Many are convinced that the laminate is not a place in the bathroom, an entrance hall, the kitchen, where water often falls on the floor. Can this floor covering become invulnerable to moisture?
The popularity of laminate is explained by its high resistance to abrasive wear and various mechanical damage, as well as immunity to thermal impacts, UV rays and chemicals. However, this wonderful flooring, by 80-90% consisting of wood, there is a weak place - moisture-sensitive castle compounds of planks, and simply put, ends of the planks. Therefore, laminate, as a rule, is not recommended to lay in bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, where water often falls on the floor and is often stuffed. Moisture, penetrating the ends in the main slab, can cause the deformation of the latter.
Photo: Quick-Step
Of course, laminate manufacturers constantly improve their products. Some increase the density of the base, thus reducing its absorbency, or add water-repellent impregnation into the bearing plate. Among them are laminate from Aqua + Classic collections (Egger), price 1 m² - 915 rubles., And Sensation (Pergo), price 1 m² - 1400 rubles. Others offer radical ways of protection against moisture, replacing the wood-fibrous basis on the plastic, although this waterproof material is difficult to name laminate. When laying a conventional laminate in kitchens and hallways, experts recommend to miss the upper parts of the castle compound with a sealing agent, for example, from polyurethane or silicone resins on an organic solvent, and more eco-friendly wax compositions. All of them effectively protect the floor covering from the negative effects of water, but level the important technological quality of the material - fast and simple laying. This indisputable dignity retained a waterproof laminate from the Impressive Ultra collection (Quick-Step), the price of 1 m² - 1605 rubles. The special composition of Hydroseal, which prevents the penetration of water through the ends of the planks, is applied on them in the production process. Another interesting nuance: a chamfer, thanks to which the laminate from this collection becomes indistinguishable from massive boards, do not cut off, and pressed, while maintaining the integrity of the base.
Special protective composition on castle compounds of slats prevents the penetration of moisture to the basis of laminate and, as a result, its unwanted deformation
When laying a moisture-proof laminate from the Impressive Ultra collection, it is important to prevent the formation of gaps between the straps. That is why the size of the area covered (floating method, without fixing to the floor) should not exceed 13 × 13 m. UniSound, Unisound Pro and Coolheat substrates (Quick-Step) with integrated vaporizolation protect laminate from moisture from the base. In addition, substrates are compatible with floor heating systems and withstand high loads in places with intensive motion. It is necessary to exclude moisture to enter the floor and floor joint line, as well as for thresholds (door or decorating compounds of different floor materials). In these cases, it is best to use a sealant, such as Quick-Step Hydrokit.
Alexander Ivanov
Unilin Marketing Director
Photo: Bostik, Pufas, Pallmann, Quick-Step
Gel Clic Protect (Bostik), 125 ml (1 pack. - 295 rub.) (A); Protection of seams of Lami-Nata Click-Safe (PUFAS), 250 g (1 pack - 295 rubles) (b) and impregnation of Joint Protection (Pallmann), 0.75 l (1 pack - 1600 rub.) (B) Apply on ends and locks of planks (g)
