Laminate flooring why underlay

As world market leader, we offer laminate floors in unique designs and with innovative technology. Building panel in shell construction or elements in timber construction as well as wall and roof panelling. We can admire the beauty, the texture, the luster and the faithful reproduction of natural wood or stone because we can see it. It is rolled out between the actual laminate flooring planks and the subfloor. Very often, particularly in a below-grade installation on a concrete basement floor, a vapor barrier is recommended in addition to the underlayment.

That vapor barrier would go between the subfloor and the underlayment. Some laminate flooring planks come with the underlayment attached to each plank. Underlayment is not optional. Proper selection and installation of underlayments and subfloors is crucial to the proper wear and stability of any flooring. Underlayment does two things that are critical to a successful laminate flooring installation Hey John, I do apologize, but a question like that should go to the manufacturer of the tiles you are attempting to put down.

I have existing laminate over what appears to be a thin ply layer both of which are on top of a standard ply subfloor. This is in a kitchen. The floor in the adjoining family room was carpet over subfloor.

In lieu of scraping up the laminate and removing the ply layer, is it possible to add a thin ply layer over the non laminated subfloor to get as level as possible. Following that, add cement board over everything?

Hi Shawn, thanks for reaching out. Is your existing vinyl flooring a floating floor or glue down? If it is floating, we recommend removing the vinyl and installing the new laminate directly on your subfloor.

Installing a floating floor on top of an existing floating floor could lead to issues down the road and your warranty may be voided. If the existing vinyl is glued down, you can go ahead and install the new laminate on top, and use a standard underlayment.

This underlayment will provide cushion for your flooring and allow it to float on top of the vinyl. I plan to lay laminate flooring over old vinyl flooring. Is there any need for additional underlayment? Hi Sharon, thanks for the question. Yes, if you have a concrete subfloor, you can lay laminate over top with a vapor barrier underlayment.

You will need to test the concrete for moisture before installation. If I am mis-understanding what a poured floor means, please let me know! Do I need underlayment? Hi Braden! Underlayment is pretty easy to install.

You just need some tape and scissors to lay it! I want to install laminate floors. Your email address will not be published. Why do I need underlayment for laminate flooring installation? We hope to make your home remodeling and maintaining a more positive experience.

Vanessa June 25, at pm. Ron thomas May 26, at pm. Alana Kane April 19, at pm. Wendy Turner April 16, at pm. Alana Kane March 30, at am. Tyrone Campbell March 14, at pm. Alana Kane March 4, at am. Tim Reynolds March 3, at am. Alana Kane February 26, at pm. Awan February 24, at pm. Alana Kane November 11, at pm. Nick November 11, at am. Alana Kane September 16, at am. Brendan Stewart September 11, at pm. Alana Kane August 15, at pm. Nancy August 14, at am. While the subfloor provides the foundational support for the room, the underlayment is what supports the flooring material itself, intended to enhance and protect the flooring.

It has several functions: It slightly levels the flooring; it cushions the laminate planks ; it reduces sound transmission; and it slightly improves the floor's R-value its resistance to heat transmission. Proper selection and installation of underlayment is important because it can affect how your laminate flooring feels and how it wears over time. The type of underlayment chosen should be based on the environment, the type of floor chosen, and your own personal needs for space.

It is very important to follow all vendor-provided instructions about underlayment when installing laminate flooring, as improper installation or the use of the wrong underlayment can void the manufacturer's warranty. You should also be sure the underlayment and the subfloor below it is level and smooth to get an even finish on the laminate flooring. Concrete subfloors: When installing over a concrete subfloor, the main concern is moisture.

Concrete is a porous material that can allow water to seep up into it and through to your flooring. This can cause adhesives to loosen, flooring planks to warp, and mold and mildew to develop. With a concrete subfloor, you will need an underlayment that acts as a vapor barrier in order to prevent moisture from penetrating through to your laminate installation.

The normal choice is a thin foam pad material made of polyethylene or polypropylene, which rolls out in sheets. Plywood subfloors: A breathable foam-type underlayment is generally used when installing laminate flooring over plywood or OSB subfloors.

In most cases, you will not want to use a vapor-barrier-type underlayment when installing laminates on a standard plywood subfloor , because wood is a natural material that needs to breathe. Installing a vapor barrier over this can cause moisture to become trapped within the material, leading to the growth of mold or warping in the material.

The exception is when laminate flooring is being installed in a high moisture area, such as a bathroom or basement , where a moisture barrier underlayment is a good idea.

There are any number of underlayment products to choose from when choosing an underlayment for laminate flooring, and it helps to know the features to look for. R-value: This refers to the heat conductivity of a given material. The higher the R-value of the underlayment, the less heat will be able to move through it, while the lower the R-value is, the less insulation the underlayment provides. A high R-value underlayment will make the floor feel warmer underfoot in the winter.

Noise reduction: Some types of underlayment can act as a barrier to the transmission of noise. This can be important in certain working environments where silence is necessary, or in bedrooms where peace and quiet are preferred.