- Why is a sealant used when laying a laminate?
- The main characteristics of the sealant for laminate
- What does the sealant consist of?
- What are the sealants for laminate?
- Laminate Sealant Usage Rules The most popular
laminate sealants Laminate is considered to be the most reliable, high-tech, modern and durable floor covering. But, unfortunately, the greatest disadvantage of most laminated models is the insufficient level of moisture resistance. The most common solution that allows to increase the level of resistance of this material to negative moisture effects is the laminate sealant. It is used when flooring, in particular, they handle the joints and gaps. The sealant has become so popular due to its colorlessness and inertness to moisture. In this article, we will consider the areas and features of the application of modern sealant.
to the contents ↑Why is a sealant used when laying a laminate?
Even though modern models of laminate coatings have a special protective top layer made of varnish and resin compounds, they still can not provide them with 100% protection against moisture penetration deep into the structure of the finished floor and into the lock system.
It should be noted that the most sensitive to moisture are such elements of laminated boards as locks and structure. They immediately react to the penetration of fluid, as a result of this - the floor is deformed. Therefore, when using this material, you must always use a sealant for the laminate.
Can I use a common sealant? In principle, you can, but you will not be able to achieve such a good result as when using a specialized composition. On sale there are special mastics for protecting the laminate - they need to handle the locks before laying.
Important! Seats treated with hermetic means will hold tight for a long time, cope with any loads and not lose their operational characteristics.
Specialists recommend the use of sealant only in rooms with too dry or excessively humid air. In ordinary homes, where you can constantly air and moisturize the air, its use is meaningless.
to the contents ↑Key features of
laminate sealant The most important features of the sealant for laminated surfaces are:
- Such silicone components are manufactured, so they have such good physical, technical and working parameters.
- Polymer means for laminate processing are flexible enough, therefore, after hardening they are able to last a long time, they are not subjected to the negative influence of external factors.
- Regardless of the specific composition, any laminate sealant stands up to severe changes in humidity and temperature.
- When buying a choice you need exactly the means for laminated surfaces, because their main task is protection from moisture, sealing of gaps and joints.
- You can apply the composition yourself, without involving a specialist.
- Application of such a sealant does not allow the boards to stick together.
- They consist of only components that are safe for human life, which do not emit when heated, exposed to moisture and cooling harmful organic and chemical substances.
It is important that we found out the absence of any noticeable and significant drawbacks when using sealant.
to the contents ↑What does the sealant consist of?
To ensure that the sealing compound for the laminate fulfills all the necessary functions, it must necessarily consist of the following components:
- Fungicides. They are used to fight fungus and mold. Quartz flour or chalk.
- Dyes. These components help to give the composition the right shade.
Important! It must be remembered that after hardening, the sealant can not be painted anymore.
- Organic Extenders. They are used to reduce the viscosity of the product after installation.
What are laminate sealants?
To achieve the desired effect, it is necessary to choose the correct sealant for the laminate.
Can I use a common sealant? Now we will know the answer to this common question. And for this we will get to know more closely all the varieties of this composition. Its classification looks like this:
- Silicone sealant. It, in the first place, is characterized by high technical parameters. It has remarkable performance in strength, elasticity and durability. It is very simple to use, but at the same time it reliably protects the seams and gaps from moisture.
- Acrylic sealant. This composition completely eliminates the possibility of yellow plaque, due to which even after several years of operation it remains the same in color as in the application. In addition, in the case of this version of the sealant, you can use a color composition with the required texture. This will allow you to decorate the room with such an unusual element of decor.
Important! Due to the fact that it does not include polyester compounds and silicone, it can be considered absolutely safe for health.
to the table of contents ↑Rules for the use of sealant for
laminate. Specialists identify a list of certain rules and features of the correct application of this substance that must be observed and taken into account:
- It is possible to work with this composition joints of both old and new laminate. The only thing - you need to consider that before applying the sealant to the old floor, you must always remove the layer of the old composition.
- Maximum attention should be given to the formation of joints. Putty adheres to the side surfaces of the joint, and for this purpose it is recommended to use a special lining so that the sealant does not stick to the back of the gap.
- It should be carefully monitored while working for the uniform distribution of the composition. To be more convenient, you can use a special gun.
- You can not leave uncompleted areas in joints, otherwise - then they will not be able to be repaired.
- Carefully ensure that the sealant for the laminate does not go beyond the seam. Any excess can be removed with a slightly damp spatula.
- So that when leveling it does not stick to your hands, you can moisten it with soapy water.
- The seam is formed within 15 minutes, until the product finally solidifies.
The most popular sealants for laminate
The modern market offers us a wide choice of polymer compositions for laminate processing. But the most popular of them are the following:
- Master Fix. This Russian brand supplies to the domestic market an inexpensive sealant for laminate in tubes with a syringe of 300 grams. The products of this company are distinguished by their versatility, since they can be used for processing all types of laminate and other floor coverings. They also have high water repellency characteristics, they can not negatively affect wood and wood components. As they say, strictly and angrily!
Important! This is an excellent choice for commercial and home laying of laminate flooring.
- Clic Protect. This is the composition of Swedish production. It has good working, technical and physical properties, ideal for laminate of any type. It dries very quickly and provides 100% protection against moisture.
Important! This sealant is 2-3 times more expensive than the products described above.
- Click Guard. This - a series of sealants of German production, differing in good performance, it is due to this in the modern market they are considered the best. Accordingly - they are not cheap, but can be applied with floor coverings of all varieties.
In this article we have clarified to you the question, why do we need a laminate sealant, which is better to choose and how to apply it. We hope that you have successfully completed the repair, and now you will not think about changing the design for a long time because of the suddenly deteriorated floor covering.