Locking system t lock. Which laminate is better choice of locks

Uniclic Multifit® is a revolutionary laying system. The boards can be easily joined 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 a simple and quick installation method that does not damage 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 slope of the parquet board cannot be organized, for example, under doorways and radiators.

The Uniclic® Multifit locking system can be used for the installation of Universal parquet boards, either floating or rigidly glued to the substrate. 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.

So let's 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: Fitting 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 suits you best. 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.

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.

Modern types of laminate locks are a structural part of a laminated board, which is responsible for connecting the lamellas to each other. The service life of the flooring depends on how well the castle is made and how well the technology of laying the coating is observed.

Most famous brands and brands offer their own locking system, designed for a specific type of laminate or a specific collection. In general, almost all locks are a derivative or modernized version of two classic types - "Click" or "Lock".

Lock systems

Lock type joints require more careful preparation of the subfloor

The lock connection of the “Lock” type represents the standard “tongue-and-groove” principle. On the one hand, the panel of the laminate has a groove with a comb, on the other - a projection that repeats the shape of the comb.

The installation of the laminate is carried out by hammering the laid board into the already laid panel at an angle of 90 degrees using a mallet and a tamping block. As a result, the panels are brought together, forming an invisible joint.

Among the significant disadvantages of this type of castle are:

• loosening of the connection - over time, especially in low-quality laminate, the panels may diverge at the junction. This problem is partially solved by applying a sealing compound, which also protects the connection from moisture and water penetration;
• laying technology - in the absence of experience in installing laminate, it is quite easy to damage the “spike” of the panel when hammering in the lamella. It is better to entrust the execution work to a professional or practice on the scraps that remain after the panels are adjusted.

The occurrence of problems with the weakening of the lock connection can be minimized - it is enough to carefully level the rough base of the floor and use a high-quality damper underlay.
“Lock” locks are gradually yielding in popularity to their higher quality counterparts, but some manufacturers still use them, especially when releasing cheap collections.

Click fastening systems

The “Click” type locking connection is made in the form of a groove with a protruding element on one side of the panel and a tongue-shaped tongue-shaped tongue on the other side of the panel.

Installation of a laminate with such a lock is performed by placing the laid sheet in the groove of the laid panel at an angle of 45 degrees. The angle may have different values, depending on the manufacturer.

Further, the panel is lowered to the floor surface, an improvised hook clings to the comb in the groove and closes. If the connection is tight, a characteristic sound can be produced that resembles a “click” or faint click.

Click systems form a stronger and more durable connection

Among the advantages of such a lock are the following:

1. Durability - the percentage of rejects during installation and operation of the laminate with the "Click" system is quite small. During operation, the lock does not disperse, does not creak, does not loosen.
2. Service life - even after 7-10 years of using the coating, the locks do not give discrepancies at the joints, which gives a tight connection, which partially prevents the ingress of dust, dirt and moisture.
3. Removable - If required, the “Click” laminate can be removed and re-laid without significant risk to the coating.

It is worth noting that these advantages apply only to branded panels. Chinese counterfeits or coatings that do not meet international standards rarely survive the declared service life and become unusable when dismantled.

The "Click" system of locks served as the basis for the development of proprietary connections from many manufacturers. Often, locks are complemented by a locking system that allows the cover to be mounted by simply pressing on the edge of the panel.

For example, there is a 5G laminate lock system that has a similar shunt and groove design. In the recess of the shunt (from the end) there is a closing “tongue”, which is pressed under pressure, and after a tight fit of the elements it closes.

Which lock is better - expert opinion

In a detailed comparison, the “Click” type lock is significantly superior to the “Lock” type connection. This is a modern fastening system that allows you to better and more firmly fix the laminate board.

The floor covering, after the installation of the “Click” laminate, forms an almost monolithic slab without a joint visible to the naked eye. The strength of the joint, in turn, guarantees the trouble-free operation of the laminated cladding during the stated period.

If we consider the issue from the point of view of which laminate lock is better or which system to choose from the existing options, then it all depends on the budget and allocated funds. Manufacturers such as Tarkett, Kronospan, Classen offer their solutions that are based on click or 5G systems.

General comparison of two popular connection types

The Tarkett has a T-Lock connection that combines the classic tenon and groove and Click. During installation, the panel is exposed at a slight angle, slightly pressed down and at the same time lowered to the floor. Laminate with such a lock can be easily mounted even without any tools. To dismantle the panel, it is enough to do the opposite.

Kronospan laminate has a lock with the brand name - 1clic2go. When installing, it is enough to combine the key cutouts and press the panel with a slight effort. This makes it possible to perform indoor flooring in record time. It is almost impossible to damage the laminate in the course of work.

Classen products are equipped with a Megalock connection. This is a proprietary variation of the 5G lock. In the end part of the panel there is a shaped load-bearing layer, which opens when the panels fit snugly. Installation, as in other cases, takes place without special tools.

When choosing a laminate, always consider the lock joint in terms of simplicity and structural reliability. Laminate with 5G lock and its variety is the most preferred for areas where dismantling or re-laying of the flooring will not be performed in the next 10-12 years.

For re-installation it is better to use laminate with a simple “Click” lock. Especially if the re-laying of the coating will be performed once or in case of urgent need to eliminate any problem.

At the turn of the 70s and 80s of the last century, laminate quickly burst into the "premier league" of flooring and finishing coatings. Its history, known as Idea-77, is associated with the purchase of a compound coating plant by a Swedish company. The Swedes experimented with everything that came to hand: they laminated wall panels, countertops, window sills. Someone during the next "brainstorming" on the topic of laminating more, and came up with the idea to take up the floors. A couple of years later, IKEA stores introduced the Swedes to a novelty - laminate, which was a dizzying success, first in the Swedish, and then in the world market.

The name of the company-developer of the laminate is remembered only by specialists, the laminate itself has changed beyond recognition, but its popularity remains enormous. Affordable price, practicality, functionality, good noise and sound insulation characteristics, easy maintenance, a huge variety of patterns applied to the decorative layer of this floor covering by manufacturers in the struggle for a buyer - these are the components of the success of the laminate.

Today, laminate flooring is a multi-layer panel, each layer of which is "responsible" for solving different tasks:

The bottom protects against deformation.

The carrier determines the noise and sound insulation qualities, moisture resistance and holds the panels together with a lock during installation.

Decorative is made of PVC film or special kraft paper. A drawing is applied to this layer.

The top layer of melamine or acrylate resin protects the flooring from damage. The resin can be applied several times, which directly affects the life of the coating.

The evolution of laminate over the years has also touched on the ways of joining panels when laid in a monolithic floor structure. The glue method practically "leaves the stage", today the castle method dominates the market. With the locking method of connection, the spike on the edge of the laminate panel enters the groove on the other panel. The advantages of this method in comparison with glue are obvious: the installation speed has increased, there is no need to prepare an adhesive composition, there are no odors from glue in the room. The main advantage is that the locking method makes it possible to disassemble and lay the floor covering 3-4 more times (Click locks). There are several types of laminate locks.

Lock Lock

The tongue and groove lock for laminate flooring is called Lock. A milling cutter cuts a spike in one of the lateral sides of the bearing layer, on the other side - a groove with a comb. A piece of timber or a die is placed on the panel laid on the floor, and a spike is pushed into the groove with a wooden mallet until it is fully seated and the gap between two adjacent panels disappears. A comb in the groove will prevent the tenon from coming out. Therefore, this type of lock is also called a hammer lock. The Lock lock appeared earlier than other locking joints for laminate and today is considered a less advanced solution in technical terms.

A relatively weak point is the comb in the groove, which begins to wear off during operation under the influence of periodic loads. The wear of the lock will lead to the appearance of a gap in this place. Such a defect cannot be repaired. In fairness, it must be said that accelerated wear of the comb occurs when the requirements for the base on which the laminate is laid are not met. And here a paradoxical situation arises between this problem and another "drawback" of the Lock-lock.

This "disadvantage" lies in the certain difficulty of laying a covering with a lock of this type. It is recommended to entrust the installation work to professionals, because you should act with a mallet very carefully, adjusting the force of the blow. And at the same time constantly monitor the joints of the panels. However, a professional, prior to the installation, will inform the owner of the premises that the base for the laminate is of poor quality and problems will arise during operation. And with a properly arranged base, the service life of the interlock will approach the service life of the panels.

Click lock

Further development of laminate locks was marked by the appearance of the Click system. This lock differs from its predecessor Lock-lock by the shape of the tongue. The tongue in this case is also made by milling and has the shape of a flattened hook. The panels are applied to each other at an angle (usually the angle is 45 °, but this may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer). The tongue-and-groove panel is lowered, the tongue engages with the groove and a characteristic sound is heard. This sound gave the name to the castle - Click.

It is not required to apply large efforts when joining the panels; it is not required to knock the panels with a mallet. They are securely fixed, during the installation process the locks remain intact even if the person working with the coating is mistaken. Reliable connection of adjacent panels and the resulting constant voltage, protect the lock from abrasion during the entire service life. Accordingly, gaps between panels do not appear over time. The undoubted advantage of the Click system is the ability to disassemble the flooring and re-assemble it. And so on up to 3-4 times.

T-LOCK and 5g locks

Manufacturers continue to improve laminate locks and develop more and more modifications. For example, Tarkett has patented a system in which the lock is cut by a cutter in the base layer of the panel using the Click technology. The principal difference lies in the presence of a lock on the long and end sides. The installation repeats the steps for joining the panels with the Click-lock - the new panel is brought to the already laid floor at an angle of 45 °, lowered and snapped into place.

The next improvement to the laminate lock is the 5g system. All leading manufacturers came to various versions of such a lock - the goal was to further simplify the installation process without losing strength and quality of the connection. A movable tongue was installed in the end part of the panel, which ensured the simultaneous connection of the panel along the long and short sides. On the long side, the panel is brought in at an angle, and from the end side, it is simply applied from above and lowered until the tongue clicks.

Megalock Castle

A type of lock for 5g laminate is the system of the German company Classen. The first row of panels is laid in length, the next row is applied at an angle in order to insert the tongue into the groove of the laid panel, after which the panel is lowered and the lock is snapped into the end part. Disassembling the laid laminate is easy, if necessary.

Aluminum locks

The Swedes invented laminate, their neighbors the Norwegians developed an aluminum locking system for it. The traditional tongue-and-groove connection of the Lock-lock is complemented by a lock on the aluminum profile. The tongue of this lock fits into the second groove on the adjacent board. The aluminum profile can be located at the bottom of the board or located in the carrier layer. Double connection avoids deformation and the appearance of joints during installation and during operation. The aluminum lock can withstand tensile forces of one ton or more. In addition, these laminate locks provide additional moisture protection for the flooring.

Sealing the locks during installation

Leading manufacturers produce a laminate with additional protection of seams from moisture with wax compounds. This applies to class 32 and 33 laminate. Protecting the seams during installation with a sealant should be performed in cases where they are not coated with wax.

When choosing a laminate flooring, few people realize that the types of laminate locks determine its quality. They 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 laying, the type of adhesion. We will consider the features of installation, mounting 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:

1. 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 will 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 high quality. Otherwise, during operation, a situation of divergence of the canvases may arise.
2. 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 projections. 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 additional locking lugs. Covers are dismantled, assembled up to 4 times.
3. Locks T-LOCK. The variant was developed by Tarkett. It combines two types of interlocking connections to achieve maximum adhesion strength of the panels. When laying, the technology used is typical for Click-systems. Simplicity and reliability have made this type very popular among professionals. The floor covering can be dismantled up to several times without damaging the locks.
4. 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.
5. Megalock castle. Advanced 5G-based fixation system. The locks on the laminate are connected to the end side. Adhesion reliability is provided by the end insert. And already to the collected length of the first strip with an offset, the second row is attached in width. 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 moisture protection.
6. ClickXpress lock. It differs in the rounded lower part of the tenon, respectively, and the groove. Does not have 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.
7. 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.
8. Aluminum locks. The most reliable connections. Withstand resistance to separation up to 1200 kg / sq. m. Can be laid without a threshold. 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 resulting surfaces.

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 a completely reliable grip. The second belongs to the expensive segment, but the grip and quality of the resulting surface will be high. 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 multi-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. 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:

1. 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 prior to installation.
2. 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, dial 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.
3. Installation is carried out from window to door. The end sides are directed towards the openings, and the long side towards the blank walls. This will reduce the visibility of seams between the canvases.
4. For Lock systems, provide for the purchase of a special metal padding. It will allow easy installation of floor coverings even against walls.
5. Long rows are mounted offset. The first one starts with a long floorboard, the second one with a short one. This will ensure good grip of the planks in different directions.
6. The technical gaps near the walls should be 5 to 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.
7. 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 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 budget and 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 you have 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.