FAQ

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate floors imitate the look of a quality floor covering (mostly parquet), consist of a low-cost carrier layer which is decorated with a thin decorative layer and sealed.
Laminate floors are available in various panel thicknesses and with different abrasion resistance (Class of use).
High-quality laminates imitate with structural embossments (to simulate a wood grain surface) and V-joints between the panels very realistic the look of a real parquet floor.Consuming surface sealers allow the use of laminate floors on high loads such as in discos.

Laminate flooring consists of the following section (from top to bottom):

Wear and decorative layer of melamine resin (transparent, diameter <1 mm). Melamine is a plastic that contains aldehydes or ketones. These materials are incorporated chemically resistant, but can be made slightly in the early days and moisture.
Paper, printed decorative (stone, marble or wood imitation)
Carrier plate made of MDF (pressboard), about 6 mm
counter layer (moisture protection of melamine resin in turn below).

advantage:

as a floating click-laid laminate parquet can be added easily and quickly and be moved to another site
good quality laminate is durable and rugged, sunlight does not change the color of the surface
cheaper than plank and parquet
in many designs and patterns available
Laminate is less well insulated and can be laid over underfloor heating is usually
easy cleaning and maintenance of laminate flooring carries a special advantage for people with allergies or families with children.

disadvantage:

for damage or wear of the surface, they can not grind like a solid wood parquet, because the decorative layer immediately below the carrier material would uncovered.
in contrast to oiled wood floor it loads some laminate significantly electrostatically.
Laminate can not be due to its plastic surface such as the indoor climate an oiled or waxed parquet floor, a positive influence.
in contrast to engineered flooring laminate is rather cold to the feet.
only slightly wet wipe the laminate, because too much water can lead to a partial swelling of the carrier plate.
unsuitable for the bathroom and basement

What is a ready to be covered?

solid, clean, dry and even
uncarpeted floor
no furniture
Tolerance of unevenness are at 5 mm to 2 m
permitted as a base are PVC and tiles
Room temperature does not matter
Air humidity should not be too high

Why a carpet is not suitable as an underlay for laminate?

Laminate to be laid on carpeting, violates the guidelines of the installation DLPF. Due to hygienic concerns, because the carpet tend to mold formation and odours emissionthis can lead to health problems. The reflected and transmitted sound values no longer be achieved due to the incorrect substrate. Also the manufacturer's warranty expires,because even the manufacturer keeps to its warranty on installation guidelines given. Through the now solid ground (allows the carpet to give much or springs), the shock loaded and can rise.

How big should the end-/expanding joints?

To all adjacent components (walls, heating pipes, ..) at least 8-10 mm. Expansion joints must be considered when laying laminate flooring, if the surface area in thelongitudinal direction or the width measuring more than 8 meter, and when a room-integrated installation is planned. Furthermore, the transition rails are only glued and not screwed.

What are vapor retarders or barriers and when use is made of this?

Vapor retarders or barriers are foil of plastic (usually polyethylene, also known as PE foil), to prevent the ingress of moisture on the surface in the laminate flooring. You only need to mineral surfaces for example screed, concrete, asphalt to be laid, as reflected in certain climatic conditions, water vapor in the floor area as condensate and cancause structural damage.

What are the use classes, what do they indicate?

The use classes serve to guide the consumer and the manufacturer to classify their products. The use classesof the laminates are classified according to their resistance, abrasion and impact resistance. The use classes give a recommendation is suitable for which area (housing or commercial) a classified laminate. Basis for the classificationof the laminates is DIN EN 13329
The classes 21, 22 and 23 are the "Housing" is assigned, the classes are 31, 32 and 33 for the "commercial sector". Basically, the higher the rate and accordingly the class, the more stressable the laminate flooring.

How long should I wait for an order?

The appointment made by e mail or telephone. You can schedule but 2-3 weeks. The laying of a laminate floor takes up to 80 m2 is usually a day to complete.