JOINTS AND THRESHOLDS – METHODS OF CONNECTING FLOOR DECORS
Joints, seams and thresholds between the floor materials of various types are a kind of indicator of the quality of repair. These places of transition are clearly characterized by the responsibility, accuracy and professionalism of builders. And it’s not just aesthetics and beauty: coating compounds are also important in terms of durability.
In the case of poor-quality performance, the joints may in time deform, bulge, crack or bend. In this article we will talk about the most common methods of docking and describe their main features.
Docking flooring
Docking coatings in interior design
Among professional designers there is no unanimous attitude to the use of transitions when laying the floor. Some experts are categorically against joints, others consider their use justified, because they visually emphasize the zoning of the room. This is especially important when designing rooms with mixed functionality (combined bathrooms, hall-hall or kitchen-dining room), where zones with different purposes are distinguished. In this case, such transitions will look appropriate and harmonious.
It is safe to say that completely avoid the joints will not work. Currently, almost any apartment renovation involves the connection of several floor coverings. At a minimum, they will have to be used in the construction of doorways, where an engineering board or parquet are joined to the tile.
Laminate floor threshold
Conversion classification
Depending on their functions and external performance, all types of transitions used when laying the floor can be divided into several categories:
Arched.
Rectilinear.
Mounted flush (“suture”).
Relief (protrude above the floor level).
Body angular.
It should be borne in mind that differences in height between different floor coverings are undesirable. To do this, you must first carry out preparatory draft work. To exclude such a possibility, it is also recommended to decide on the type of decor before lining and flooring. The best option is to order an individual design project, in which all important points will be thought out in advance.
Relief transition for floor decor
Materials and technology
The following materials can be used to join flooring:
Elastic docking products – semi-solid composites or cork wood are used for their manufacture. The surface is decorated with colored wear-resistant polyurethane. The advantages of such transitions are maintainability and ease of installation. Cork compensator is laid in the seams and fixed with construction adhesive-sealant. The main disadvantage of this type of product is the difficulty of preparation, which is caused by the need to pre-seal the end parts of the joints.
Floor moldings – belong to the category of metal shaped fittings. The front surface is covered with colored decor, which is most often used painted polyurethane, applied by a powder method. More affordable analogs are products made of plastic or PVC. The advantages of floor moldings include ease of installation and quick installation. Notches, irregularities and other errors on the edges are hidden special overlay. The disadvantage of this fitting is inconvenient convex shape at the joints.
Viscous composites – available in multi-component formulations designed for sealing joints. As an example, a “liquid cork” made of cork chips using a polymeric binder can be given. After curing, this material becomes resilient and waterproof. The advantages of viscous composites are good adhesion, aesthetic appearance and resistance to moisture. Of the drawbacks it should be noted the need for grinding the joint and edges.
Laying the threshold for flooring
To determine the quality of the connection, you need to make sure that there are no cracks, chips and other defects, as well as height differences. Poor quality joining will manifest itself after a certain period of time, which leads to material deformation and often requires replacing not only the damaged area, but also the entire floor covering.
