How to choose a moisture -resistant laminate

A couple of years ago it was impossible to imagine a laminate that was laid in a bathroom or in the pool. It seems that the tandem of the wood from which this coating is made, and the water, which inevitably enters such rooms on the floor, is impossible. However, today, in the production of laminate, innovative technologies are used, which make it possible to realize such a solution into reality. Today we will talk about how to choose a moisture -resistant laminate.

Content:

1. Features of a moisture -resistant laminate
2. Waterproof and moisture -resistant laminate
3. The choice of moisture -resistant laminate
   • Description
   • Load class
   • Properties
   • Price
   • Appearance
   • Connecting locks
   • Manufacturers and collections
4. How to recognize Chinese laminate

Features of a moisture -resistant laminate

Today, decorative housing decoration is simply impossible without the use of different flooring, among which a special place is occupied by a laminate. Such material is simultaneously very attractive, easy to operate and affordable, if you compare it with parquet and other flooring.

A modern laminate is used not only in living rooms (bedrooms, children, living rooms, hallways and kitchens), but also in bathrooms and showers. Some types of laminate that imitate ceramic tiles, slate and natural stone are laid even in saunas and pool.

Water resistance is the weakest place of any laminate. The top of any such flooring, as a rule, is able to prevent moisture. But, if the water fell into the junction of two laminate plates, then it will penetrate and continue inside, so in the future the swelling threatens. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to lay a waterproof laminate.

The technology for the production of a moisture -resistant laminate is similar to the process of manufacturing a standard coating. But plates are made not of chips, but from whole wood fibers. This already at this stage allows the material to become more waterproof. The process of pressing and special processing of wood fibers occurs at high pressure and high temperature.

As a result of such manipulations, the material becomes very dense, it no longer misses the smallest drops of water. In addition, the slabs after pressing are covered with a special solution, which does not allow the mushroom and mold when laying the laminate in rooms with high humidity (bathroom, bath, bath), and then the substance with the content of resins and wax, which repels it, is applied to it in several layers. water. Therefore, all the cracks are perfectly sealed, without missing moisture and without destroying the wood material itself.

The moisture -resistant laminate consists of such layers: a corrugated upper layer, a waterproof reinforced layer, a decorating film with a pattern, the main base, which is also waterproof, the attachment system and a substrate of a stabilizing nature. The main characteristics of the waterproof laminate are as follows: moisture resistance, impact resistance, lack of deformation from temperature and slip fluctuations, antistatic properties (dust does not settle on the surface), mold protection and environmentally friendly safety.

Waterproof and moisture -resistant laminate

When choosing Lamin, it is worth noting that there is a moisture -resistant and waterproof laminate on sale, which have some differences among themselves. The difference is fundamental for those consumers who decide how to cover the floor in the kitchen or in the bathroom, where there is an increased moisture level. Although the modern moisture -resistant laminate has high wear -resistant characteristics!

The waterproof laminate is persistent not to simple moisture, evaporation and dampness, but to direct contact with water. All the cracks that are between the laminate plates are closed in the most reliable way with the help of preheated wax. Some manufacturers guarantee the preservation of such a laminate after its stay in water for several weeks, since instead of a wood -fiber base, plastic is used. The best manufacturers of waterproof laminate are two German companies Grande and Castilia.

The moisture -resistant laminate is treated with paraffin and different compounds, which can only prevent moisture for some time. The basis of such a coating is a wood -fiber slab of high strength, but it does not withstand a long stay in the water, begins to rot and swell. In addition, a moisture -resistant laminate is able to change its volume when temperatures fluctuations.

Based on the above properties of water and moisture-resistant laminate, the following conclusions can be drawn. The moisture -resistant laminate is not afraid of pollution and wet cleaning, prevents the development of bacteria and fungus, and therefore is great for styling in the hallway and in the kitchen. However, it is better to take a waterproof laminate, which is opposed to the prolonged effect of water and atmospheric phenomena, is almost not deformed and not wear out as a coating for the bathroom, a sauna, a basin, a balcony and a veranda.

In order for a moisture -resistant laminate to retain its properties, you need to properly care for the coating. If water came to the surface, you should immediately wipe it without checking the water -repellent properties of a laminated board. Problems arise only when moisture passes through the panels, while violating the basis of the laminated flooring. As a result, the panels are gained by moisture, begin to rise and deform, and the floor acquires relief. Therefore, it is not advisable for a long interaction with water even the most high -quality waterproof laminate.

The choice of moisture -resistant laminate

Moisture -resistant laminated flooring today offer almost all large manufacturers. Therefore, it is so important to know how to choose truly high-quality material.

Description

In the description of a moisture -resistant laminate, as a rule, the word Aqua is present. For example, Aqua-Protect or Aqua Resist. On the laminate packaging in the marking depict an umbrella or a crane with a drop and similar designations that help to understand which laminate is moisture resistant.

Even unprofessional consumer can easily distinguish a moisture -resistant laminate. It has a specific green HDF plate noticeable during the section of the material. It is this layer that is absolutely resistant to moisture and dampness, prevents the reproduction of the fungus and bacteria due to antibacterial impregnation.

Load class

A popular criterion for assessing the quality of the coating is the load class. It is recommended to choose a minimum of 32nd class, for example, a moisture-resistant Dumafloor laminate. The optimal solution for the kitchen will be a 33rd class, which is stronger and wear-resistant than the coating of the 31st and 32nd class. Many buyers noticed that the moisture resistance of the 33 class coating will be much higher than that of younger relatives.

But the purchase for home use of the 34th grade laminate, according to experienced specialists, is not always justified. First of all, it is intended for commercial premises, and its price is much more. The durability and strength of the laminate will often depend on the manufacturer. For example, a German laminated board of the 32nd class in quality is better than Chinese or Russian laminate 33 class.

Properties

To figure out which is the best moisture-resistant laminate of several very similar options, it is recommended to look at the density of the density of the load-bearing HDF stamps: the higher the parameter, the more strength it has greater strength, and the moisture is less afraid.

Another important indicator is the swelling coefficient, which is determined using tests when the laminate in water is maintained for 24 hours. The estimated norm is 18% for this indicator. The lower the swelling coefficient, the more moisture resistant.

To check the quality of the laminate at home and its moisture resistance, do so. Sprinkle a small piece of laminate or take a ready -made sample for tests, put it in water temperature for 8 hours. During this time, he should swell no more than 18%. For example, if the thickness of the laminate is 8 millimeters, then the thickness after such manipulations should be no more than 9.5 millimeters. Practice shows that a poor-quality laminate will swell at 30-40%, and maybe more.

Price

Remember that the prices for moisture -resistant collections will be noticeably higher than the cost of ordinary flooring. And this is quite logical: the more expensive the laminate, the better it is, and its characteristics are better. It is definitely not worth saving on quality, choosing a cheap laminate of an unknown brand.

An expensive laminate from famous manufacturers will serve you for many years: the best laminate manufacturers give a guarantee for it for 25-50 years. Moisture-resistant laminate of economy class, but tolerable quality, in online stores costs a square meter of 500 rubles. Remember that there is no laminate of the 32nd class cheaper than 380 rubles per square meter. It is very often written on the price tags of such a laminate that it is made in Belgium or Germany, but in fact it was produced in China or in Russia. The price of a moisture -resistant high -quality laminate from European manufacturers, as a rule, begins from about 1300 rubles per square meter.

A compromise option, uncomfortable, but sometimes justified, is such a solution. You can put an economy-class laminate on the floor, which in a few years will need to be replaced with a more durable and high-quality moisture resistant, you will have time to pick up money for the purchase of such a thing. Fortunately, the installation of a modern laminate with locks is a quick process, relatively immature and inexpensive.

Connecting locks

When buying a laminate that is not afraid of water exposure, you must definitely look at the connecting locks. They should, ideally, firmly fix the panel with each other without gaps. If the castle mechanism is good, then after laying the laminate between the boards there are almost no cracks, and at the water of the chance to get into the joints. And if you even when laying a moisture -resistant laminated board make a good floor leveling and place a cork substrate, you can completely forget about your fears.

Laminate locks, which are a vulnerable coating site, can be saturated superficially or deep. Deep impregnation, as in the moisture -resistant laminate Tarkett, is able to protect the surface from the harmful effects of moisture, and the superficial can only provide water -repellent abilities. And you have to find out that there is something!

When buying, look at the product: locks with shallow impregnation are quite wet and slippery, but if the processing is done efficiently, then attempts to scatter the wax will lead to nothing. If some of the wax remained on the nails, this indicates a good level of surface treatment, but such a laminate will deliver some problems in the future, such as floor deformation.

Appearance

Laminate is a rather slippery flooring. Especially when the same ill -fated water falls on it. In order not to slip in the kitchen in the kitchen, it is worth giving preference to the flooring not with a smooth surface, but with a slightly embossed and structured.

A laminate is best suited for the bathroom, which resembles ceramic tiles in its structure and is distinguished by the following features: a non -standard form - small plates, the dimensions of which reach 400 by 400 to 400 by 1200; A pronounced shine, which allows the bathroom to make the embellished.

Manufacturers and collections

We mention only some large manufacturers of laminated flooring, in the assortment of which there are collections with moisture resistant properties. On the Russian market, the most famous brands: Pergo, ALLOC, moisture-resistant laminate WITEX, Kronospan, Classen, Quick-Step, Tarkett. A good reputation has a European -made laminate, which is made in Germany, Belgium, Norway or Sweden.

Such a laminate is considered more durable and high -quality. Many buyers in their reviews claim that it lasts longer, scratches less and withstands even large bays and floods perfectly. It is recommended to buy waterproof laminated coating only in closed pavilions and specialized stores, where there are all certificates of quality of such products.

Laminated coatings of domestic production are more affordable at the price. In addition, many well -known European manufacturers produce their products at their own Russian factories. Therefore, you need to pay attention not only to the brand, but also to the address indicated on the packaging.

It is incorrect to think that in our country an exceptionally bad laminate is produced. For example, some types of moisture -resistant laminate Tarkett are made of European slabs, and the characteristics of these collections are very good. Quick STEP laminate is made at the Russian factory made of slabs produced in Belgium. And the laminated boards produced by them in our country are successfully sold in Europe or States. The plant guarantee will equally apply to both Europe and our country.

How to recognize Chinese laminate

If you are interested in how to choose the best laminate, how to recognize Chinese material and not confuse it with European, it is worth using our recommendations. To get started, check the laminated smell. High -quality floor covering E1 practically does not smell.

After that, pay attention to the size of the laminate. If the board has a length of 1215 millimeters, and a thickness of 12.3 millimeters, then this is a Chinese product by 99%. Such characteristics of the laminate are determined by the factory settings of Chinese manufacturers of a moisture -resistant laminate, since a laminate with similar parameters is cheaper.

You should also check the laminated flooring marking. On the board of a moisture -resistant laminate of Chinese origin, they often do not write anything. In Europe and Russia, a marking is always present and the manufacturer is indicated. At the same time, the manufacturer is never written in a reduced version. Not correct if the laminate packaging is indicated: me in eu. It should be indicated: Made in France.

In addition, one can distinguish a Chinese analogue from a European high-quality laminate. Look at the color of its back. In the laminate produced in China, the reverse side has a brown color, and in Europeans - beige. But recently, cases have become more frequent when the Chinese also has a beige in the opposite side.

In addition, you can go v-bank in checking the quality of a moisture-resistant laminate. You just need to check the repeatability of the image on the boards. All manufacturers of an expensive laminated coating are trying to achieve such an effect when the laminate that imitates the wooden floorboard, it looked as much as possible to it. Remember that each plank of wooden flooring has its own unique individual pattern.

Therefore, self -respecting manufacturers of laminated coatings try to make as many planks with various drawings as possible. The minimum repeatability of the boards is 1: 6. For example, if you opened 4 packs and found that there are no more than 6 boards with different drawings for wood, then the manufacturer tried to save as much as possible. And if the company saves on this, then it is unlikely that it did not save on more significant characteristics. Now you understand how much a moisture -resistant laminate of good quality costs?

We will point out such an example. The manufacturer Unilin in the manufacture of a laminated Quick STEP board Largo collection adheres to the repeatability of a unique image of 1:60! But Chinese manufacturers, as a rule, make a moisture -resistant laminate with the repeatability of Figure 1 to 4 or even 1 to 3. Do not succumb to this trick!