Underlayment for Laminates: Importance and Types
When it comes to installing a new laminate floor, you need to know that it is important to install an underlayment too. Learn about the process and how to choose the best underlayment for your needs in detail.
Have you added that thin foam pad before installing the laminates? No, then you need to know how important it is.
Generally made of polyethylene or polypropylene, this foam pad is called as underlayment which is laid, before installing the laminate, on the sub-floor. While there are number of manufacturers providing floors with an underlayment attached, if not included, it is important to for you to place it.
You might be wondering, why having an underlayment underneath your laminate flooring is essential, right? The reason is simple; it allows your floor to float. Actually, laminate flooring is not nailed or glued down. Thus, you need some form of support to make it stable and avoid any damage due to friction. Now question raises which underlayment should you use?
To find out the right underlayment, it is first advised to learn about the varying types available these days.
What are the different types of underlayment?
Although these days a great number of underlay models and types are available, yet many of them might not be able to serve your laminates appropriately. To ensure the higher overall quality of the finished floor, here are listed some top quality options:
Wood-fiber boards: Well known to be the thickest form of underlayment, these can smooth out even more irregular sub-floors. Hence, if you have those old solid or damaged wooden surfaces, which you feel are impossible to fix manually, this is a worth choice. You will love these wood fiber boards for their excellent sound absorption and heat insulation. Hence, when you need for a premise where you wish to keep it sound proof, such underlayment let you do it perfectly.
Polyfoam: Being the most versatile and popular choice, it can be used on any type of sub-floor surfaces. Just it needs to be dried and cleaned properly. The best thing is that the foam will cover small irregularities very well, and it will add slight shock absorbing properties to the floor. Hence, it will be now more comfortable to walk on for you. When combined with a damp proof membrane (DPM) layer underneath, it can be a good and cheaper option.
A blend of foam, cork, or rubber: You can pick a combined underlay for your floors. In this case you will have a couple of layers pressed together to form a thicker solution. Generally, foam, cork, rubber or a combination of any of these are used to even out surfaces. And yes, it will add noise reduction properties to the floor. Basically, it will depend on your budget and needs which one you pick.
Remember, laminate floor underlayment is more important than the floor itself. Reason is pretty clear; it will affect the quality and life of the flooring. Hence, make a wise choice and add life to your space.