How To Choose A Laminate Underlay

Table of contents:

How To Choose A Laminate Underlay
How To Choose A Laminate Underlay

Video: How To Choose A Laminate Underlay

Video: How To Choose A Laminate Underlay
Video: Choosing the Best Underlay For Laminate & Wood Flooring 2024, March
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The backing is a special insulating material. It is used so that there is no direct contact between the laminate and the subfloor. It is also necessary in order to provide additional sound insulation and moisture protection.

How to choose a laminate underlay
How to choose a laminate underlay

Instructions

Step 1

Polyethylene foam substrates are very popular. Among their positive qualities, it should be noted high moisture resistance and good thermal insulation. Also, the substrate is not contaminated by various bacteria and fungi. Rodents and insects are indifferent to it. This type of substrate is easy to work with. They are economical and also generate little or no waste. The material may have an additional layer of protective metallized film. Aluminum foil is also often used for protection. Such a substrate is widely used due to its low cost.

Step 2

However, in addition to positive qualities, polyethylene foam substrates also have negative ones. The fact is that the foam backing retains its shape rather poorly. Subsidence occurs over time. Also, this material is very afraid of UV radiation.

Step 3

Sometimes people use cork backings. They can be purchased on the construction market. Such substrates are sold in sheets and rolls. It is this rigid insulating material that is best suited as a base for a floating floor. It should be noted that this type of substrate has excellent thermal insulation qualities. The cork backing is not subject to decay and mildew. A significant disadvantage is that condensation can form on the underside of the floor covering.

Step 4

You can use a kraft paper backing that has bitumen in it. This backing is covered with crumbs which provide good ventilation. The bituminous layer does not allow moisture to penetrate. In addition, the rubber-cork backing can be called an excellent sound insulator. However, the cost of cork is quite high. It is impractical to use it for an inexpensive laminated coating with a short service life.

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