What is laminate?
Do not be surprised, but laminate is the cheapest method of creating a "sexual" interior. The name itself is translated from Latin as a "layer", which completely determines the type of structure of this coating. Laminate board consists of four layers:
• lower - stabilizing, tightening and defending against deformation of the whole system. Experts advise to glue to this layer a soundproof tape for additional noise insulation, which is especially useful in apartments of multi-storey houses;
- of the main or carrier, which consists predominantly of chipboard, fiberboard or other fibreboard dense tiles. This layer is the most important, becauseit was cut out a special "lock", with which a laminate structure is fastened. It depends on it moisture resistance and the level of thermal insulation of the sexes. It will be treated appropriately with a special water-resistant impregnation;
- paper, which performs a decorative function. On this layer, a pattern imitating a tree, stone, tile or other surface is applied;
- top - acrylic or melamine transparent film, due to which the laminate is protected from abrasion and other loads. Some manufacturers offer laminate, where the top layer also performs the design function due to uneven texture, which enhances the imitation of natural material.
Laminate in a cut: 1 - the top layer;2 - decorative layer;3 - bearing layer;4 - the lower layer.
In the construction market, you can also find a laminate consisting of five layers. Between the decorative and the main lay a fixing, made of kraft paper. This significantly extends the life of this flooring.
Laminate consisting of five layers.
How to choose a laminate?
Many when choosing a floor covering initially face a dilemma: a parquet board or a laminate? Remember that these are absolutely two diametrically opposite materials! Laminated flooring can only imitate parquet, which is always made only from natural wood without additional synthetic interlayers. The wood is treated with oil and varnished, which are completely safe for health. The ways of laying these two coatings are also very different. First, the parquet does not require soundproofing substrates, and secondly, it is glued to the floor slab, in contrast to the laminate - a "floating" structure in which the planks are attached only to each other.
Choose a laminate will not be particularly difficult if you clearly know for which room it will be designed. All types of laminate are divided into classes. Each class defines the degree of load, the coefficient and abrasion resistance, as well as impact resistance. All these data are specified in the instructions for the coating that comes with it when purchased. Currently, there are four main classes: two for home use( class 31 and 32), for commercial use with increased load( class 33) and more robust for sports facilities( class 34).
Laminate mounting
Installing a laminate coating is a laborious and scrupulous process. But it is quite possible to carry out the installation yourself. Basically, the laminate is chosen in the form of boards or squares. As mentioned above, laminate panels to the floor are not attached, but as if "floating" on its surface, and each other are connected with locks.
Before laying, you must remove any irregularities on the floor plate. The surface must be absolutely smooth! It is leveled with a screed, or poured with cement, and after plastering. But the base of the laminate floor can be a ceramic tile, a linoleum, a floor made of boards. Above the base are a moisture-proof substrate, which can be a conventional polyethylene film and a noise absorbing layer to enhance the elasticity of the surface. Next install the laminate itself.
Laminate panels begin to be installed with a lock to the wall, retreating 8-10 mm to avoid further deformation due to seasonal changes in temperature and humidity in the room. Further with a small offset, the rest of the laminate panels are fastened.
Thus, armed with the necessary knowledge of laminated flooring, you can safely try to install it yourself.