leveled. An even base for the laminate is a prerequisite for installation.

Let's consider several subspecies of the Click system that are most popular.

Uniclic

Mainly represented by the Quick Step brand. Installation can be carried out by simple snapping - for this it is enough to bring one panel to another at an angle of 25-30 ° and fix it. There is also the possibility of laying horizontally with tamping joints, for laying in the last row.

Possesses quite good strength properties. Withstands a breaking load of up to 450 kg per running meter.

Advantages of the system:

the lock snaps into place without significant effort;
reassembly possible;
styling both from left to right and from right to left;
moisture treatment.

Minuses:

over time, the lock can disperse along the end of the strip due to the low ridge in the groove.

JUST clic and UNI fit

Patented systems under the Egger brand.

JUST clic replaced Pro clic. Unlike its predecessor, it is necessary to assemble the entire row. The bar has two identical tongues and two identical grooves, which makes it possible to grip on both sides. Has a high assembly speed.

The groove and the tenon are profiled in the form of a conjugate oval, which provides a tighter contact over the increased 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, it is not necessary to assemble a whole row for subsequent fastening. The spikes and grooves on the butt end and the long side are different.

SmartLock and ProLock

Both options are provided by Pegro. SmartLock is a more primitive version in terms of grading - one additional retaining element is missing on the top of the groove. In this regard, a lower contact density is observed.

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

ClickXPress, DropXPress, PressXPress

Represented by the Balterio brand.

ClickXPress is a groove-tenon ligament with profiling of the lower part in the form of an oval conjugation. Laying is done at an angle of 45 °.

The advantages of this compound include:

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 friction force, since the board is lowered at an angle of 0 ° from top to bottom with an interference fit.

This method has its advantages:

increased stacking speed;
ease of installation
identical locks for the butt and the long part

PressXPress- mounts with counter-element, included in the new 5g generation. When the board fits into 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;
the ability to install at any angle.

In 2017, a new compound was presented at the Domotex exhibition FitXPress to be used on Balterio's Magnitude laminates, replacing PXP. The difference between the locks lies in 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 tab is located in the groove, not on the tongue. Just like the Pergo finish, it uses a wax-up to keep it dry.

Installation is carried out in separate panels, and not in a whole row at once. Boards are stacked at an angle until they click. The work can be done alone without assistance. If necessary, it is not difficult to disassemble the connection.

T-lock, 2-lock, TC-lock

Presented by the brand Tarkett

T-lock- the old technology is happy, at the moment it is quite widespread, however, it is being supplanted by modern systems. Has a relatively small joint angle of the panels of the order of 20-25 °.

Installation may require the participation of several people, since it is necessary to mount the panels in rows as a whole. At the slightest movement of one of the boards, you will have to disassemble the entire row and start the process over again.

The disadvantages are:

the joint is visible on the end part of the laminate, especially on dark colors;
with repeated use, the lock along the long part of the lamella may deform.

2-Lock- newer model. Has a plastic tab to secure the connection. Allows you to make quick and easy installation even for one person - the assembly is performed not in a row, but in one panel.

TC-lock is the receiver of the T-lock. It is becoming more widespread. The cost does not exceed its predecessor. Unfortunately, old collections cannot be docked with the new TC-lock system due to height differences.

Perhaps this is the only minus, let's dwell on the pluses:

there is a tighter contact during coupling, therefore, the likelihood of moisture getting into the lock connection is reduced;
very good strength characteristics - the level of breaking load exceeds the norm by 8 times;
fast and easy assembly;
can be done by one person.

TwinClic

Represented by the Russian brand Kronospan. In essence, it is analogous to T-lock. It is also not possible to install one panel at a time - it is necessary to assemble the entire row as a whole, which is not always convenient, especially when one person is doing the installation.

When fixing the board in the groove, a pronounced click is not observed. It is better not to use this type of lock for laying laminate flooring with a solid floor throughout the apartment, since there is a possibility of raising the joints under loads.

Low-price laminate models have very little moisture protection.

LocTec

Patented Witex laminate locking system. Refers to high-strength connections. Easy enough assembly allows you to work alone. The installation process should not be difficult. The result is a smooth flooring with no visible seams.

The docking points are impregnated with a special water-repellent mastic.

Alloc

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

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

Locks processing

Most modern laminate models are protected from moisture in the form of impregnation of the lock joint with wax, paraffin, and 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 the protection against moisture.

Such formulations are available in liquid or pasty forms. The big difference is which consistency you choose. The main thing is that it is convenient for you to use the composition.

Advice: if possible, it is worth buying a laminate with protection of locks from moisture.

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

increased protection against moisture;
a tighter connection is in progress;
if necessary, you can mask the seams.

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

Experienced technicians 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.

Uniclic Multifit® is a revolutionary laying system. The boards can be easily stitched together thanks to the ingenious shape of her lock. The Uniclic Multifit® system is unique because you can lay the board in three different ways. This is a 3 in 1 locking system.

The first method is known as "drop" or "click" (1) and the second is known as "angle setting" (2). When joining two planks, both methods provide an easy and quick installation method without damaging the planks. However, a unique feature of the Uniclic® Multifit system is that parquet boards can also be joined at the same level (3). This is convenient if the tilt of the parquet board cannot be organized, for example, under doorways and heating radiators.

The Uniclic® Multifit locking system can be used for the installation of Universal parquet boards, either floating or rigidly glued to the subfloor. In the case of underfloor heating, we recommend using rigid adhesion to the substrate.

No other locking system provides such a strong connection. What's more, Universal provides a lifetime warranty on the Uniclic® Multifit locking system. The system can withstand pressures of more than 1200 kg / m 3 - this means that the boards will always stay in place and there will be no gaps. In addition, dirt cannot enter the crevices.

To summarize the advantages of the Uniclic Multifit® locking system

Thanks to the patented Uniclic Multifit locking system, Universal parquet floors can be installed quickly using one of three methods, including vertical installation.

SPEED: Installing long planks has never been faster or easier. Professional installers say Universal wood flooring takes 30% less time to install than traditional wood flooring installation methods.

CONVENIENCE: simply snap the planks together using the method that works best for you. Damage to the planks is excluded. Even if the planks need to be refitted, the Uniclic Multifit system makes it easy to lift and replace the planks you want.

NO SEAMS: With the Uniclic Multifit system, there are virtually no joint gaps. Due to this, the floor remains clean, since practically no dirt gets between the joints.

PERFECTLY FLOOR FLOOR: the panels do not move anywhere, as the ridge fits exactly into the groove. This eliminates height differences when laying the floor, as well as wear and tear at the edges.

The joints of laminated parquet are at the same time the weakest and the strongest part of the coating. A carefully thought-out locking system ensures a tight connection of the lamellas, easy assembly and, of course, obtaining an even, durable floor covering.

In 1979, the Swedish company Perstorp AB (in the future Pergo) presented a new floor covering to buyers through the IKEA chain of stores - laminate. Since the technology was only being developed, the new items did not yet have locking joints and even tongue-and-groove edges. The breakthrough came in 1994 when Välinges took out a patent for a unique development - the world's first mechanical joint for parquet, parquet board and laminate flooring.

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

Diagram of the first interlocks for laminate flooring.

In the future, the structure of the connecting elements continues to be refined and at the end of 2001 a patent for a locking system was published, in which two adjacent plates close at an angle of 45 °, and after pressing (snapping in) a mechanically tight bond is obtained. It is thanks to this development that the laminate with the Click lock, so famous today, is produced. From here begins the era of glueless joining of floor slabs.

Such connecting kits are intended for implementation in multilayer thin floor coverings: parquet board, engineering massif, laminated HDF or PVC floor and others. For traditional parquet, vinyl or LVT tiles, solid planks, simple tongue-and-groove joints are used.

Manufacturers of laminate flooring in their advertisements emphasize the glueless locking system, which allows you to quickly, easily and easily assemble or disassemble the floor. Another advantage is that the special profile shapes form watertight joints without the slightest gaps. But, in fact, there are the following basic types of laminate locks:

Tongue or Lock.
Snap or Click.

All common names like T-Lock, Megalock, Click2Click, Uniclick and others are just a replication of the main types with their own modifications. Nothing fundamentally new or unique has yet been developed. The patents for these improvements are issued in order to avoid pirated copying of products of famous European factories by unscrupulous Asian compilers.

Laminate with an adhesive bonding system is no longer produced, although occasionally you can find handicrafts of Chinese "masters" on sale. Consider the most interesting options from such giants as Egger, Quick Step, Balterio, Alloc.

Just Click by Egger

Laminate locks from the Austrian manufacturer are a classic click system. The panels snap into place at an angle of 30-45 ° on four sides, and a sufficiently high ridge tenon ensures a tight joint and resistance of the joint to tensile and bending loads. The cover is available as a standard and complete with a Silenzio sound-scattering underlay. The shape of the ridge 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 the classic snapping at an angle, and by the method of attaching or knocking the strips. This is the best solution for beginners.

The castle complex from Unilin is convenient for rooms with a complex perimeter, hard-to-reach places or various “obstacles” - pipes, podiums, low-mounted radiators, etc.

To understand the essence of the three-way build system, watch the video from the manufacturer Quick Step.

PressXpress by Balterio

Such interlocking laminate joints 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, prevent the strips from diverging over time (the formation of longitudinal and transverse gaps). One of the brightest representatives of this group is Press Express from the Belgian Balterio plant. A well-designed "addition" to the main hitch eliminates even a hint of gaps between the lamellas and significantly strengthens the joint area. Thanks to this solution, the finished flooring will support a significant weight without the slightest damage.

Let's note one drawback. According to the reviews of the masters, plastic inserts, when reassembled, become an interfering element rather 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 with aluminum locks from Allock is unusual in itself. A very successful modification of the two basic types of joints, the metal "tongue and groove" increases the reliability of the grip and speeds up the assembly mechanism. In addition, this scheme allows you to reduce the weight of the floor covering, which is a significant plus for floors with reduced load-bearing capacity.

According to the manufacturer, an aluminum profile on the two long sides of the strip, supplemented with a stiffener, increases the tensile strength of the connection. The limit value according to the test reports is 1200 kg / r. That is why aluminum locks are used exclusively in class 33-34 floor coverings designed for places with heavy foot traffic. The floor covering can be disassembled and reassembled 3 times.

Which laminate lock is better

Let's dispel the most popular myth that the best floor is made from laminate flooring with a Click lock. In fact, flooring material with any type of interlock is designed in such a way as to end up with a perfectly smooth surface without protrusions, crevices and squeaks. Service life and build quality depend on:

availability of original coating from well-known brands;
professionalism of handlers;
strict adherence to the instructions.

The Lock connection, in contrast to its analogue, does not stretch so much over time, therefore, the coating with a lock-lock is more convenient in re-assembly. The click-coupling is more rigid, but subject to the high density of the slab - at least 750 kg / m 3. Let's make the choice easier for our readers - in large shopping centers 85% of the assortment is laminate with the Click system.

Let's break another stereotype. Some masters claim that the click-lock allows you to lay the laminate on the floor with differences exceeding the permissible 2 mm per 2 linear meters of the surface. We will disappoint such would-be specialists - not a single type of connection is intended to smooth out significant irregularities, an even, solid foundation is always required. Only then will you get a smooth, beautiful and functional floor that will last at least two decades.

Advice! If you need repairmen, there is a very convenient service for their selection. Just send in the form below a detailed description of the work that needs to be performed and you will receive offers with prices from construction teams and firms by mail. You can see reviews of each of them and photos with examples of work. It is FREE and non-binding.

When choosing a laminate flooring, few people realize that the types of laminate locks determine its quality. It is they who are responsible for the gap between the panels, the absence or presence of a squeak, the divergence of the seams, the evenness of the surface. Therefore, when purchasing a laminate, you should carefully study not only its characteristics, but also the method of installation, the type of adhesion. We will consider the features of installation, fastening systems in more detail.

Almost all panel grip 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 easiest option. The spike in section has not a simple straight profile, but a complex figure. The groove for it has a complex shape. The panels are laid by horizontal pressing into one another. The locking point is the click. For a high-quality installation, tamping of the extreme blade is required. A wooden hammer is used. You can use a regular one, but you need a wooden block or special finishing. Laminate with this type of lock is difficult to dismantle without destruction. Over time, under mechanical stress, the connection is erased, the panels diverge. Therefore, in addition, processing of locks with a sealant or glue is used. The surface for the laminate is required of high quality. Otherwise, during operation, a situation of divergence of the canvases may arise.
Click lock. Upgraded previous look. The spike has a hook-like 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 swinging motion is lowered to a horizontal position. At this moment, a characteristic click is heard. The lock worked. The connection is made strong due to the additional fixing lugs. The coverings are dismantled and assembled up to 4 times.
Locks T-LOCK. The variant was developed by the Tarkett company. It combines two types of interlocking joints, which allows to achieve maximum adhesion strength of the panels. When laying, the technology is used, which is typical for Click-systems. Simplicity and reliability ensured great popularity of this type among professionals. The floor covering can be dismantled 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 styling method is not difficult. The panel is inserted into the previous one in a horizontal position. When pressed, the insert is retracted, when installed in the desired position, a click is heard, indicating that the "tongue" is in place, the position is fixed. Installation, dismantling will not cause difficulty even for a beginner.
Megalock castle. Advanced 5G based fixing system. To connect the locks on the laminate, begin on the end side. Adhesion reliability is ensured by the end insert. And already to the collected length of the first strip with an offset, the second row is attached in width. The assembly time is minimal compared to other types. Maximum strength and reliability. Mounting and dismantling is allowed up to 4 times. Another advantage is increased protection against moisture.
ClickXpress lock. It differs in the rounded lower part of the tenon, respectively, and the groove. Has no plastic inserts. The work is carried out according to the principle of the Click system, at an angle. Dismantling, installation up to four times is possible.
Castle Uniclick. The spike and groove have a special profile that ensures a strong grip of the slats. Installation can be either at an angle or by knocking down. Dismantling is done up to 4 times.
Aluminum locks. The most reliable connections. Withstand resistance to separation up to 1200 kg / sq. m. Laying without a threshold is possible. Such a laminate has two types of locks - a thorn-groove, aluminum on the bottom. A distinctive feature is that the joints between the canvases are practically invisible. Installation, dismantling is allowed up to 5 times.

Laying laminate flooring without locks is becoming less and less in demand due to the use of additional chemicals for fixing and the speed of work. Modern types of locks allow several times to increase the productivity and quality of the surfaces obtained.

Useful video: Review of laminate locks

Conventionally, all laminate floor locks are divided into two groups according to the 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 of a high level. Each type of connection has pros and cons. For someone the price is important, but for someone high quality and reliability.

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

Preparation for styling

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

Cork . The most expensive option, but environmentally friendly, hides small irregularities of the rough base, is not pressed much under load. Disadvantages include high cost; destruction in a humid environment, with a "warm floor" system.
Polyethylene foam. A cheap option, has a low thermal conductivity, is resistant to moisture, the appearance of bacteria. Short-lived, pressed.
Expanded polystyrene. A relatively inexpensive option, used when installing a "warm floor" system, provides additional sound insulation. It is compressed over time.

The best option is selected depending on the budget. The substrate is covered without overlap. Fixing to the floor, gluing the seams with masking tape.

Important points before installation

Correct styling will be ensured if you provide several nuances:

When buying, check with the seller whether additional protective impregnation of laminate locks is required or not. In the second case, you should purchase wax in advance. Processing is carried out before the start of installation.
The laminate must lie for at least 2 days in the room in which the installation is planned. This will allow the material to absorb the microclimate of the room, to dial in the 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 the seams between the canvases.
For Lock systems, provide for the purchase of a special metal padding. It will make it easy to install floor coverings, even against walls.
Long rows are mounted offset. The first one starts with a long floorboard, the second one with a short one. This will ensure good adhesion of the planks in different directions.
The technical clearances near the walls should be between 5 and 10 mm. There are special clips. At the time of laying, mechanical action is carried out on the floor covering. As a result, it can move close to the wall if not fixed.
Before work, you need to prepare a cutting tool - a hacksaw for wood or a jigsaw. For proper cut quality, the tool must have minimal teeth.

Having provided all the points, you can safely take on the installation of panels.

Before work, read the installation instructions. Unpack the material, start laying with your own hands.

Lock systems are laid with tamping both on the front and on the longitudinal part. The uniformity of the seams between the canvases should be observed. Another feature is working with the last row. It is often necessary to cut the width of the panels. Measurement is made taking into account the technical gap between the wall and the floor finish, marked, cut off. The canvas is inserted neatly at a slight angle. With the help of a metal finish, the seam is sealed to the desired 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 °, with a slight oscillating movement they are taken to a horizontal position. A click should sound.

Useful video: Laying laminate flooring with Click locks

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

Laminate manufacturers offer a wide range of locking systems, which better determine the budgetary possibilities and the reliability of the resulting flooring. If the locks diverge with a short service life, this indicates several reasons: poor-quality installation or a laminate lock (you should not chase a low price), the base for the finishing coat is poorly prepared.

Conclusion

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