Service life of wall and floor coverings. Laminate classification: where and which one 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 an important condition for this is the wear resistance class of laminated panels. The operating class of the laminate meets the requirements of the European standard EN13329 and is established based on the results of 18 tests. During testing, it is determined during what period of service the laminate retains its original appearance and does not lose quality characteristics in different conditions.

According to the norms of the EN13329 standard, there are two types of laminate: the first type is intended 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 its locking system, which largely determines its service life. Laminate class 21, 22 and 23 has a thickness of 6-8 mm, the thickness of laminate class 31, 32, 33 and 34 varies from 8 to 12 mm. The thicker the laminate is, the easier its installation and the more reliable the lock connection.

Laminate class 31, 32, 33 and 34 are floor coverings for commercial use, therefore, their operation is allowed in rooms with medium and high traffic.

Class 31 laminate is intended for use in residential and commercial premises with low traffic, in which a low operational load on the floor is expected. 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 average use. The service life of this class of material is 10 years. When used at home, it can last up to 15 years. It could be a bedroom, living room,.

Laminate class 34 is intended for installation in rooms with extra high load on the floor. These can be trade, dance and sports halls, clubs, car dealerships, as well as other institutions and institutions 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 operated and properly maintained. For this it is recommended:

Do not use when cleaning.
Carry out damp cleaning with a special mop with a microfiber sponge.
Move furniture carefully, 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 laminate flooring?

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

4 - stabilizing layer, prevents deformation of the bar.

Where can you stack

This is a truly versatile material. It can be installed in bedrooms, living rooms, nurseries, hallways and kitchens.

They also began to actively fit into, including seasonal residence. But this is risky, since the warranty will only apply to finishing in residential premises with a constant temperature and small fluctuations in humidity: from 30% in winter to 60% in summer.

A seasonal country house is not heated most of the cold season, and, naturally, the floors in it are warming up and cooling down. Such climatic disasters are not useful for decoration.

Today the material can also serve as an original wall decoration. The planks are fixed directly to the base using silicone glue and studs (nails without a cap) or along a wooden crate. Of course, you should not use such cladding near water sources, as a kitchen backsplash 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 prolonged static loads. However, if you plan on installing slats on a warm floor, choose thinner boards as they will allow heat to pass through better.

3. Unsuitable shade

In order for the room to look harmonious and visually “not disintegrate” into separate parts, all finishing materials should be kept in the same color scheme - warm or cold, even if they are in contrasting shades, for example, dark floors and light doors.

If you want to visually expand a small room, use light, cold colors in the decoration, and if you want to make too large a space more cozy, choose a warm color scheme.

4. Moisture-resistant laminate is confused with waterproof

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

What's the difference? The moisture-resistant board is based on high-strength fiberboard, it is treated with paraffin and other compounds that can protect the board from moisture only for a while. Such a coating will withstand various dirt and wet cleaning, and fungus. But if you do not immediately wipe the water from the surface, it will penetrate into 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 a waterproof type can survive direct contact with water. It is able to withstand prolonged exposure to water, does not deform with temperature drops 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 antistatic so that dust does not settle on it.

5. Ill-considered savings on the substrate

Another typical situation is when, when drawing up an estimate for repairs, they forget to include the 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 has been spent, and then they greatly regret it. After all, a high-quality substrate not only evens out the concrete surface, but also provides additional noise and heat insulation, softens the shock load and extends the service life of the floor covering up to 5 years.

A cheap substrate has a big, but not obvious disadvantage - the smell. Of course, the unpleasant odor will disappear, but this will not stop the substrate from releasing chemicals that can be toxic and cause allergies. Therefore, we recommend not to save money and choose options from natural materials, for example, cork or coniferous backing.

Technical equipment is not electrified, which means it does not attract dust, does not absorb foreign odors, is hypoallergenic and contributes to the natural regulation of the indoor climate in the room. The coniferous substrate is made of 100% natural materials - coniferous wood. It significantly reduces "shock" noise, the room will become noticeably warmer due to the low thermal conductivity of the material. The density of the coniferous backing is selected in such a way as to smooth out small irregularities of the "rough" floor and protect the locks from excessive pressure.

The finishing elements include various heights, widths, configurations, as well as linings for the inlet openings of heating system elements and sills.

How to choose a quality laminate

Choose a manufacturer's products with a guarantee.
Do not chase after cheapness, as there are no too cheap and high-quality goods.
Pay attention to the type of connection. Distinguish between the so-called "click", when the lamellas are connected by means of locks, and "lock" - when the elements seem to be driven into each other. The first is, of course, more convenient.
Do not buy a product with a strong smell.
Manufacturers offer a wide variety of colors and patterns. There are also types with a pattern, when a pattern or marks are applied to the top layer. It's up to you, but a universal solution is an imitation of a wooden surface.

The cost

As for the range of prices, 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. This is what attracts some manufacturers' attention. They save on the quality of the top coat or HDF backing. But all this has a negative effect on the consumer qualities of the floor and, accordingly, on the period of its operation.

How to care

In order for the floor to look the same as on the first day after installation a few years later, it must be properly cared for. We hope everyone already knows about rugs in the hallway and felt overlays on furniture legs. It is advisable for the owners of mobile seats to replace the hard casters with soft rubber ones.

The floor made of beveled laminate strips is first cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, then wet cleaning is carried out, and then wiped with microfiber.

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

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

Water resistant

The weak point of the laminate is the moisture-sensitive end locking joints of the planks. If water often hits the floor and, even worse, stagnates, then gradually penetrating through the ends into the main slab, it can cause deformation. Because of this, it is advised to coat the upper parts of the lock joint with a sealing agent. For example, compositions of polyurethane or silicone resins on an organic solvent or more environmentally friendly wax. All of them effectively protect the flooring from the negative effects of water, but neutralize an 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 overcome 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 treat the ends of the slats with a protective compound. Among such collections: Classic Aqua + (Egger), Sensation (Pergo), Impressive Ultra (Quick-Step).

Do not allow large amounts of water to spill or accumulate on the floor near flowerpot window sills and water taps.

Mistakes that will shorten the life of your laminate

It is important to follow the installation technology exactly. Pay attention to typical situations. They can significantly reduce the lifespan of the floor and are not covered by the warranty:

laying the material without acclimatization in the room within 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 underlay;
the absence of small gaps around the perimeter of the room (8-10 mm) and along the line of the doorway;
use of foil electric warm floors (infrared heating mats). If the laminate is laid on, then a vapor barrier must be used. It is placed under the substrate. When the heating system is in operation, 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 an indication that there is a small gap between the topcoat and the substrate. It works as a kind of resonator, amplifying the sound of hitting heels and irritating the inhabitants of the apartment, and especially the neighbors below.

It is not difficult to neutralize the undesirable effect. Place a backing between the decorative cover and the base that will act as a shock absorber and effectively dampen impact noise. Moreover, the underlayment will increase the "thermal comfort" on the floor surface and smooth out minor unevenness in the subfloor if they do not exceed 2 mm in a 2 m long section. Otherwise, the subfloor must be leveled beforehand.

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

Laminate is always laid on the floor in a floating way so that it can expand freely 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. You cannot attach the planks to the base with nails, screws, or glue. This can cause creaking, gaps between individual elements, or, conversely, warping.

Everyone can easily and quickly select the right laminate for a particular room. Before going on sale, laminate flooring undergoes many tests for sound insulation, protection from scratches and damage, resistance to water, light and abrasion. Before buying, you need to know 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 resist 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, which are characterized by high daily traffic of people (shopping centers, hospitals).

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

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

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

Over time, manufacturers of laminated flooring stopped creating models of such classes, since they are short-lived in operation, limited in use and are in 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 class 31

Laminate flooring of 31 class 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 sound insulation system in advance. The best solution would be to purchase a cork backing.

Model qualities

This class of laminate is best suited for bedrooms, children's rooms, hallways, small corridors of office premises with a low floor load. The main distinguishing features of this type of coating include:

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

Laminated covering class 32

The greatest demand in the modern market falls precisely on the 32nd class of laminate. Floor coverings of this type are produced in almost all construction enterprises both in Russia and abroad. This class of coating is characterized by patterns on wood, various types of decoration, natural color.

In terms of its resistance to moisture, abrasion and wear resistance, 32-grade laminate is much better than 31, but its price is much higher. The main distinguishing features of this coating are:

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 the 32 class 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 in an apartment with any floor load and traffic per day. It is allowed to lay it in corridors, dining rooms, kitchens. Also, experts do not prohibit using it when covering the floor in small shops, offices, hotel corridors with low traffic.

Features of class 33

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

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

Increased usage time

Laminate is a coating that needs regular and proper maintenance. To increase the lifespan of your laminate flooring at home, it is important to choose special detergents, properly remove dirt from the floor surface, and do regular cleaning.

It is important to protect the laminate from dust and dirt. To do this, it is best to use a dry cleaning method, which will help to 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 should tell in detail what is the best way to wash them and how to care for them.

In this article, we'll take a look at one of the most popular floor finishes, laminate flooring. Here are the main characteristics of the laminate and its features. Let's compare different types of laminate, load classes and laminate markings. We will 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.

Benefits:

ease of stacking (assembly);
easy care of the coating;
antistatic - the laminate does not accumulate static electricity and does not conduct electric current;
such a floor is quite resistant to stress;
the laminate coating is resistant to fats, alkalis (no additional means to protect the surface are required);
the panels can be replaced if necessary (the cover is disassembled starting from the last laid panel).

Disadvantages:

insufficient moisture resistant coating - it cannot be washed with a large amount of water;
requires an even base.

Specifications:

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 office, 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 (crushing);
lightfast;
formaldehyde emission coefficient. Laminate coverings contain formaldehyde materials, so when buying, always ask for a certificate of conformity and a conclusion of the sanitary-epidemiological service. The formaldehyde content should not be more than 0.01 mg / m 3, phenol should not be more than 0.003 mg / m 3;
moisture resistance. In moisture-resistant laminates, the base plate of the structure has a greenish color. This laminate is used to decorate 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 a high class, its service life is 15-20 years. But more often lower classes of laminates are used (due to their availability).

Service life and labeling of the laminate.

Service life 2-3 years. The area of \u200b\u200bapplication is commercial premises with light traffic. At home, it can lie for about 10 years in rooms such as a bedroom or a pantry (with a low load). Designation:

Designed for medium-duty commercial environments. 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 heavy load. Service life 5-6 years. It's almost pointless to buy such a floor for home use. Some manufacturers give a lifetime warranty for this class if used 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 specified by default for commercial premises. This means that if the manufacturer gives a warranty for the floor for 10 years or more, then this warranty applies only to the use of the floor at home. There is no guarantee for the operation of a floor in a commercial space for more than 6 years.

Laminate structure.

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 "lamination" that gave the whole product its name. This coating can be 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 imitate wood and all kinds of other textures.
The basis of the laminated panel is fibreboard. The base is made of chipboard or fiberboard (from English-speaking manufacturers - HDF). The main properties of the board are strength, rigidity, invariability of geometric parameters and the ability to resist moisture.
Moisture resistant layer. Unrefined resin impregnated paper. It protects the upper board (chipboard or fiberboard) from moisture and compensates for the surface tension that arises after laminating the working layer of the panel.

Types of laminate.

Glueless laminate.

Glueless laminate is also called castle laminate. The panels are connected by snapping in due to a special cut shape on the long edges of the panels - a tenon and a groove. When laying it, no special tools are needed, the assembly is very easy, so you can easily do it yourself. Glueless laminate is recommended to be used in dry rooms with constant humidity and temperature, as otherwise the laminate will quickly begin to collapse at the joints of the panels. Easy to fit, easily dismantled 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 connected to each other with a special water-repellent glue (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 a non-adhesive laminate. It is advisable to work at a temperature of 10-20 degrees in a ventilated room.

Adhesive laminate, unlike non-adhesive laminate, is very difficult to dismantle for partial or complete replacement.

when buying a laminate, you should definitely pay attention to the manufacturer's advice, for example, on the required amount of glue;
the 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 only before packing;
the base for laying must be flat;
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, do not wash it with a lot of water;
detergents can leave whitish marks on the laminate surface.

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

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

Laminate classification.

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

In appearance, laminated flooring has long been no different from natural parquet boards.

There are two main groups of laminate flooring:

Laminate for home use... Its term of use does not exceed 5-6 years. The price of laminate flooring for home is lower.
Commercial laminate... Its service life is from 3 to 6 years, when used in commercial premises. Commercial laminate can also 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 coatings are divided into additional classifications for wear resistance. The use of a laminated coating in accordance with its classification will significantly increase its service life.

Home laminate.

Class 21.This laminate has the shortest lifespan. 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 rooms where the load on the floor covering is minimal (storage room, bedroom, etc.).
Class 22.Its service life does not exceed 2-4 years. In its manufacture, materials are used that have strength and quality higher than that of class 21. Its use is also more preferable in those areas where there is no heavy load on the laminated coating. This can be a dressing room, a room for children, a bedroom.
Class 23.The floor covering of this class has an operational 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.

Class 31.The floor covering is used in places where the load is minimal. As a rule, these are meeting rooms, reception rooms, small offices, etc. The service life of the coating is 2-3 years. But, if the laminated coating of this class is used at home, then it will last from 10 to 12 years.
Class 32.It is used in places where the load on the flooring is medium. As a rule, it finds application in offices. There, the laminate can last for 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 flooring is ideal 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. In home use, this coating will last 15 years, and possibly all 20.

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

Advice! When purchasing laminate flooring, be sure to check all the documentation that accompanies it. It contains all the characteristics of this coating and image. Laminate for living quarters is designated as a house.

The numbers and men indicate the maximum load for this type of coating.

Advantages and disadvantages of laminate flooring.

Laminate is a good alternative to parquet.
Caring for him is very easy. All you need is to wash it on time, without polishing.
Installation of laminate flooring is quite simple. You can do it yourself. Buying this coating, you receive detailed instructions for it with recommendations for installation.
In finished form, the laminate does not differ from parquet, only it costs much lower.
The laminate flooring is environmentally friendly. It is perfect for allergy sufferers.
Laminate is much stronger and lighter than planks.
Any contamination can be removed very easily. If nail polish or paint has been spilled onto the coating, then you can remove the stain with acetone without fear of damaging the surface.
Laminate can be installed on any type of flooring: linoleum, hard floors, tiles, wood, as well as on short-pile floors.
The material is strong and durable.
A special film on the laminate can freely withstand intense loads for 15-20 years.
The laminate is not subject to scratches, furniture dents or studs. If a heavy object falls on the floor, it will not leave a trace. Laminate is resistant to high temperatures. If ash from a fireplace or a cigarette falls on it, they will not leave marks on the coating. Laminate flooring will not be damaged even if you roll on it. You can even paint.
The wood fiber backing gives the laminate increased strength and a tough backing.
Laminate flooring is difficult to distinguish from natural materials. External it completely imitates valuable trees. It is difficult to distinguish it. But laminate flooring imitates not only wood, it can be made in the form of tiles, stone, granite, carpet and more.

Main disadvantages.

The main disadvantages of laminate flooring are:

The coating is not very durable. If it is actively used, then the service life will not exceed 4-5 years. Even though it was written on the packaging that the laminate will last from 15 to 20 years.
Laminate flooring is suitable for those people who often change the interior of their apartment. It is impossible to make a new loop or paint the coating with varnish or paint. When the service life has expired, the laminated coating will simply have to be changed to 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 laminate flooring, be sure to study its characteristics. Just looking at a photo of how the floor will look in finished form or a video of its installation will not be enough.