When you install a laminate floor, it’s a good idea to put
the right underlayment underneath. At Efloors.com, underlayment
options for every laminate floor appear on the product page.
There are three main reasons for using an underlayment:
1. Noise Reduction:
you can use an underlayment to reduce the transmission of
noise and footsteps through the floor to the room below.
Underlayment will also minimize the hollow sound of footsteps
from people walking across the room.
2. Moisture Protection:
you can use an underlayment to protect your laminate floor
from moisture or water damage seeping up through the subfloor.
3.Temperature Insulation:
you can use an underlayment to prevent the loss of heat
or cold into the space below the floor. Underlayment can
also be used to prevent heat or cold rising up into the
room from the space below the floor.
An underlayment also smooths over minor imperfections in
the sub-floor beneath, and minimizes movement of your new
laminate floor. Laminate floors are floating floors, which
means that they are not permanently attached to the sub-floor.
So an underlayment is rolled out and attached to the sub-floor
first. Then, the laminate flooring is assembled on top.
The individual laminate flooring boards are connected to
one another by simply snapping together. No glue is used,
and the installation work is quick and clean.
Laminate floor underlayments may be constructed of foam
or urethane, natural or synthetic fiber, cork rubber or
any combination of materials. It’s a good idea to use one
of the underlayment options offered or approved by the manufacturer
of the laminate flooring you’re buying, rather than a generic
underlayment.
Categories of laminate floor underlayments
1. The most common underlayment is 1/8” thick standard foam.
It provides minimal sound dampening and insulation, and
does not create a moisture barrier. If you are installing
laminate flooring over a wood or concrete sub-floor that
is above ground level, the standard foam may be sufficient.
(Many condos have specific noise reduction standards, so
be sure the underlayment you choose meets all requirements).
2. If you are installing laminate flooring on or below ground
level and you think there may be a problem with moisture
seeping through, standard foam can be used over a 6 mil
plastic moisture barrier. You can also use an underlayment
that has been manufactured with a combination of standard
foam and a moisture barrier.
3. There are many high-end products from which to choose,
including some underlayments that do it all. They have very
high sound-reducing properties, contain superior moisture
barriers and have excellent insulation qualities. When in
doubt, don’t take a chance. Spend a few extra dollars and
get the best underlayment to protect your laminate floor
investment.
Inspect the sub-floor and smooth
uneven areas before installation
It’s important to inspect the sub-floor before laying down
the underlayment. Look for nail heads sticking up, old or
uneven adhesive, and loose or squeaky floor boards that
need repair. Sweep the floor clean of dirt and debris. Once
the underlayment has been put down, it should look level,
with no high or low spots that would ruin the final appearance
of the new laminate floor.
Summary
We hope this short article has given you better understanding of the different types of laminate flooring underlayments, and how and why they are used.
For more information, feel free to contact us at
1-888-522-5456, email us at
info@Efloors.com or
visit our live chat window. You’ll meet our experienced flooring specialists who
will be happy to answer all your questions.
Please click through and enjoy our website. Efloors.com offers top-quality laminate
flooring from several major manufacturers, including
Alloc,
Armstrong,
Bruce,
Kronotex,
Mannington,
Mohawk,
Pergo,
Quick-Step,
Shaw
and
Wilsonart. Because we want you to be a satisfied customer, we also have a lot
of useful information to help you learn more about laminate floors:
Pros and cons of laminate
flooring
Proper trims and moldings for laminate flooring
Should you buy laminate
flooring online?
What you need to know
about underlayment for your laminate flooring
How much laminate flooring
will you need?
Your laminate floor:
care and maintenance has never been easier
10 things you must know before
hiring a laminate flooring installer
Choosing your new laminate
floor: the right product at the right price
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