Waterproof laminate: properties and advantages (24 photos)

The popularity of the laminate is based on the simplicity of laying, respectable appearance and a wide range of textures. At the heart of this material is an HDF stove, it differs in water resistance from fiberboard and even from MDF, but still it is not enough for laying in rooms such as a bathroom or kitchen. Moisture, penetrating into the cracks between the panels of the laminate, leads to swelling of the base and a change in the structure of the compound. That is why manufacturers offer a moisture-resistant laminate in the bathroom, the locks of which are impregnated with special moisture-repellent impregnation.

Such a solution is acceptable for rooms in which there is leakage protection and a reliable water supply system. A similar laminate will not be able to compete with tiles. A completely different product is a waterproof PVC-based laminate. It has excellent practical characteristics and can compete with ceramic tiles.

The main advantages of waterproof laminate

PVC is the most widely used polymeric material. It produces containers for food products, medical containers, housings, household appliances and a wide range of building materials. It is not afraid of water, has a small coefficient of linear expansion and a fairly good strength. It is from PVC that the basis for a moisture-resistant laminate is produced. It has a lattice structure, which makes the panel not only lighter, but also improves its thermal performance. A part of the base is a lock, due to which a simple and reliable installation is provided.

A decorative layer imitating the texture of natural wood or stone, ceramic or clinker tiles is applied to the base of the panel. It is protected by acrylic resin, additional waterproofing and a reliable wear-resistant layer. This structure provides laminate floors with the following benefits:

• maximum moisture resistance;
• good soundproofing properties;
• wear resistance;
• long term of operation;
• high strength;
• simple installation;
• easy care.

Manufacturers offer waterproof laminate for the bathroom and kitchen in a wide range. The surface of the material perfectly imitates the complex structure of expensive wood or natural stone. All this has become the reason for the popularity of this flooring.

One of the main issues that interest potential buyers of a vinyl laminate is its relevance to wear resistance classes. Manufacturers of this flooring produce collections of 31-34 abrasion resistance classes. This allows the consumer to count on 25-30 years of operation of a vinyl laminate in the kitchen or in the bathroom, because these rooms do not differ in high traffic.

Where is moisture resistant laminate used?

Traditionally, moisture-resistant PVC laminate is recommended for use in rooms where there is a possibility of flooding the floor with water. It most often refers to bathrooms, bathrooms, kitchens. Here there is a chance of forming puddles on the floor, which can not be removed in a timely manner. For example, there were problems with the water heater and all of its 100-120 liters leaked to the floor while the owners were not at home. Another problem may be a dishwasher or washing machine.Through a damaged cold water supply hose, more than a dozen liters of water can spill onto the floor. Only a vinyl laminate can withstand such experiments, HDF-based panels in such conditions will swell and lose their appearance.

One of the main rooms where this type of flooring is used is the kitchen. The main advantage of a vinyl laminate is a wide selection of collections of natural wood. Unlike ceramic tiles, this flooring is less rigid.

If you drop a plate on it, then there is a chance that it will survive. When falling on a tile, only aluminum and steel utensils do not break. It is for this reason that they try to spread ceramics only the working area along the cutting table and sink. Practical waterproof laminate for the kitchen can be used throughout the room. It is easy to look after it, it differs in functionality and will create unique comfort.

Manufacturers of flooring produce collections for kitchen tiles. This is true for those real estate owners who prefer a classic design solution, but want to save on installation work. If for laying floor tiles it is necessary to invite qualified specialists, then the kitchen laminate can be laid independently.

The traditional field of application of moisture resistant coatings is the bathroom. Many property owners would prefer to use wood on the floor due to their design specifics. It stops the low water resistance of the material or the high price of a massive board from those types of wood that are not afraid of water. The best choice in this difficult situation is a vinyl laminate, the surface of which perfectly imitates the texture of expensive wood. No less aesthetically attractive is the moisture-resistant laminate under the tile, imitating exclusive ceramic collections.

You can use the flooring in any room of the house, including in the hallway, but you will need to choose the appropriate class of laminate. This material is so attractive that many private home owners want to use it in a bathhouse. Do not forget that the basis of the flooring is polyvinyl chloride, the only thing that can change its characteristics and appearance is high temperature. For this reason, you can not use it in the steam room, but it is quite possible to lay it in the relaxation room, in the shower.

Choose a moisture resistant laminate

Vinyl laminate is an excellent choice for laying flooring in a room with high humidity. Use it in other rooms where operating conditions are much milder.

The buyers of this material have a traditional question: how to choose a moisture-proof laminate for your home? First of all, pay attention to the manufacturer of the products. Companies that have established themselves in the European market produce flooring that meets the most stringent quality standards. The most popular brands in our country today are:

• Dumafloor is a French company that produces two collections of moisture resistant laminate 31 and 32 class. The panels have a high-quality lock that allows you to create a monolithic coating. The coating can be used in underfloor heating systems, and the design of the laminate meets the most stringent requirements of leading interior experts;
• Aqua-Step - a Belgian company offers high-quality products of 32 classes of abrasion, panel locks have rubber seals that provide perfect tightness of the connection. There is a wide selection of products in the assortment, the design of which imitates not only natural wood, but also stone or ceramic tiles;
• Decorstep is a domestic manufacturer of waterproof laminate flooring, offering 32 class flooring. Attracts affordable price, high quality and long life.

All brands deserve the respect of specialists, their products are easy to install, and the appearance is worthy of the most respectable interiors.

When choosing a laminate design, you need to pay attention to its compliance with the interior of the room. It is recommended to use a floor covering that is several tones darker than the wall material. You can use a laminate of the same shade with interior doors. In the case of wall decoration with ceramic tiles, you can pick up a collection that imitates this popular material.

Installation of waterproof laminate

The laying principles of this flooring are similar to working with a traditional laminate. It will take a simple tool, a little care and free time. It is better to cut a waterproof laminate with an electric jigsaw with a file for metal. All other requirements are well known to both specialists and home masters:

• a smooth and solid foundation is required, the best options are a concrete screed or floor, which is leveled using OSB sheets or moisture-proof plywood;
• be sure to use a substrate, it will correct microroughness and provide a more comfortable microclimate in the room;
• a compensation gap between the laminate and the walls or pipes of communications is necessary, in this case it can be minimal - 10-15 mm.

Stacking can be done either directly or diagonally, but the second option is used extremely rarely due to the large amount of waste.

Moisture-resistant laminate - a durable, beautiful and practical coating, worthy of the most respectable interiors. The use of this material will allow for several decades to forget about the repair of flooring.