Laminate, operating conditions in an unheated room. Is it possible to lay laminate flooring in an unheated room?

2013-06-12

Very often people ask one seemingly simple question: is it possible to lay? There are a lot of forums where this issue is put up for public discussion. Someone says “no”, someone writes “yes”. Each of them has their own experience, and some of them can boast and talk about . As a result, the answer suggests itself - is it all a matter of chance? Let's not make hasty conclusions, let's figure everything out in order.

Often, unheated room- this is a balcony or loggia, small Vacation home ik, where you want to create coziness and comfort. Before we put a good laminate on the floor, we are tormented by doubts, we ask for advice: how to make right choice. After all, each of us wants not to make mistakes.

Laminate base - HDF

So, what does success depend on? Of course, it depends on the quality and reliability of the brand. Wherein we're talking about not only about quality, but about its basis. It is HDF, its composition and structure that affects the quality of the laminate. It is made in two ways, either by taking crushed wood (dust), or by grinding wood fibers yourself, then gluing them together and subjecting them to pressure. It is worth noting that in the second case the slab is more stable to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. In addition to the composition of HDF, the type of wood itself plays a role in its stability in an unheated room. There are those breeds that are highly susceptible to changes, while others are less pliable. And as the final key, HDF impregnation (its composition, intensity) is responsible for counteracting moisture. There is one point: often the manufacturer does not convey such information to the buyer.

What to do if you can’t get such important information, but you still want to make a bed. Typically in production cheap laminate use cheap material. But also the most expensive laminate does not mean 100% guarantee. Each laminate manufacturer always stipulates the operating conditions of the laminate. And the price of laminate will not depend only on the quality of HDF.

Someone chooses the option of finding out about a certain brand of laminate on forums, how it behaves in extreme conditions and then make the final choice.

Correct installation of laminate flooring

But let's consider another option. What are the conditions for laying laminate flooring? The surface must be smooth and dry. Evenness can be achieved even with a basic self-leveling floor. What about humidity, you ask. This is where laminate underlays come to the rescue. Our main task is to protect the laminate from moisture. The minimum is to lay a regular bed plastic film- this is not an option. Here you will need something more: waterproofing film, plus the use of good thermal insulation. It would not be amiss to use impregnation for the seams and a special sealant.

To increase the vapor barrier on the floor, you can first lay plywood board, and only then lay the laminate on it. In addition, do not forget about laminate thickness, so an indicator of 7-8 mm indicates that such a panel will be less susceptible to deformation in the autumn-winter period.

And one more nuance - compliance with the conditions for laying the laminate: in rooms with high humidity(including in unheated rooms), in addition to using a vapor barrier, the laminate should be laid in a floating manner, leaving large gaps between the laminate and the wall.

Main conditions for using laminate flooring in an unheated room is compliance temperature regime. Remember, laminate is not only afraid of humidity and critical temperature, but sharp fluctuations. You cannot come to a cold country house and quickly light a fireplace or stove. No quality flooring can withstand a sudden change.

When deciding to lay, choose laminate from branded collections that have already proven themselves in the market. In addition, it would be a good idea to choose a brand of laminate with increased moisture resistance. Give preference , for example, from manufacturers: Witex, Quick-Step, Floor Step, etc. For more detailed information, you can contact our consultants.

conclusions. Is it possible to lay it? It is possible, but only if all the rules for its operation are observed.

Biggest laminate assortment can be found only on the pages of our online store Laminate-Parquet.net.

It would be a good idea to read our articles:

Collection Quick Step Serie Eligna- This is a great opportunity to create your own comfort. The product is developed based on the most modern technologies. The highlight of this series is its decors. Belgian brand manufacturers Quick Step were able to create the most believable illusion of a floor covering made of natural wood. Laminate is absolutely environmentally friendly. It is based on HDF hardwood slab. The processing of the planks contains harmless compounds that give the coating wear resistance.

Creating a complete, sophisticated interior for any room largely depends on the flooring used. His worthy appearance, high quality and durability are especially valued among most people. And to create cozy children's rooms, the flooring must also be environmentally friendly and safe.

Today many well-known companies They use several popular methods of applying patterns to laminate. Each of them is good in itself, but just recently appeared completely new technology decoration - direct laminate printing. The common name is DPR - Direct Print. Let's look at its features and advantages.

Modern laminate is composite structure simulating natural wood or other materials that are used for finishing floors in residential and office premises. Knowledgeable experts divide this flooring into several conventional classes, which differ in quality, durability and design.

Laminate construction - Laminate floors are quite in demand today. They are attractive in appearance, affordable price and durability. Modern manufacturing companies create a wide variety of decors that imitate natural materials(wood, stone, pebbles, sand, marble) and abstract patterns. There are also solid colors. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the photo gallery of our branded laminated floors. This material is successfully used in home and commercial interiors.

The wide popularity of laminate is due to the fact that it is in no way inferior in beauty to natural ones. wooden floors. Thanks to the use of innovative technologies, the colors of the laminate perfectly accurately convey the pattern, structure, and color of natural materials.

When choosing the type of flooring, in addition to the external advantages, you also evaluate the performance properties, as well as the period that this coating should last, or at least how long it is stated by the manufacturer. The service life of the laminate, which is what we will now talk about, is one of the most important issues that arouses keen interest among almost every potential buyer.

When does laminate flooring really need to be replaced? Obviously, when the floor loses its original appearance - the surface is wiped, gloss and color disappear, and obvious traces are visible external influence. Equally important is the condition interpanel seams. If the boards begin to diverge, then noticeable gaps appear between them, which means that the coating has served its purpose and must be replaced.

Laminate flooring is famous for its durability and strength. Naturally, a solid wood board will last longer in comparison, but it also costs an order of magnitude more. Considering options from more or less budget floor coverings, laminate remains the most durable and inexpensive product.

The service life of a laminate floor directly depends on its class. And the manufacturer's warranty is based specifically on the class of coating.

Today the market offers us materials of strength classes 31, 32 and 33, they are also called commercial. The name indicates suitability for use in commercial premises. But now these classes are also used when laying in apartments, houses and cottages for a more gentle household use.

If the laminate is installed in rooms with high traffic, the service life will not be unlimited, but quite decent. The approximate operating guarantee for class 31 is from 3 years, 32 from 5 and 33 from 6 years. In fact, the operating time of the coating will be even 2-3 times longer.

Regarding home use: please note that for domestic use, the warranty for commercial sectors of coverage will be many times longer. In other words, laminate flooring at home can last much longer than in commercial establishments.

Class 31 coating, laid in a room with light loads, where the abrasive effect is minimal, will last 7 years or more without losing its original appearance.

Class 32 coating used at home will last at least 10-15 years. At the same time, the floor will not lose its color, it will not fade under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, the quality of the upper protective layer and the strength of the panels will be preserved.

The 33rd class coating of a house will last indefinitely, in the literal sense. Choose a truly worthy manufacturer, properly prepare the base on which the floor will be installed, and in the future you may not need to replace the laminate at all. It’s not for nothing that serious brands can give a lifetime guarantee on their products under strength class 33.

What else needs to be taken into account when choosing a laminate class is the reputation of the manufacturer and the country of origin. It often happens that class 31 laminates made in Poland can have a 5-year warranty and will last about 5-7 years; as for German ones, it will be 10-15 years. But the price will be much more expensive. Everyone is free to find the balance between service life and cost.

Anyone can easily and quickly select the right laminated coating for a specific room. Before going on sale, laminate flooring undergoes many tests for sound insulation, protection from scratches and damage, resistance to water, light and abrasion. Before purchasing, you need to know the quality and service life of the laminate.

Main types of coating

Class 33 laminate is one of the most durable coatings. It can withstand water for several hours. It is also important to note good wear resistance of this material. Laminate flooring class 33 is usually used for flooring in commercial buildings that have a high daily foot traffic ( shopping centers, hospitals).

Laminate of classes 31 and 32 is also used in commercial premises, but with less traffic. It is best suited for office premises, banquet halls. This coating can easily withstand prolonged contact with moisture, and it is also resistant to scratches and abrasion.

Laminates of classes 32 and 33 may differ from class 31 mainly by additional decor - a special chamfer or gloss on the surface.

Experts also highlight laminated coatings of classes 21, 22, 23. These types are usually used for houses and apartments. Class 21 laminate is considered the most unstable and of the lowest quality; it is used mainly in bedrooms, which are distinguished by their dryness and which are rarely visited by family members.

Over time, manufacturers of laminated coatings have stopped creating models of these classes, since they are short-lived in operation, limited in use and are in low demand. This laminate was especially popular abroad and in Russia until the beginning of the 21st century, after which its popularity began to decline significantly.

Laminate class 31

Laminate flooring of class 31 is used in private houses and apartments, which are characterized by low and medium pressure on the floor. Some companies allow the use of such coating in commercial premises, but note that the service life of the laminate in this case will be significantly reduced.

The types of laminate produced under this class are known for their affordability, as well as a wide variety of additional decorations. Experts advise using a special sound underlay when installing such flooring or purchasing a laminate equipped with a sound insulation system in advance. The best solution will purchase cork backing.

Model qualities

This class of laminate is best suited for bedrooms, children's rooms, hallways, small corridors of office premises with a low load on the floor. To the main distinctive features This type of coating can be classified as:

the presence of a mechanical locking connection;
thinness of the boards (width does not exceed 8 mm);
when installed in a home, the service life ranges from 10 to 12 years.

Laminated coating class 32

The greatest demand for modern market falls precisely on the 32nd class of laminate. Floor coverings of this type are produced at almost all construction enterprises both in Russia and abroad. This class of coating is characterized by patterns on wood, Various types design, natural color.

In terms of its resistance to moisture, abrasion and wear resistance, class 32 laminate is much better than class 31, but its price is much higher. The main distinguishing features of this coating include:

the thickness of laminated boards ranges from 7 to 12 mm;
almost every laminate produced at the enterprise has a special non-slip surface, which helps ensure the safety of all family members;
The service life of class 32 laminate reaches up to 15 years residential buildings and up to 5 years in commercial premises.

This type will be good for use in a house or apartment with any level of floor load and daily traffic. It is allowed to be laid in corridors, dining rooms, and kitchens. Also, experts do not prohibit using it when covering floors in small shops, offices, and hotel corridors with low traffic.

Features of Class 33

Class 33 laminated coating is allowed to be freely used in both residential and commercial premises. No restrictions on this model no coverage installed. It is important to note the rather high cost of the material, which is justified by good quality and the corresponding characteristics:

The thickness of the laminate panels can vary from 8 to 12 mm.
A reinforced mechanical locking system is built in, which is particularly resistant to external pressure.
You can see beautiful and detailed patterns on the floor surface. The coating has an imitation under natural wood and others Construction Materials.
The large thickness of the panels ultimately creates good sound insulation and thermal insulation in rooms. If previously, to maintain heat in the room or eliminate unnecessary sounds, additional insulating materials, then after laying such a coating they will no longer be needed.
Laminated boards are particularly resistant to water, so they can be installed in any room (with a high humidity level). It is best to talk to the store manager about this property of the selected laminate model before purchasing.
The service life of class 33 laminate can exceed 20 years for residential premises and 10-12 years for public places and establishments.

Increased use time

Laminate is a coating that needs regular and proper care. To increase the service life of laminate flooring at home, it is important to choose special detergents, properly remove dirt from the floor surface and carry out regular cleaning.

It is important to protect the laminated coating from dust and contamination. To do this, it is best to use a dry cleaning method, which will help make the task easier: a vacuum cleaner or soft cloth will do.

Washing models of vacuum cleaners are not suitable in this case, as they can only damage the coating. When purchasing laminated boards, the seller must tell you in detail what is the best way to wash them and how to care for them.

In this article we will look at one of the most popular finished floor coverings - laminate. Here are the main characteristics of the laminate and its features. Let's compare different kinds laminate, load classes and laminate markings. We will also describe what the laminate consists of.

Laminate is a floor covering made from boards with a top protective layer impregnated with resins.

Main features of laminate.

Advantages:

ease of installation (assembly);
easy care of the coating;
antistatic - laminate does not accumulate static electricity and does not conduct electric current;
such a floor is quite resistant to stress;
The laminate coating is resistant to fats and alkalis (no need to additional funds to protect the surface);
panels can be replaced if necessary (the covering is disassembled starting from the last laid panel).

Flaws:

The coating is not sufficiently moisture resistant - it cannot be washed with big amount water;
requires a flat base.

Characteristics:

Manufacturers indicate many characteristics with pictograms;
wear resistance class - from 21 to 43.

Classes 21, 22, 23 are intended for rooms where the movement of people is insignificant (21 - for the floor in a bedroom or office, 23 - can be placed in all rooms of a residential building, including the hallway and kitchen). Class 31 and above are intended for premises where there is active movement of people;

flammability G2;
resistant to pressure (crushing);
lightfast;
formaldehyde release coefficient. Laminate coatings contain formaldehyde materials, so when purchasing, always request a certificate of conformity and a conclusion from the sanitary and epidemiological service. The content of formaldehyde should not be more than 0.01 mg/m3, phenol should not be more than 0.003 mg/m3;
moisture resistance. In moisture-resistant laminates, the main board of the structure has a greenish color. This laminate is used for finishing rooms with high humidity. Its lining contains antiseptic substances that destroy fungi, and the base itself ( wood board) is made with additives that reduce water absorption;
life time. The service life of laminates depends on their wear resistance class. The higher the wear resistance class, the longer the service life. Laminate from class 31 is considered high class, its service life is 15-20 years. But lower classes of laminates are more often used (due to their availability).

Service life and marking of laminate.

Service life 2-3 years. Scope of application: commercial premises with light load. At home, it can last about 10 years in rooms such as a bedroom or pantry (with low load). Designation:

Designed for use in commercial premises with medium load. Service life 3-5 years. At home, such a floor can last 12-15 years, even in rooms with high operational load (dining room, corridor, living room).

Operation in commercial premises with intensive load. Service life 5-6 years. It is almost pointless to buy such a floor for use at home. Some manufacturers provide a lifetime warranty for this class, subject to use at home.

It is also worth noting that now all classes of laminate are designed specifically for use in commercial premises and the service life is also indicated by default for commercial premises. This means that if the manufacturer gives a guarantee for the floor for 10 years or more, then this guarantee only applies to the use of the floor at home. There are no guarantees for the use of floors in commercial premises for more than 6 years.

Laminate structure.

Laminating film (overlay) is a coating that makes the surface of the laminate resistant to abrasion. This highly durable film of melamine or acrylic resin is “lamination,” which at one time gave the name to the entire product. This coating can be single-layer or multi-layer (composite). The surface can be either smooth or textured.
The decorative layer is processed and impregnated paper or furniture foil that imitates wood and all sorts of other textures.
The basis of the laminated panel is wood-fiber board. The base is made from chipboard material or fiberboard (from English-speaking manufacturers - HDF). The main properties of the slab are strength, rigidity, invariability of geometric parameters and the ability to withstand moisture.
Moisture resistant layer. Unrefined, resin-impregnated paper. It protects the overlying board (chipboard or fibreboard) from moisture and compensates for the surface tension that occurs after laminating the working layer of the panel.

Types of laminate.

Glueless laminate.

Glueless laminate is also called interlocking laminate. The panels are connected by snapping together due to a special form of cutting on the long edges of the panels - tongue and groove. When laying it, no special tools are needed, assembly is very easy, so you can easily do it yourself. Glueless laminate is recommended to be used in dry rooms with constant humidity and temperature, since otherwise the laminate will quickly begin to deteriorate at the junction of the panels. Easy to install, easy to dismantle for partial or complete replacement.

Adhesive laminate.

Adhesive laminate is suitable for rooms with high humidity, since the glue prevents moisture from penetrating into the seams - and this is the main advantage of adhesive laminate. The panels are connected to each other with a special water-repellent glue (not PVA). Glue is applied to the ends of the panels, after which they are joined. Excess glue is removed. Basically, the installation is very similar to the installation of glueless laminate. It is advisable to carry out work at a temperature of 10-20 degrees in a ventilated area.

Adhesive laminate, unlike non-adhesive laminate, is very difficult to dismantle for partial or complete replacement.

When purchasing laminate, you should definitely pay attention to the manufacturer’s advice, for example required quantity glue;
laminate is stored at a distance of at least 1 m from the walls, in a dry, heated room, without drafts. Before installation, unpacked laminate plates are laid in a row in the middle of the room at a temperature of at least 18°C and humidity up to 75%. And leave for 2-3 days. Each package is unpacked only before packing;
the base for installation must be level;
to hide the seams, it is recommended to lay the panels parallel to the incidence of light from the window;
even if the laminate is adhesive, you should not wash it with large amounts of water;
Detergents can leave whitish marks on the surface of the laminate.

The developments of modern technologies have given us the opportunity to purchase a high-quality analogue of parquet boards - this is laminate. Its cost is lower, but the appearance is also decent. Laminate has gained respect and demand among buyers around the world, which is not surprising, because it has excellent performance and properties.

The classification of use makes it possible to accurately determine the period during which the laminate will not reduce its properties and lose its good appearance.

Classification of laminate.

These days, manufacturing companies are actively working to create a more advanced top layer of laminate, and new ones are also being developed design solutions.

By external signs Laminate flooring has long been no different from natural parquet boards.

There are two main groups of laminate:

Laminated coating for home use . Its lifespan does not exceed 5-6 years. The price of laminate flooring for your home is lower.
Laminate for commercial use. Its service life ranges from 3 to 6 years when used in commercial premises. Commercial laminate can also be used at home, then its service life can reach 10 years. The cost of such coverage is higher.

According to European standards, these two main types of coating are divided into additional classifications based on wear resistance. Using a laminated coating in accordance with its classification will help significantly increase its service life.

Home laminate.

Class 21. This laminated coating has the shortest service life. It does not exceed 1-2 years. This is due to the fact that cheap building materials are used in its production. It finds its application in those rooms where the load on the flooring is minimal (pantry, bedroom, etc.).
Class 22. Its service life does not exceed 2-4 years. In its manufacture, materials are used that have strength and quality higher than that of class 21. Its use is also more advantageous in areas where there is no heavy load on the laminated coating. It could be Walk-in closet, room for children, bedroom.
Class 23. Flooring of this class has a service life of about 4-6 years. It has gained great popularity among the population. Laminate flooring of this class is installed in rooms where the load on the floor is higher: kitchen, corridor, living room, dining room and others.

Commercial laminate.

31st grade. Flooring is used in places where the load is minimal. As a rule, these are meeting rooms, reception areas, small offices, etc. The service life of the coating is 2-3 years. But, if a laminated coating of this class is used at home, it will last from 10 to 12 years.
Class 32. Used in places where the load on the flooring is average. As a rule, it finds application in offices. There the laminate can last for 3-5 years. But often this class of coating can be found at home. There its service life increases from 12 to 15 years.
Class 33. This type of coating perfect solution for rooms where the floor load is very high. For commercial conditions, the service life of this type of laminate will be 5-6 years. IN home use this coating will last 15 years, and possibly even 20.

Manufacturers do not overestimate this type laminate, saying that it has a forever guarantee. The main advantage of class 33 laminated coating is not only long term operation, but also an excellent appearance that will not change over the entire period of service.

Advice! When purchasing laminate, be sure to check all the documentation that accompanies it. It describes all the characteristics of this coating and image. Laminate for residential premises denoted in the form of a house.

The numbers and people indicate to us the maximum load on this type of coverage.

Advantages and disadvantages of laminate flooring.

Laminate is a good alternative parquet board.
It is very easy to care for. All you need to do is wash it on time, without polishing.
Installation of laminate is quite simple. You can do it yourself. By purchasing this coverage, you receive detailed instructions with installation recommendations.
IN finished form Laminate is no different from parquet, but costs significantly less.
Laminate flooring is environmentally friendly. It is perfect for allergy sufferers.
Laminate is much stronger and lighter than boards.
Any dirt can be removed very easily. If nail polish or paint has been spilled on the coating, you can remove the stain with acetone without fear of damaging the surface.
Laying laminate flooring is possible on any type of flooring: linoleum, hard floor, tile, wood, as well as on short-pile flooring.
The material is durable and wear-resistant.
The special film on the laminate will easily withstand intense loads for 15-20 years.
The laminated coating is not susceptible to scratches, dents from furniture or hairpins. If a heavy object falls on the floor, it will not leave a trace. The laminate is resistant to high temperature. If ashes from a fireplace or a cigarette fall on it, they will not leave marks on the coating. The laminate will not be damaged even if you roller skate on it. You can even draw.
The wood fiber core gives the laminate increased strength and a rigid base.
Laminate is difficult to distinguish from coating made of natural materials. Externally, it completely imitates trees valuable species. It is difficult to distinguish him. But laminate imitates not only wood, it can be made in the form of tiles, stone, granite, carpet and much more.

Main disadvantages.

The main disadvantages of laminate are:

The coating is not very durable. If you use it actively, its service life will not exceed 4-5 years. Although it was written on the packaging that the laminate will last from 15 to 20 years.
Laminate flooring is suitable for those people who often change the interior of their apartment. It is impossible to re-cycle or repaint the coating with varnish or paint. When its service life has expired, the laminated coating will simply have to be replaced with a new one.
The most important disadvantage is that no matter how beautiful and high-quality the laminate looks, it will always remain only an imitation of a wooden floor.

Advice! When choosing a laminate flooring, be sure to study its characteristics. Just looking at a photo of how the floor will look when finished or a video of its installation will not be enough.