In a private house      04.03.2020

Laminate with plastic locks laying. Types of laminate locks: Click, Lock, metal, plastic, aluminum, which locks are better? First, let's look at the basic types of locks.

It is extremely quick and easy to form a floor in a room using a laminate. The shape and configuration of the floor elements (lamellas) has long been well thought out. So even an unprepared person will be able to mount it. The ease of cutting and combining the material allows you to quickly and efficiently lay the flooring in rooms with a complex layout. It just needs to be strictly followed. simple rules, and laying a laminate with your own hands does not take much time and effort. Laying the laminate should be carried out in heated rooms without sudden temperature fluctuations, high humidity. For durable operation, the temperature in the room should be maintained within 15-30 degrees, humidity from 40 to 70%. The basis for the laminate can be a flat wooden floor or concrete base with maximum height differences not exceeding 2 mm per meter, as well as strong slopes of more than 4 mm for every two meters. If there are significant irregularities, then it is necessary to level the floor under the laminate using the formation of a floor screed, or a self-leveling floor system, thereby eliminating the problem, because laying a laminate on an uneven floor is unacceptable. This will lead to its rapid deterioration. It is strictly not allowed to install a laminate on top of an electric underfloor heating. If they are combined, the laminate elements will dry out and deform. Moreover, it is unacceptable to heat the laminate from below over 27 degrees. Can be used as underfloor heating hydraulic systems. They allow you to evenly distribute heat and do not overheat the laminate. The distance between the underfloor heating elements and the bottom edge of the laminate should be at least 3 cm. The laying technology is the same: there are only some features when connecting the elements, depending on the locks. The procedure will be like this:

  1. A substrate is laid on a leveled base, its joints are glued with adhesive tape.
  2. Wedges or pieces of plywood 10-15 mm thick are installed around the perimeter of the room. Laminate boards will rest against them. In this way, a compensation gap is created around the entire perimeter of the room. It is needed so that the coating does not swell in the heat or high humidity.
  3. Along one of the walls - usually opposite from the entrance - laying the first row begins. The first row has a spike to the wall (it can be cut off). The entire row rests on wedges that measure the gap. The last one also rests against the wedge with a side lock (it can also be cut off).
  4. All elements in a row are joined to each other.
  5. The last board often needs to be cut: not included in length. A wedge should also be on this side, because the size is 10-15 mm smaller than the distance to the wall. We mark it for cutting as follows: turn the board “face down” so that the desired side spike is on the right. We join this edge with a wedge, draw a line with a square that continues the edge of the installed board. We cut off the desired piece along the drawn line and install it.
  6. If the first row started with a whole board, then the second one starts with a half, a third, etc. This is how all rows are assembled. In this case, the developed laying scheme serves as a guideline.
  7. The last row often needs to be cut to width. Nothing complicated, the main thing is not to confuse which side we cut off: we leave the part on which the spike.
If the geometry of the room is correct, no difficulties. If there are distortions, it will have to be cut. Questions may arise when finishing the threshold: the board near the jambs is not cut evenly, but in an arc, while maintaining a gap of 10-15 mm. Why in an arc? So under door casing any shape will not have holes.
The nuances of laying laminate Almost nowhere is there a perfectly flat room without all kinds of protrusions or outlets for heating pipes, communications, etc. IN similar places it is required to cut curly elements from the elements of the laminated floor. For this, a jigsaw, a construction knife, a construction corner and a pencil are used. Next, we will consider options for how to lay a laminate with your own hands in places with pipes or protrusions on the walls. Heating pipe bypass As in the case of trimming the lamellas, we turn it over in length and apply it on top of the already laid ones. With the help of a corner, we mark on the lamella the lines of the pipes in width. Next, we apply the lamella to the side of the pipes and rest through the peg against the wall. In this position, one can building level the second mark, that is, the distance from the pipes to the wall. As a result, we get places with the intersection of lines that determine the position of the holes for the pipes. It's best to drill the holes first. For this, special drills called ballerinas are used. The diameter of the holes is larger than the diameter of the pipes, while there can be two options: simply insert a lamella with a gap around the pipes or use special plastic inserts that are sold in construction stores for laminate. In the second case, the holes are made according to the size of the inserts. The next step is to cut off a part of the lamella across, focusing on the middle of the hole. It turns out two pieces of lamella. One piece is inserted between the rest of the floor and the pipe, and the second is applied between the wall and the pipe. For reliable fastening of the elements, glue is used, which should be applied only to their ends. Then they hug each other. You can hide unsympathetic cutouts with decorative pipe lines.
Bypass wall ledges For laying lamellas, the edge of which rests on the unevenness on the wall or its turn, cut the required shape directly along the lamella. This is easy to do with a jigsaw. Some feature may be a situation where the barrier is a column or ledge sheathed with plasterboard or plastic, as well as places under radiators central heating. In this situation, it is advisable to cut the bottom of the sheathing and bring the laminate board under it up to the base of the wall, observing the gap.
Completion of laminate flooring After the entire floor space is filled and installation is completed in all difficult places, you can remove all the wedges around the perimeter of the floor and trim the edges of the substrate that are too protruding. Only 1-2 cm should be left on the wall as a shock-absorbing belt. Then it remains only to hang the baseboard, and the floor in the room will be ready

Variety of sizes, colors and textures. This is not limited to the choice of laminate flooring. An additional factor in deciding whether to purchase a particular material may be the connection system. Consider the most popular types of laminate locks that provide the necessary technical requirements by styling. We will also figure out what kind of locking system better fit for each specific case. And finally, we will give a few recommendations for installation and maintenance.

Several decades have passed since the creation of such a coating as a laminate. During this time, technology has changed a lot, this also applies to locks. Every 2-3 years manufacturers present the new kind connections, arguing for 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 collapsible systems that have won the recognition of laying masters. For each of these types of castles, there are many subspecies. Some of them can be found only 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 difference is only in the profiling of the connecting parts.

Which lock is better Lock or Click

We will make a comparison according to the characteristics that are most relevant for the buyer.

  • cheaper;
  • tight connection.
  • with prolonged use (with a deviation from the installation and operation standards), gaps between the lamellas may appear;
  • a more complex laying process using a mallet and a padding strip;
  • the risk of damage to the lock during installation.
  • ease of installation;
  • installation is made without additional tools;
  • increased strength;
  • during operation, the lock does not wear out, cracks do not appear;
  • a tight connection is ensured when using double locks;
  • possibility of mounting on imperfect flat surface;
  • safe assembly with minimal chance of damaging the lock;
  • the possibility of re-coupling after dismantling the coating.
  • high price.

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

Lock locks

Translated from English title connection translates as "lock". This method of fastening laminated panels is one of the very first. At present, this type of surface closure is technologically obsolete.

On the one hand, the mating surfaces are a groove, on the other hand, a spike, which are cut by a cutter on the bearing layer of the board.

The installation principle is as follows:

  1. An attached board is attached to the board located on the floor at an angle of 0 °.
  2. A padding bar is substituted for the opposite side of the lamella.
  3. 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 extra effort, because at strong blows with a mallet, there is a high probability of damaging the lock.

When correct installation connection, the spike fully enters the groove, the comb fixes into the spike in the recess and prevents the adjacent panels from coming out of the hitch. This type of castle is also called driven.

The weak link in the design is precisely the comb, which takes most stress on yourself. The connection between the groove and the thorn is quite tight, however, with frequent loads on the lock, the comb is abraded. 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 substrate material that will not give a strong subsidence during operation. Otherwise, any "pebble" under the coating will create additional stress in the castle, reducing the life of your flooring.

Otherwise, even though the technology is outdated. This type of laminate lock provides all the necessary performance properties, provided correct styling And further use. However, manufacturers prefer the Click system, so find " old version” is becoming more and more difficult (if we are not talking about Chinese fakes, but about certified manufacturers).

Click locks

Relatively new technology, along which the panels are fixed by snap-in means. Main distinctive features from Lock, apart from the method of installation, there is another form of tongue with a groove profiling for it.

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

The installation method is as follows:

  1. A 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, so this point needs to be clarified.
  2. The hook is driven into the groove.
  3. The panel is lowered to the horizontal.
  4. A characteristic click is heard, the connection is made.

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

There is no need for additional tools during installation. You don’t need to make special efforts, finish it off with a mallet or hammer too. Otherwise, the key edge may be damaged.

Note: if, when fixing the plank, a small gap remains, then to select it, 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 lock element.

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

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

The Click method does not require such strict restrictions on the evenness of the surface on which it fits (unlike Lock), but this does not mean that the base does not need to be leveled. An even base for laminate is a prerequisite for installation.

Let's consider several subtypes of the Click system, which are the most popular.

Uniclic

It is mainly represented by the Quick Step brand. Installation can be done 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 joint padding, for laying in the last row.

It has fairly good strength properties. Withstands a tensile load of up to 450 kg per linear meter.

System advantages:

  • the lock snaps into place without much effort;
  • reassembly is possible;
  • laying both from left to right and from right to left;
  • moisture treatment.

Minuses:

  • over time, the lock may disperse along the end of the bar due to the low ridge in the groove.

JUST clic and UNI fit

Patented systems under the Egger brand.

JUST click replaced Pro clic. Unlike its predecessor, assembly of the entire series is required. The bar has two identical tongues and two identical grooves, which makes it possible to engage on both sides. Has a high assembly speed.

The groove and spike are profiled in the form of a conjugated oval, in connection with which a tighter contact is provided over an increased contact area. The gaps in the lock are minimal, so even the smallest debris is not allowed - check the strips before mounting.

Lamel with a lock UNI-fit can be fixed to the previous row separately, that is, there is no need to collect whole line for later fixing. The spikes and grooves on the end and the long side are different.

SmartLock and ProLock

Both options are presented by Pegro. SmartLock is a more primitive version in terms of profiling - there is one additional retaining element on the top of the slot missing. As a result, a lower contact density is observed.

Most modern Pergo laminate models are equipped with the ProLock system. Both types of locks have a water-repellent impregnation, which, coupled with a massive fiberboard base, makes this coating well protected from moisture (for more better protection seam sealers are used).

ClickXPress, DropXPress, PressXPress

Represented by the brand Balterio.

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

The advantages of this connection include:

  • reliability;
  • strength;
  • imperceptible 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 lowering of the board at an angle of 0 ° from top to bottom occurs with an interference fit.

This method has its advantages:

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

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

Advantages of the castle:

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

In 2017, a new connection was presented at Domotex FitXPress, which will be used on Balterio's Magnitude Series laminate flooring, 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 on the Pergo coating, wax impregnation is used for moisture insulation.

Installation is carried out in separate panels, and not a whole row at once. Boards are laid at an angle until they click. Work can be done alone without outside help. If necessary, disassemble the connection is not difficult.

T-lock, 2-lock, TC-lock

Featured by Tarkett

T-lock- satisfied old technology, on this moment quite common, but superseded by modern systems. It has a relatively small joining angle of panels of the order of 20-25°.

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

Of the minuses can be identified:

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

2 lock- newer model. It has a plastic tab to secure the connection. Allows for quick and easy laying even by one person - the assembly is carried out not in a whole row, but in one panel.

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

Perhaps this is the only negative, let's focus on the pros:

  • there is a tighter contact during coupling, therefore, the probability of moisture getting into the interlock is reduced;
  • very good strength characteristics - the level of tensile load exceeds the norm by 8 times;
  • quick and easy assembly;
  • one person can do the installation.

TwinClic

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

When fixing the board in the groove, there is no pronounced click. It is better not to use this type of lock for laying laminate with a solid floor throughout the apartment, since there is a possibility of raising the joints under loads.

On models of laminate, which is in a low price category, there is very little protection against moisture.

LocTec

Patented Witex laminate locking system. Refers to high-strength compounds. Easy enough assembly allows one to work. The installation process should not be difficult. The result is a smooth floor covering without visible seams.

Docking points are impregnated with a special water-repellent mastic.

Alloc

Introduced by a Norwegian flooring manufacturer. The quality is up to the mark. Has an aluminum insert. It has excellent strength properties, so it is most often used on commercial grade 33 and 34 laminate, which is designed for laying in places with increased operational load.

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

Lock processing

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

Such formulations are available in liquid or paste forms. Of particular difference is what consistency you choose. The main thing is that you feel comfortable using the composition.

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

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

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

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

Experienced craftsmen 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, laying will be carried out quickly and easily even alone.

When choosing laminate flooring, rarely does anyone 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 creak, the divergence of the seams, and the evenness of the surface. Therefore, when purchasing a laminate, you should carefully study not only its characteristics, but also the installation method, the type of adhesion. We will consider the features of installation, fastening systems in more detail.

Almost all panel coupling options are based on the tenon-groove system. The difference is the profiling of the lock system.

There are several main types:

  1. lock. The easiest option. The spike in the section has not a simple straight profile, but a complex figure. The groove under it has a complex shape. The panels are laid by horizontal pressing one into the other. The moment of fixation is a click. For a quality installation, tamping of the extreme web is required. used wooden hammer. You can also use regular, but you need wooden block or a special add-on. 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, the processing of locks with sealant or glue is used. The surface under the laminate requires high quality. Otherwise, during operation, a situation of divergence of the canvases may occur.
  2. Click lock. Modernized previous view. The spike has a hook-shaped bend at the upper end, and a protrusion at the bottom closer to the panel. The groove repeats the shape of the protrusions. Fixation occurs when one panel is inserted into another at an angle. Swinging motion produce lowering to a horizontal position. At this moment, a characteristic click is heard. The lock worked. The connection is strong due to additional fixing protrusions. They are dismantled, coatings are assembled up to 4 times.
  3. T-locks. Option developed by Tarkett. It combines two types of locking joints, which allows achieving maximum adhesion strength of the panels. When laying, the technology characteristic of Click-systems is used. Simplicity, reliability ensured great popularity of this type among professionals. Flooring can be dismantled up to several times without damaging the locks.
  4. 5G. These types of lock 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 installation method is not difficult. The panel is inserted into the previous one in a horizontal position. When pressed, the insert is removed, when placed in the desired position, a click is heard indicating that the “tongue” has fallen into place, the position is fixed. Installation, dismantling will not cause difficulty even for a beginner.
  5. Mega Lock. Advanced fixation system based on 5G. Connect the locks on the laminate begin on the end side. Reliability of coupling is provided with an end insert. And already to the assembled length of the first strip with an offset, the second row is attached to the width. Assembly time is minimal compared to other types. Maximum durability and reliability. Mounting and dismounting up to 4 times is allowed. Another advantage is increased protection against moisture.
  6. ClickXpress lock. It differs by the rounded lower part of the spike, respectively, and the groove. Does not have plastic inserts. Works are carried out according to the principle of the Click system, at an angle. Dismantling, installation up to four times is possible.
  7. Uniclick lock. The spike and groove have a special profile that ensures a strong grip of the planks. Installation can be both at an angle and by knocking. Dismantling is carried out up to 4 times.
  8. aluminum locks. The most reliable connections. Withstand separation resistance up to 1200 kg/sq. m. Laying without a threshold is possible. Such a laminate has two types of lock - 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 without locks is becoming less and less popular due to the use of additional chemicals for fixing and the speed of work. Modern types locks allow several times to increase the productivity and quality of the resulting surfaces.

Useful video: Overview 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 high level. Each type of connection has pros and cons. For some, price is important, but for others, high quality and reliability.

If we compare what is better than Lock or Click, in terms of dismantling-mounting, then the first system is more prone to destruction of mounting profiles.

Preparing for laying

Any floor covering requires surface preparation. The best option if a layer is applied to the rough screed. Such a basis will ensure the proper level of quality. After complete hardening of the preparatory layer, it is recommended to lay 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 in the rough base, is not pressed under load. The disadvantages include high cost; destruction in a humid environment, with the "warm floor" system.
  • Polyethylene foam. A cheap option, has a low thermal conductivity, is resistant to moisture, the appearance of bacteria. Short-lived, pressed.
  • Styrofoam. A relatively inexpensive option, used when installing the "warm floor" system, it provides additional sound insulation. It compresses over time.

Chosen according to budget best option. The substrate is covered without overlapping each other. Fixing to the floor, gluing the seams is done with masking tape.

Important points before installation

Proper installation will be ensured if several nuances are provided:

  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. Laminate must lie down for at least 2 days in the room where laying is planned. This will allow the material to absorb the microclimate of the room, gain temperature regime. This will ensure minimal shrinkage in the future. A greater effect can be achieved by removing the factory packaging from the material.
  3. Installation is carried out from a window to a 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.
  4. For Lock systems, provide for the purchase of a special metal lining. It will allow you to easily mount floor coverings, even against walls.
  5. Long rows are mounted offset. The first one starts with a long floorboard, the second - with a short one. This will ensure high-quality adhesion of the slats in different directions.
  6. Technical gaps near the walls should be from 5 to 10 mm. There are special fasteners. At the time of laying on the flooring, a mechanical effect is carried out. As a result, it can move close to the wall if they are not fixed.
  7. Prepare before work cutting tool- a hacksaw for wood or a jigsaw. For proper cut quality, the tool must have minimum 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 padding both along the end and along the longitudinal part. The uniformity of the seams between the canvases should be observed. Another feature is the work with the last row. Often it is necessary to cut the width of the panels. A measurement is made taking into account the technical gap between the wall and the floor finish, marked, cut off. The canvas is inserted gently at a slight angle. With the help of a metal finisher, 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 oscillatory movement they are taken to a horizontal position. At the same time, a click should sound.

Useful video: Laying laminate flooring with Click locks

5G systems, Megalock are distinguished by the most simple installation. The tenon groove is inserted in a horizontal position without finishing.

Laminate manufacturers offer a wide range of locking systems, which best 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 laminate lock (do not chase the low price), the base for the finish coat is poorly prepared.

Conclusion

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

The service life of the coating directly depends on the locks used. This method of connection prevents the appearance of cracks. Leading laminate manufacturers are already using existing systems locks, or create new designs.

Glueless laminate system

Modern laminate flooring models are mounted without glue. In other words, the cladding strips are connected using latches. Laminate, equipped with a locking system has a lot of advantages.

Main, of which - the installation process is greatly simplified. In this case, the damaged area can be removed during the repair process.

Castle systems are varied. Today there are two main types:

  • The "Losk" system has latches;
  • The "Click" system denotes a collapsible cover.

Laminate equipped with the Losk system

When thinking about which system is better, it must be borne in mind that such locks are the most economical. The lock is made by milling from the thickness of HDF or MDF boards.

On one side of the bar is a spike. The other side is equipped with a groove that has a fixing comb.

With the help of these two elements, the connection is made. In order for the panels to be more tightly connected to each other, during installation, you need to use rubber or wooden mallet.

Advantages and disadvantages of the system

Laying a coating with such locks is complicated by the need to tamp it with a mallet, but there is no need to use glue for the laminate.

Laminate with Lock type locks has a number of advantages.

  1. The floor covering, mounted with such locks, can be disassembled and re-layed.
  2. Easy to connect planks.
  3. Optimum material cost.

There are also disadvantages.

Attention! High loads on the coating creates friction at the junction of the planks. Over time, the combs wear out, causing the contacts between the bars to deteriorate. As a result, gaps are formed, which cannot be eliminated.

Lock systems with plastic base

Planks with plastic locks were invented in order to smooth out the shortcomings of this connection system. Locks fix the material immediately after laying.

There are two types of plastic plates.

  1. Springy counterparts lock the connection in one motion. The main advantage of this lock is the ability to quickly mount the cover. But the slats are not always perfectly even, which can create difficulties when snapping in - the material is subject to deformation. Planks must be knocked out in reverse side.
  2. Hard platinum almost identical in design. To connect the coating, the bar must be inserted with a longitudinal movement. The main disadvantage of such a lock is the difficulty in installation.

Material with click locks

This system began to be produced relatively recently. It does not have the disadvantages that its predecessors had. Laying laminate flooring with the click system is effortless. The connection is made at an angle of 45 degrees.

System Benefits

The main advantage of such locks is the long-term protection of fasteners. There is virtually no damage during installation. Connecting tightly, the planks are able to withstand high loads, even when long term operation.

Leading manufacturers, such as Tarkett, produce systems of superior quality. For example, the t lock completely hides the junction between the slats.

Benefits of Click connections:

  1. Double fasteners located at an angle of 45 degrees.
  2. Durable canvas.
  3. It is almost impossible to damage such a mount during installation.
  4. The ability to disassemble and assemble the coating up to 6 times.
  5. Ease and simplicity of installation of the laminated covering.
  6. Permissible base curvature up to 0.3 cm per square meter.

Aluminum click mount

Attention! Aluminum fasteners can withstand very high loads, and its design will make it possible to quickly mount the coating. In case of damage to any part of the coating, it can always be replaced.

  1. The cover with a lock made of aluminum is mounted using a special groove, which is available on the panels.
  2. Laminate with an aluminum lock withstands a tearing load of 850-1200 kg/m2. This factor will make it possible to install / dismantle the laminated coating repeatedly without damaging the planks.
  3. Specifically, you can do this up to 6 times. At the same time, installation is as easy and fast as possible. The slats are connected with one light pressure.
  4. Speaking about the advantage of this or that lock, it must be taken into account that the tightness of such a coating guarantees its protection by 100% from moisture ingress into the mounted floor.
  5. Modern system connections allows laying on any base, whether it is a screed, boards, monolithic concrete, plywood and so on.

Conclusion

Given all of the above, we can conclude which locking system is better. Experts consider the Click system to be the best.

It is possible to install such a laminated coating with my own hands, while it can be disassembled and reassembled up to several times.

Even high loads are not able to loosen the connected planks. Products equipped with a Lock type mount are more affordable, however, the process of laying it is complicated, and the resulting coating is less durable and inferior in quality. The video will give you even more useful information.