Laminate with plastic locks. Lock system locks

13.05.2020

Laminate is the most advanced floor covering of the last decade. Manufacturers offer numerous varieties of this material, both in design and in overall dimensions. Every year, the production technologies of this flooring are developing, a vinyl laminate with a lock joint has appeared on sale, which is characterized by unprecedented moisture resistance. He was competed with a quartz-vinyl laminate, which became a continuation of the quartz-vinyl tile. This material is characterized by high wear resistance, moisture resistance and original design. Despite the variety, all types of lock laminate are distinguished by simple installation technology. Anyone can install, and the final result of the work always impresses with its great design and perfect surface geometry.

What is a lock laminate?

Laminate was originally created according to the prototype of a tongue-and-groove floorboard with a tongue-and-groove system. Its presence made it possible to connect boards with virtually no seam, creating monolithic surfaces that are as convenient as possible to use.

The natural disadvantage of such floors was sensitivity to temperature fluctuations and high humidity. Another notable disadvantage was the high cost of a floorboard made from exotic woods. Helped me get rid of all these problems. synthetic materials, characterized by geometry stability, moisture resistance, diverse design. The problematic point of the laminate was the adhesive system for joining panels. It required a lot of attention during installation, and the laid laminate did not have a long service life. The seams dispersed, water got in, the base swelled and the floor covering lost its appearance.

To minimize laying problems, the interlock was designed - a simple spike, which had to be lubricated with glue and wait for it to set with the groove surface, was replaced with a milled design. Due to the complex shape, the spike reliably snapped into place in the same complex groove. It resembles a key that only fits one lock, which is why the system is called a lock system.

Benefits of lock laminate

Simplified laying of interlocking laminate is not the only advantage of this type of flooring. Among the main advantages:

high rates of work;
lack of "wet" processes during laying;
possibility self-laying without attracting qualified personnel;
variety of collections;
the presence in the range of moisture-resistant coatings;
high quality connections;
extended service life;
affordable price;
availability of exclusive collections.

You can use the castle laminate in any rooms and commercial premises. It is only necessary to correctly select the material, guided by the rules for choosing a floor covering, depending on the wear resistance class.

Types of lock systems

Laying the lock laminate is easy, thanks to the original fixing system, which allows you to securely connect the panels to each other. Despite the apparent simplicity, it is not easy to develop a laminate lock. Leading manufacturers floor coverings spend significant funds on this, and the results of the work must be patented. Many companies choose to use such patented designs, but still charge a significant amount for copyrights from laminate sales. Own interlocking of laminate flooring is the privilege of industry leaders.

There are several lock systems, the most popular are:

Lock is the first development on the market that provides a simple and effective connection of panels, during the installation process, the panels are laid one after the other and a tenon is driven into the groove. The shape of these elements is such that when wedging, the spike is securely fixed in the groove, while one panel cannot be disconnected from the other without breaking the lock;
Click is a more advanced system, the shape of the tongue and groove is such that one panel must be inserted into another at an angle of 45 degrees and snapped into place, pressing it to the floor. Such a floor covering can be disassembled and reassembled, since the locks do not break;

5G is an original locking system that is reliable and easy to fix. To do this, at its end there is a special "tongue" that attracts the panels in width and length to each other;
ProLock - a locking system from Pergo, characterized by triple fixation and additional protection of the lock with specially designed water-repellent compounds;
Uniclick is a system developed by Belgian engineers from Quick-Step, installation is carried out at an angle of 30 degrees, while the quality of the laminate floor is ideal.

Egger, Balterio, Classen, Witex, Tarkett developed their locking systems; they differ not only in the shape of the tongue and groove, but also in strength characteristics, moisture resistance, and speed of installation.

Types of lock laminate

Manufacturers produce household and commercial interlock laminates of all wear resistance classes. This allows you to choose products for a city apartment, country house, office, shop and shopping center. In the assortment of panels of different lengths and widths, there are collections that resemble parquet in size, and there is a laminate that is not inferior in size to a massive floorboard. All this allows you to create an original pattern on the floor, imitating palace halls or the floor of a village hut. This allows designers to work with this flooring to create the most different styles in the interior.

Manufacturers offer dozens of types of laminate, the surface of which imitates the rarest types of wood. At the same time, the cost of the material of one brand practically does not differ: rosewood or merbau flooring is sold at the same price as pine or birch. In addition to natural wood, laminate can imitate stone or ceramic tiles.

The ease of installation of the laminate and its aesthetic qualities were quickly appreciated by consumers; this flooring was used in all rooms of the house, except for the bathroom and the bathroom. At the heart of the material is the HDF panel, it is highly moisture resistant, but still slightly swells with constant contact with water. For a lock laminate, this is critical, since, first of all, the panel fixing system fails. Attempts to treat the castle with moisture-repellent impregnations made it possible to develop collections that are relevant for the kitchen - rooms with high humidity. With constant contact with water, such locks still lost their properties over time. This forced engineers to turn their attention to materials such as polyvinyl chloride.

Linoleum is produced from vinyl, which attracts with its excellent moisture-resistant characteristics. Not inferior to him and PVC laminate, the basis of which is created from this polymeric material. To reduce the cost of production and reduce weight, the main plate has a honeycomb structure. It can easily withstand the weight of a person, but is afraid of point shock loads. You can use PVC laminate in the bathroom, bathroom and kitchen, on the open terraces and near the pools.

Not enough high performance moisture resistant laminate have been eliminated with the advent of quartz laminate. It appeared on the basis of quartz-vinyl tiles, an original material consisting of 80% quartz sand, the particles of which were interconnected by PVC. The tile was distinguished by high strength, the ability to withstand shock loads, and the decorative layer from mechanical damage protected with polyurethane. Such a tile pleased with practicality, but it was difficult to mount it. The material turned into highly specialized products, which only professionals could work with.

Manufacturers managed to combine the advantages of tiles and laminate, so a quartz-vinyl castle laminate appeared, the laying of which became available to any home master. These panels can be laid not only in shopping malls, but also at airports, railway stations and production shops. Laying quartz vinyl laminate does not differ in technology from the installation of conventional HDF-based panels.

Lock laminate is a practical, aesthetically pleasing material offered by suppliers in a wide price range. You can choose this product for budget repair"Khrushchev" and exclusive decoration of a fashionable mansion. The range of manufacturers includes moisture-resistant types of lock laminate that can withstand water leakage in the bathroom. All this makes this type of flooring the most popular in the market of finishing materials.

roomplan.ru

Glueless laminate lock system

All variants of modern slats are mounted and fastened in a glueless way. This means that all components are held only by latches. In truth, this mounting option has a lot of advantages, but the main thing is the fact that laying the entire flooring is much easier, moreover, you can always dismantle the desired part.

However, many systems differ significantly from each other. If we are talking about a laminate with metal locks, then you can always choose one of two options:

Latches (Lock);
floors on a collapsible system (Click).

Such connections are considered today one of the most economical options. This model has proven itself, which is why many give it preference. The elements of the system are made by milling from the thickness of MDF or HDF boards.

On one side of each panel is a special spike. On the opposite - a groove with a fixing comb. It is with their help that the connection is made. To hammer the panels, a special tool is used - a wooden mallet. Laying a laminate with a lock of this type is best left to professionals so as not to damage the panels.

Laminate with locklockhas several benefits including:

Possibility of assembly and re-disassembly of the already laid coating;
strong connection between adjacent floor panels;
affordable cost.

! Are there disadvantages? Yes, just like any other option. The fact is that with a large load on the floor, friction occurs at the point of contact. Over time, this leads to the erasure of the fixing comb and the deterioration of the condition of the connection contacts. As a result, the first cracks begin to appear that cannot be eliminated.

Laminates with plastic locks were developed in order to get rid of the disadvantages of such a connection system. Plastic plates are designed to fix the boards immediately after installation.

Today, there are two types of such plates:

Springy allow you to snap the elements in one motion. Laying speed is one of the advantages of such a plate. But, the fact is that the geometry of the laminated flooring is far from always ideal for snapping. As a result, the board begins to deform (a crease in the front part), or it is necessary to knock out the lamellas from the opposite side;
rigid ones have the same design, but in order to connect the elements, it is necessary to insert each panel into another with a longitudinal movement. There are no visible advantages in this case, but among the disadvantages they note the complexity of installation.

Such lamellae appeared relatively recently. They are completely devoid of all those shortcomings that are inherent in their predecessors. Installation of the flooring can be carried out even by an inexperienced assembler. All elements are connected to each other at an angle of 45 ° without much effort.

The safety of the mounting system is a definite plus: there is practically no damage during the installation process. At the same time, the panels are tightly interconnected and can withstand even heavy loads, despite the long service life. The tension that occurs during laying keeps the boards permanently in place.

! The higher the quality of the connectionsClick, the less noticeable will be the joints of the panels. High quality products from a reliable manufacturer completely hides any joints. You can spot them if you start looking closely. That is why this mounting option is more popular than the previous one.

Benefits of Click mounts:

The presence of double mounts located at an angle of 45 degrees;
incredibly durable canvas;
low probability of damage to the connection of boards during assembly;
possible installation and dismantling of the coating up to six times;
ease of installation: you can start and complete the whole process yourself, without using the services of experienced repairmen;
slight curvature of the draft base is allowed (up to 3 mm per square meter);
no need to use additional tools.

Laminate with aluminum locks is also fastened in a glueless way, using a special groove installed on the lamella. This is the most reliable connection option and ensures that the floor will never come apart.

! Modern aluminum mounts can withstand enormous loads. With all this, the features of the mechanism guarantee fast installation. If necessary, you can always replace the damaged element.

The connection withstands a break of about 850-1,200 kg per 1 meter?. It's really unique characteristic, which brings such a system to the forefront. In addition, this feature allows the installation / dismantling of the entire flooring several times. WITHOUT harm to the boards.

You can re-lay the floor up to six times. Therefore, such boards are considered almost indispensable for a temporary office or apartment. At the same time, installation is as easy and economical as possible, both in terms of money and time. All panels snap into place only with a single slight pressure. The result is imperceptible joints and a perfectly flat surface.

! Such solidity of the finishing base guarantees one hundred percent protection against moisture penetration inside the "laminated cake". Due to the connection system, boards can be mounted on almost any base. At the same time, the whole system is so thin that it is not able to increase the thickness of the lamellae. Are you laying in a large area? Forget about connectors!

It is known that the connection system of any laminate flooring, regardless of the manufacturer, the thickness of the panel and its durability, is the so-called weak point of the floor.

When even a small amount of moisture makes its way between the individual elements, this leads to enormous problems, including warping of the canvas and its destruction. Therefore, the problem of moisture resistance is considered problem number 1.

Today, different manufacturers are trying to solve this problem in different ways. In most cases, a positive outcome is achieved by impregnating the joints with special water-repellent compounds and adhesives for lamellas. How to distinguish such products from a number of others? It usually has a blue-green base and is labeled waterproof on the packaging.

Another solution to the problem of increasing water resistance is to impregnate the elements of the boards with a special water-repellent glue. This method is more popular, therefore, a laminate with impregnated locks is bought most often.

Special wax impregnation gives the lamellas additional moisture resistance, and also protects the seams from moisture.

! When buying such products, check the type of impregnation yourself: just scrape off the wax with your fingernail. Succeeded? If yes, then the material is of poor quality and you will have to continue the search.

In some cases, you can carry out the impregnation yourself. To do this, it is necessary to apply a special composition with a brush to the entire part of the connection. It does not glue the lamellas themselves and does not require re-application. Excess is easily removed with a simple wipe.

infolaminat.ru

Laying laminate without the use of adhesive mixture

Any kind of modern laminate flooring can be installed without the use of various fasteners and adhesive mixtures. The panels are fixed to each other due to the latches on them - locks. Consider the main types of laminate locks and the advantages of using such fasteners when laying.

There are two types of laminate according to the type of lock connection:

the name "Lock" received a version with latches;
name laminate Click ("Click") was given to the coating due to its suitability for assembly and disassembly.

Among the main positive qualities of lock fasteners, it is worth highlighting:

ease of installation;
simplification of the repair of damaged elements of the coating: it is always possible to dismantle part of the coating and replace unusable boards with new ones.

Lock laminate

When considering the Lock version of the coating when determining which laminate lock is better, it is worth considering the cost-effectiveness of this coating. A similar system is created by milling the interlock, the thickness of which is equal to the thickness of the MDF or HDF board.

A special spike is placed on one side of the laminated panel, and a groove is made on the other, into which a special latch is built. Thus, the panels are inserted into each other, and the spikes are securely fixed in the grooves. Maximum grip can be obtained by knocking the boards together with a wooden or rubber mallet.

The advantages of the Lock system are:

the possibility of dismantling and re-laying the coating at any time;
very strong construction created by joining laminated panels;
low cost of facing material.

Of course, such a locking connection of the laminate has a drawback. It consists in the fact that an excessive load on the floor creates excessive friction between the planks at the junction points. As a result, the latches in the slots wear out and the interlock becomes less effective. In the end, gaps form between the planks, which cannot be eliminated, which means that the coating ceases to be suitable.

Locks with plastic plate

Manufacturers have begun using plastic in the manufacture of locks to make it easier for the panels to stick together.

Moreover, it is worth knowing that the locking type of laminate connection with plastic plates has two types of fasteners:

Spring fasteners allow for a single movement to snap the boards into place. The main advantage of this type is the ease of installation. The downside is that laminated planks are not always perfectly even, and therefore you have to additionally knock them out when lung care hammer made of wood or rubber.
Rigid plastic mounts have a similar design, but their connection requires effort to insert the board into the board. Hence the minus of this type of plastic locks is a complicated installation procedure.

Naturally, laminate with a plastic lock does not inspire confidence among many owners, which is why manufacturers have taken care of creating something more reliable.

Lock fastening Click

This method of fastening laminated panels has a significant advantage over Lock fastenings. Laminate fixes at an angle of 45 degrees with virtually no effort and time.

The locks in this case are more reliable, since they are almost impossible to damage when laying, and the connection of the planks is very tight and strong, which makes it possible to withstand very high loads. The highest quality Click-lock laminates are installed in such a way that the seams between adjacent boards are not even visible. It looks original in the photo and during visual inspection. See also: "How to lay flexible laminate - examples from practice."

The main advantages of such a system:

dual 45 degree mounts;
the highest durability of a flooring;
minimal risk of deformation of the locks;
possibly 6 times laying if it is necessary to repair or dismantle it for work in the thickness of floor coverings;
laying such a coating is easy and simple;
manufacturers claim that a laminate with such a connection can be laid on a base with irregularities of up to 3 millimeters per square meter.

Aluminum Click Locks

Features of aluminum locks created using the Click system:

In addition to the fact that the laminate with aluminum locks is easy to install, it also has an increased strength of the joints due to a special groove in the panels. The use of metal as a material for the production of lock joints allows the joints to withstand heavy loads.
It is this type of laminate that can withstand up to 6 laying and dismantling.
The flooring turns out to be absolutely tight, which eliminates the risk of moisture getting into the thickness of the floor covering.
You can lay such a coating on any base: screed, concrete slab, boardwalk, etc.

Naturally, a coating without defects will look aesthetically pleasing in the photo and during visual inspection. Aluminum locks will keep it as such for a very long period of time.

Outcome

This article discusses in detail what kind of locks are in the laminate and describes their features. The owner can only understand which option will be optimal for him, but, as practice shows, the choice is based only on cost. because if there is a sufficient amount of money, no one hesitates and buys a laminate with metal locks, or vice versa, if finances are limited.

The ease of installation, as well as the possibility of reusable laying and dismantling of the coating, allow you to put the choice of laminate much higher than other floor coverings. If there are difficulties during installation, you can always turn to specialists who, in addition to carrying out work, can also take responsibility for the acquisition necessary materials taking into account all the wishes of the customer.

polspec.com

Types of interlocks

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:

lock. The easiest option. The spike in the section has not a simple straight profile, but 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 quality installation edge padding is required. A wooden mallet is used. 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.
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, the coatings are assembled up to 4 times.
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. The floor covering can be dismantled up to several times without damaging the locks.
5G. These types of lock systems have a plastic or metal insert in the middle that resembles a "tongue". It provides tight connection canvases. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Distinctive feature- 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 of 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 adhesion and quality of the resulting surface will be high. 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 of self-leveling quick-hardening floors 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. Relatively inexpensive option, used when installing the "warm floor" system, 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:

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.
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, dial the temperature. This will ensure minimal shrinkage in the future. A greater effect can be achieved by removing the factory packaging from the material.
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.
For Lock systems, provide for the purchase of a special metal lining. It will allow you to easily mount floor coverings, even against walls.
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.
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.
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 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 wide range of locking systems, which one is better determined by the possibilities of the budget and the reliability of the resulting flooring. If the locks diverge with a short service life, this indicates several reasons: poor-quality installation or a laminate lock (do not chase a low price), the base for the finish coat is poorly prepared.

Laminate is a modern, durable, wear-resistant and comfortable floor covering. Installation of the flooring can be performed without special skills. The amount of effort will depend on what types of laminate locks are used by the manufacturer on the product used in the design of the apartment. Some of them do not provide for disassembly and reassembly of the coating. Others speed things up. The third ones are most convenient if you need to minimize the displacement of the lamellas.

Why do we need different types of locks

Looking at prices and analyzing laminate offers, it is not clear to the average user why there are different types of castle zones. It would seem that it is more rational to use only one, the most convenient one. In practice, things are different.

Some laminate locks are outdated and only used by manufacturers with older production lines. Others appear to be the most common. Still others are patented by individual companies. Some belong to the latest technological solutions, such laminate locks require a special approach to lamella molding.

The following types of docking mechanics systems are found on the modern market:

the easiest option is Lock;
widespread Click;
patented by the Tarkett T-Lock brand;
5G using a plastic or metal fixation piece;
Megalock, such locks on a laminate have an end docking area on tongues;
ClickExpress, this system is slightly better than the common Click;
the Unicklick locking system, which not only provides convenient assembly of the coating and maximum adhesion strength of the lamellas, but also guarantees assembly and disassembly of the flooring up to 4 times without damaging the laying elements.

The list is closed by a special class of laminated docking areas where aluminum parts are used. Such interlocking systems of the laminate guarantee the resistance to the separation force of the lamellas up to 1200 kg per sq.m, as well as the invisibility of the connecting lines between the laying elements.

When choosing a specific type of laminate lamellas for home decoration, it is useful to immediately assess whether or not disassembly and subsequent assembly of the coating is necessary. If you purchase a budget segment product that wears out between repairs, you can save money by choosing a product with a Lock lock.

For a pavement designed to last decades, it is useful to provide for the disassembly and assembly of the deck. For such a case, manufacturers will offer different types of laminate locks.

In order to understand exactly which locks on the laying elements will be most convenient in a particular apartment, we will consider in detail the properties of each of them. Laminate from different manufacturers, of the same strength class and thickness, may have different connection systems from each other. The final price of the products will depend on their complexity, so you should carefully choose a specific product when buying.

lock

The lock zone type Lock is deprecated. Her thesis description looks like this:

on one side of the lamella there is a groove along the length, on the other - a spike;
the spike has a toothed shape;
Laminate is laid with hammering one lamella into another with a rubber or wooden hammer.

It is easy to obtain a durable coating with the help of locking connections of the Lock class. It can be sealed with a wide range of adhesives and mixtures. But the Lock class laminate does not provide for the dismantling and reassembly of the coating. To do this without damaging the styling elements is almost impossible. In addition, if even a small amount of water gets into the joining line that is not protected by glue, the deformation of the base of the laminate board will quickly ruin the flooring.

There is also the problem of long-term use of flooring, created from elements with Lock locks. Over time, due to mechanical deformation of the lamellas under load, the connecting line loses its strength. The material simply wears out, the spike of the castle is depleted. In order to minimize the destruction process, the surface under the deck must meet the strict requirements of 2 mm height difference per square meter. Actually, the industry standard was developed specifically for laminate with Lock locks.

Click

The most common, fairly simple and durable lock. It uses the same tenon-and-groove technology as the Lock connection. However, clogging is not required. You can describe the work with the Click lock like this:

the spike of the lamella has a hook-shaped bend at the end and a protrusion on the reverse side;
groove profiling corresponds to the tenon configuration;
Laying laminate flooring with the Click system occurs by inserting the tenon of one lamella into the groove of the other and light pressure with a rocking motion.

When the lock is fixed, a characteristic click sounds, which gave the common name to the class of docking zones. The Click system is convenient, simple, durable. Can be disassembled and reassembled up to 4 times. However, one of the shortcomings of the Locks remained. The tenon groove wears out over time and the connection weakens.

T-Lock

Tarkett has carefully taken into account the merits of the outdated Lock and the widespread Click system. The patented design of T-Lock implements the most notable advantages of the two systems. The slats are connected at a small angle, almost horizontally (unlike Click, where the initial parking angle can be 40 degrees), fixed with a guarantee of a strong connection. At the same time, laying is quickly done without distortions and cracks (which is what makes the Lock system attractive).

Today, Tarkett is not a monopoly and T-Lock locks offer dozens of brands in their products. Laminate flooring from lamellas equipped with such a system allows disassembly and re-laying of the flooring without damaging the joint area up to 4 times.

5G

In a laminate equipped with a 5G locking scheme, the lamellas are connected not only along the length, but also in the area of the end part. When laying the board, it is fixed easily, literally with one click. There is a small drawback of this connection system. It necessarily uses an aluminum or plastic fixing tongue that cannot be repaired. Its failure means that the laying board will have to be replaced.

The 5G system is not widespread. The development company patented its invention, so other brands were forced to follow their own path.

Megalock

The very own way that companies have gone, trying to offer customers the functionality of a patented 5G system. Megalock provides fixation of the board from the end and along the length, but provides for a special procedure for assembling the coating.

The first row of lamellas is laid with the ends joined. It passes by inserting special tongues into the grooves of the laying elements, which can be purchased as ordinary consumable hardware.
The second row of panels is mounted offset.
The connection along the length is carried out in the usual way, each of the stacked lamellas is fixed in its place with a light touch of the hand.
In each row, the boards are connected by end zones using tongues.

The tongue-and-groove connection of the lamellas made it possible to achieve high maintainability of the coating, to provide many cycles of assembly and disassembly of the flooring, while treating the joining zones with special impregnations, it is possible to achieve complete protection of the interlock from moisture.

The advantages of various castle connections can be listed for a long time. The list contains many names and subspecies, most of which belong only to individual brands. The listed types of connection are enough to understand how one or another laminate on locks works. This is an excellent floor covering, characterized by durability, excellent aesthetics and a solid service life. And lock connections, which simultaneously speed up assembly and improve the quality of the flooring, will allow you to do all the work on decorating a house or apartment yourself.

Laminate is one of the most popular and sought-after floor coverings of our time. And this is not surprising, because its use allows you to give the room a completely different look in a short period of time. Today, there are a large number of manufacturers who make it in different colors, styles, textures, and more. Laminate is famous for being very easy to assemble. Gone are the days when everything was glued together. Now there is glueless technology. Special locks are used in the laminate. It is noteworthy that there is a wide variety of them. In this article, we will introduce you to all existing types of laminate locks. We will compare them with each other and discuss which one is better.

Why do we need different types of locks

Someone may object, but why, in fact, complicate everything and come up with a large number of castle connections? On the one hand, it may seem that it is best to rivet everything according to the standard, and then the installers will not have to bother at all. However, as practice shows, it is during installation that it often becomes necessary to have different laminate lock systems.

Already now we can safely say that some types of laminate locks are clearly outdated. They are used by the manufacturer only for the reason that he has old equipment. Some laminate locks are considered the most popular and in demand. Others belong exclusively to one of the many companies, that is, they have patented their development on the laminate lock, and no one can copy them.

So, if you look at the modern market, then you can find the following types of laminate locks:

Lock is the simplest of all.
Click - this type of laminate lock is the most common.
Tarkett T-Lock - this type of lock for laminate and is just the same patented.
5G - this system uses metal or plastic part fixation.
Megalock - this type of laminate lock is distinguished by the presence of an end joint zone on the tongues.
Click Express - in terms of prevalence, it can be compared with another Click system.
Unicklick - this laminate lock is different in that the coating can be assembled and disassembled at least four times.

Among other things, there are locking systems with aluminum, plastic and other elements. More about all this, we will present to you in this article. However, now we will give an answer to the question, why so many varieties of castle systems. For example, locking systems with an aluminum system are designed for loads up to 1.2 tons per square meter. Plus, after installation, a seamless effect is created.

But what if you need to dismantle the floors, for example, you live in a house where flooding often occurs. And if you disassemble the laminate in time, it will not be damaged. There may be other cases. So, you can choose a system that allows you to disassemble the laminate.

Moreover, the presence of one or another lock for laminate also indicates the cost of the product. For example, the Lock system is predominantly characteristic of a budget laminate. Plus, some locks can create an original picture on the floor during installation, whether it is a beautiful seam or a complete lack of a seam. So, now we propose to directly start comparing and studying different locks for laminate.

Lock system locks

This type of laminate lock is created by milling the lock part. The thickness of the locking element is equal to the thickness of the MDF board. So, on one side of the laminate panel there is a special groove, and on the opposite side there is a spike. A latch is built into them, which holds the laminate together in the process of walking on it. This laminate lock system has the following advantages:

Although difficult, it is possible to disassemble the laminate in order to re-lay it or replace individual strips. But without damage to the castle can not do.
Relatively simple design, which is located directly on the panel itself.
Laminate with this type of castle has a relatively low cost, which significantly affects the family budget.

For the sake of objectivity, we note the cons. If excessive load is applied to the floors, then friction will form at the joints. For this reason, the latches in the groove will begin to wear out, as a result, the connection will become fragile. This is one of the reasons why gaps often appear between the planks.

Click system locks

Unlike the laminate lock system described above, Click has more advantages. The assembly process of the laminate is carried out at an angle of 45 degrees. And at the same time, you should not make a titanic effort. If the previous lock can be damaged during installation, then these are not. Moreover, the docking is very tight and reliable. As a result, such a connection will cope with high loads.

Important! A number of well-known and expensive manufacturers produce such a laminate, where after installation by the Click system, the joints of the lamella joints are absolutely not visible. Of course, such laminate locks create a beautiful effect.

There are a number of positive aspects of this system:

Double mount at 45 degree angle.
After the installation is completed, the flooring has sufficient strength.
During operation, the risk of deformation is practically reduced to zero.
If you have certain skills, you can disassemble up to six times.
Even a non-professional in this field can handle the installation process.
No special building material is required for installation.
According to the information provided by the manufacturers, a floor difference along the plane of up to 3 mm per square meter is allowed.
During installation, it is impossible to damage the laminate.

What is better Click or Lock?

So, having considered the main features of these two systems, let's compare them with each other and immediately determine which laminate locks are better. If we talk about Lock, then this locking connection has proven itself positively for many years. This castle is considered the most affordable and inexpensive. After all, the lock is formed by milling directly on the lamella itself. For installation, you need to make a lot of physical effort, as a mallet / hammer and a wooden stand are used. Otherwise, the connection will not be fixed.

Important! This installation method requires special skills of the master, since if you make a little more effort, the laminate lock can be damaged. Often there were cases when the master missed the hammer and fell right into the thorn. The consequences are not the most encouraging.

Click, on the other hand, is a more modern laminate locking system. It completely lacks the shortcomings described above. The process of making a groove occurs in the same way, by milling. But as for the shape of the spike, it looks like a flat hook. The groove, in turn, has a kind of platform where this spike enters. As practice shows, the assembly process is very fast. It is necessary to bring the bar to the groove at an angle of 45 degrees. Insert the groove into the spike. And with a smooth movement, simultaneously pressing and lowering, a strong connection is formed. As a result, you can hear a characteristic click.

So, from this description and comparison, it becomes obvious which of these two laminate lock systems is better. Although you will have to overpay for the latter, the end result will be much more effective.

Lock systems

Lock with plastic plate

After a while, the manufacturers decided to improve the lamella docking system and added plastic to the laminate locks. This technology has characteristic differences and is divided into two features:

Springy. The main difference is that you can literally snap it in one motion. This plate has an important advantage - the speed of installation work. However, there are often clear barriers to quick installation. This is explained by the fact that the floors are always even. As a result, the lamella begins to succumb to deformation, which leads to difficulties.
Rigid. The snap-in design is the same, but the panels must be inserted in a longitudinal motion to connect. All this greatly complicates and delays the installation process. Apparently, this lock system is able to withstand a large load, there is no exact information.

But it is important to understand that plastic is used as a connection. And this material tends to break at the most inopportune moment and in the most inopportune place. Therefore, this type of lock for lamianat is not very popular.

Click with aluminum plate

This method of joining the laminate has its own distinctive features and now we will present them to you:

Easy installation of the cover.
Due to the presence of aluminum in the grooves, a very strong connection is formed that can cope with high loads.
This type of docking is able to survive 6 cycles of installation and dismantling of the coating for various reasons.
Possibility to create an airtight coating. So moisture will definitely not get under the laminate.
Can be mounted on absolutely different coverage, For example, concrete screed, wooden floor and more.

Important! According to the manufacturer, this coating is able to cope with a load of 850 to 1200 kg per square meter.

Tarkett T-Lock

As already mentioned, this is a lock patented by the manufacturer, developed using a special technology. This docking method can be safely attributed to the most progressive. Locks have relatively wide special elements, which, when approached, are joined without distortions and deformations. In this case, a large angle of inclination should not be given.

When docking, a characteristic click is heard, indicating reliability and complete fixation. Without deforming the lock, the laminate can be disassembled and reassembled up to four times. An important advantage is that this coating is convenient when laying in rooms with cramped dimensions.

5G

When using this technology, the docking process occurs not only from the longitudinal side of the lamella, but also from short end sections. There are no difficulties in installation work. The slats snap on very easily. But there is one significant drawback here. In such systems, there is always a plastic or aluminum fixing tongue. If during installation it is accidentally damaged, then it can no longer be repaired, as a result, the laminate board will automatically become unusable.

Megalock

In this case, docking is carried out not only on the long side, but also on the short side. The principle of connection is reduced to the use of tongue and groove technology. Due to this, the coating became possible to repair if necessary. Moreover, it can be disassembled and reassembled several times without the risk of damage to the coating.

Important! The Megalock lock system allows you to achieve complete insulation against moisture penetration. That is why these locks are used in combination with moisture resistant products.

Systems from other manufacturers

So, we have discussed with you the most common technologies that are most often found on the domestic market. Now let's pay attention to the lock systems that are patented by different manufacturers.

Uniclic. Laminate with uni click locks has an original latching system. Docking takes place according to the tenon-groove method, but without any additional tool. The result of joining the laminate with uni click locks is the complete absence of cracks, the divergence of the panels after a while, the absence of a visible seam.
ProLock and SmartLock. As for ProLoc, this locking system has found its application in rooms where laminate is being installed over a large area. Also in those places where there will be a serious load on the coating. The laying method has no problems, everything is simple. If the room is high humidity, then preference is given to the SafeSeal system. If we talk about SmartLock, then its joints are treated with a special moisture-proof impregnation. During installation, it is important to observe the correct angle in this case, no special problems should arise.
Pro click. The installation process of the laminate is carried out according to one geometry. Additionally, it is recommended to use special sealants to improve the docking properties. Even under surface tension conditions, Pro Click will not produce cracks or other defects.
ClickXpress, DropXpress and PressXpress. All these locks are inherent in one manufacturer - Balterio. Each of them has its own characteristics. Click Xpress allows you to achieve the effect of a seamless coating. Disassembly is allowed. DropXpress is U-shaped and resembles a 5G system. As for PressXpress, docking is done by pressing. No visible seams.
classen. This type of laminate lock is a representative of a German manufacturer. We can safely say that this is one of the most reliable and strong locks. The connection process is accompanied by a tongue and groove.
Witex. According to the manufacturer, this lock has a tensile strength of up to 1100 Nm / p.m. As a result, it is characterized as reliable and durable. However, there is an important difference and it boils down to the fact that the joint is treated with paraffin.

Conclusion

So, here we have considered all the important features and varieties of laminate locks. As you can see, they all have different types and specifications. We hope that this material has given you a lot of useful food for thought. After reading this article and watching the video at the end of the article, you can arm yourself with the necessary knowledge and boldly go to the store. This will ensure that you make a quality purchase.

When choosing a laminate, you need to pay attention not only to color scheme and the quality of the boards themselves. An important selection criterion is the type of board connection. Let's look at the types of laminate locks that are most used in modern models of this flooring.

All types of laminate are mounted using a glueless method, the lamellas are held only with the help of latches. This method is faster and more convenient to install, besides, if necessary, it is easy to replace the damaged part of the floor covering.

It should be noted right away that many laminate manufacturers are developing their own, unique and patented joint types. We will consider what kind of locks are in the laminate and general principle such connections.

lock

Such a connection is considered more economical, although somewhat outdated. The principle of such a lock is a tenon-groove, also called a driven connection, according to the installation principle:

During installation, the end parts of the lamellas are brought together.
Then, with the help of a mallet, they are knocked together through a wooden lining.

The disadvantage of such a mounting system:

Over time, from friction, the grooves are erased and loosened, forming cracks that can no longer be sealed.
It is better to entrust the installation of lamellas with similar grooves to a person with experience, since the locks of such a laminate are quite easy to damage during installation.

Lock with plastic plate

Especially for the fight against shortcomings, this type of fastener was developed. These plastic-coated laminate locks make installation somewhat easier and more secure.

Click-locks

Click locks - were developed relatively recently, but have already been found wide application. Most modern lamellas are produced with this type of connection, with various combinations. New technologies have made it possible to get rid of the shortcomings inherent in the previous type of connection.

All flooring elements with click locks are connected to each other at an angle of 45°. No additional steps or tools are required. With such a simple laying of laminate, even a beginner can handle it.

Advice! The higher the quality of the lamellas with click locks, the less noticeable the joint between the boards. For reputable manufacturers, the butt seam is completely invisible. This is what explains the popularity of such a connection.

Benefits of click-lock

Double fasteners located at an angle of 45 °.
Durable bonding fabric.

High safety of the click fastening system during installation: the percentage of damage is incredibly low.
A slight (up to 3 mm) deviation in the level of the subfloor is allowed.
These types of laminate locks last a very long time, without creaking or loosening.
The ability to easily disassemble and reassemble the cover with click fasteners up to six times without damaging the fastening system.

5g system

For even easier and faster laminate installation, the 5g mounting system has been developed. This type of lock allows you to connect the boards with just one click. The 5g system has a movable tongue that allows you to connect on both the long and short sides of the board at the same time.

Thanks to the 5g system, the panels are "fastened" to one another simply and securely. Many manufacturers have improved the 5g mount and patented it under their own name, but the principle of the laminate locks has remained.

Impregnation of laminate locks

The laminate board is quite strong and strong, but it has a weak point - the lock connection. That is why all types of laminate locks need additional protection. To protect against moisture, the fastening system is treated with a special wax impregnation.

This treatment prevents damage to the fasteners from dampness and moisture. In addition, waxing treatment allows:

Eliminate floor creaking over time.
Much easier to install yourself.
To increase the strength and resistance to mechanical deformation of fasteners under the action of gravity.

The method of processing locks with wax impregnation depends on the form of its release:

Liquid compounds are applied with a brush before laying the laminate. After laying the lamellas, the seams are wiped with a dry cloth.
Paste wax sealants are applied in a continuous layer on one of the panels before they are joined. The surplus that comes out is removed after it dries.

Advice! It is not necessary to cover the entire surface of the board with wax impregnation. In addition, it is impractical, wax can damage the water-repellent layer, which will lead to further complete uselessness of the laminate.

So, it's safe to say which locks are best for home and office. All experts recommend laminate with click fasteners as the most reliable and modern. And the possibility of easy laying the flooring with your own hands only confirms the correctness of the choice.

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;
more difficult process styling 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;
the possibility of mounting on an imperfectly 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, the name of the compound is translated as "castle". 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:

An attached board is attached to the board located on the floor at an angle of 0 °.
A padding bar is substituted for the opposite side of the lamella.
With light blows of the mallet on the bar, we achieve tight contact until the gap is eliminated.

Advice: padding should be done carefully, without undue effort, since when 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 lock is also called a lock.

The weak link in the design is precisely the comb, which takes most of the stress on itself. 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, subject to proper installation 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:

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.
The hook is driven into the groove.
The panel is lowered to the horizontal.
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. It 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, it is not necessary to assemble a whole row for subsequent fastening. 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.

Majority modern models Pergo laminates 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- the old technology is satisfied, at the moment it is quite common, but it is being superseded 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. Fairly easy assembly allows you to work alone. 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 laminate models 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.