Laminate is one of the most common materials for finishing work. Most often it is used for floors, although some experts suggest using it when covering walls. Due to the high-quality imitation of natural wood, they will look unusual and attractive. The coating is considered wear-resistant, but still requires high-quality protection so that the surface not only looks attractive, but also does not deteriorate the structure of each layer. Let's look at the main ways to protect modern laminate flooring from moisture and deformation, and what to look for when purchasing to ensure that the laminate is reliable.
Special mastic
It is used on undamaged laminate flooring to protect it from future damage.
Mastic is sold both as a spray and as an emulsion. There are no difficulties with use - the material is simply rubbed into the surface (for example, using a sponge). Although the emulsion is more difficult to apply, it provides better protection for the slats. It is better to apply the product with a sponge
Note! When applying mastic, make sure that no unattractive stains remain on the surface. As a rule, they appear due to poor rubbing of the composition (this must be done along the fibers of the laminate)
The mastic must be applied carefully
A water-based emulsion, by the way, is somewhat easier to rub in. Simply dilute it with water according to the instructions and apply to the floor covering. In other words, you will wash the floor with the prepared mixture and let it dry.
Important information! Interestingly, mastic is not only glossy, but also matte. Regardless of the type, mastic protects equally effectively. Here you just need to decide what the resulting gender should be.
Master Class. How to use mastic
Step 1. First, purchase mastic and carefully read the manufacturer's instructions. Then proceed to prepare the floor - sweep it, remove debris, wash it thoroughly and wait until it is completely dry.
Floor preparation
Step 2. Next, arm yourself with a sponge (you can take a small rag with a little lint) and mastic itself. Apply a little mixture to a rag to gradually treat the laminate.
Preparation for applying mastic
Step 3. Gently rub the mastic in, moving in the direction of the pattern. Make sure that there are no untreated areas or places where the composition has been applied poorly. Do everything in stages, that is, start from the far corner of the room and gradually move towards the exit.
Rubbing in mastic
Step 4. After finishing the treatment, wait for the mastic to dry and remove any excess by wiping the floor. It would seem that everything is extremely simple, but in reality it is painstaking work that requires a lot of time and effort.
The floor is wiped after the mastic has dried
Note! After completing the treatment, try not to walk on the coating for at least a few more hours.
Using mastic
There is often a need for special protection. To treat the seams of a laminated floor, a special mastic for laminate is used. With its help, it is possible to improve the quality and durability of locking joints. This treatment prevents dirt and moisture from penetrating into the floor covering. As a result of mastic treatment, the following goals are achieved:
- A strong connection between the floor elements is ensured.
- Guaranteed protection against moisture.
- Dust does not accumulate on the boards.
- The floor covering is protected from mechanical damage.
It is not recommended to use mastic on material that has already received reliable protection during manufacturing. It will not be possible to achieve a better result, but you can only ruin the laminate.
Using mastic you can eliminate scratches and other defects on the floor surface. For this purpose, you can use solid or liquid mastic.
Before starting such work, you need to thoroughly clean the floor from dust, moisture and dirt. It is necessary to apply solid mastic in those places where there are detected defects. After treatment, the floor surface must be polished with any available means. A piece of fabric with a fleecy surface will do just fine.
If liquid mastic is used, its residues on the floor surface are removed with a plastic spatula. After applying the mastic to the damaged area, it must be carefully leveled and polished. It is not recommended to walk on the treated surface for several hours.
As a rule, the surface of a laminate floor is treated with mastic to achieve the shine lost over time. This is a rather complicated procedure, especially when it comes to a large surface. The mastic is applied to a fabric with pile and distributed evenly over the entire floor surface.
In the video: mastic for laminate flooring.
Advantages of using impregnation to protect against water
How to make varnished laminate flooring with your own hands
Protecting laminate flooring from moisture is the main requirement in the kitchen. The main advantages of using impregnation include increasing the service life of the floor covering. In the most vulnerable places it is necessary to apply a special impregnation. It is necessary to carefully process all joints and locking joints. This will provide good protection against moisture penetration, and will save owners from constantly repairing the floor or partially replacing it in areas of damage. A properly chosen moisture protection agent at the joints will be a reliable barrier against water getting into them.
Laminate must be protected from moisture
How to fix defects
Removal of swollen lamellas can be carried out without disassembling the row to achieve positive results. If the swelling occurs in a small area, you need to dismantle the floor covering and replace the damaged slats with new ones.
If the panels are swollen due to temperature changes, this problem is resolved as follows.
- We remove the baseboards.
- We take out the outer slats.
- We cut the edge with a hacksaw.
- We carefully place the cut lamellas in their original place.
- We install skirting boards.
After a few days, the “behaved” material should return.
The problem of bloating can be corrected in several ways. It depends on the reasons for their occurrence
If the material is swollen from moisture, you must:
- remove furniture from the room;
- open the windows and let the panels dry;
- You can try drying them with a hairdryer. It takes 3-5 days to dry the laminate.
If it was not possible to eliminate the defects in this way.
- Remove the damaged area. In this case, number the boards on the wrong side.
- Remove moisture from the base and leave the floors disassembled for 5 days.
- Remove any mold or damage that appears. Treat the lock joints with wax or oil.
- Place the slats in place according to their numbering.
- If the slats are completely damaged, replace them with new ones.
To avoid such problems, purchase high-quality and proven material. To do this, you will have to study its technical characteristics and reviews from previous customers. Be sure to lay the material only on a carefully prepared base with thick plastic film. Do not forget to leave gaps between the walls and slats of at least 1.2-2 cm. Treat all joints and interlocking joints with impregnations or water-repellent compounds.
To avoid such problems, you need to choose quality material
What is mastic used for?
Laying film under laminate
Laminate, despite its availability and practicality, has some disadvantages. For example, he does not “like” people walking on him in thin heels or dropping sharp objects on him, and does not tolerate high humidity in the room. Of course, there are types of laminate with increased strength and moisture resistance, but they, as a rule, cost much more than usual. For this reason, a simple laminate is usually used, which is not exposed to many negative factors.
Laminate layers
At the same time, you can protect even the cheapest laminate. Often wax or special mastic is used for these purposes. And to protect the joints from moisture, a special sealant is used.
Why do you need mastic for laminate flooring?
On a note! If you use a cheap laminate, you must first of all take care of protecting the joints, and immediately over the entire floor area. Due to the fact that the material is most susceptible to moisture, which tends to penetrate inside the boards through unprotected locks.
Table. About the use of laminate of different classes.
| Material class | Load | Where is it used? | Operational life, years |
| 21 | Low | Living rooms (living room, study) | 1-2 |
| 22 | Average | Living rooms (living room, children's room) | From 2 to 4 |
| 23 | High | Living rooms (kitchen, corridor) | From 4 to 6 |
| 31 | Low | Public rooms (for example, for negotiations) | From 10 to 12 |
| 32 | Average | Reception areas, office spaces | From 12 to 15 |
| 33 | High | Premises with high traffic (cafes, shops) | From 15 to 20 |
Special synthetic substances are used to make mastic, thanks to which it protects the lamellas from damage and increases their wear resistance. But note that mastic can be used to cover not only the surface of the material, but also the joints between the lamellas, so that moisture will not penetrate inside.
Mastic prevents moisture from entering the lamella
On a note! The first use of mastic should occur immediately after laying the floor covering. Therefore, it is recommended to buy it together with the laminate itself.
Mastic for laminate, parquet boards, parquet VALO
Laying and processing boards
What is necessary in order to do a high-quality installation of flooring? This:
- safety glasses and gloves;
- respirator;
- spatula made of rubber;
- sponge;
- soft rags.
After the material is selected and laid, it awaits processing. Lock connections especially need this. Although laminate is wear-resistant, in places where there are high loads, a material with a high strength class should be used. But laminate joints are more vulnerable. For this reason, they must be handled with care during assembly.
If the seams are treated in a timely manner with special wax, you can achieve protection from various influences, as well as the seepage of liquid when it hits the surface of the laminate.
How to Clean Laminate Floors
How to clean laminate floors
Is it possible to put laminate on linoleum?
Shaw laminate flooring is naturally durable and easy to clean. Here we'll give you a crash course on how to care for your laminate flooring and keep it looking great for years to come. The main thing you have to remember is that moisture and wood don't mix—period. Since our laminate flooring is made of wood, it is important to avoid exposure to moisture.
Cleaning laminate floors:
Do not use steam cleaners or wet mops as they can cause permanent damage to your floor. Use a damp cloth to blot up spills as soon as they occur. Never allow liquids to sit on the floor. To remove tough stains such as oil, paint, markers, lipstick, mascara or tar, use acetone/nail polish remover on a clean white cloth. Then wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any residue. Regularly sweep, dust, or vacuum your floor using a hard floor attachment (not a beater) to prevent dirt and grit from accumulating, which can scratch or dull the floor surface. Periodically clean the floor with cleaning products specifically designed for laminate flooring. Do not wash or wet mop the floor with soap, water, oil soap detergent, or other liquid cleaners. This may cause bulging, warping, delamination and seam line separation, and may void your warranty. Avoid using steel wool, abrasive cleaners, or strong ammoniated or chlorinated cleaners. Do not use any buffing or buffing machines to clean laminate floors.
For stains such as candle wax or chewing gum, ice the stain and then gently scrape with a plastic scraper such as a credit card. Be careful not to scratch the floor surface
Wipe with a damp cloth. More frequent dusting or vacuuming may be required in very sandy areas such as a beachfront home.
As appealing as it may seem, avoid using homemade cleaning products made from products around the house and remember: never get your mop wet! As we mentioned in the first point, never, ever use a steam mop. Steam mops use heated water to force steam onto the floor surface. The joints between laminate planks connect well and we work to make sure they connect very well, but they are not waterproof. Steam can penetrate joints, and steam is water. The steam from a steam mop can cause damage to the floor in the form of peeling, blistering and swelling. The floor warranty does not cover damage caused by such cleaning systems.
Keep your laminate floor looking new.
- Entry mats catch dirt, grit, grit and other substances such as oil, asphalt or driveway sealant that might otherwise remain on your floor.
- To prevent rugs from slipping, use an approved vinyl rug backing.
- Use floor protectors and wide load bearing foot supports/rollers to minimize the likelihood of dents and scratches from heavy objects. Generally, the heavier the object, the wider the floor protector.
- Maintain a normal indoor relative humidity level of 35% to 65% throughout the year to minimize the natural expansion and contraction of wood.
- Heating season (dry): It is recommended to use a humidifier to prevent excessive shrinkage due to low humidity levels. The wood stove and electric heat create very dry conditions.
- Unheated Season (Wet): An air conditioner, dehumidifier, or turning on the heat periodically will help maintain humidity during the summer months.
- Avoid excessive exposure to water during inclement weather.
- Keep pets' nails trimmed to prevent them from scratching the floor.
- Never try to slide heavy objects across the floor.
- Use a protective mat for furniture or chairs on wheels.
Laminate floor repair
Waterproof floor
Waterproof laminate flooring is not made from wood. His board is polyvinyl chloride with additives of another group of plastics. Sometimes a so-called mix is used, when granules of a different color or hardness level are mixed into the liquid mixture.
- completely indifferent to moisture. It can be washed, it can easily withstand exposure to rain, temperature changes, and operation at a constant high level of humidity.
- ideal choice for the bathroom. It practically does not change its geometry when heated, so the floor will remain beautiful and neat under any conditions.
- can be laid in baths and saunas. One of its varieties (based on the main material of the slats) is the so-called shipboard, a very popular floor covering for decorating outdoor areas.
Laminate polish
To give the flooring smoothness and a special gloss, after installation it is rubbed with a special polish. These products can be produced in various forms, both in the form of a liquid spray and solid mastic. There is no need to be very zealous and rub it into the floor.
Areas with significant damage deserve special attention. For a smoother and more uniform application, use a sponge or soft cloth
The mastic should be applied along the lines of the laminate board. This will avoid unnecessary streaks and stains.
For a smoother and more uniform application, use a sponge or soft cloth. The mastic should be applied along the lines of the laminate board. This will avoid unnecessary streaks and stains.
This process takes a lot of time and effort. However, the result will exceed your expectations.
Based on whether the laminate is glossy or matte, the processing agents are selected. If you make the wrong choice, all your hard work will be in vain and the floor will look ugly.
Additional information: How to treat the edges of laminate flooring for greater moisture resistance
If cracks or scratches occur while laying the board, treat the damaged areas with a wax pencil. How to treat a wooden fence post for the part that will be in the ground? It will easily restore the laminate and smooth out all the chips that have formed on the surface.
If the surface is significantly damaged, then apply a thick layer of wax several times, after waiting until the previous one has dried. Before use, the pencil must be melted, then lubricated on the damaged area and dried thoroughly. The main thing is to choose the right shade of pencil, then the flaws will be completely invisible.
To increase the moisture resistance of the laminate, the ends of the plates should be treated with waterproof impregnation before installation. We are not talking about some special preparation, but about ordinary impregnation for shoes. This type of treatment is suitable for inexpensive laminates belonging to class 31.
It makes sense to use it in those rooms where water is most likely to enter: corridors and hallways, balconies and kitchens.
You can also use regular shoe impregnation as a mixture for an anti-moisture coating, this liquid is suitable for laminate flooring that will lie in more dangerous places for moisture damage, for example a kitchen or corridor, where you usually take off your shoes after going outside, here it will be more appropriate than in other places.
An exception is the need to treat an area that is damaged or shows signs of wear.
These places need to be given special attention and the product should be applied with a sponge, and if you need to polish, then with a soft cloth. Apply the product along the strip so that the color is uniform.
Products for treating laminate flooring can be matte or glossy (like laminate flooring). It often happens that people, fascinated by the shine of glossy laminate, choose one for their premises, and then look for ways to make it matte, but this is impossible. Matte mastic is not suitable for glossy laminate: after treatment with matte mastic (emulsion), the glossy laminate becomes unevenly covered with stains and looks untidy.
How to protect laminate
skip to content
Help Center
Search:
Search:
- Laminate
- Basics About
- Types
- Tests and ratings
- Laminate Glossary
Story
- Choice
- Maintenance Tips
- Installation Guide
- Basics Construction and Types
Story
- Choice
- Maintenance Tips
- Installation Guide
- The Basics How It's Made
Types and brands
- Choice
- Maintenance Tips
- Installation Guide
- Substrate
Mol. Calls
.
Why is processing needed?
Installation of laminate boards does not require any special skills. However, to start processing it, prepare the following necessary supplies in advance:
- respirator;
- sponge;
- soft fabric;
- protective gloves;
- rubber spatula.
The main and probably the main requirement during installation is the sealing of joints and seams. Because the main component of a laminate board is fiberboard, and when moisture gets under the panel, it begins to get wet, swell and, as a result, deformation of the laminate occurs.
Today, a large number of manufacturers of laminate boards use paraffin in their manufacturing process. This is what is applied to the locking joints, which guarantees the product a longer service life and protection from moisture. Of course, paraffin-impregnated locks are an excellent purchase, but, unfortunately, not all manufacturers use this manufacturing technology to protect joints and seams from moisture. Considering that paraffin significantly increases the cost of the finished product, you should not chase cheap analogues, since the service life of such panels is much shorter.
There are several ways to independently impregnate locking joints:
- sealant;
- wax;
- polish.
Substances for processing
Wax pencils are sold for this. Wax protects the laminate, especially gaps, from impacts, overheating or other negative impacts. After this treatment, the laminate should be laid according to the rules.
Wax pencil for laminate
There are laminates on sale that already have waxed joints. If you look at it on the one hand, it’s great, because you don’t have to bother processing the gaps. But, on the other hand, the choice of such a laminate must be done with special care, because the wax may hide minor defects in the panel.
After installing the laminate, you can use various mastics or special emulsions, which are made on the basis of wax or polyurethane, for processing. Such means have a specific task - it is not only protection, but also insulation of board joints. They create an additional protective film that does not allow moisture and dust to seep into the laminate through the seams.
Before starting processing, the laminate should be thoroughly cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, removing even the smallest particles of dirt so that they do not penetrate between the boards along with the mastic.
Materials that are made on the basis of wax or other products containing it are recommended to be used only for processing seams , as well as for joining panels. This is because wax can leave noticeable stains on the surface. Therefore, substances that contain wax must be applied with a rubber spatula, using a small amount and only at the joints of the laminate. If excess appears, it must be removed immediately. The treated joint must be polished after 4 or 5 hours. At this moment, you need to wear a protective respirator so that the fumes do not harm your health.
Types of laminate
A room with a wooden floor looks very cozy
A typical high-quality laminate consists of at least four layers:
- The stabilizing substrate is a layer of thick paper (kraft cardboard) impregnated with paraffin or resin. It is laid under the base to provide the structure with moisture resistance and protection from curvature.
- The base is the thickest layer, which is responsible for the strength, resistance to deformation, and durability of the board. Connection locks are machined in this part
- A decorative element is a picture on paper that imitates a natural coating. The most popular images are wood, marble, granite, mat, leather, metal, ceramics
- A protective resin coating that protects the design from abrasion, gives it a glossy shine, and emphasizes the relief texture
Some manufacturers include an additional layer in the form of a special film that provides barrier protection against fungus and mold.
The product, which is suitable for installation in the bathroom, differs from ordinary boards in its higher moisture resistance characteristics. It does not swell, does not get wet, and with high-quality installation, water does not penetrate inside through the seams of the locking joint. There are two laminate options suitable for installation in bathrooms.
Moisture-resistant coating
Moisture-resistant board is afraid of prolonged contact with liquid
The base material used here is compressed wood fibers HDF (the English abbreviation means high-density board). There is a thick substrate treated with paraffin; locks and grooves of structural elements are also impregnated with it. All layers are connected with a special waterproof epoxy glue, and the top coating is made of a polymer film - it protects against abrasion, repels liquid, and holds it on the surface.
Such a floor is quite capable of withstanding short-term contact with water, but if an accident occurs and the room is flooded for a long time, the liquid will be absorbed through the joints and penetrate into the wood layer. As a result, the floor covering will swell, bulge, and become deformed. Also, the board gets wet over time due to frequent changes in humidity - so a moisture-resistant laminate is more suitable for a hallway, kitchen, or toilet that is not combined with a bathroom.
Waterproof coating
Here the base is made of durable, safe PVC plastic, which is absolutely insensitive to water. Even if the room floods in the event of a water pipe break, and the liquid sits for many hours, the board will not be damaged.
The weak point here is the seams, so all the ends and locks of the boards, in addition to the wax coating, are treated with a special silicone sealant
During installation, it is recommended to additionally coat the joints of the lamellas with an additional sealant. It will not hurt even if, according to the manufacturers of the chosen brand, the board has already been treated with a similar composition.
Most often, the plastic base consists of two levels, which are connected by vertical plates - as a result, a cellular air layer is formed inside, which provides reliable thermal insulation. The lamellas are more durable, resistant to damage, and durable. The plastic base is covered with decorative paper with a textured pattern, and the front layer is made of acrylate resin with the addition of corundum.
Corundum is a transparent mineral that has high hardness, resistance to acids, moisture, and temperatures. It is also called stone glass substitute.
The ends of the laminate are treated with silicone, the back side of the base is treated with wax. The top polymer film does not conduct static electricity. All levels are glued with a special waterproof glue.
The best heated towel rails for the bathroom, water and electric: 15 popular models with different types of connection | 2019
Sealing joints with mastic
To treat laminated panels, you should not use wax-based mastics. At the same time, if you need to seal the joints between the panels, you will need just such wax compounds. At the same time, during the processing of joints, you need to carefully ensure that the product does not get on the outer layer, because this may cause stains on the floor surface.
It is recommended to apply wax mastic to joints using a rubber spatula. Excess should be promptly removed with a damp cloth. After application, the treatment area should be polished using any suitable method.
It is recommended to work exclusively in a respirator, because when processing with wax mastic, harmful toxic fumes will be released. Of course, after crystallization of the protective composition, it will not be able to cause any harm to humans or domestic animals.
Mastic for laminate and other types of protective coatings make it possible to give this inexpensive, and therefore most popular type of flooring, improved characteristics.
They not only increase the impression gained from the appearance, but also significantly extend its service life.
With its help, you can enjoy the quality of the material and avoid some unpleasant surprises associated with its operation, but this is only possible if the correct installation of the boards and subsequent high-quality processing are observed.
Rules for using laminate flooring that will prolong its service life
- Wash the floor with plenty of water.
- Use abrasive detergents.
- Use sharp objects to remove dirt.
- Use moisture-retaining mats on the surface of the laminate.
- Lay carpets on the surface of the laminate, under which the heated floor system is installed.
Text: Natalia Stepanova
The article was published in the magazine “Professional Advice” No. 9 (2019). You can subscribe to the print version of the publication.
- For wet cleaning, use only warm water.
- If you polish laminate flooring, it can eventually become slippery, which can lead to injury.
- After each wash, water must be completely removed from the floor.
- Metal meshes and brushes should not be used to clean the floor.
- The same applies to abrasive products - they can leave scratches on the floor.
- Finally, alkalis and acids should also not be used.
How to properly wash laminate flooring As for the mop, it should have a flat surface. The fact is that ordinary mops can leave scratches on laminate flooring. The ideal option is to use a washing vacuum cleaner.
To extend the service life of the coating, follow a few more simple rules.
- You should not walk on laminate flooring in shoes, especially those with thin and high heels.
- You should always place special stands under vases with flowers.
- The legs of all pieces of furniture that can scratch the floor must be “disarmed” with special rubber caps.
- A damaged lamella can be replaced with a whole one, taken, for example, from under the bed, and the damaged one can be placed there.
- It is recommended to install mats in high traffic areas.
- Any spills on the floor must be cleaned up immediately, otherwise there will be a risk of damage to the laminate.
How can you wash laminate flooring?
Types of mastics for coating
To obtain a good processing result, you need to choose the right mastic. It is necessary to understand what kind of parquet mastic exists and what its features are. In construction stores there are mastics, colorless and with different colors. Colored mixtures can renew the coating and give it a tint.
Soluble and ready-to-use products
Mastic compositions for wood coating are divided into soluble and ready-made. Ready-made mixtures are sold in tubes sealed on both sides. This composition is easy to use: after laying the parquet board on the glue, rub the surface with this composition. Soluble mastics are sold in a dry state and require preliminary preparation: the dry mixture is mixed with hot water according to the instructions on the package.
Based on its composition, the material is divided into:
Types of mastics
- Water soluble. Dilute with water and use for oak parquet. If you use less water for dissolution, then it is used to coat other types of wood, except birch and beech. For a new coating, the product is used twice, and to improve the appearance of the old coating, a single application is sufficient.
- Water-based. These are universal compositions with components to protect against dirt, which are used on any surface of the parquet board.
- Wax. The composition contains wax, additives and turpentine. Rubs are used for maple, birch, pine and other parquets. They add shine.
- Turpentine. Ready-to-use mixtures are used to care for wood species that are less resistant to moisture absorption (birch, beech).
Hot and cold mixtures
Mastic for polishing parquet is divided into cold and hot compositions. The latter type is used for typesetting coating. It is made from a mixture of bitumen and rubber or pure bitumen. The mixture hardens quickly, and after a while you can walk on a parquet floor covered with this composition. Laying the mixture has a complex technology and is rarely used. The disadvantages are: danger of fire during application (temperature of the composition is 180 degrees); a special place must be equipped to heat the mixture.
Cold mastics are applied with a spatula (roller). The product hardens gradually as the solvent included in the composition evaporates. The hardening time of the mastic varies within two days. The paste may thicken, but this can be corrected by adding the solvent used for preparation.
Laying a vapor barrier film on a concrete base in houses above the first floor
We regularly encounter installation of laminate flooring on a concrete base in new and old houses. Basically, we do not lay moisture-proofing polyethylene.
If the house has stood the heating season and has central heating, then laying film under the flooring does not make much sense. We spread additional moisture protection in two cases:
- If the floor has recently been filled with a self-leveling mixture. The standard drying time before laying the floor covering is 5-7 days with the heating on.
- Leveling the base using a cement-sand mixture to a layer of about 50 mm. The full moisture release cycle takes about 24 days.
- You can check the residual moisture by spreading a newspaper or napkin, covering it with plastic wrap, securing the edges with tape and leaving it overnight. If the paper becomes damp, it is too early to install the laminate floor.
Laying film under cork and pine backing
Laying additional film under a substrate made of natural materials on a concrete base requires a slightly more strict approach. This mainly applies to surfaces leveled with a water-containing mixture.
How to choose high-quality moisture-resistant HDF laminate?
If, after all, the choice of flooring for the bathroom fell on an HDF-based laminate, then it is recommended to follow some rules when purchasing it. Almost all manufacturers presenting their products on the market produce moisture-resistant laminate. But to choose a truly high-quality one, you should consider some factors:
There are a number of requirements that a laminate flooring intended for flooring in a bathroom must meet.
When choosing a floor covering, you need to pay attention to its packaging. As a rule, the manufacturer indicates the increased moisture resistance of the material with the designation “aqua”. When purchasing a laminate based on an HDF board, you need to decide on its class
This indicator will tell you about the strength and wear resistance of the coating. As mentioned above, it is better to give preference to class 34. It is considered a commercial option and is used for flooring in public areas with high traffic volumes. And there are more than enough abrasive loads and moisture applied to shoes. The quality of the material directly depends on its manufacturer. Thus, products from European companies deserve more trust than products made in China. Most often, class 32 European laminate has even higher performance characteristics than class 34 material made in China. Having chosen a laminate from a certain collection, it is worth finding out the density of the HDF board. The higher this indicator, the stronger the laminated board. Another important characteristic is the swelling coefficient of HDF. It should not exceed 18%. You should ask your store consultant about this parameter. The cost of moisture-resistant laminated coating is significantly higher than the price of conventional laminate. In turn, class 34 coverage is more expensive than class 32 and 33. This factor should also be taken into account. The service life of European moisture-resistant coatings of this type is 25–30 years.
Joint of moisture-resistant laminate boards.
- An important selection criterion is the interlocking connections of the board. To prevent moisture from penetrating under the coating, as well as into the structure of the material, there should be no gaps between the boards when connecting them. This can be determined experimentally right away in the store. To do this, you need to ask the seller to demonstrate the operation of the locks and connect the two boards together.
- You should not choose a laminate with a smooth surface for your bathroom, as it can become slippery when wet. Therefore, the best option would be the relief texture of the board.
Sanding locks and seams
Diagram of a laminate floor.
Laminate is classified as a coating that has a high degree of wear resistance. He is not afraid of increased loads. In order for the laminate to delight you with its beauty for a long time, in rooms where there is an increased load on its base, you should lay material that corresponds to a higher strength class.
And even if this condition is met, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the castle structures. This should be remembered during installation. Careful handling of connections of this type must be a prerequisite.
Sometimes cracks, scratches, and chips appear in the panels. In order to return the surface to its original appearance, you can use putty and wax. The first of these materials covers up deep cracks, the second polishes the surface to the desired state.
Description of the problem
To understand why coating laminate flooring with varnish is rational only if a number of mandatory requirements are met, it is worth remembering how this material is laid in practice.
- The base is often not leveled enough. Existing types of substrates allow height differences of up to 5 mm to be ignored, while the recommended level delta is only 2 mm.
- The installation technology interferes with coating the laminate with varnish. It is floating, the laminate flooring layer is not fixed, nor are its elements connected. Slat boards can shift and deform unevenly.
- Lacquer laminate is subject to temperature deformation. This is the main danger for the external durable coating. The varnish may crack.
But the answer to the question of whether laminate flooring is varnished sounds positive. To do this, you need to eliminate the three listed important factors. In some apartments and houses they no longer play a decisive role.
- responsible repairers or builders carefully prepare the base for the laminate and ensure a level difference of 2 mm;
- When laying, very thin backings are used to ensure minimal bending of the board under load.
If the room has a good air conditioning system, the answer to the question whether laminate flooring can be varnished will be positive. With a constantly operating microclimatic installation, temperature surges and the deformations they cause are small.
Some tips for beginners
Joint in the doorway
- Silicone-based sealant does not bond laminate flooring. The gel prevents excess moisture from penetrating under the floor covering, so, if necessary, you can easily replace several panels.
- If expensive high-quality laminate is used for the flooring, then there is no need to use sealant. The joints of this laminate are already treated with a water-repellent agent.
- If a heated floor system is installed in the living space, then adhesive laminate cannot be used. Since this covering is not removable, and if the floor heating system breaks down, you will have to remove the entire laminate. This means that it will take time to lay a new floor covering and there will be material costs for purchasing new laminate panels.
- Laminate flooring must be laid along doors, windows or verandas, that is, along a natural light source. Otherwise, the falling shadow will emphasize the joints of the panels, which will make the room less aesthetically pleasing. If there are several windows in the room, then installation should begin from the large window diagonally. This method is more expensive, but the most effective.
Features of laying laminate panels
Joint of laminate with tiles
- The base for installing laminate flooring must be dry, clean and level. How to treat laminate joints before installation? Surface differences should not exceed 3-5 mm per meter. Otherwise, the interlocking joints of the panels will quickly become loose and become unusable, which will require additional time and material costs for dismantling and installing the laminate.
- If the differences in the base are more than 5 mm per meter, it is advisable to make a new screed and only then lay the laminate panels. A smooth surface of the base will allow you to correctly lay the underlay under the laminate in order to protect the floor covering from moisture.
- The first row of panels must be laid with a deformation gap of 8 mm. This gap should be maintained around the entire perimeter of the room using spacer wedges. This is done so that the laminate can “breathe” when the temperature environment in the apartment (room) changes and moisture does not accumulate under it.
- When assembling the panels, it is necessary to coat the joints with a sealant. Excess gel must be carefully removed with a sponge or wet cloth. All other panels are mounted in the same way. After laying the laminate, all joints will be sealed.
- The gaps that remain in the doorway can be decorated with elements such as baseboards or thresholds. How to coat the joints between the laminate and the baseboard? You can use the same silicone-based sealing gel.
- If the laminate board is joined:
- with linoleum, cover the seams with a plastic threshold;
- with tiles - cover the seams with an aluminum threshold;
- with a stone surface - it is advisable to close the joints with cork plates.
Joint with laminate
Treatment of panels with sealant
To treat seams and joints with a sealant, it is best to purchase one that contains silicone. Thanks to silicone, the service life of the coating will be extended. In addition to silicone, the sealed composition includes:
- chalk or quartz flour;
- antifungal agents;
- dyes.
Before you begin laying laminate panels, it is necessary to level the floor as much as possible. The smoother the floor, the fewer gaps there will be. After laying the boards, there is a possibility of gaps forming in the locks. It is best to seal them with sealant, since it is a kind of gel putty that is not afraid of high temperatures.
However, when choosing a sealant, make sure that it matches the color of the flooring so that traces of processing are not noticeable.
The laminate is swollen - what to do?!
The phrase “the laminate is swollen” usually means either
- that he hit the wall and a big wave formed
- or that the laminate swelled at the joints due to water ingress and bubbles formed.
Unlike previous problems, this one is more serious and cannot be eliminated on its own. I will now describe what needs to be done in this case.
When the laminate is swollen, further use of the floor threatens to permanently break the locks. Visually, this consequence of a violation of styling technology looks like a wave or a bubble. It is usually located in the middle of the room, sometimes with a slight offset to one side. When you walk on it, pressure is created and the ball moves. Sometimes this miracle of technology moves away from the floor by 2-3 cm; once we saw how such a wave was about 10-15 cm.
This unique incident took place in a country house. When finding out the reasons, we learned that the laminate was laid on a fresh screed. Judging by the circumstances, the craftsmen laid it without gaps from the partitions. There is no other way to explain such a huge swelling. In addition, the laminated coating rested on the plastic heating pipes. For this reason, we refused to correct someone else’s work, fearing that the laminate would crush two thin tubes with all the consequences.
This situation stems from the illiteracy of the performers. Masters are generalists, they say: “Watch, I’m doing everything right now. People fly into space, and here we put laminate.” And they do it... without the necessary technological gaps from the walls. The coating stays fine for some time, and then, having gained moisture, it expands and rests against the partition. Since the laminate cannot push through the wall, it begins to rise up.
This can happen if even the master made a small gap, but after installing the screed he did not withstand the required period of complete drying. More moisture was absorbed into the coating and as a result, the laminate rested against the interior ceiling.
The laminate is swollen - how to fix it?!
It is quite difficult to fix a swollen laminate that is resting against a wall, but it is possible. The first thing to do in any case is to remove the wall plinth. We dismantled the baseboard and made sure that the laminated covering was actually buried in the concrete partition.
Then there are two ways, both complicated:
- You need to carefully remove the laminate without damaging the locks. You need to file 5-10 mm on each side. It is difficult to dismantle the covering, since it rests against the wall and can be pulled out with a special bracket only by breaking the panels. The depth of the situation depends on how far the rows of boards are buried in the concrete. If there is no supply of material and the locking connection has plastic inserts, it is better not to try it yourself at all. As a last resort, at the discretion of the called specialist.
- The second option involves the use of technical equipment - an electric chisel (renovator). This is an electric or battery-powered tool, like an angle grinder (grinder), only for more delicate work. The nozzle used is a semicircular one with small teeth. I’ll say right away: sawing is physically very difficult. You have to put a lot of pressure on the instrument and the high vibration makes your hands itch. I usually saw through and finish with a sharp chisel. The semicircular saw blade becomes unusable; the chisel needs to be sharpened again.
It must be taken into account that after the operation, the laminate or parquet floor will not immediately return to its original horizontal position. It will take some time, about a week, before the coating is 90% level. And it will finally fall into place a little later. So be a little patient.
It should also be understood that after such a colossal load on the lock joint, its deformation and fracture begin. Therefore, squeaking may occur.
Grout for laminate cracks
As a rule, you need to buy grout for laminate flooring when, with use, microcracks, scratches and other minor damage appear on it. Despite their high strength, the lamellas can be damaged by any object, and then it is this composition that helps hide defects and preserve the properties of the coating.
In most cases, the main causes of problems are frequent movement of large furniture, falling of various heavy or sharp objects, or walking in thin heels. Such mechanical damage makes the boards look unsightly, which leads to further development of problems.
How does laminate grout work? It can quickly eliminate such defects. After applying the material, a protective layer appears that prevents moisture penetration.
! To prevent such a quick repair from having a detrimental effect on the finishing base in your apartment, we advise you to match the products as accurately as possible so that they blend in with the overall coating
Pay special attention to the products of those brands that the lamella manufacturer advises you
How to use the product?
- Buy a special putty for quick repairs: as a rule, it can be found in the same department where you bought the slats;
- clean the damaged area from dust and dirt, and stick a layer of masking tape around it, the purpose of which is to protect the board from impact;
- apply the product and level it with the coating using a plastic spatula;
- When the applied mixture has dried completely, remove the masking tape and any remaining product using a thick cloth.
Please note that most manufacturers today produce putties that are designed to fill all cracks as tightly as possible. They contain not only sealant, but also silicone and some other substances that guarantee high quality work.
As a rule, such materials are several times more expensive than others, but after their exposure nothing will penetrate inside the board.
! Despite the fact that the laminated coating is considered quite durable, it is not immune to damage. Stock up on all the necessary tools to help mask all kinds of damage as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Causes of laminate swelling
There can be several reasons for the swelling of the lamellas, and they can also be expressed in different ways. When they swell, waves and irregularities appear on them. The main causes of bloating are: poor preparation during installation. If the base is poorly prepared, the finished floor covering will soon begin to deform. In this case, the swelling can be corrected only by complete dismantling. After this, you will have to level the base and lay the flooring in a new way. Damaged panels will need to be replaced with new ones.
If a small amount of water gets on the slats and you immediately wipe it off, the impregnated material will not be damaged or swell. But if water gets on the material regularly, it will lead to swelling. Especially if gaps have appeared between the seams during operation.
There can be several reasons for laminate swelling
Use of low-quality material. Cheap slats swell on their own. The situation can only be corrected by completely replacing them.
Violation of installation technology. If the temperature conditions were not taken into account during installation or if the panels were glued to the base under conditions of high humidity or temperature changes, the material will begin to warp.
Laminate swells at joints for two reasons.
- Poor quality locks made from cheap materials.
- The underlay selected is the wrong thickness. If a thick backing is placed under a thin material, this will lead to the slats being pushed through and the locks cracking.
The material can also swell due to improper use.
Blistering may occur due to improper installation
About characteristics and properties
Mastic has a number of properties, including:
- increasing the strength of board joints;
- protection of laid lamellas (including from moisture);
- return of color brightness;
- protection of the laminate from mechanical damage;
- keeping the coating clean for a longer time.
Thanks to the mastic, the protection of the laminate from mechanical damage is increased. Bagi Mastic for floor protection
Despite the assurances of manufacturers that the laminate does not require any additional processing, in reality it still needs to be protected. Although there are exceptions - expensive high-quality material, if it really has such protection. Mastic can significantly increase the service life of the laminate. The choice of different compositions is simply huge, their cost depends on the characteristics and the manufacturer, but on average it is about 200-1500 rubles. a piece. Also, do not forget that you should buy only high-quality mastic - this will minimize the risk of problems with the operation of the treated floor covering.
Materials used for surface protection
There is a huge selection of colors that allows you to choose the flooring to suit any interior. You can easily choose an imitation of the most expensive wood species. Once installed, laminate flooring requires little maintenance, making it very practical. If you compare it with other materials, the price of the board is very affordable. But you can enjoy installing laminate flooring without any problems only if you follow the installation technology and if special treatment with wax or other substances is performed.
Laminate flooring in the apartment
What to do if water spills on the floor? Do the repairs again? Of course not, there are several proven methods that help protect laminate flooring from excess moisture. There are materials that manufacturers offer to reduce the negative impact on laminate flooring when exposed to moisture - these are various impregnations, wax, and films.
Initially, before finishing, you can make sure that the surface is dry and clean - this will be the very first protection of the laminate from moisture, since when laid on a damp surface, the material can become deformed and subsequently become unusable. If this is not done, then it will not be possible to protect the laminate using other methods, because the problem will be under the material. You can also lay a layer of polyethylene film on a dry surface if moisture and dampness seep from the basement.
Protective agents for laminate flooring against moisture
The boards are fastened to each other using the tongue-and-groove method, as well as with glue. The store may offer various adhesive mixtures for joining the material. It is important to use an adhesive that not only holds the boards together, but also has waterproofing properties that can protect the laminate from moisture. It dries in a short period of time, so you should use it carefully and carefully: apply glue and immediately attach the boards.
You can also use special impregnations that are made on a wax basis. They need to process the seam that forms between the bonded boards.
They must be applied using a brush to the joint, but to the back, not the front, side of the board. If excess product appears on the surface, it must be wiped off immediately with a dry cloth. After using the waterproofing material, the room must be ventilated for several hours.
