Laminate is a popular floor covering, the areas of application of which were limited by its low moisture resistance. Even wet cleaning gradually led to swelling of the slabs and deformation of the seams. The appearance on the market of products with increased moisture resistance has made it possible to install laminate flooring in rooms with high levels of humidity - in kitchens, bathrooms, corridors - and for frequent wet cleaning.

What is the difference between moisture-resistant laminate and water-resistant laminate?

Which laminate is moisture resistant?

This type of flooring includes laminate, which can withstand moisture in the air and short time withstand direct exposure to water. Moisture-resistant floor panels include high-density fiberboard, to which is added:

• special resins– from 4% to 8%, their specific amount is determined by the percentage of deciduous and coniferous species in raw materials;
• pectol– designed to increase strength characteristics, its presence allows you to reduce the thickness of the panel without loss of strength;
• water repellents– rosin or paraffin – they increase moisture resistance;
• antiseptics– increase stability flooring to the appearance of mold.

Not only the slabs, but also the seams between them should be moisture resistant. To do this, the locking joint is impregnated with paraffin or wax under high temperature conditions. This protective layer prevents moisture from penetrating the wood fibers.

Moisture resistance of seams is an important detail.

Attention! If the slab has swollen as a result of exposure to moisture, drying it is useless. It is necessary to replace all or part of the coating.

Which laminate is called waterproof?

This type of flooring can be divided into two groups: limited water-resistant and water-resistant. The first group includes panels, which, like moisture-resistant ones, are made on the basis of high-density fiberboard with a complex of additives of various functionality. Manufacturers clearly indicate the maximum allowable time of direct contact with water. This coating can be used, for example, when decorating a kitchen.

This waterproof laminate is made by extrusion from high-density polyvinyl chloride. In addition to being water-resistant, which allows this flooring to be used in the bathroom, this waterproof laminate has other positive characteristics, including:

• environmental friendliness and compliance with hygienic requirements - even direct contact of such products with food is allowed;
• ability to withstand contact without loss of performance even with hot water;
• resistance to chemically aggressive detergents;
• good wear resistance;
• embossed anti-slip coating;
• relative non-flammability;
• reinforced locks;
• long operational period.

Structural components of a waterproof laminated panel:

• top transparent anti-slip layer;
• decorative layer;
• polyvinyl chloride plate - a load-bearing layer in which there are air chambers;
• hydrophobic base;
• tarred paper that acts as a stabilizer.

Thanks to the supporting layer with air chambers, waterproof material is characterized by:

• good sound insulation characteristics;
• high heat-saving properties;
• small mass.

Classification of laminate according to moisture resistance

There is no clear classification of laminated panels based on moisture resistance. Manufacturers usually indicate optimal applications on the packaging.

Manufacturers usually indicate optimal applications.

Approximate division of laminated panels by functionality, depending on the degree of their water absorption:

• Regular laminate, not intended for use in conditions of high humidity. Has water absorption in the range of 8-16%.
• Water absorption in the range of 2-8% is typical for moisture-resistant materials and coatings with limited water resistance. Such products can be used for corridors and kitchens. The time of direct contact with water is no more than three hours.
• Waterproof laminate – best option for installation in bathrooms and unheated rooms. Has very low level water absorption - less than 2%. This material is quite suitable for installation in bathrooms, bathhouses and other rooms, which are characterized not only by a high level of humidity, but also by the likelihood of direct contact of the floor covering with water, including hot water.

Let us consider in more detail the features of choosing moisture-resistant or water-resistant products for premises of various functional purposes.

Which moisture-resistant laminate is better to choose for the kitchen, corridor, hallway?

For installation in the kitchen, choose a moisture-resistant material with a non-slip surface. The thickness of the slabs must be at least 8 mm. The moisture resistance of the floor covering is increased by treating the seams with moisture-proofing compounds. Therefore, for this purpose it is recommended to purchase panels with a small chamfer along the edges - 1-2 mm. The chamfer holds moisture-resistant compounds well. The chamfer can be V-shaped or U-shaped, two- or four-sided. The U-shaped bevel is visually more attractive.

How to choose the most waterproof laminate for your bathroom?

The bathroom requires a floor covering with the highest level of moisture resistance - waterproof polyvinyl chloride. A board with a load-bearing PVC layer, thanks to its honeycomb structure, has not only high moisture resistance, but also strength. Manufacturers offer finishing materials with a reinforcing layer of mineral chips that have uniquely high wear resistance. In terms of variety of textures and colors, PVC-based laminate is not inferior to panels based on fibreboard. Additional benefit for such products there are no restrictions on use with underfloor heating systems, regardless of the heat source.

The joints are impregnated with a special hydrophobic composition. Saturated glossy color usually indicates deep impregnation. Such products are optimal for installation in the bathroom. A more transparent protective layer is a sign of surface treatment.

Advice! Glossy waterproof panels go well with ceramic tiles. You should choose laminated products that match not only color, but also shape.

Even high-quality waterproof laminate cannot be used under prolonged exposure to water. Even the highest quality waterproofing of seams will not be able to prevent water from getting under the laminated boards, which will lead to the appearance of mold and an unpleasant odor in the room. The best option for the bathroom there is a covering with detachable connections. If the floor is flooded with water, the panels can be disassembled, the base can be dried, and individual sections can be replaced if necessary.

For a bathroom located in a multi-storey building above the first floor, it is advisable to use only laminate flooring that is resistant to direct exposure to water. In case of accidents in heat or water supply systems, it will be able to completely or at least partially protect the lower floors from flooding.

How to distinguish moisture- and water-resistant laminate from regular laminate when purchasing?

When purchasing panels for flooring, the humidity level in the room is first determined. Can be used in the kitchen, hallway and corridor moisture resistant panels. In the bathroom and rooms with frequent and significant temperature changes (veranda, unheated room), it is recommended to install waterproof products.

How to determine whether a laminate is moisture-resistant or not? On the packaging of products with low water absorption you will see the words Aquastop, Aqua+, Waterresist. Also, the level of resistance to moisture can be expressed by pictograms in the form of water drops, an umbrella, a tap. The lack of moisture resistance is indicated by the “crossed out bathtub” icon. The box with panels may indicate the base material:

• HDF (HDF) - high-density fiberboards, are the load-bearing layer of moisture-resistant and limited water-resistant materials;
• PVC (PVC, polyvinyl chloride) - serves as the basis for waterproof products.

The swelling coefficient is important, characterizing the degree of decomposition of the material after its daily stay in water. For non-moisture resistant products it is 18%. Pay attention to the warranty period provided by the manufacturer if operating conditions are met. It is indicated on the packaging of the material or in the accompanying documentation.

Pay attention to the warranty period provided by the manufacturer if operating conditions are met.

The best manufacturers of moisture- and water-resistant laminate

Companies that produce high-quality and reliable panels with low water absorption:

• Egger is a powerful Austrian concern, whose production facilities operate in many European countries and in Russia. EggerAqua+ products are designed for use in bathrooms and other areas with high humidity.
• Vinyl coverings from the manufacturer Berry Alloc
• Kronotex Robusto brand panels (Germany) are moisture-resistant products of guaranteed quality, made on the basis of high-pressure fiberboard. On the surface- various options embossing. Such products are well suited for rooms with high humidity. Due to the absence of phthalates in the boards, they can be installed in rooms where children are constantly present.
• All laminate produced by the manufacturer Kronospan has maximum moisture resistance Aqua Stop

The price of moisture-resistant laminate made from high-pressure fibreboard depends on the thickness of the board, wear resistance class and brand. And the cost of a waterproof plastic laminate is approximately 2 times higher than the price of products based on fiberboard - it ranges from 1.3-5.0 thousand rubles. for 1 m 2.

When starting to make renovations in their apartment or private house, owners are often faced with the age-old problem of choice. And flooring is not uncommon here, especially against the backdrop of the huge selection of types and shapes presented on modern market building materials. So why has laminate become a real leader in this segment, what are its advantages and how to choose it correctly so as not to regret or be disappointed in the future?

Laminate is a pressed fiberboard panel (aka HDF), where each lamella is equipped with a four-sided lock, which makes it possible to lay the material on the floor without much difficulty. Even ordinary person without special skills and not a professional.

Melamine resins used in the manufacture of laminate provide it with high wear resistance and moisture resistance. Unfortunately, cheap types of this coating cannot boast of such characteristics, but they also remain quite resistant to mechanical stress, leaving no marks from the legs of heavy furniture or stripes from chairs. And another big plus is that the laminate is laid on the floor using a dry method, and this avoids the already large amount of dirt and dust that is inevitable during any repair.

Contents of the article:

1. Introduction

Currently on the market building materials presented huge selection products, and laminate is no exception. For an ignorant buyer, in this abundance and external similarity of samples, there is a high risk of encountering an outwardly attractive, but low-quality material. Therefore, the choice of coating should begin by paying attention to some subtleties, which will be discussed below.

2. Texture and color

It's no secret that many owners choose floor coverings based on color, as a result of which the decisive factor remains design solutions and personal tastes of the buyer. However, the most practical color, on which neither small specks, nor dust, nor even small scratches will be visible, remains light colors. The absolute leader among them was “bleached (milk) oak.”

The texture is also a matter of taste and aesthetic perception of the buyer and does not speak at all about the quality of the product. Any texture can be cleaned equally well, and, contrary to popular belief, a textured board does not collect more dust - this is just a myth.

3. Cost

The second thing that people always pay attention to after color and shape is the price of the product. As when purchasing any product, you should know and remember that free cheese happens only in mousetraps, and wait high quality A cheap but beautiful-looking coating is not worth it.

Products cheaper than 450 rubles per square meter will be short-lived and will very quickly lose their marketability appearance. The average price for economy class laminate flooring ranges from 450 to 700 rubles. When choosing, preference should be given to brands from European manufacturers or well-known Russian factories, remembering that, having saved on flooring, you will have to spend money on carpeting in the future to hide unsightly worn out and scratched slats.

It should be remembered that the floor bears the maximum daily mechanical load, and trying to win some money on laminate means dooming yourself to seeing an unsightly floor in a couple of years.

When the buyer has decided on price category products, you should pay attention to this important characteristic, such as wear resistance class, moisture resistance and thickness of laminate planks.

4. Laminate class

Laminate class is the main quality characteristic that an inexperienced buyer pays attention to. To understand the concept of laminate class in more detail, let’s study the structure of this building material:

1. Protective layer– acrylate or melamine resin, may also include corundum (aluminum oxide) – a very durable material. Protects laminate from scratches and abrasion.

2. Decorative layer– it is this layer that gives the laminate specific color and pattern. Represented by paper with a design printed on it.

3. HDF board- is the basis of the laminate. HDF stands for High Density Fiberboards, or high-density fiberboard in Russian. It is this part of the laminate that is responsible for most quality characteristics: wear resistance, moisture resistance, noise insulation, lock quality.

4. Bottom layer gives the laminate greater rigidity and stability, and also protects against moisture, mildew and mold. Presented in plastic or cardboard impregnated with paraffins.

4.1 European standard EN 13329

Laminate flooring is classified according to wear resistance according to the European standard EN 13329. According to this standardization system, a laminate board must pass 18 tests, after which it is assigned the appropriate class. In total, according to this standard, there are six wear resistance classes of laminate.

For residential premises, coating classes 21, 22 and 23 are suitable, and for premises with immeasurably greater traffic (offices, various institutions) a coating that is more resistant to abrasion is required. For such cases, you can use the 31st, 32nd and 33rd class of laminate as the most durable and durable.

Separately, I would like to note that there is a 34th class on the building materials market, but it is not included in the European standard EN 13329

At the moment, “home” laminate flooring of 21-23 classes has practically gone out of circulation. And “commercial” laminate – class 31-33 – is widely used at home.

4.2 Class is a relative concept

That is, purely theoretically, the higher the class, the longer the service life of a given floor covering. But in practice, it often turns out that a laminate with a lower class retains its original appearance longer than a laminate of a higher class.

There are two reasons why this happens:

1) For example, Belgian, German and Austrian laminate manufacturers, in addition to class, use such an indicator as the wear resistance of the top protective layer and designate it AC. And the laminate class itself from 31 to 34 characterizes the wear resistance of the HDF board. Thus, it may turn out that a laminate of the same class will have different wear resistance indicators of the top layer - AC. And in practice, we will find that a laminate with a higher AC will be more resistant to scratches and abrasion and will retain its presentable appearance longer.

You need to pay attention not only to the class, but also to other indicators: wear resistance of the upper protective layer (AC), moisture resistance, country of manufacture, quality of the lock, as well as reviews from other customers.

2) There is a European Association of Laminate Flooring Manufacturers (EPFL), and if any laminate manufacturer is not a member this organization, then he is not responsible for the class indicated on the packaging. Therefore, it may turn out that some Chinese laminate with a declared class of 32 does not even reach class 21 according to the European standard. In order to avoid such disappointments, you can check the manufacturer on the EFPL website.

The laminate class indicated on the packaging may not correspond to reality, beware of unscrupulous manufacturers!

4.3 Service life of laminate of different classes:

Since “home” laminate of class 21-23 has practically gone out of circulation, it is worth assessing the service life and characteristics of the “commercial” laminate:

Class 31 - service life in commercial premises with light load is 3-5 years, and in domestic conditions 10-15 years.

Class 32 - service life in commercial premises with an average load of 6-7 years, at home about 20 years.

Class 33 - service life in commercial premises with intensive load is about 8 years, at home about 25 years.

Class 34 - service life in commercial premises with more intense loads up to 15 years, in domestic conditions - up to 30 years.

4.4 Use of laminate of various classes at home

Class 31 laminate is perfect for bedrooms, wardrobes and closets (no need to overpay for the class)

Class 32 laminate is suitable for almost all rooms in your apartment, but if you want the service life of the flooring to be maximum, then for the kitchen and hallway you need to choose the highest quality and wear-resistant material, so you should pay attention to class 33 laminate from a trusted manufacturer.

Class 34 laminate is still more designed for commercial use in premises such as an airport, train station, night club, so its use at home is irrational, as it incurs large financial costs.

5. Moisture resistance of laminate

If manual or mechanical wet cleaning is periodically carried out in an apartment or office, then you should not neglect such an indicator as moisture resistance. In this case, it is recommended to purchase a laminate with increased moisture resistance. Manufacturers have not yet been able to achieve 100% moisture resistance for laminated parquet, and if the seller claims that the product is absolutely moisture resistant, this should alert the buyer.

For the bathroom it is necessary to use moisture-resistant or waterproof laminate. That's two different material, which differ in their composition. At the core waterproof laminate– a high-strength PVC board, and the moisture-resistant laminate is based on an HDF board with special additives. On the packaging of ordinary non-moisture-resistant laminate you can find an icon that indicates that this laminate cannot be used in rooms with high humidity. (You can read about the icons on laminate packaging below).

6. Board thickness

Finally, let's talk about the thickness of the product. This characteristic shows what mechanical load the bar can withstand. The thickness of modern laminate ranges from 6 to 16 mm, but for use In residential premises, 8 mm coating will be sufficient, capable of supporting the weight of heavy solid wood furniture without any consequences.

7. Laminate locks

Many people are concerned about the strength of the locks that will hold the laminate planks together. But, strange as it may seem to a non-professional, this point is the last thing you should pay attention to when choosing a product. It is almost impossible to visually determine the quality of a lock, especially if the choice is made not by a professional craftsman, but by an amateur. But this does not mean that this issue should not be given attention. In some products, the locking connections are obviously fragile, peel off, and break when touched with your hands.

When choosing, you need to take two planks of the selected sample and connect them yourself. If the lock is of high quality, the connection will occur without visible effort, and the seam between the planks will be practically invisible.

8. Environmental friendliness of the product

As mentioned above, the basis of the laminate is an HDF panel, and its composition, like fiberboard and MDF, includes phenol-formaldehyde resin. Therefore, such materials emit a gas hazardous to health - formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde (CH2O) is a colorless gas with a pungent unpleasant smell. The main danger is that this substance is associated with the occurrence and development of cancer.

The release of formaldehyde is standardized by emission class, which are designated as E1, E2, E3. For a standard laminate, an HDF panel with emission class E1 is used (up to 10 mg of formaldehyde per 100 g of board), this indicator is indicated on the packaging of the laminate.

As you know, the indicators on the packaging do not always correspond to reality, so trust your nose. If there is a strong odor when opening the laminate packaging, then you should discard such material.

Also, every potential buyer must remember that the laminate should not be exposed to thermal influences, since when the coating is heated strongly harmful substances will be released into the environment in greater quantities.

9. Designations on laminate packaging

Some symbols used on laminate packaging

Designations of the same characteristics on the packaging various brands laminate may vary

The image below shows the packaging icons for Aberhof Victory laminate flooring. For example, the first icon on the top left indicates that this laminate cannot be used in the bathroom and in rooms with high humidity. And almost all other icons correspond to those discussed earlier.

10. In conclusion

Before purchasing laminate flooring, you should definitely pay attention to some points that may mistakenly seem unimportant.

Firstly, you should carefully study the characteristics indicated on the packaging label and make sure that they are completely true. Also, the label must contain icons of the moisture resistance class, wear resistance of the product and the thickness of the strip.

Secondly, it is necessary to request from the seller a certificate of quality of the purchased coating. Make sure that the place of manufacture is the same as stated. It would also be a good idea to study the hygiene certificate of the product to make sure that it can be used in residential premises.

I hope these tips will help you choose truly quality laminate.

Laminate is a reliable floor covering based on HDF wood-fiber board, which resists impact destruction.

Advantages:

• Used in residential and commercial premises
• representative exterior;
• wear resistance;
• environmental friendliness;
• Easy installation and care;
• durability (manufacturer's warranty up to 25 years).

We offer collections from major manufacturers in Russia, Belgium, Germany, Poland, and Switzerland.

Laminate – colors, decors

The collections are represented by the greatest variety of colors, decors: textures of classic and unusual breeds wood, sketch for tiles, ceramics, stone, marble, leather, textiles.

The exterior of the plank representing parquet differs in pattern:

• Single lane
• Two-way
• Three-way
• Multiband

Imitation natural wood– brushing, sawn plane, hand-processed effect, embossing to match the design. Plane types:

• Extra matte;
• Matte;
• Matte-glossy;
• Glossy;

Laminate with bevel

Chamfer (cut at the junction of planks) - made from 2 or 4 sides of the plank. Gives lamellas a similarity to natural bulky boards and improves the exterior. They create floors with several types of chamfers - mini chamfer, extruded (repeats the outline of the wood species, famous for the abundance of colors), sawn, V-shaped.
There are no more issues with cleaning chamfered floors thanks to the water-repellent impregnation. These coatings are used in areas high humidity- kitchen, bathroom.
The price of a laminate equipped with a chamfer is actually equivalent to simple planks.

For connoisseurs of traditional varieties, we offer collections without chamfer.

Laminate cost calculation

The cost is per square meter, the properties of the coating have a great influence:

• presence, type of chamfer;
• lock type;
• antistatic;
• availability of special processing.
• country of origin,
• brand;
• coating resistance class;
• thickness;

Laminate planks come in various sizes (1.2-1.5 meters long, 0.15-0.2 meters wide), packaged in boxes (2-12 planks), so the cost is calculated per square meter. Planks of increased sizes are produced (ennobled large premises), non-standard proportions - square, double plank.

Laminate class

Laminate is a universal covering intended for any type of premises - residential, sports, office, educational, commercial. The wear resistance of the floor is determined by the degree of protection of the surface from external action (resistance to abrasion, furniture pressure, falling objects, combustion, moisture). In accordance with EPLF (Association of European Manufacturers) standards, coatings are divided into a number of classes:

• Class 34 - any premises. The coating will withstand extreme loads.
• Class 33 - residential premises, offices. High cross-country ability;
• Class 32 - residential premises, offices. Average cross-country ability;
• Class 31 - residential premises, offices. Low cross-country ability;

In industrial conditions, the floor undergoes strength tests, and the corresponding class is awarded through the Taber test. An abrasive disc is placed on the plane of the experimental standard and a check is made to see how many revolutions the disc makes before the first scratches appear. High-quality laminate of 33-34 classes can withstand up to 600 revolutions. Many manufacturers spray the surface with corundum (artificial diamond). The coating provides exceptional abrasion resistance.

Water resistance of laminate

Coverage is divided into 2 similarities:

• moisture resistant
• waterproof.

The waterproof coating has good resistance to moisture, thanks to the treatment of the joints with wax; it is not intended for high humidity areas.

2 image is created from improved HDF boards with increased density than any other moisture resistant board. The panels and seams are treated with a special compound that does not allow water to be absorbed. The watery substance accumulates on the floor in separate drops, which can be easily wiped off with a dry cloth. Waterproof coating is officially recommended by manufacturers for installation in bathrooms, hallways, kitchens, and other rooms with high humidity.

The high performance characteristics of laminate flooring make laminate more and more popular for finishing floor. A beautiful material, easy to install and maintain, characterized by high wear resistance and a variety of decor. The versatility of laminate use was limited by only one significant drawback - sensitivity to moisture. With the development of technology, the problem was solved - a moisture-resistant laminate appeared that can be used in previously inaccessible places.

Moisture resistant does not mean waterproof

Moisture-resistant laminate significantly expands the scope of application. When choosing a material for certain rooms, you should know how the coating will react to contact with liquid and whether it can be used in wet rooms.
Water for laminated boards (lamellas) is an aggressive, mobile medium, capable of penetrating into any cracks and irregularities and remaining there. Water resistance shows the ability of a material to resist the action of water and retain all its properties during prolonged contact with it.
Moisture, on the contrary, is practically motionless and evaporates well from open surfaces. Moisture resistance - the ability of a laminate to withstand high levels of humidity for a long time.
Resistance to water or moisture in the multilayer structure of a laminated board depends on the material and characteristics of the supporting base.

Laminate structure

Obviously, if the base is a fibreboard, which absorbs water well and swells, then such a panel cannot be waterproof. This means that it is necessary to exclude prolonged contact with water for such a coating.
For rooms that require a waterproof floor, it is better to use other materials that do not absorb liquids. For example, ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, etc.

Manufacturing technology

Moisture-resistant laminate

The moisture-resistant laminate is based on HDF - a high-density board, which is obtained by pressing solid wood fibers at high temperature and using a lot of pressure. To increase moisture resistance and prevent the development of mold and fungi, special antiseptic and water-repellent additives are added to the slab during production. The locking connection is impregnated special compounds wax based to prevent penetration humid air deep into the coating.
On final stage production, the finished planks are treated with a special composition against mold and fungi and applied special coating based on resin and wax, to increase water repellency properties.
The floor covering obtained from such lamellas effectively resists moisture and can withstand short-term direct contact with water without consequences.

Moisture resistance indicators

There is no clear classification for moisture resistance of laminated floors. If the manufacturer allows exposure to a humid environment for a particular collection, then there are special markings on the packaging.

Symbols of moisture resistance level

An indirect indicator of the moisture resistance of a laminate is the density characteristic of the HDF board lying at the base. The higher the number, the greater the resistance to external moisture, the more reliable and durable the fastening of the panels, which is important when creating a moisture-resistant floor.
Thus, the moisture-resistant properties of the material consist of three components:
. The density of the HDF board - the denser it is, the more difficult it is to saturate it with water.
. Wax impregnation locks - prevents moisture from penetrating deep into the coating. There are two types of processing - deep or superficial. Deep impregnation will protect the stove more reliably.
. Special treatment and addition of water-repellent mixtures to the base composition at the pressing stage.
Most modern manufacturers offer collections of moisture-resistant laminate. Trademarks, used in production modern technologies to improve the moisture-resistant properties of products and expand the scope of application.

Tarkett

The company uses innovative methods to create high-quality laminate flooring.
The use of high-density HDF boards ensures a high level of moisture resistance of the panels. In the factory, each layer of the board is impregnated with a water-repellent base.
The use of special Tech3S technology for coating the edges of panels with a composition containing wax allows you to reliably protect the joints from moisture penetration under the floor covering.
Of no small importance in creating a moisture-resistant floor covering is the patented lock system T-Lock, creating a high-quality fastening of slats.

Classen

The company uses Isowaxx technology, which provides high protection for the seams of the laminated coating from moisture penetration using a “moving” impregnation from a mixture of wax-based substances. During production, using specialized equipment, the laminated board is treated on all sides with paraffin compounds, which reduces the level of negative effects of moisture on the material to a minimum or completely eliminates it.
High density HDF board is used and patented EasyConnect end connection technology ensures reliable fastening slats.

Kronospan

The use of the Aqua Stop system, a special impregnation of high-density HDF boards, improves the moisture resistance of the panels. The use of DPL technology, simultaneous direct pressing of all layers, eliminates the appearance of chips and cracks and means the possibility of penetration deep into moisture. A high-quality interlocking joint creates a gap-free coating.

Kronopol

The laminated boards are based on a moisture-resistant HDF board and a stabilizing and at the same time moisture-proof layer made of a special film. The four-sided chamfer is coated with special paint for additional protection, and the joints of the lock joint are impregnated moisture-resistant composition which prevents the penetration of moisture.

Use and care

Moisture-resistant laminate is highly resistant to intense exposure to humid environments. Able to withstand short direct contact with any liquid, will not swell or deform. Calmly tolerates wet cleaning.

Clean up spilled liquid promptly

The emergence of a material with such characteristics has significantly expanded the scope of use of the popular coating. Now you can lay laminate flooring in rooms where frequent cleaning is required or there is a risk of spilling something - a kitchen, a corridor, etc. The main thing is to choose the right brand and appropriate care, carry out high-quality installation and protect the floor from large volumes of water, promptly wipe up spilled liquid, periodically carry out preventive treatment of joints and then laminated coating will last a long time.

construction yard

Moisture-resistant laminate

Classic laminated parquet is a thin, hard finishing coating for the floor. Due to its sufficient wear resistance and unpretentiousness, it quickly gained popularity, becoming one of the sought-after coatings for residential and commercial premises.

Characteristics of laminated flooring material

Structurally finishing material consists of four layers:

Overlay - a thermopolymer layer that protects facing material from damage, water, dirt. Depending on the hardness of this layer, the laminate is assigned a load class - from 21 to 43.

Decorative paper with the image of parquet, solid board, textiles, leather, stone surfaces. Thanks to high-precision industrial printers, a completely realistic simulation is obtained.

Load-bearing plate with tongue-and-groove Click-lock at the ends. Made from high-density fiberboard – up to 1100 kg/m³. The thickness varies from 6 to 14 mm; it is possible to treat the locking joints with hydrophobic compounds.

The bottom stabilizing layer, which is paper impregnated with synthetic resins. Protects the coating from residual moisture of the subfloor and significantly reduces the risk of deformation of the planks.

Advantages of PVC and HDF laminate

Laminate has many advantages. Including:

• a wide selection of decors and shades;
• excellent wear resistance;
• moderate moisture resistance;
• the ability to replace the damaged area;
• repair of minor local defects is allowed;
• good size range;
• compatibility with floor heating systems (water, infrared, electric from the “soft heat” series);
• prices for any budget - from 280 RUR/m² and more.

Disadvantages of laminated coating

Let's note the disadvantages flooring material. First of all, these are high requirements for the foundation, as well as the need to install complete sound insulation under a concrete or dry screed (for apartment buildings from the 2nd floor and above).

In addition, HDF flooring is not waterproof, so when exposed to liquids for a long time, the planks swell and become deformed.

The choice of laminate for an apartment or private house is determined by two indicators: the purpose of the room and the operational load.

The latter combines a number of damaging factors: the level of foot traffic, the presence of abrasives, the likely impact of dog and cat claws, the risk of cigarette ashes, water, coloring and caustic liquids, etc.

Choosing a laminate for a specific room

Based on the above, consultants recommend:

For bedrooms, children's rooms, guest rooms and other rooms with low traffic - a coating of 23 and 31 wear resistance classes with a thickness of 7–8 mm.

For halls, offices, kitchens, hallways, loggias - laminated parquet of load category 31–32 with a cross-section of 8–10 mm with moisture-resistant impregnation of the locks. In extreme cases, when laying, you can treat the joints with special compounds or sealing compounds.