Laminate can be laid on the floor without glue if it is a high quality material. Budget options can swell from moisture that penetrates from untreated (cut) ends. Adhesive for laminate flooring eliminates the accumulation of dirt in the seams, water penetration, the formation of mildew and mildew.
Why do you need glue when laying laminate
Lamels glued to each other give more reliable coverage, which will not dry out from adverse influences. In laminate, seam structures are a weak point, because sometimes they work in damp conditions. For example, on the first floor of a high-rise building, if there are sewerage and water supply leaks in the basement.
Glue action:
- Water repellent effect. If the contact surfaces are protected from moisture, moisture does not accumulate inside the boards.
- Extension of the service life. Even when exposed to a significant amount of moisture, the seams will not disperse.
- Eliminate deflection floor covering by fixing the joints. The laminate will be stable when walking.
Adhesives are usually water-repellent. Fixing the locks reduces the stress on the joints. In most cases, water-repellent protection of locks is not provided by the production technology at the factory. By sealing the laminate joints, the risk of destruction of the subfloor (slab, wood layer) is reduced.
Varieties of compositions
Adhesives are produced in the form of two-component and one-component compositions. In the first case, the components are diluted before use. In the second version, the glue is supplied ready for use; it does not need to be diluted.
Types of glue:
- Water-dispersive. Does not protect against moisture, the composition contains plasticizers, water, dyes, additives. Not recommended for laminate flooring.
- On a resinous basis. A durable moisture-resistant composition is called in another way "liquid nails". The formulation contains resinous binders that guarantee durability, performance, and moisture protection. The formulations are expensive, so their use is limited.
Popular manufacturers
Famous manufacturers:
- Thomsit. Products are characterized by normal viscosity, adhesion, plasticity.After application, the product withstands temperature changes and resists moisture. They are used not only for laminate, but also for boarding. The composition is compatible with the underfloor heating system. Sold in containers of 0.75 kg.
- KLEO Laminat... The adhesion of the adhesive to the mating surfaces is within the limits of the standards. The product is elastic, withstands vibration, temperature changes. The liquid composition is packed in 0.5 liter bottles.
- Kiesel. Differs in environmental safety for health. It is characterized by the fact that it is used for different classes of laminate. German products are sold in 0.75 liter bottles.
Alternatively, a sealant is used for joining the laminate. Most often used brand formulations Clik guard, as well as Masterfix... Both products show good resistance to moisture absorption.
Criterias of choice
Selection can be difficult, since the quality of the laminate differs depending on the class. For hard grades, the seams are additionally processed, so they do not need strong protection against dampness and deformation. But budget brands resist moisture only on the surface, and the joints need to be additionally insulated.
Composition selection principle:
- Water-based preparations are not suitable for laminate flooring. It is not recommended to use formulations based on synthetic thinners.
- The operating conditions are taken into account. For dry rooms, adhesives of universal action are used, and for bathrooms and kitchens, agents with water-repellent additives are used.
- Environmental cleanliness, the content of harmful components matter.
- The degree of plasticity of the adhesive is taken into account so that it does not cause cracking of the finishing layer.
They choose products from well-known brands. Manufacturers do not violate the technology; they use a step-by-step control method.
Application rules
Next steps:
- the next strip is attached downward with a tongue, it is knocked out with a wooden mallet or a hammer with a rubber tip;
- the remains of the composition are removed with a damp cotton rag;
- the installation of the boards is carried out with a displacement of the transverse joints, not only the longitudinal joints are coated with glue, but the end cuts of the laminate are processed with it.
