When you renovate an old floor or build a new one from scratch, material choice makes the ultimate difference. And for this, most people consider durability, longevity, and comfort as the key factors to check the feasibility.
Concrete, hardwood, and tile are perfectly aligned to these aspects. But if we add shine, affordability, and aesthetics, laminate will be the winner.
Made from multiple layers of composite raw materials and infused with a thin plastic covering, this material excels in various aspects.
However, it becomes highly damage-prone without any protection, especially in high-traffic areas. This is where laminate underlayment comes into play!
It not only acts as a padding but also acts as a protective barrier against moisture retention. Truth be told, installing the underlayment first can make the flooring long-lasting and highly durable.
With that being said, we have further illustrated the benefits of this special padding so that you can make the right call for your laminate floor.
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What is Laminate Underlayment? Definition and Types
As the name sounds, laminate underlayment is an extra padding that has to be inserted below the composite material layer.
In other words, it acts a cushion between the below subfloor and the top laminate board. Different types of underlayment are available in the market that need to be chosen based on the floor specifications.
Below, we have briefly explained these categories so that you can find the perfect one based on the structural requirements.
Standard Foam Underlayment
- It is generally made out of polyethylene or polypropylene foam.
- Subfloor should be made from either OSB or plywood boards.
- Since it is not moisture-resistant, high humidity in the air can damage the laminate underlayment.
- It is not ideal for rooms where soundproofing has to be done.
- Installation is pretty easy and can be completed within a couple of hours.
- Foams are extremely lightweight and won’t cause damage to the subfloor.
Cork Underlayment
- Natural cork is fitted between the subfloors and the laminate sheets on the top.
- The material absorbs sound waves and vibrations. That’s why it is suitable for buildings with multiple stories.
- It exhibits a high resistance to mold and, hence, is suitable for moisture-prone and humid areas.
- This type of laminate underlayment promotes sustainability since cork is derived from coconut fibers.
- Purchase and installation will involve huge upfront investments.
Combination Underlayment
- A simple foam material is infused with a vapor barrier and is made either from plastic or foil.
- Thanks to the additional barrier, it can resist damage caused by prolonged exposure to moisture.
- It is suitable for concrete subfloors.
- There is no worry of moldy growth, making it ideal for places like attics and basements.
- This laminate underlaying offers excellent cushioning by absorbing the pressure from the top.
Rubber Underlayment
- This laminate underlayment dampens the sound waves, thereby exhibiting excellent soundproofing ability.
- It can last for years to come, thereby is highly cost-effective in the long run.
- Thanks to higher moisture resistance, it doesn’t allow mold or mildew to thrive.
- Installation is tiring due to the extremely heavy weight of synthetic rubber.
Is Investing in Laminate Underlayment Worthy Enough?
1. Helps in Maintaining Floor-level Uniformity
Subfloors often have slight depressions or gaps. If you directly install the laminate sheets, the floor won’t be uniform.
Over time, the top layer will start cracking or forming dips due to constant wear and tear. That’s why using a laminate underlay is crucial.
It will help fill in the deformities in the subfloor. Once you install the sheets over the underlay, it will have a uniform leveling throughout. All the planks will lie flat, preventing any sudden damage.
2. Enhances Underfoot Comfort
Combined, cork and felt underlayment offer excellent cushion padding to a laminated floor. They absorb the shocks and vibrations due to constant foot movement from above. Walking over the hard laminate floors won’t put a strain on your feet or cause muscle fatigue.
3. Prolongs Flooring’s Lifetime
The underlay acts as a cushion padding, absorbing vibrations from above. In other words, it reduces damage to the laminate sheets by reducing wear and tear.
It also absorbs the impacts and shocks, thereby ensuring your floors won’t suffer from early damage. Laminate planks will stay adhered together without moving apart, especially in high-traffic areas.
4. Improves Sound Insulation
Most laminate underlayment materials dampen the sound waves and vibrations by absorbing the energy.
Even if someone walks into the room above yours, you won’t be able to hear the footsteps. In fact, laminate underlayment doesn’t cause reflection of sound waves in empty rooms, thereby preventing reverberations and echoes.
5. Prevents Moisture Damage
Concrete and wooden subfloors facilitate the growth of mold by trapping in the humid air. As a result, you may soon start spotting swellings and cracks in the laminate sheets.
The structural integrity of the entire floor will be put at risk. So, opting for laminate underlayment is the most feasible choice.
Whether you opt for a foam layer or synthetic rubber as the padding, you can rest assured that your laminated floor will retain its shine and strength.
How to Select the Best Laminate Underlayment?
- Subfloor material influences the choice of the laminate underlayment greatly.
- Concrete subfloors: Cork, rubber, or combination underlayment
- OSB or wooden subfloors: Felt, standard foam, or cork underlayment
- Vinyl or tile: Felt, synthetic rubber, or thin cork layer
- The choice of the underlayment will also depend on the area of installation.
- Combination underlayment is best for basements.
- For living spaces, go with rubber or felt.
- Felt or cork will add more warmth to your bedroom floors.
- Pre-attached or combination underlayment is suitable for kitchens owing to its moisture-resistant nature.
- You also need to be clear about the purpose of the laminate underlayment. For instance, if you want to soundproof the room, go for cork or synthetic rubber. If moisture resistance is your priority, rubber, combination, or felt underlayment will be best.
Final Words
Laminate underlayment serves a greater role than just providing cushion padding for your floor. It can insulate your rooms and prevent unnecessary sounds from disturbing you.
Walking on such floors won’t cause any fatigue. That’s why you should invest in a premium-quality material so that you won’t have to worry about the structural integrity of the laminated floor.
Your detailed explanation of laminate underlayment types and their specific benefits is beneficial. I now understand how crucial underlayment is for moisture protection and sound reduction. Do you have any recommendations for underlayment brands that offer a good balance between cost and quality? Thanks for sharing this informative piece!