Laminate is a popular flooring that is a multi-layer material. It depends on the type and quality of the components whether this finishing material will be moisture-resistant, abrasion-resistant, acid-resistant, shock-resistant.
Laminate is a floor covering with its own advantages and disadvantages. In order for it to serve as long as possible, you need to be able to choose it correctly. There are several types of laminate, the quality and properties of which are determined by the materials from which it is made.
What is a laminate made of?
The basis of the laminate is fibreboard (Fibreboard). This material is made by pressing, so it is able to withstand significant loads. On one side of the plate, paper with a pattern is glued. Most often, laminate imitates more expensive floor coverings: parquet, porcelain stoneware, natural wood, marble, etc.
The paper is protected with a layer of acrylate or melamine resin, to which mineral components are added to increase the strength of the coating. Next, the laminating film is glued. It determines the resistance of the laminate to mechanical damage, protects it from the effects of ultraviolet radiation. On the back of the fibreboard, there may be paraffin-impregnated cardboard, plastic or a layer of melamine resin.
The layers of materials that make up the laminate are connected in two ways: by glueless pressing and gluing under high temperature and pressure. The second method makes it possible to obtain a product with a higher wear resistance. This laminate can be used in high traffic areas. Compressed flooring is cheaper and is often found in residential apartments and houses.
What is the most popular laminate flooring?
The strength of the laminate is measured in Tabers. The blades are checked for wear resistance (abrasion) using a grinder with a rotating disc. The number of revolutions that the laminate can withstand determines the strength indicator - the tiber.
Currently, the distribution network mainly contains a laminate made in Germany, the wear resistance of which is from 1500 to 2500 tibers. These are products of the firms "Aicher", "Parador", "Kronospan", "Klazen". The products of these companies are environmentally friendly, resistant to moisture and chemicals.
Laminate "Elesgo" of the German company "HDM" is distinguished by the way its products are manufactured. The lamination of the canvases is carried out using electron beams, making them more durable. The same company produces accessories for laying and repairing this floor covering: underlay, grout for chips and seams, cleaning fluids.
Laminate French (Alsapan) and Swedish (Pergo) are of lower quality. Products of all companies have almost the same designs, but the color palette is very diverse: from unpretentious gray to poisonous green.
