Floor underlayment

Types of floor underlayment

Floor underlayment is a layer of material laid beneath the surface floor covering. It serves as a barrier between the subfloor and the floor material to provide different benefits to homeowners. Floor underlayment is not always necessary but can be beneficial in certain situations.

Each type of underlayment for floors has its pros and cons. Understanding them will help you make informed decisions when purchasing floor underlayment in bulk.

Here are the different types of floor underlayment:

• Foam underlayment

  It is the most basic and widely used type of floor underlayment. Foam underlayment is made of closed-cell polyethylene foam. It is lightweight and has a thickness of about 2 to 3 millimeters. This type of underlayment is usually used for laminate and engineered wood floors. It is easy to install, with adhesive strips on one side that keep the foam pieces attached when laying the new floor on top.

  While foam underlayment is inexpensive, it does not offer as much sound dampening or moisture resistance as other types. It is mainly used in rooms with low traffic and minimal moisture, like bedrooms.

• Felt underlayment

  Felt underlayment is made from recycled natural materials, which makes it an eco-friendly option. It is denser than foam underlayment, providing better soundproofing and insulation. Felt underlayment is suitable for both laminate and hardwood flooring. It comes in rolls that are easy to unroll and cut to size when installing a new floor.

  Although felt underlayment costs more than foam, its durability and performance make it a popular choice for rooms like living rooms and home offices.

• Rubber underlayment

  This underlayment is made from recycled tires or synthetic rubber. It is much thicker than foam or felt, measuring 4 to 6 millimeters. Rubber underlayment is primarily used for concrete subfloors, especially in basements or areas with high moisture levels. It excels at sound dampening and provides excellent moisture protection. Rubber underlayment is more expensive, but its long-lasting properties make it worth the investment for high-traffic or multi-story homes.

• Plastic/polyethylene sheeting

  Plastic or polyethylene sheeting is a simple and affordable type of floor underlayment. It is made of durable plastic material and is usually 1 to 2 millimeters thick. The sheeting is laid out in rolls, making it easy to install. It is commonly used for laminate flooring and is especially popular in areas like bathrooms and kitchens that require moisture protection.

  Although polyethylene sheeting is inexpensive and easy to install, it offers limited soundproofing and insulation. It is mainly used in spaces where moisture control is more important than noise reduction, such as laundry rooms.

• Combination underlayment

  Some underlayments combine different materials to provide multiple benefits in one product. For example, combination underlayment may have foam for insulation, rubber for moisture protection, and a vapor barrier sheet. It is designed for use with specific types of flooring, like luxury vinyl plank flooring.

Functions and features of floor underlayment

Here are the key functions of floor underlayment:

• Sound Dampening: Floor underlayment is crucial for noise reduction. It minimizes sound transmission, making rooms quieter. This is especially important in multi-unit dwellings where noise can disturb neighbors. Underlayment absorbs impact sounds like footsteps and reduces airborne sounds such as voices.
• Insulation: Some types of floor underlay provide thermal insulation. They help keep rooms warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer by preventing heat loss or gain through the floor. This can improve energy efficiency and reduce utility bills.
• Moisture Barrier: Floor underlayment protects floors from moisture damage. It acts as a barrier to prevent moisture from seeping up from the concrete slab into the flooring material. This is especially important in areas with high humidity or on concrete subfloors.
• Evening Out Imperfections: Underlayment also helps to create a more level surface for the flooring material. If the subfloor has minor imperfections or unevenness, the underlayment can help smooth them out so the floor lays correctly. This prolongs the lifespan of the floor and improves its appearance.
• Prolonging Flooring Life: By providing support and cushioning, underlayment helps protect the flooring material from wear and tear over time. This can extend the life of the floors and keep them looking good for longer.
• Easy Installation: Most underlayments are easy to install. They often come with simple attachment methods like glue, Velcro, or peel-and-stick backs. This makes putting them down before the flooring is a straightforward process.
• Environmental Benefits: Many underlayments are made from recycled or sustainable materials. Choosing environmentally friendly products helps reduce waste and the impact on the environment.

Key features of floor underlayment include:

• Material Variety: Underlayment comes in different types to suit various needs. Foam is lightweight and provides basic sound dampening and thermal insulation. Felt is made from recycled materials and offers good sound absorption and insulation. Rubber is dense and excellent for high-impact sound reduction and moisture barriers. Cork is a natural insulator and sound dampener.
• Compatibility: Floor underlayment works with different flooring materials like hardwood, laminate, tile, and luxury vinyl plank flooring. It is essential to ensure the right type is chosen based on the floor covering for proper support and protection.
• Thickness Options: Underlayment comes in various thicknesses. Thicker underlayment provides better sound and thermal insulation, while thinner options are suitable for spaces with lower requirements.

Scenarios of floor underlayment

There are several applications of floor underlayment. Below are some of them:

• Sound Reduction:

  Soundproof floor underlayment is used in multi-family buildings like apartments. It makes floors that don't make noise when people walk on them. This is especially important when one apartment is above or below another. Without sound underlayment, footsteps and other sounds travel easily through the floor. But underlayment helps absorb sounds so neighbors don't hear them as much. It creates a quieter living situation. Many apartments require this type of underlayment to meet noise reduction standards.

• Moisture Barrier:

  Moisture barrier underlayment is installed directly over concrete floors. Its main job is to stop water from coming up through the concrete and damaging the new flooring installed on top. Without moisture barrier underlayment, the concrete could release water as it dries, which would cause problems like mold or rotting wood flooring materials. Using a moisture barrier ensures water won't be an issue, especially in basements where concrete floors are common.

• Insulation:

  Insulation underlayment is used in homes where owners want to lower energy bills. It can be installed under hardwood, laminate, or tile flooring. The insulation helps keep the heat or air conditioning inside the house. In colder months, insulated underlayment prevents warm air from escaping. In warmer months, it stops cool air from escaping as well. This makes the home more energy efficient by not wasting heated or cooled air.

• Uneven Surfaces:

  Thicker underlayment is chosen for situations where the subfloor has bumps or uneven areas, like old wood or tile floors. The extra thickness helps smooth out any imperfections in the subfloor so the new flooring installs evenly. If the subfloor is very uneven but thin underlayment is used, the new floor could end up with gaps or uneven spots. But thicker underlayment compensates for the unevenness to create a smooth surface for new flooring.

• Underfloor Heating:

  Special underlayment is available for homes with heated floors. This underlayment is designed to work well with the heating system. It conducts the heat evenly so the entire floor warms up properly. Using the right underlayment allows for efficient heat distribution when using underfloor heating as a main source of warmth for the room.

How to choose floor underlayment

When selecting a floor underlayment, it is crucial to consider different factors to ensure that the chosen underlayment meets the needs and requirements of the specific flooring project. Here is a list of some of the things that should be put into consideration before choosing an underlayment:

• Moisture Control:

  In areas where moisture is a concern, like basements or bathrooms, choose underlayment with moisture barrier, like polyethylene or foam underlayment. This helps prevent water damage and mold growth.

• Soundproofing:

  If noise reduction is important, opt for underlayment specifically designed for acoustic performance. Materials like mass loaded vinyl or dense foam are effective at reducing sound transmission.

• Thermal Insulation:

  For added warmth and energy efficiency, select underlayment with built-in thermal insulation properties. Reflective or insulated underlayment can help retain heat in colder climates.

• Floor Type:

  The choice of floor covering also influences the underlayment selection. For laminate and engineered wood floors, moisture barrier and foam underlayment are common choices. When it comes to tile flooring, cement board or thick foam underlayment provides stability and support. For hardwood floors, felt paper or thin foam underlayment is often sufficient.

• Compatibility:

  Ensure the underlayment is compatible with the specific flooring material and installation method. Some flooring types may require specific underlayment, such as radiant heat-compatible underlayment for heated floors.

• Budget:

  While it's essential to stay within budget, remember that investing in quality underlayment can improve the overall flooring performance and longevity. Consider the long-term benefits over the upfront costs.

• Installation:

  Choose underlayment that is easy to install and fits your skill level. Some underlayment require professional installation, while others can be easily installed as DIY projects.

• Manufacturer's Recommendations:

  Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for both the flooring and underlayment products. This ensures warranty coverage and optimal performance of the flooring system.

floor underlayment Q&A

Q1: Can someone install floor underlayment themselves, or do they need a professional?

A1: homeowners can install underlayment by themselves, but a professional would do a better job. The underlayment has to be installed correctly to reap its benefits. The experts have the experience and will not make mistakes as opposed to a DIYer who is doing it for the first time.

Q2: Is floor underlayment necessary for all types of flooring?

A2: underlayment is not necessary for all types of flooring. It is a must for some flooring types and not for others. For instance, it is a requirement when installing floating floors but not when installing hardwood floors.

Q3: Does floor underlayment affect the height of the floor?

A3: yes, floor underlayment will affect the height of the floor. However, this should not be a concern as the height added by underlayment can be compensated for during the installation process. It is also important to note that adding height to the floor is not a disadvantage. In fact, it can help prevent moisture from reaching the subfloor.