Recently, more and more popular is the laminate flooring. Indeed, the laminate has a number of advantages: it is practical in use, relatively durable and has a variety of patterns. In addition, the laminate is quite simple to install, and therefore it can be laid even on its own.
Waterproof laminate for kitchen
Regular laminate, unfortunately, is very susceptible to moisture and under its influence can quickly deteriorate. Wipe the laminate with a dry or slightly damp cloth. That is why for rooms where the humidity level is consistently higher than in living rooms, ordinary laminate is completely inappropriate. It is, first of all, the kitchen and bathroom.
It is for such premises that waterproof and waterproof laminates have been developed. What is their difference from ordinary laminate and from each other? First of all, the main difference between a moisture resistant laminate and a conventional one is its denser base( HDF-plate of increased moisture resistance), as well as special wax or silicone impregnation of the locking mechanism. It is the presence of this impregnation that does not allow moisture to pass into the seams between the boards and does not allow them to swell. However, unlike water resistant, moisture resistant laminate will not withstand a lot of water on its surface.
The main advantage of a waterproof laminate is the ability to hold water for several hours. It also includes an HDF-plate with water-repellent substances added to it. In addition, this kind of laminate is treated with antifungal and antibacterial agents. However, it should be noted that waterproof laminate will cost much more than usual or even moisture resistant.
There are several types of waterproof laminate:
- Standard HDF-plate, the density of which is 900 kg / m3 and more. It can hold water for 3 hours at most.
- Aqua-laminate has a large volume of resin and can withstand water for up to 6 hours.
- Plastic laminate. Already by the name it is clear that its composition includes plastic, so this laminate water is absolutely nestrashna. On the other hand, the "minus" of such coverage is the unnatural and plastic appearance of the floor.
One package of laminate contains 10 boards, which are designed for 2 m2.But when buying, you should remember that you need to take the laminate "with a margin" of 10-15%, taking into account the waste and the complex structure of the premises.
When a suitable laminate is already purchased, you need to do it. The water-resistant laminate is laid in exactly the same way as usual. The difference is only the fact that under the waterproof laminate it is not necessary to lay thermal and waterproofing.
Before laying a laminate, you need to check the evenness of the floor, because the lifetime of the laminate on the uneven surface will greatly decrease. A curvature is considered permissible, which is 2-3 mm per 1 m2.If the curvature is greater, the floor needs to be equalized.
Wooden or parquet floor can be recycled, but the concrete can be leveled only with a self-leveling screed. However, it is also suitable for wood and parquet.
To do this, you need to buy a special construction mixture and in its preparation follow the instructions on the packaging. A single "recipe" is not here, because each manufacturer sets its own requirements in the preparation of a quality mortar for screed. Before applying, it is important to cover the edges of the walls bordering the floor with an edge band so that the screed does not get on them, and also prepare the floor properly. The surface on which the self-leveling screed will be applied must be clean and dry. The resulting solution should be poured so that it spreads over the entire surface of the room, and then, if necessary, trim the roller.
In addition to leveling the floor, it still needs to be soundproofed in order to avoid constant loud sounds from the steps. For this, foamed polyethylene must be laid under the laminate. It is sold in rolls, so the strips should overlap a little "overlap" and be held together by adhesive tape. If they are not fastened with an adhesive tape, they will move apart and interfere during the installation.
Special substrate for laminate
Also, when laying the laminate it is necessary to leave small gaps on all sides( about 1 cm).This need is dictated by the fact that when the laminate is lying down, it will spread a little and fill the free space. If you do not leave such gaps, the laminate will eventually start to boil and become unusable. Gaps are best fixed with wedges or brusochkami.
Leave no large gaps
When all the preparatory work has been successfully carried out, you can start laying the laminate.
There are two types of laminate according to the installation methods: glue and glueless( chateau).
To lay the glue laminate, you need to grease the boards with building glue and connect them by pressing together and fixing them.
Docking of laminate
This type of coating is quite strong, however it is, in fact, one-time. That is, if necessary, it can not be dismantled and re-laid.
Lock laminate on the principle of its stacking reminds the designer.
The process of laying the laminate
When laying the laminate, two boards are snapped and, if necessary, it can be disassembled and reassembled. To fix the boards you need to apply strength and, if necessary, you can even use a hammer. But it is not right to hit the boards directly with a hammer - this can lead to their damage. It is better to attach a bar to the board and hit it.
Docking with a hammer
To ensure that the laminate is well laid, it should be placed at an angle of 30-45 °.So the locks are better to get into the pacifiers.
Laminate fastening
You can lay a laminate along, across or diagonally. However, the latter option is the most difficult, and it is better to assign it to a professional. You need to start the masonry from the window.
This is not an obligatory requirement, but a recommendation, so that the seams between the boards are not so noticeable.
The laminate is lined with strips, that is, first you need to collect one row, then the other, and only then connect the two rows.
If you need a board shorter than the standard for the end of the series, you need to crop it. Best of all - saw for cutting metal or jig saw. With the remaining part you can start the next row.
Laminate should be stacked with "chess", otherwise it will sooner or later go to the seam. The displacement of the next row with respect to the previous row should be at least 40 cm.
When the entire laminate floor is laid, you can remove the spacers in the form of bars or wedges, and install skirting around the perimeter.
Special care laminate does not require, but to keep the shine as long as possible, it is recommended to regularly wipe it with special means.
Thus, the independent laying of the laminate is a fairly simple process. The main thing is to observe all the rules and recommendations.
