2 mm/3 mm/5 mm/8 mm damp proof and acoustic IXPE for flooring
Underlayment is a layer used when installing laminate floor and
engineered hardwood floors. Underlayment comes in several types and
qualities. It is real important to understand the difference in
underlayment quality and their function
WHAT IS UNDERLAYMENT:
Underlayment is required for installation of Engineered or Laminate
Flooring. Underlayment is layers of foam, paper, rubber, felt &
cork which is install between subfloor and new floor. Will help for
sound protection and provide a good insulation.
WHEN TO USE UNDERLAYMENT:
Underlayment must be used for floating installation of Laminate and
Hardwood flooring. When installing Laminate or Engineered Hardwood
flooring it is not only required to use underlayment, but also
required to install a vapor barrier if over concrete sub-floor.
WHY & WHEN TO USE UNDERLAYMENT:
Using underlayment for installation of Laminate and Hardwood Floors
reduces sound and feels comfortable under your feet. In any
installation of floating floors a proper underlayment should be
used. Some underlayments have been designed to protect against
mildew, mold and moisture.
WHERE TO USE UNDERLAYMENT:
Underlayment is installed over slab or plywood sub-floors. If
installing underlayment over concrete slab it is required to use a
vapor barrier first. Sub-floor surface must be clean and dry before
installation. Underlayment can be used for any installation. Condo
owners are required to check the sub-flooring, if the sub-floor is
concrete it will require an underlayment with moisture barrier.
Before you install any Hardwood or Laminate you need to check with
your Home Owners Association because most condo & apartment groups
require special Acoustical underlayments with special sound
prevention properties.
HOW TO SELECT UNDERLAYMENT:
Choosing underlayments is critical, first you need to follow floor
manufacturing recommendations for approved underlayment. In general
flooring underlayment comes in 4 major categories.
FOAM UNDERLAYMENTS:
Foam underlayment is a thin layer of foam which is called standard
underlayment. This type of underlayment offers a minimum comfort
and sound reduction. It can not be used when installing Laminate
and Hardwood floors over a concrete sub-floor. When you are using
the foam underlayment in buildings with concrete sub-flooring, it
is required to use plastic (polyethylene film) with 6 mm thickness.
2 IN 1 UNDERLAYMENT OR FOAM / FILM COMBO UNDERLAYMENT:
Combination of standard foam underlayment with plastic is called
Foam/Film Combo or 2 in1 underlayment. The plastic layer functions
as a moisture barrier layer. When installing laminate floors or
Engineered Hardwood flooring the plastic side should go down over
the concrete floor. The 2 in1combo underlayment prevents the
moisture from the concrete to get into the flooring products. This
type of underlayment comes in different thickness and sized rolls.
It has a good moisture barrier, but is not a great sound reduction
product.
MODIFIED UNDERLAYMENT - ACOUSTICAL
UNDRLAYMENT:
Modified underlayment is an upgrade underlayment which is a thicker
underlayment, designed for superior sound absorption, and to
provide maximum walking comfort. Some of the higher grade modified
underlayment prevents moisture, mold and mildew. Modified
underlayment can be used in any building, condo, apartment, high
raise buildings, residential homes and commercial spaces. Notice to
condo and apartment owners: When installing Hardwood Floors or
Laminate Flooring in second or higher floor, you need to check with
your Home Owners Association rules for their requirement &
recommended type of underlayment.
