Laminate backing, their types and sizes. Thickness of cork underlay for laminate flooring. Why do you need a laminate underlay: main characteristics
Review of the best of the most popular
To recommend you the best substrates, we took into account the opinions of representatives of manufacturers of the most popular laminate brands, analyzed reviews from craftsmen and users on specialized Internet resources and construction forums, specifications materials.
Selection criteria
We made the selection based on the parameters below, which we suggest you use as a guide when making your choice.
Noise absorption
This means the absorption of “impact” (reflected and transmitted) noise. Reflected noise is what you hear when you walk on the floor; transmitted noise is what your neighbors below hear. Let’s be clear right away: NO underlayment will save YOU from the noise of your neighbors underneath you, it’s YOU who saves them from the rumble of your heels.
Relation to moisture
Substrates from different groups react differently to moisture. Please note that an indispensable condition for the warranty on laminate from the manufacturers is the presence of a waterproofing film with a thickness of 200 microns.
Thermal insulation
This indicator is important if the floors are located above basements, unheated garages, or passageways.
Density, thickness
For laminate flooring, the ideal is the most solid base possible. In this case, wear on the locks will be minimal. The softer and thicker the substrate, the faster the coating will deteriorate. If the thickness is greater than the optimal(!) 3 mm, then there is a high probability of cracks appearing due to wear of the locks.
Reaction to unevenness of the main floor
The denser the material (and cork has the highest density), the worse its leveling abilities and the more carefully the base should be leveled. You can’t even out a large radius curvature with anything!
Lifetime
Under an expensive laminate with a lifespan of 15 years, it is not economically feasible to lay a cheap polyethylene backing that will wear out in a couple of years.
Suitable for use with heated floors
This characteristic is relevant for those who plan to lay laminate flooring on heated floors.
Ease of installation
Some types of rolled substrates (cork, in particular) tend to curl up when laid. In this case, it is better to take sheet material.
The best manufacturers (brands) of substrates
Well-known laminate manufacturers strongly recommend using branded substrates for their products. Otherwise, they reserve the right to refuse to consider a claim if one arises. However, they all favor cork substrates from Portugal and VTM brand extruded polystyrene. Excellent reviews of Parkolag and Isoplin from both installers and buyers. NPE substrates from Quick Step. But the domestic analogue will provide you with “bubbles” and “waves” after installation. We also do not recommend extruded polystyrene from Russian and Chinese brands: their product descriptions overstate their characteristics.
OUR RANKING OF THE BEST SUBSTRATES
| Place | Name | average price | Nomination | Description | Our rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The best natural substrates | |||||
| 1. | Premium Cork, Portugal | 90 rub./m2 (2 mm) 145 RUR/m2 (3mm) | Natural cork Highest density Lowest thermal conductivity | “Technical cork” material made from compressed bark balsa wood. It has great resistance to deformation, good noise and vibration absorption, and excellent thermal insulation properties. Installs exclusively on thick film. Sold in rolls and sheets. Not recommended for heated floors. | 9 out of 10 |
| 2. | PARCOLAG (Parkolag) | 95 RUR/m2 (3mm) | Bitumen-cork Best characteristics | Ventilated backing. It is kraft paper impregnated with natural bitumen with natural cork topping (granules 2-3 mm in size). It is characterized by high noise absorption, excellent noise and moisture insulation. Roll material. | 9 out of 10 |
| 3. | Isoplaat | 55 RUR/m2 | Better thermal insulation, acoustics, equalization | Fiberboard on coniferous resins for sound insulation. Levels uneven subfloors up to 4 mm. It is characterized by high thermal insulation, natural ventilation, and vapor permeability. Effective damping of “impact” noise, sound dispersion, moisture resistance. | 9 out of 10 |
| The best extruded polystyrene substrates | |||||
| 1. | VTM, IsoPolin (Isopolin) | 55 RUR/m2 | Best price-quality ratio | Material: polystyrene film. This rigid structured XPS underlayment falls somewhere between cork and polyethylene in terms of installation complexity and cost. Excellent sound insulation, minimal moisture absorption. Excellent thermal insulation properties that are maintained at high humidity. | 10 of 10 |
| The best polyethylene substrates | |||||
| 1. | Tuplex | 99 RUR/m2 | The most technological | Mod composite material, consisting of polystyrene foam granules between two layers of polyethylene of different thicknesses. It has excellent moisture and sound insulation properties. The membrane structure of the lower layer of Tuplex allows you to ventilate the space under the laminate: moisture seeps inside and then is discharged under the baseboards. | 9 out of 10 |
| 2. | Izolon PPE | 35 RUR/m2 | The cheapest substrate | Heat-resistant, finely porous substrate made of foamed “cross-linked” PPE. Surpasses NPE in all respects. | 8 out of 10 |
| 3. | Foil Izolon PPE | 56 RUR/m2 | Foil | Insulating substrate Izolon PPE with a layer of foil 14 microns thick applied to one side. | 7 out of 10 |
The best natural substrates
Let us immediately clarify that the natural origin of the substrate in this case does not provide any advantages in terms of ecology, since on top of it there will be a laminate, which, as is known, is artificial material.
Cork backing Premium Cork (Cork)
Rating 9 out of 10
Photo: vopros-remont.ru
Average price in Russia: 90 rub./m2, thickness 2 mm (145 rub./m2 - thickness 3 mm)
Advantages: One of the best substrates made in Portugal and Spain. Very high density means that both itself and the laminate locks are resistant to deformation under load. Due to its high damping properties, the floor will not “play” over time. Due to its very low thermal conductivity it is good insulation floors above unheated rooms. Since it dampens noise well, it will become great solution for children's and playrooms. Can be used with high-class laminate without requiring replacement for 25 years. Unlike its Chinese counterpart, it does not crumble, is easy to install and use, and does not harm the laminate.
Flaws: High price. Noisy on a poorly leveled base. Best used on wooden floors, plywood, chipboard. Absorbs moisture, therefore requires waterproofing of concrete and is not recommended for wet rooms and kitchens.
Typical reviews
“We need to remove the base under the cork more carefully! I encountered this..."
“...hard to lay down. When the roll ends, the cork tends to move back strongly, and there is a fear that it, crumpled, will fall under the laminate.”
Parkolag
Rating 9 out of 10
Photo: strmnt.ru
Advantages: High noise absorption, wear resistance, and very high moisture insulation make this ventilated substrate one of the best. Cork powder, which retains its elasticity, contributes to the long service life of the laminate, and bitumen prevents the penetration of moisture from the concrete screed. The presence of air exchange prevents the formation of condensation, fungus, and mold. Maintains linear dimensions under very significant pressure and when changing temperature and humidity conditions. A reliable substrate that will be an excellent solution for expensive brands of laminate and will serve for many years without causing problems.
Flaws: Cannot be used under heated floors.
Reviews:
“Compared to technical cork, the mixed version is more versatile and more wear-resistant. Benefits in terms of a barrier to excess moisture.”
“As a substrate, I always liked Pargolag, about which I heard a lot of stories, like it stinks of bitumen in a way that is not childish, etc. All this is nonsense.”
“I bought a parkolag for laminate flooring. Great! And there’s no smell, and thiiiiiiho...”
Isoplat (Isoplaat startfloor barlinek)
Rating 9 out of 10
Photo: bug.ua
Advantages: An ideal substrate for heated floors due to its absolute safety when heating. Thanks to its porous structure, it has good noise and sound absorption, acoustic and thermal insulation properties, heat resistance. The special structure of the bottom layer allows air to circulate freely, providing ventilation properties. In addition, thanks to antiseptic impregnation, it is protected from fungus and mold. In terms of elasticity, thermal conductivity, resistance to compression, sound absorption, durability and naturalness, it is similar to cork. As for thermal insulation, due to the thickness of Izoplat it is 3 times higher and comparable to soft insulation.
Flaws: Slabs of smaller thickness are not available.
Reviews:
“I have 5 mm isoplaat under 33 laminate. Elastic, warm to the touch, dampens noise well. With two small children, the neighbors downstairs simply don’t hear us (their opinion).”
The best extruded polystyrene foam substrates
VTM, IsoPolin (Isopolin)
Rating 10 out of 10
Photo: skill-spb.ru
Average price in Russia: 55 RUR/m2 (thickness 3 mm)
Advantages: A stable base for laminated floors, making even diagonal laying of laminate flooring convenient. Thanks to its closed, moisture-proof pores, it is ideal waterproofing. Optimally selected density is expressed in a sufficiently high resistance to external pressure and at the same time the absence of strong rigidity. The latter quality compensates for floor unevenness up to 3 mm and enhances sound insulation: absorption rate impact noise approaching a traffic jam. Technical characteristics are similar to Izoplat plates. Mechanical pressure does not have a destructive effect on the structure, so VTM and IsoPolin substrates do not lose their high heat and sound insulating properties over time. Service life more than 10 years.
Flaws: Not suitable for rooms with high intense traffic and load (dance halls, fitness clubs, etc.). Not suitable for heated floors.
Reviews:
“In terms of laying properties and resistance to subsidence, XPS substrates and Isoplats are almost identical.”
“As a builder, I will say: it’s pleasant and easy to work with; many customers require just such a substrate.”
“In the Olympic Village ... there is a huge demand for this substrate among understanding people.”
The best polyethylene substrates
Tuplex
Rating 9 out of 10
Photo: ekopol.kiev.ua
Average price in Russia: 99 rub./m2 (thickness 3 mm)
Advantages: Tuplex underlay adapts to the shape of the base, smoothing it out minor defects. Perfectly absorbs impact noise, muffling the sound of heels. This quality allows us to recommend Tuplex for both residential premises and offices. Due to low compression (14 times less compared to foamed polyethylene), it retains its shape well and prevents the laminate from sagging. Unique structure the material allows moisture to be removed naturally, but this advantage is reduced to zero if there is waterproofing film. Suitable for heated floors.
Flaws: The heating efficiency of heated floors is lower compared to traditional thermally conductive substrates due to the dissipation of part of the air.
Reviews:
“The best...thing I've worked with is Tuplex. Very easy to install."
“I heard complaints about him. The main idea: polystyrene foam balls deform over time... This may not be true, but it’s worth thinking about.”
“...tried compression, but it doesn’t recover. Although the annotation says something else.”
Izolon PPE
Rating 8 out of 10
Photo: www.web4market.biz
Advantages: Good heat and noise absorption parameters of “cross-linked” polyethylene with closed pores, its environmental friendliness, elasticity and elasticity, increased moisture resistance and hydrophobicity, inertness to “chemistry”, bacteria and relative cheapness make the Izolon PPE substrate (not to be confused with Izolon NPE!) preferable for use in residential and public spaces. These qualities can be preserved in Izolon PPE long time under any operating conditions. Does not deform under load, does not burn and does not emit toxic substances. Over time, it does not collapse, does not lose stability and strength, unlike gas-filled polyethylenes Izolon NPE, Penofol, Poliizol, etc. The service life under normal conditions is more than 25 years. The optimal solution for heated floors.
Flaws: Despite the good thermal insulation properties, you should not count on thermal insulation of the floor with a material thickness of 2-4 mm.
Reviews:
“If you take Izolon, then PPE is white with very dense small bubbles, but not our NPE!”
“Compared to cork, Isolon has much worse compression and recovery.”
Foil Izolon PPE
Rating 6 out of 10
Photo: www.dom-laminata.ru
Advantages: In addition to the advantages of Izolon PPE, the foil layer, which is a reflective thermal insulation, enhances heat and vapor barrier properties and reduces heat loss by 97%. Important: the higher the temperature difference between the subfloor and the room, the higher the effectiveness of foil thermal insulation. For the first floor with a concrete floor, foil-coated Izolon PPE is useful; for an apartment on the fourth floor there will be no gain in temperature. But as insulation, it combines perfectly with infrared heated floors.
Reviews:
“For the foil to give a noticeable effect in heat reflection, the temperature must be around 60° C. Therefore, foil on foam... a successful marketing move...".
“...living in a plastic bag requires constant ventilation.”
Which underlay is best to buy?
Even professionals often have a diametrically opposed attitude towards the same group of materials, and most often it is poorly reasoned. Our rating of the best substrates does not give a clear answer to this question—the choice is yours. Study the characteristics of the material and choose the one that best suits your tasks, the degree of evenness of the base and your financial capabilities. However, keep in mind that thicker does not mean better; the thickness of the substrate should not exceed 3-4 mm, unless greater is allowed by the laminate manufacturer.
A cozy atmosphere is one of the main requirements for a living space. Upon arrival home, every person wants to relax, enjoy peace and quiet. However, if your restless child runs around the floor, then distinct sounds are made that interfere with peaceful rest. And when your neighbors downstairs listen to loud music on top of everything else, then you can only dream of silence. An effective solution This problem is the purchase of underlay for the floor. Of course, it is quite difficult to understand all the nuances on your own, but our information will help you successfully select the appropriate insulating layer.
Advantages of a laminate underlay
The flooring plays quite well important role under repair. And the choice of flooring material should be taken seriously. Today, the most popular coating is called laminate due to its durability, wear resistance and relative cheapness. However, buying the material itself is half the battle, since you still need to choose a substrate for the laminate.
Soundproofing
Laminate flooring has one unpleasant feature: the sound of footsteps is quite loud. Both for you and for your neighbors. There are two reasons for this: the coating itself is thin - the most popular thickness in laminate is 8 millimeters; as well as a floating installation method, which results in a kind of membrane underfoot that transmits sounds. To dampen such impact noise, an underlay is placed on subfloors when laying laminate flooring.
Some manufacturers integrate special sound insulation systems into their product - a similar layer is glued to back side laminate floor planks. An integrated underlay is usually found on class 33 and 32 laminates. Such a coating is very convenient to install, but integrating the substrate into the laminate significantly increases the cost of the product. Therefore, a more prudent decision would be to purchase warm underlays for laminate flooring in rolls or sheets. The noise insulation capabilities of such material are indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging.
Leveling the surface
In addition to reducing noise, such an intermediate layer between the laminate and the base can slightly smooth out the unevenness of the screed under the floor covering. It's sad that a new subfloor isn't always ready for laminate flooring. When making screeds, certain differences occur, and such deviations are not acceptable for laying floor coverings.
When installing laminated parquet on concrete surface within a few months, the so-called “backlash” appears in some places. Laminate flooring, as a rule, sags in those places where the distance between the rough screed and the floor is maximum. Even if a gap of several millimeters has formed, the unevenness will still be noticeable while walking.
Therefore, additional leveling of the base is required. This is why you need a backing for the laminate made of polystyrene foam, which allows you to achieve a perfectly flat floor surface and hide minor differences. But don’t get too carried away with the thickness - using a substrate whose thickness is more than 3 millimeters is unacceptable, because a substrate under the laminate that is too thick will sag at the joints of the flooring planks, and the connecting locks may simply be damaged.
Moisture insulation
Humidity has a detrimental effect on floor coverings. If you pay due attention to the natural drying process when arranging the floor, then no problems will arise when laying the laminate. New concrete screed must dry naturally for at least one month.
In any case, it would not be superfluous to carry out simple test on the readiness of the base for the installation of a laminate floor. Throw a plastic bag on the floor in the evening, and check in the morning - if there is perspiration on it, then the screed is not yet ready for laying the laminate. The underlay under the laminate is able to maintain the microclimate between the floor covering and the subfloor and protect the surface from process moisture from cement or concrete.
Thermal conductivity
Thermal conductivity is especially important when using underfloor heating systems. Laminate flooring itself has thermal insulating properties. Substrates under laminate and “warm floors” are also heat insulators. Thus, the “warm floor” system is located under two layers of thermal insulation, which reduces the heating efficiency.
Think about it, in this case it is not necessary to incur the costs of purchasing and installing floor heating, as well as pay for the electricity consumed. The substrate under the laminate has high heat-insulating properties and can provide good thermal insulation floor.
Properties of the laminate substrate
So, the need for installation under laminate insulating material there is no doubt. All that remains is to choose the substrate. High-quality roll and sheet substrates are not too cheap, however, according to the craftsmen, savings on this material may end unpleasant consequences up to swelling of the laminate. In this matter, you need to find a compromise by finding out what qualities the underlay for a laminate floor should have.
A special insulating material that does not allow direct contact of the laminate floor with the sub-base must meet the following requirements:
- be neutral to interact with alkaline materials;
- have bactericidal properties;
- perform the function of thermal insulation;
- have high moisture resistance;
- do not promote the breeding of rodents and harmful insects;
- provide the opportunity to remove condensate - microventilation;
- reduce the load on the locking connection of the laminated floor.
Choosing a substrate for laminate
Which substrate to choose, because there are many varieties on the market of this material? First of all, you need to start from the condition of the subfloor. If the screed is in good condition and meets the established tolerances, then you can safely take a two-millimeter substrate. In cases where the concrete has minor flaws, it is recommended to buy a three-millimeter substrate for the isoplat laminate.
The following types of underlays for laminated floors are presented on the building materials market: polyethylene foam, extruded polystyrene foam underlays, combined underlays, bitumen underlays with cork and cork materials. It is a mistake to believe that you should buy the underlay from the same manufacturer as the laminate floor. This is not of fundamental importance.
Polyethylene foam substrates
Polyethylene substrates are very popular because they are characterized by high moisture resistance, good thermal insulation properties, are not infected by various fungi and bacteria, and are not interesting to insects and rodents. This material is convenient and easy to work with, it is economical and produces little waste. It is not uncommon for a film to have an additional layer of metallized film. Foil backings for laminate using aluminum are also produced.
However, in addition to advantages, polyethylene foam substrates also have disadvantages. They do not retain their shape well and may sag over time. In addition, such insulating material is afraid of ultraviolet radiation.
Cork substrates
Cork underlayment is a good insulating material and makes an excellent base for a floating floor. It is known as an excellent heat insulator and is not susceptible to mold or rot. The material is produced in rolls and sheets. It is used as a heat insulator in “warm floors” and a substrate for floating floors. Retains its linear dimensions and technical properties throughout the entire service life.
The high cost of cork films makes its installation impractical for inexpensive laminated floors that have a short useful life. The disadvantage of cork underlay for laminate flooring is that when it is used, condensation may form on the underside of the laminate.
Bitumen-cork substrates
Bitumen-cork films are made from kraft paper with the addition of bitumen, after which it is covered with cork chips on top. Cork topping is made from pieces 2-3 millimeters in size. In addition, such a substrate perfectly absorbs sounds and, thanks to bitumen, prevents the penetration of moisture.
Bitumen-cork substrates ensure air exchange at the proper level, equalize pressure and prevent the formation of condensation. The material is useful when you plan to lay an expensive and durable type of laminate. This coating is not advisable to use with low-grade, cheap laminate flooring.
Expanded polystyrene substrates
Extruded polystyrene foam is often used as an insulating layer under a laminate floor. This film is optimal solution from the point of view of load resistance. In addition, it evens out unevenness well concrete base. Thanks to these qualities, extruded polystyrene foam laminate underlay can be used for rooms that are heavily used.
Effective absorption of vibrations and stress guarantees increased walking comfort. Expanded polystyrene insulates laminated floors well and, due to the closed structure of its cells, is highly moisture resistant. The material initially has a high density, so it retains its elasticity and thickness for a very long time.
Combined substrates
Synthetic combined substrates, in the production of which polystyrene foam and polyethylene are used, are quite in demand today. Most famous example The well-known Tuplex substrate is such a material. The combined film is a kind of “sandwich”, where between two layers of polyethylene with different characteristics polystyrene foam balls are located.
The material is sold in rolls and has a thickness of about 2-3 millimeters. Due to its design, the film is able to ventilate the space. Top layer made of polyethylene high pressure, prevents moisture from penetrating to the base of the floor if water suddenly gets on the coating. Thin bottom layer allows moisture to pass from the rough base to the granules, and from there, due to technological gaps, is discharged outside.
The advantages of the combined substrate are its flexibility, strength and ability to maintain the original thickness, as well as smooth out defects in the subfloor.
Special substrates
Special insulating material can reduce transit noise or footstep sounds with maximum efficiency. By creating natural ventilation, the material is able to remove moisture that has gotten under the floor covering. The use of special substrates reduces the installation time of a laminated floor by 2-3 times due to the built-in moisture-resistant membrane. Special substrates have good characteristics in many respects, but are expensive.
Technology of laying the substrate under the laminate
When laying the substrate under the laminate, professional skills, work experience and special tools, but certain rules must be carefully followed. First of all, the performance and durability of the laminate depend on the skill of performing the work. At correct installation You and your neighbors won't think about each other using underlays for the flooring!
Preparatory work
If the screed is concrete, stone or cement, then you need to put a layer of plastic film on it for the purpose of waterproofing, and then start laying the substrate. The thickness of the polyethylene should be slightly larger than an ordinary plastic bag - close to 0.2 millimeters. The top layer of the laminate floor is covered protective film, which protects the coating from moisture, so the bottom surface should not be left unprotected.
Before laying the substrate, the base must be thoroughly vacuumed. IN mandatory it should be dry. The substrate can be cut with ordinary scissors or construction knife, the measured lines are applied with a pencil or marker using a ruler. To achieve maximum evenness of the surface, you cannot make several layers of the substrate. It will be enough to take a submarine whose thickness is 2-3 millimeters.
If you choose a thicker polystyrene laminate backing for an uneven coating, the laminate’s locking devices may break under pressure. And in this case, walking on the floor will be inconvenient, since the panels sag.
Laying the substrate
It is recommended to place the underlay across the direction in which the laminate panels will be laid. This is done so that a piece of floor does not move out of its place if you move it carelessly. When laying it, it is imperative to place a backing under the laminate on the walls - this will ensure the safety and durability of the coating. If the material is damaged, then if damaged areas are found, it should be covered with an additional layer of underlay for the laminate.
If the film is corrugated, then the side with the corrugated surface should be laid down, this will better level the base. If the material has aluminum foil, the side with the foil should be placed up.
Thus, having chosen a laminate from the whole variety of modern floor coverings, to ensure sound insulation and smooth out unevenness on a rough basis, it is recommended to buy a special sub for the laminate. The special insulating material is distinguished by a number of positive properties and is available on the market in a wide range. Finding the right substrate for you won’t be difficult!
We will send the material to you by e-mail
Any person who buys an apartment or makes renovations in it faces the question of purchasing flooring. There are many options for laying the floor, one of the popular ones is laminate. This material is considered durable and inexpensive. To install it correctly, all stages, including preparatory ones, must be followed. It is at this stage of work that the question arises, which substrate for the laminate is better.
Laying backing
The use of the underlay is based on the characteristics of the floor covering material itself. It is made from waste from wood processing plants. That is, sawdust is pressed under high pressure and temperature.
A decorative layer is applied on top of the finished sheets, replicating the texture of the wood. Then, the entire surface is coated with varnish to increase service life. On the underside of laminate boards there is a layer of polymers that protects the material from moisture and mechanical damage.
Locks are installed on all sides of the resulting panel for fastening, so laying the laminate is easy. Place the boards on the screed.
Note! The difference in unevenness on the floor should not be more than 1 mm per 2 linear meters.
At the same time, you cannot lay the boards directly on concrete, otherwise when walking they will knock on the screed and quickly wear out. . It is for these purposes that a lining was developed, which acts as a shock absorber and also increases the level of sound insulation in the room. It also provides the necessary level of vapor barrier so that the coating does not deform during operation.
Which underlay for laminate is better based on its features?
There are different options for laying between the floor and the coating:
- from cork;
- polymers;
- foil;
- pine needles;
- combined options.
To choose a substrate for laminate flooring on a concrete floor, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of each of the listed types.
Cork covering
The main advantage is environmental friendliness. Even in a children's room you can safely use a cork lining; it does not highlight any harmful substances. This material also has a long service life, good shock absorption and sound insulation.
Besides positive points, there are also negative ones. These include:
- high price;
- It is afraid of moisture, so it is not used for heated floors.
Made from oak bark chips. Sometimes they use not only natural material, but also add rubber or bitumen, which reduces the cost.
Thus, it is advisable to use such a coating for dry rooms, without installing heated floors. Most often, cork is combined with inexpensive laminate to create total cost optimal flooring.
Polyethylene foam backing
Laminate backings (sheets) are made from polyethylene foam in several versions. They all have positive sides, which include:
- High ability to keep moisture out;
- Retains heat well;
- Not susceptible to bacteria and various chemicals;
- Light weight and low price.
“I don’t often write reviews, but this backing was simply amazing. I have had it for more than three years, during which time it has not caused any allergies or any other problems. I thought that the coating would start to “walk”, but nothing like that happened. Very satisfied". Another review:
“One friend laid out such a natural base for himself and was unpleasantly surprised by the aroma from it. I couldn’t stand it, I took it to the store, as it turned out, pine needles perfectly absorb all odors. We replaced it with new packaging, everything was fine with it.”
Thus, it is quite difficult to accurately answer the question of which laminate underlay is better. For each buyer, a correctly selected option will be good based on the purpose of use, the humidity in the room and the planned cost of money.
Which underlay for laminate (price per m2) will be more profitable
| When deciding which option from the whole variety is most suitable, we suggest looking at a table with approximate prices. | Image | Company (article) | Variety |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Price (RUB/sq.m) | Tepofol | 15 |
 | Price (RUB/sq.m) | Foam (2 mm) | 30 |
 | Foamed (4 mm) | Wicanders | 120 |
 | Cork (2 mm) | Tuplex (RT-011) | 130 |
 | Combined (extruded polystyrene foam and two layers of polyethylene film) | Steico | 575 |
 | Natural pine needles (7 mm) | Coeksribas (CR-105-10) | 514 |
Cork (10 mm)
- And also when choosing, you can look at the rating of manufacturing companies, according to buyers: The best natural substrates. In first place is Premium Cork (Portugal), this material has high density
- Buyers selected VTM and IsoPolin from extruded polystyrene. This gasket is considered the best in terms of price and quality ratio. It has high levels of noise and heat insulation. Price: 55 rub. per square meter.
- Among the polyethylene options, consumers highlighted Tuplex, costing 99 rubles. The backing is made of modern materials that allow you to ventilate the space.
Thus, when you are thinking about which laminate underlay is best to choose, you can rely not only on the material of manufacture, but also on user ratings, as well as pricing policy.
Easy to install, reasonable price, decent appearance made laminate one of the most popular types of flooring. When laying it, an important role is played by the correct choice of insulating material, which will increase the service life of the laminated coating and maintain its neat appearance for a long period.
Why is it needed?
The substrate is thin and non-woven material, produced in the form of sheets or rolls, which is used as an intermediate layer when installing flooring.
Let's figure out why a substrate is needed and what main functions it performs:
- Leveling the base. Often rough screed The flooring is not done very well and evenly, which is an obstacle to the correct installation of the laminate flooring. In this case good substrate becomes a leveling material that levels out minor floor unevenness and differences, which greatly facilitates installation and allows the laminated coating to lie perfectly on the base surface;
- Sound insulation and reduction of shock and static load. When you step on the floor, it bends, deforms and sags; in this case, the lining creates a shock-absorbing effect and softens the deformation of the floor. It also reduces acoustic noise when walking and when moving various objects, and allows you to further isolate the room from sounds;
- Thermal insulation. Good cushioning material reduces heat loss by performing a thermal conductivity function. Thanks to the fact that modern options insulation materials have a low thermal conductivity coefficient, the laminated surface remains insulated, and the desired room temperature is maintained even in the cold season;
- Carrying out waterproofing function, the substrate serves to protect the laminate from the action of process moisture, which is released cement base, and creates a positive microclimate between the concrete screed and the flooring. Otherwise, fungus may appear under the coating, which can lead to destruction of the laminate;
- Vapor barrier or separation membrane, prevents the formation of condensation and the penetration of water vapor into the laminated coating. Usually in winter time During the year, the temperature inside and outside the room differs significantly, and therefore steam may form. In this case, the vapor barrier material will prevent condensation from penetrating into the laminate. Such an insulating layer is definitely needed for rooms located on the first floors and in basements. In other cases it is used as needed.
There is no need to lay an underlay under a laminate with insulation material already attached to it underneath, or under a vinyl laminated covering.
Kinds
There are several types of lining material. They have approximately similar characteristics and, taking into account the presence of components used in production, they can be divided into two main groups: natural and polymer or artificial.
Natural
There are several options for natural materials.
Cork
It is made from small granules of cork tree bark in leaf and in roll form. Is one of better basics for laying a floating floor or expensive laminate with a moisture-resistant locking system.
There are several types of this material:
- Classic. It is a natural pressed cork chip. It does not contain toxic substances, is absolutely environmentally friendly, has anti-allergenic properties, is non-flammable, and does not accumulate static electricity;
- Cork with rubber. Here, the binding component for the cork chips is synthetic rubber. This base is highly resistant to moisture and absorbs vibrating sounds;
- Parkolag, or bitumen-cork. It is made from kraft cardboard onto which cork granules on a bitumen mixture are glued. This type of plug is similar to a rubber plug, but is susceptible to fire and can cause the smell of bitumen to appear in rooms with good heating.
The main advantages of cork substrate:
- Does not press, does not shrink, does not lose its shape during use;
- Has noise and heat insulating properties;
- It has long term operation;
- Not subject to decay processes;
Main disadvantages:
- High price;
- Poor vapor barrier. This material should not be used in rooms where there is high humidity, for example, in kitchens and bathrooms.
- When laying on a concrete screed, it is necessary to use an additional moisture-proofing layer.
Coniferous
Coniferous is a wood substrate that is made from coniferous species tree. It is a purely natural product. It contains no chemical binders. It has a leaf form. Like cork, it is completely environmentally friendly, therefore, the benefits are almost the same as those of cork bedding.
Advantages of spruce substrate:
- It has a porous structure, allows you to breathe better than other materials floor covering;
- Retains its shape well, even after a long period of use the slabs do not deform;
- Excellent sound and heat insulation;
- Additionally levels the surface;
- Convenient and easy to install;
The disadvantages of coniferous litter include:
- Absorbs moisture well, so condensation and mold may form on the surface of the material;
- Vulnerable to bacteria and fungi if laid on a poorly dried base;
Polymer or artificial
Artificial materials also come in different types.
Polyethylene (isolon)
- Foamed polyethylene, or in other words, isolon, can be cross-linked or filled with gas. The backing made of gas-filled polyethylene foam quickly loses its shape and elasticity, while the insulating material made of cross-linked polyethylene retains its functions much longer, even under significant loads. There is also a foil isolon lining based on polyethylene or polystyrene. Basically, it is intended for use under an infrared floor.
- Polypropylene gasket often passed off as plastic film or vice versa. Such substrates are very similar in appearance, both have a foam structure, but polypropylene has high heat resistance, hardness, and is more resistant to abrasion.
- Polyurethane backing usually available in sheet form. It has excellent leveling and soundproofing properties. Ideal for laying on substrates with differences of more than 5 mm, it has excellent leveling and sound insulating properties and is quickly installed. Suitable for both household and public premises. Laying such material should only be done on a dry surface.
- Currently, a new insulating material is quite popular - isoplat. In its production, premium wood is used with the addition of various paraffins. Such a substrate has a number of advantages, the main of which are good sound and heat insulation, and the absence of chemical additives in the composition. The room will remain warm and no excess noise will penetrate.
The use of such a lining when installing the floor makes it possible to obtain an even and high-quality coating.
Main advantages:
- Not afraid of moisture;
- Easily hides all the unevenness of the base;
- Low price, unlike natural options.
But, unfortunately, it quickly loses its elasticity, wrinkles, and tends to accumulate static electricity.
Expanded polystyrene
The substrate is made of extruded polystyrene, foamed polymer and has a rare microstructure, which is a large number of air bubbles with strong walls. Expanded polystyrene is an analogue of conventional polystyrene foam, but differs from the latter in more high performance thermal conductivity and strength and absorbs much less moisture.
Expanded polystyrene substrate is produced in the form of “accordions”, cut slabs, and rolls. Rolled will be used on large areas, folded like an accordion, it is easily transported and used in rooms that have complex geometry.
The produced extruded polystyrene gasket has different properties, it can be stronger, warmer, wear-resistant, and differ in the level of water absorption.
Advantages of this substrate:
- An ideal option in terms of price-quality ratio. The cost of such a product is more expensive than a polyethylene lining, but it retains its shape longer and has a longer service life;
- It is quite rigid, so it allows you to keep its shape well, compensate for uneven floors and is suitable for use in rooms with increased load;
- It has good level sound insulation, sound insulation;
- Moisture resistant;
- Quick and easy to install.
Among the disadvantages of such a substrate, the following can be noted:
- May be harmful due to possible toxicity, so be sure to check the certificate when purchasing;
- During prolonged use, it may lose its shape and cake, so it is necessary to take into account the density of the material.
Foil
It is a combination of two layers, one of which is the base, and the other is the reflective coating. The base can be made of polystyrene foam or polyethylene foam. Metallized polypropylene film or aluminum foil acts as a reflective coating. This structure increases the protective functions of the substrate.
The type of coating on which the foil insulating material will be laid is important. Metallized film is used under cement screed or concrete, since the insulating material with aluminum coating is destroyed by the action of alkalis in concrete.
The main advantage of the foil underlay is increased thermal insulation of the floor (usually by 30%), high moisture resistance and additional waterproofing.
You need to know that the effect of preserving the heat of the floor can only be achieved with proper installation of the substrate, namely, the layer with foil should be located on top. When using such a substrate, a cold floor will become much warmer.
There is also a double-sided metallic lining on sale, the heating properties of which are even higher.
The advantages are:
- Good reflectivity;
- High moisture resistance and thermal insulation;
- When working with such material, little waste is generated;
- Good resistance to stress, the formation of fungi and bacteria.
The disadvantages include:
- Fairly high cost;
- Low density can lead to the loss of the original shape of the material during long-term use.
Combined
Combined and other substrate options are quite in demand today. Both natural and synthetic types are available for sale.
- Rubber-reinforced The backing consists of synthetic rubber and cork granulate. Available in roll form. Well suppresses noise and vibrations of various origins. Mainly used as an antistatic coating in rooms with special conditions for dielectric resistance;
- For dry screeds they are used wood-based materials. They are not recommended for installation in rooms with high humidity. Such substrates include plywood, which is treated with special moisture-resistant substances, fiberboard, cellulose filler, chipboard;
- Jute, linen, bamboo the substrates are very similar, made from natural fiber, hypoallergenic, breathable, but have the lowest thermal insulation and are very thin. There are combined options from flax, jute and wool, thus achieving maximum hardness and thermal insulation of the material;
- Felt The backing is a non-woven polyester fabric. This is a reliable and inexpensive option, it is non-toxic, does not rot, does not oxidize, and reduces the level of impact noise;
- Teplon, another type of laminate base, is made from foamed polystyrene and has improved characteristics. It does not contain harmful impurities, is almost completely impervious to moisture, and repels dirt and dust well. Lightweight, ultra-strong, elastic material;
- There is also a backing fiberglass. Mainly used for laminate 5-7 mm thick. It is environmentally friendly and has very high mechanical strength: its slabs are not subject to deformation. The material is elastic and has good soundproofing qualities;
Features of the material
The substrate is mandatory element when laying laminate flooring. Depending on the initial components used in production, the gasket material has a number of features and certain technical characteristics.
The main and important property of any substrate is that it does not allow the underside of the wooden covering to rub against the screed, thereby maintaining the integrity of the floor and increasing its wear resistance.
The gasket should:
- Possess the insulation properties of a laminated coating and retain heat well. This feature of the substrate is especially important if you plan to use a heating system or underfloor heating. In this case, the use of such an insulating material will allow warm air to spread evenly over the laminate flooring, and the concrete screed will not heat up;
- Be moisture resistant and reduce sound penetration;
- Be mechanically stable, dense, retain shape and thickness for a long time;
- During use, do not enter into chemical reactions with alkaline compounds;
- The substrate should not contain harmful substances and be environmentally friendly;
- The perforated substrate will provide good ventilation of the space under the floor and promote micro-ventilation of the coating;
- It is better that the material that is placed under the laminate is treated with a bactericidal agent, which will prevent the proliferation of various microorganisms.
Which one to choose?
When choosing a substrate, you need to take into account the condition of the subfloor and the characteristics of the room where you plan to use it, as well as the requirements for cushioning material specified by the laminate manufacturer. In a matter of choice suitable material linings, it is important to take into account reviews and opinions of experts about the product, as well as information from buyers who have experience using such a product.
There is no need to buy an expensive, high-quality underlay if you are installing a simple and cheap laminated base, and vice versa. Equality must be respected. All requirements and wishes for cushioning material are specified in the laminate manufacturers' instructions.
The substrate for a concrete base must have steam-, moisture-proofing and softening properties, and therefore it is better to use insulating pads made of synthetic materials. They will allow you to smooth out defects of an uneven base and ensure high-quality installation of the laminated coating. However, you can also install natural ones, but in this case the main thing is to ensure their protection from moisture. In this case, an additional layer of insulation in the form of a polyethylene film must be laid on the concrete or cement screed, and coniferous or cork material must be placed on top of it.
If you are going to lay laminate boards on a wooden floor, these can be materials such as plywood, various types of chipboard, boards, then you can use almost any type of insulating material. For wooden coverings The waterproofing properties of the substrate are not so important, because such substrates must be dry and protected from moisture. In this case, the choice should be based on other properties of the substrate material: sound, thermal conductivity, naturalness, price.
If you plan to install it on a heated floor, then regardless of what type it is - electric or water, lining material must be selected based on the following reasons:
- The substrate must have significant thermal conductivity, its thickness, as well as its thermal insulation functions must have minimum values. The lower the thermal resistance value indicated on the decking packaging, the better the thermal insulation layer will transmit.
- For floors of this type, manufacturers produce special underlays that are perforated to allow heat to pass through freely.
- When choosing a substrate for a laminated coating, be sure to pay attention to the presence of a certificate of conformity confirming the quality and safety of this product.
Dimensions
Underlayment thicknesses vary and should be selected based on the manufacturer's recommendations and the type of laminate flooring. For a surface that is perfectly leveled, a thin substrate will be suitable, but a thick substrate will not compensate for the unevenness of the rough base. On an uneven surface, it will sag and compress, which will lead to breakage of the laminate locks.
The recommended substrate thickness is 2-5 mm. It is important to take into account the technical characteristics of the laminate and the unevenness of the rough base. A thicker substrate is intended for rooms where additional sound and heat insulation is needed.
The lining material can have the following thicknesses:
- 2 mm is the minimum that is needed to balance minor unevenness in the base;
- 3 mm is an excellent option to finally smooth out the curvature of the floor, dampen noise when walking and act as a shock absorber between the screed and the laminate;
- 4 mm – this is usually the thickness of a cork backing;
- 5 mm - the lining material has good sound insulation, has waterproofing functions, and reduces various noises. Used in commercial premises;
- 7 mm - basically, this is a cushioning material made of polystyrene foam, it evens out unevenness in the rough finish of 6-7 mm;
There is a substrate with a thickness of 10 mm, it is used for boards measuring 8-10 mm.
For home use the right option will be the use of cushioning materials with a thickness of 3-4 mm. If the humidity level in the room is normal and there are no strong temperature changes, you can get by with a 2-3 mm thick substrate.
If there are negative factors: various irregularities, high noise levels, then you will have to use a rigid substrate, the thickness of which will be 4.5 mm or more. For such a surface, it is advisable to lay cork and spruce materials.
Many famous manufacturers They produce laminate options that initially have a backing at the base.
All types of gaskets are produced in both roll and sheet versions. They have different widths and heights, so the choice depends on the method of laying the insulating material and the size of the room.
Laying
You can lay the substrate under the laminated base with your own hands, without having professional skills and without special tools. You will be required to carefully read the installation instructions supplied by the manufacturer with the selected material, and begin work, following the necessary rules. The longevity of your coating depends on how well and correctly you perform the work.
The video will help you install laminate flooring yourself.
It is necessary that the concrete base for installing the substrate is level; if not, it must be leveled; for this you need to select the correct self-spreading mixture. The subfloor must be thoroughly dried to avoid the release of excess moisture. Then you need to clean the surface of the base on which the substrate will be mounted; it must be absolutely clean, free of particles of dirt and dust.
Determine exactly how much lining material you will need. To do this, you need to take measurements of the length and width of the room and multiply these indicators. For waste when cutting, add 10% to the result.
You can cut the base material with scissors or a cutter, and to draw measurement lines, just use a pencil and ruler. On a cement or concrete floor, especially when using a cork backing, it is imperative to place a plastic film. This double protection is necessary for waterproofing the floor, especially if your apartment is located on the ground floor and has a basement.
If the lining has a grooved surface, then it must be laid with this side down to level the base. When installing foil material, the side with the foil should be placed towards the top. The edges of the substrate must be placed on the walls, under the laminate, to ensure longer preservation of the coating and its durability.
Start laying from the corner of the room and do not allow the sheets to be joined to overlap each other. It is not recommended to attach the backing in several layers, since the locking devices of the laminate will be damaged faster if the backing material is thick. In this case, it is better to use plates 2-3 mm thick. Rolled underlayment is generally laid along the laminate flooring, but it is advisable to lay sheet underlayment across it so that the seams of the laminate boards do not coincide with the seams of the lining. After some time, the locks of the coating in this place will weaken, and there will be a creaking and crunching sound when walking on the floor.
Installation of the polystyrene foam sheet substrate is carried out on a prepared base. To ensure a strong connection to the surface and to avoid displacement of the lining sheets, it is recommended to glue them using double-sided tape.
The coniferous substrate must be marked, and the first sheets must be cut at an angle of 45 degrees. Then the cut pieces are placed at the base of the walls of the room and solid slabs are laid from them at an angle of 45 degrees into the joint.
When laying the rolled backing, the edges are fixed using double-sided tape. The glued edge will prevent the lining from moving and will prevent tears and tearing of the material.
Selected in accordance with all requirements and a high-quality laid substrate for a laminated coating will significantly increase the service life of the floor, improve technical performance, and make your stay in the room more comfortable.
When choosing the thickness of the substrate, you should focus on the condition and quality of the subfloor. It is permissible to use a 2mm thick underlay only if the floor is in good condition. For concrete with small flaws, it is worth choosing a 3mm thick substrate such as isoplats.
Polyethylene foam substrates
Polyethylene foam substrates have gained popularity due to their high moisture resistance and good thermal insulation properties. The coating is not of interest to rodents, insects and fungi. Manufacturers of polyethylene foam substrates have expanded their range by combining the layer with a metallized film based on aluminum.
Cork substrates
The use of this type of underlay for laminate is relevant in the case of laying floating floors and heated floors. Good insulating qualities, naturalness of the material and resistance to mold and microorganisms have made cork a leader in this segment.
Available in the form of sheets and rolls, it is convenient for installation in small areas. During the service life it does not lose its technical properties and linear dimensions. The disadvantages of the material include the likelihood of condensation on the underside of the laminate and its high cost.
Bitumen-cork substrates
Kraft paper, bitumen and cork chips are components of bitumen-cork films. Cork coating is made from pieces 2-3 mm in size, which allows the coating to provide air exchange at the proper level and prevent the formation of condensation. It is advisable to use such a substrate when laying expensive laminate flooring.
Expanded polystyrene substrates
Extruded polystyrene foam is used as the main material for the substrate due to its ability to well level out the unevenness of the concrete base. Expanded polystyrene – best insulation for laminate flooring. The closed cell structure of the material and density ensures high moisture resistance.
Combined substrates
The category of combined substrates includes a “duet” of polystyrene foam and polyethylene. Between two layers of polyethylene there are tiny beads of polystyrene foam. High-density polyethylene, which forms the top layer, prevents the penetration of moisture that may end up on the floor surface. A thin bottom layer passes moisture from the rough base to the granular layer, then due to technological gaps it is removed outside.
