The laminate base is a thin, padded layer of material that is placed under the laminate floor. It protects the laminate against damage and extends its lifespan, in addition to offering other benefits, such as noise reduction, comfort and insulation. The underlayment for laminate floors is a must. Since the laminate is a floating floor, it must be evenly distributed on the subfloor.
The subfloor is what allows the floor to float, gives it stability, support and noise reduction and supports the locking systems between the boards to ensure the most robust floor project. There are several different underlayment options and selecting the most appropriate one for your project can be a bit complicated. But if you're used to other types of flooring, such as solid wood, vinyl, and tile, all of which don't require a subfloor, you'll be surprised to learn that it's practically necessary to place a subfloor under laminate floors. The laminate underlayment is a soft pad that is installed under the laminate floor. It helps laminate planks to be smoother, to connect better and to make the floor feel a little softer underfoot.
The subfloor is pre-fixed to the underside of the laminate floor by the manufacturer or installed separately by the user. When the subfloor is fixed to the floor, there is no need to do anything else. The laminate floor is ready for installation. Using a second layer of underlayment is useless and even harmful. When the subfloor is not placed, the rolls must be purchased and installed separately.
The subfloor is made of polyethylene foam, felt or cork. The strips, usually 36 to 44 inches wide, are attached side to side with tape or adhesive strips attached. The rolls are 30 to 100 feet long, with thicknesses that normally range from 2 mm to 3 mm. Laminate floors are thin and are constructed with a type of fiberboard rather than solid wood or even plywood, as is the case with engineered wood floors. Because laminate floors can be difficult to install on surfaces that are even slightly imperfect, the underlayment is a recommended addition.
An advantage of placing a separate subfloor instead of installing laminate floors with a pre-placed subfloor is that a separate subfloor provides a more cohesive barrier underneath. The base helps the laminate planks to be evenly distributed in the subfloor and supports the locking system between the planks to ensure that the floor is sturdy. The underlayment for laminate floors can come in different materials, such as foam, cork, felt and rubber. Foam is usually a cheaper option, while rubber and felt are often a more premium option. The subfloor often comes in rolls and is installed by unrolling it above the subfloor and then placing the floor covering on the part higher. Subfloor conditions will significantly influence whether the laminate base is essential or not.
However, there are other factors to consider as well. Humidity is especially important among them. Basically, underlayment is essential in areas that tend to be wetter and more prone to humidity, as this also increases the amount of moisture in subfloors. Without a subfloor to add a layer between these moist subfloors and the floor surface, the laminate can quickly get wet, deform and form mold, impairing its overall integrity. Over time, moisture can also break down the floor adhesive, causing the floor to begin to deform. Unless your floor sheets have a pre-bonded base, you'll need to purchase a separate laminate base for your project.
Usually, the laminate contributes to a cold floor surface, which only worsens if the floor surface is Cold. The wooden subfloor has enough flexibility so that the underfloor only slightly softens the surface of the laminate. If you have a concrete subfloor, you should use a laminate base for concrete floors to prevent the floor from being uncomfortable. Even though padded laminate planks exist, you might think you're getting a better deal, but the cost of the attached underlayment is included in the price and quality of the floor.
Laminate floors are a good choice for homes and commercial buildings in Chester, North Wales and Wrexham. Laminate floors with a denser felt underlayer come closer to the feel of real wood floors. Yes, the felt paper base can be installed under laminate floors and is the most economical option out there. If not protected, moisture can accumulate under the laminate floor and cause the boards to warp.
If you have purchased a laminate floor that already has a subfloor, you should not use a subfloor additional. And if you're looking for specific recommendations, check out Duralay's Heatflow Wood & Laminate Flooring product for floors. In general, they have small imperfections and slight variations which can seriously affect softness of any floor placed on them and affect bond betweenthelaminated planks. Today more than 50 percent of Lumber Liquidators laminates come with pre-installed padding while more than 75 percent of Pergo laminates now have pre-bonded base.
