A modern coating for finishing the floor is a laminate . In this article we will try to find out: what is laminate flooring in the apartment, what surface is best for it.
When laying laminate, an important role is given not only to the qualitative characteristics of the material used, but also to the conscientious preparation of the surface on which the laminate is laid. It is very important to prepare a high-quality roughing surface, so that later you do not have to face the problems that arise from the exploitation of floors made of laminate.
In order to understand what it is better to lay laminate flooring, consider some possible options. Basically, for laying on it laminate, in principle, any one is suitable, except it is carpet, it springs and promotes the deflection of the laminate.
Basics for laminate
The quality of laying the laminate completely depends on what is under it the base. If the surface of the base is smooth, without fluctuations in height, rigid, securely fastened, without flaws and unpleasant nuances, while using an equalizing substrate for cushioning, then high quality, when the floor is laminated with a laminate, will be achieved. If this condition is not observed, in time, unpleasant surprises will float: uneven load due to unevenness of the base, lead to loosening of the locks securing separate fragments of the laminate board, scratches and cracks may appear.
If we take into consideration the wooden types of coatings, then it can be plank floors, parquet, plywood, which has increased moisture resistance. First, you need to make sure that the coating that lies in the base of the floor of the laminate, has no flaws. If it is plank flooring, you need to check: whether they are securely fastened, fit tightly to each other, if necessary, replace all rotten or withered areas of the floor with new strong boards. After the audit, superimpose a waterproofing film on top, it's also good to use a substrate to level the surface, and then lay the laminate.
Old parquet floors, which are the basis for the laminate, should not be dried up, creak, otherwise it will have to be removed. If there are no problems with parquet, you can lay on it sheets of plywood, top to cover with a substrate, and you can lay the laminate.
You can not remove the tile, stone, if their surface is perfectly aligned, otherwise you will have to use a concrete screed, it is necessary to lay the insulation coating to prevent moisture.
It is not recommended to laminate the laminate on the used and deformed linoleum, this will also lead to negative consequences in the future.
You can put a laminate on the laminate, but the requirements remain the same: a perfectly flat and absolutely dry surface.
At the same stage, it is possible to perform the treatment of the substrate with protective agents, for this you can use ordinary linseed oil, but you can also use special means. In order for the base to be perfect, the old laminate is carefully inspected, and if cracks and cracks are found in it, they are sealed with sealants.
On the old used laminate, which is waterproof, reliably strengthened and not cranky, with all the defects removed, it is enough to lay the substrate on top, performing both protective and leveling function, and you can safely lay a new laminate.