Laminate that is not afraid of water: waterproof frost-resistant coating

Practical and convenient, requiring almost no maintenance, laminate occupies one of the leading places in the ranking of floor coverings. And after waterproof laminate appeared, it became possible to lay it both in the kitchen and in the bathroom. Let's consider what it is, how it differs from the usual one and why it can be used in rooms with high humidity?

Features of waterproof laminate

This material is usually made from particle board, which is pressed under high pressure using formaldehyde resins. The result is a floor covering that is less susceptible to moisture than classic wooden floors.

One type of waterproof laminate is vinyl laminate.

The waterproof laminate is equipped with a special protective resin coating. (not to be confused with moisture-resistant laminate!)

Such a layer can protect the panels from swelling if water is quickly removed from the surface. If you leave the liquid on a regular surface for 2-3 hours, the boards in these areas will swell and become unusable. Waterproof laminate, in addition to the main protective layer, contains a special waterproof layer. Due to additional protection, moisture and water are not harmful to the surface, even if they are not removed for 3 or more hours. Manufacturers of waterproof laminate also treat locks and panel joints with a special compound. This further increases the coating’s resistance to excess moisture and water penetration.

Thus, the water resistance of the coating is determined by the following factors:

• the presence of a waterproof layer;
• treatment of the slab with resin impregnation;
• increasing the density of the personal income tax slab;
• processing of locks and joints with wax and paraffin compounds.

Advantages of using impregnation to protect against water

Protecting laminate flooring from moisture is a major 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

General advantages of waterproof laminate

A high-quality waterproof coating can be placed in water for several days and nothing will happen to it. The product obtains this property due to synthetic resin, which can withstand even strong hammer blows. Modern technologies for its production ensure reliable resistance of waterproof laminate to dampness and water, as well as to chemical influences. This high-quality coating perfectly retains heat for a long time. Deck laying of laminate is used for this type of coating.

This is ensured by the presence of air chambers located around the entire perimeter of the laminated panel. Installing waterproof laminate is simpler, as in some cases it eliminates the need to make expansion gaps. When the temperature changes, such a coating does not increase in volume, does not deform or dry out.

The only disadvantage of the material is the fairly high price. But, as you know, you always have to pay more for high quality.

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.

1. Poor quality locks made from cheap materials.
2. 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

Varieties and characteristics

Waterproof laminate is available in several varieties:

• Laminated panels that can withstand exposure to water for up to 3 hours without subsequent deformation. This is a laminate of 33 wear resistance class. Product density – minimum 900 kg/cubic. m. The cost of the material is from 600 rubles per sq. m. m.
• Laminated panels containing many synthetic resins. This class 34 coating will easily withstand six hours of exposure to liquid without deformation. The cost of the product varies depending on the manufacturer: 900 – 1500 rubles per sq. m. m.
• Laminate of PVC panels. This plastic laminate is a new product in recent years and is quite expensive (from 1,600 rubles per sq.m.). But the coating can withstand prolonged exposure to water.
• Vinyl laminate is an innovative coating with options for imitations and textures. Very durable, wear-resistant material, suitable for installation in areas with heavy traffic.

Swelling coefficient of plastic laminate: indicator value

This indicator allows you to accurately determine the degree of resistance of the material to moisture. The coefficient is determined as follows:

• a sample of the board used to produce laminate is immersed in cold water for 24 hours;
• indicators of changes in the material are taken, because under the influence of water the laminate changes its geometric parameters.

According to the EN 13329 standard, the material should not change its characteristics by more than 18%. Only then are the slats considered moisture resistant. The lower this percentage, the higher the coating's resistance to water. Laminate of class 32 and above has a coefficient of 18%. A product manufactured in European countries, namely Belgium, Austria and Germany, is guaranteed to pass the established swelling threshold.

Lamels are considered moisture resistant if the material does not change its characteristics by more than 18%

Some manufacturers of moisture-resistant laminate for the kitchen manipulate the designations of moisture- and water-resistant material. You can check the swelling characteristics using the technical data sheet. This document must contain the parameter Thickness swelling according to EN13329. If the opposite value is ≤18%, then the selected product is truly moisture resistant. For waterproof laminate this figure is significantly lower. For example, Alloc Original coating with a plastic base has only 8% swelling. And this information is indicated in the technical documentation.

Manufacturers

Belgian companies are leaders in the production of waterproof laminate. They managed to create a high-quality product - Aqua step, which today enjoys the greatest popularity in Europe and Asia, including Russia.

Aqua step laminate is not afraid of faucet and washing machine leaks. Nothing will happen to him even if the room is flooded from above. Now laminate flooring under this brand is produced in four collections:

1. Aqua step Original – covering for kitchens and bathrooms (laminate without chamfer).
2. Aqua step Shipdeck – laminate with bevel.
3. Aqua step Pearl 4 V – wood-imitation coating with a pearlescent surface.
4. Aqua step Wood 4 V – with a chamfer around the perimeter.
5. Aqua step mini in two design options: stone and tile.

Tarkett waterproof laminate is produced by groups of companies located in different countries, including Russia. Coatings from the famous Tarkett brand are supplied to many parts of the world. Features of waterproof laminate of this brand:

• The panels are treated with melamine resins, which gives the products high wear resistance and strength.
• The presence of two additional layers that increase the strength of the material.
• Ability to withstand large mechanical loads (950 kg per cubic meter).
• High water resistance, which products acquire thanks to the use of Ultrabase boards.

Witex laminate (Germany) has been produced for about 20 years and is considered an elite material. The coating of this brand has a well-designed and thought-out locking system called Loc-Tec. Thanks to this, the laminate receives special strength and reliability, and its locking elements, treated with paraffin, are not damaged when assembling the coating. Other advantages of this brand of laminate:

• non-erasable surface formed by using aluminum dioxide.
• laying not by adhesive, but by floating method;
• special water-repellent properties obtained through the use of Aqua protekt technology;
• the presence of Sound Progect substrate included in the products;
• bactericidal properties of the material.

Waterproof laminate of the Alloc brand is a product of the reputable Norwegian company Alloc. The features of these coatings include not only the high quality of the products, but also a number of innovations developed by professionals. Such “know-how” includes:

• Tongue and groove connection with aluminum locks on opposite sides of the panel.
• The panels can be assembled and disassembled several times.
• The panels of Alloc waterproof products are covered with glassine, which is based on melamine. This gives the coating and decorative pattern special strength and durability.

Waterproof coatings from companies such as Pergo, Kronospan, Quick-Step, Classen have also proven themselves well on the Russian market. Laminate from the above manufacturers is worthy of the highest rating.

Laminate of classes 33 and 34 from German, Belgian, Swiss and Norwegian manufacturers is the most durable and waterproof coating designed for installation in any room.

The German manufacturing company and also the popular European brand Westerhof occupies one of the leading positions in the building materials market in the niche of laminated flooring. The Westerhof laminate collection is represented by 34 classes. This class is endowed with the most durable, moisture-, heat-, and water-resistant parameters

The cost of coverage depends on the manufacturer and class. The assortment of domestic companies includes economy-class products, which can be purchased at a price of 500 rubles per sq.m. Laminate flooring from European manufacturers costs from 1,500 rubles and more per sq. m. m.

If you are offered a cheap waterproof product, then it is undoubtedly a fake, and you should refuse such a purchase.

Which impregnation should I choose?

The construction market offers a wide range of impregnations for laminate flooring. Natural wax is an excellent choice. It is used not only for protection against water, but also for proper installation of panels. It is applied to the locks on both sides. The use of wax will prevent the coating from squeaking during operation.

Also, joints with connections can be treated with a special mastic. In addition to good protection from moisture, it will improve the quality and durability of locks. After treatment with mastic, water, dust, and dirt will not get into the joints and locks. The advantages of using it include:

• strong connection of all floor elements;
• high protection against moisture;
• no accumulation of dust and dirt;
• excellent protection against mechanical damage.

It is not difficult to choose an impregnation for laminate flooring.
Using mastic you can get rid of scratches and minor defects on the floor. But if during production the product has already undergone preliminary protection from moisture, then re-processing should be abandoned.

Please note that all protective products can be glossy or matte. This should definitely be taken into account when purchasing. If you apply matte mastic on a glossy surface, it will become covered with streaks and the panels will take on an untidy appearance. You can use a special film as protection. It must be glued on top of the floor covering. This film is completely safe. It does not release any toxins and does not cause allergic reactions.

Various sealants containing silicone are also popular. They can be applied to the slats both during the installation of the floor covering and in the cracks that appeared after installation.

Protectants can be glossy or matte

Laying features

The principles of laying waterproof laminate are the same as for conventional laminated products. As for the subtleties, they depend on the brand of material. You can read about how to lay laminate flooring on all packages of laminated panels.

Waterproof laminate can be laid on any substrate. The main thing is that it is perfectly level and contains high-quality waterproofing. Experts strongly recommend the use of non-woven backing under the waterproof coating. The direction of the panels can also be any: diagonal, perpendicular or straight. A compensation gap of at least 8 mm should be left near the walls. The exception is special types of laminate, which do not tend to expand when exposed to temperature. Careful work in compliance with the general installation rules is what is important for the master who has taken on this important process.

Laminate processing methods

Above we looked at how to protect laminate flooring from water. After all, this material is expensive, and in order to prevent its premature deterioration and loss of its original appearance, it is necessary to treat it with various impregnations.

When purchasing impregnation, pay attention to what protection was applied to it during production. If the manufacturer indicated that in the manufacture of its products it used paraffin or mastic on the joint locks, then you will not need additional protection from moisture. Such products are produced only by well-known and well-established brands.

Some manufacturers provide products in already processed form

To process and lay the panels you will need to take:

• gloves, safety glasses;
• restorative;
• sponge;
• soft rags.

The installation of panels must be done in accordance with the requirements and recommendations of the manufacturer.

If you are concerned about the question of how to protect laminate flooring from moisture, then you need to carefully prepare for this process. Clean the floor from dust and dirt. Laminate flooring can only be laid on a dry and flat surface.

When processing laminate, take care of protective equipment

User reviews

Alexey, 28 years old, Izhevsk

“I immediately decided to install a waterproof laminate in the kitchen: it is often humid here and people spill something on the floor. I purchased laminate from Witex and installed it. It has been in service for about 4 years. I’ll tell you, there are no problems with him at all. Moreover, a year ago a pipe burst, there was a gigantic amount of water, but the laminate didn’t have anything to worry about. For comparison: last year I spilled water in the living room, which was covered with ordinary inexpensive laminate flooring. It swelled up literally within an hour. So the waterproof Witex laminate is a real salvation!”

Eduard, 37 years old, Volgograd

“When laying the floors, we decided to play it safe and covered the floor in the apartment with waterproof laminate. We chose the Norwegian product “Alloc original”. 5 years have passed, and the laminate has not changed its qualities: everything still flaunts in all the rooms. I recommend it to residents of apartments that are often “flooded”: take it, you won’t go wrong.”

Alena, 44 years old, Novosibirsk

“This year I purchased Quick-Step UF 1402 laminate for leather tiles. Looks simply gorgeous in the kitchen. Not afraid of water or moisture at all. Even despite the high cost, I think the purchase was very successful. I advise everyone to lay their kitchen floors with this coating.”

Marina, 48 years old, Moscow

“I would like to say a huge thank you to the manufacturer of the waterproof laminate Aqua step Original.” Fits perfectly, looks beautiful. Consultants guaranteed long-term use. What else do you need for the kitchen and bathroom? It is in vain that they say that laminate cannot be laid in the bathroom. I took a chance and it didn’t make a mistake: I’ve been admiring it for 3 years now.”

What are the advantages of coatings with high moisture resistance?

Moisture-resistant and water-resistant laminates are very attractive in the eyes of the end consumer. The materials have an impressive list of advantages. In particular:

• high strength. The coating is not afraid of falling objects. In the bathroom you can drop jars and combs on it, they won’t cause any scratches;
• High humidity does not affect the appearance of the coating in any way. This property makes the laminate moisture-resistant and water-resistant. The floor surface will not swell or change color;
• The outer layers of the material are specially made with increased adhesion characteristics. It is almost impossible to slip on laminate flooring;
• moisture-resistant laminate and its water-resistant varieties are not afraid of temperature changes and have a reduced expansion coefficient compared to materials made using classical technology;
• waterproof laminate, made without the use of wood-containing components, does not accumulate static, so there is practically no dust collected on it.

Tips for selection and care

To prevent the laminate from warping from moisture and water, several rules must be taken into account when choosing and using:

• See the product quality certificate. In the document you should see the word Aqua and an image of a drop or an umbrella.
• The load class also helps determine moisture resistance. Waterproof coating of classes 33 and 34 is the most optimal solution.
• The density of the HDF board is of no small importance. Choose a laminate with a density of at least 900 kg/cubic meter. m.
• It is better to wash laminate floors with regular warm water without adding chemicals with abrasives.
• If you add a few drops of table vinegar to the water, there will be no streaks left on the coating after washing.
• It is better to wash the floor not with a mop, but by hand, using a rag.
• When cleaning, do not use a washing vacuum cleaner.
• Wet cleaning should be carried out no more than 3 times a week.
• Shoe marks can be easily removed from laminate floors using a regular eraser.

What to consider when choosing a waterproof laminate flooring?

Developers and manufacturers are making every effort to create and market coatings that effectively resist moisture.

Today, the range of such products is quite large. Therefore, as practice shows, the best thing you can do when choosing a laminate is to contact specialized specialists. After all, it is important to consider here:

• The size of the room , its purpose , functional load.
• Environmental friendliness of the selected material.
• Requirements for fire and water resistance.
• Impact resistance.
• Wear resistance class .
• Operating conditions and actual service life of the coating.

conclusions

Waterproof laminate is an excellent solution for installation in any residential or commercial premises. Choose high-quality coating from well-known brands, beware of fakes. This article, which lists reputable brands, will help you with this. Remember to properly care for your waterproof laminate flooring to ensure it lasts as long as possible.

Find out how to make infrared heated floors under laminate here. Or are you more interested in installing heated floors under tiles?

How to distinguish laminate from a European manufacturer from a Chinese one?

If you do not want to change the floor covering too often, then you need to make sure the quality of the product before purchasing. Some Chinese analogues can externally imitate a good waterproof or moisture-resistant laminate. In order not to make a mistake with your purchase, you need to study the reviews and pay attention to the following points:

1. High-quality laminate boards have no odor, which cannot be said about Chinese products.
2. A lot also depends on the size of the panel. Factory Chinese settings have standard parameters (1215x12.3 mm), which allow significant savings on production.
3. Waterproof laminate that is not marked or abbreviated to indicate the country of origin is almost always a Chinese product.
4. European samples have a beige coating on the reverse side, while Chinese ones have a brown coating.
5. High-quality products from European countries try to imitate the texture of natural wood as much as possible. Therefore, the laminate should have a variety of wood patterns.

Laminate floor repair

Laminate flooring that has become swollen from moisture should be disassembled and new parts installed. To do this, remove the baseboard and then remove the floor one row at a time until you reach the swollen area of ​​the floor. If the floor screed is damp over the entire area, dismantle the entire floor and wait a few days for it to dry. Stack the boards in order of removal to make it easier to cut new boards if necessary. Use the damaged parts as a reference. Replace any damaged boards with new boards that have been at room temperature for at least 72 hours.

Laminate floor after water

Laminate flooring and water are inherently incompatible. Some flooring is considered waterproof, such as ceramic or porcelain tile, linoleum, and vinyl flooring. The opposite of these are hardwood bamboo floors, which you will want to consider carefully before installing them in your toilet or bathroom. Laminate flooring falls into the latter group. If laminate flooring is not installed correctly, it may become unusable in high humidity conditions. If the manufacturer's installation technology is followed, the laminate has a good chance of resisting water.

Modern laminate flooring for kitchen tiles: vinyl flooring

Vinyl laminate is the latest generation coating, which is a successful alternative to conventional moisture-resistant material. The laminate is made from environmentally friendly polyvinyl chloride. The product does not undergo deformation when the temperature rises, and also does not absorb unpleasant odors.

Popular waterproof tile laminate can replace stone flooring in the kitchen

Vinyl laminate consists of four layers:

1. The top ball protects the coating from impacts, scratches, burns and other mechanical damage.
2. The next layer makes up the decorative pattern of the laminate, which is visible on the surface.
3. The third ball is responsible for cushioning the flooring.
4. The bottom layer ensures the strength of the product.

Reviews of vinyl laminate flooring are only positive. About 81% of users recommend this material for the kitchen. The reviews note such positive qualities of the material as:

• moisture resistance;
• sound insulation;
• impact resistance;
• durability;

A material such as waterproof laminate will appeal to buyers who prefer ceramic tiles

• wear resistance;
• resistance to ultraviolet rays and chemical attack;
• fire resistance;
• light weight;
• ease of installation;
• environmental friendliness.

In addition, caring for this coating is very simple: just wipe with a damp cloth. The wear resistance is so high that it can be safely used in high traffic areas. You don't have to worry about stains and dirt, since the flexible laminate is very resistant and retains its original shine, and does not fade in the sun.

Waterproof laminate in section

Preventing laminate flooring from swelling

Never allow water to remain on your laminate floors for long periods of time. Wipe up spills immediately and avoid washing or flooring with soap, water or any other type of liquid detergent to prevent swelling, warping or separation. Difficult-to-clean dirt such as chewing gum can be hardened first with an ice cube and gently scraped off with a plastic scraper. Wipe laminate floors with a slightly damp cloth or wash them with a vacuum cleaner.

How much does class 33 laminate cost: the best choice

Those wishing to buy a high-quality, wear-resistant floor covering with excellent water-repellent and sound-proofing characteristics should choose class 33 slats, about 12 mm thick. Modern manufacturers provide a wide selection of different models to suit every taste.

The price of plastic laminate is the highest. But not everyone can afford modern technology. Therefore, it is possible to purchase a budget option - rubber laminate. The rubberized version, regardless of the interior style, looks great in any room, including it is used to decorate the kitchen under laminate. In addition, this material is resistant to external influences.

Prices for class 33 waterproof coatings in different stores can vary quite a lot

When choosing a floor covering, it is important to take into account the characteristics of the material and the characteristics of the room in which it will be used. The kitchen is a special place with high humidity. Therefore, the optimal choice of material is waterproof laminate. It looks beautiful and has a number of positive characteristics.

How to put back waterlogged laminate flooring

After the lamellas have been dried, you need to reassemble the laminate. At this point, the substrate is either changed or laid back. However, before putting the floor back together, there are a number of steps you should take.

First, the laminate needs to be sorted. Each lamella is inspected for deformation and damage. Some of them may become completely unusable, some can be used after minor restoration.

Thanks to sorting, it is easy to understand which part of the laminate ultimately survived, which part of it will have to be replaced and whether it is worth doing this, or is it easier to immediately buy a new one.

If the budget is limited, or it is not possible to buy the same laminate collection because it is no longer produced, there is a chance to save some of the lamellas even if they are deformed. There are several situations where warped laminate can be used.

• If only one of the ends of the lamella is deformed, the damaged part can be sawed off and the remaining one can be laid at the beginning or end of the row;
• If the middle section is damaged, it can also be cut out, and the remaining parts can also be placed at the ends of the row, or used in areas covered by furniture;
• If the deformation of the lamella is minimal, you can restore it, coat it with varnish and reuse it in installation.

The best way to wash laminate flooring: choosing equipment for wet cleaning

We do not recommend washing laminate flooring with sponge and rope mops, which can leave wet marks and stains on the surfaces even after thoroughly squeezing the attachments. For regular wet cleaning, it is better to use a flounder mop with a flat washing platform to which a microfiber mop is attached using buttons, Velcro or “ears”.

Why you should choose a flounder mop for laminate floor care:

► The flat washing platform ensures that the mop fits tightly to the floor, thanks to which the nozzle wets the entire surface and collects all the dirt.

► A high-quality microfiber mop collects and holds wool, hair and other dry dirt.

► The movable platform fits into narrow gaps between the floor and cabinets, easily maneuvering between furniture.

► The hinged mounting of the platform to the handle provides maneuverability to the mop. You will quickly wash the laminate flooring throughout your entire apartment without making unnecessary movements.

Regular flounder mops and wringer models work equally well for cleaning laminate floors. If you don’t want to rinse and wring out the attachment manually, give preference to mops with a vertical spin (built-in slider mechanism or narrow section in a bucket). Among their advantages are the quick removal of excess moisture in 2-3 passes and cleaning the mop from adhering contaminants.

Read the blog: “How to choose the best mop for cleaning the floor: a detailed guide.”

Laminate on the wall in the kitchen: room design options

To decorate kitchen walls you also need durable and wear-resistant materials. The ideal option is laminate. This coating is not only fashionable and beautiful, but also practical. Previously, the use of this material for wall decoration was used very rarely, but now it is a very fashionable trend.

It is especially beneficial to use laminate flooring on the kitchen wall in the interior. In the food preparation area, the material performs a protective function. Using wooden coverings in contrasting colors you can delimit the space of a small room. A laminate apron for the kitchen looks beautiful and harmonious.

It is very stylish to decorate a modern kitchen in a minimalist style. The colors most often used in kitchen interiors are black, white and gray. This design is enhanced by wooden panels located in the apron area and on the adjacent wall. Photos of laminate flooring on the wall in the kitchen prove how harmoniously and stylishly modern technologies and natural materials are combined.

An interior with laminate on the wall is not only stylish, but also practical

Advantages of moisture-resistant class

Among the advantages of moisture-resistant laminate are:

• high wear resistance;
• long service life;
• ability to withstand contact even with hot water;
• increased sound insulation;
• variety of patterns of the top decorative layer;
• reinforced locks on the ends of the lamellas;
• resistance to household chemicals.

The only disadvantages worth mentioning are flammability (especially for the PVC version) and high cost. Additives reduce the risk of flammability of the material, but do not completely eliminate it. However, for the laminate flooring in the kitchen or any other room to catch fire, you have to try hard.

Advantages of waterproof laminate

With a high price tag, everything is also relative. For example, the same beacons for floor screeding for a one-time job can be made from improvised materials and without spending money on factory-made products. Savings are obvious. But moisture-resistant laminate can also be replaced with regular laminate at a lower price per square meter. However, such a replacement will not last long. And you will have to spend money on a new coating again. It is better to immediately lay a high-quality finish on the floor that will definitely not warp in a month.

Vinyl laminate structure