Subfloor Underlayment: Why It's Necessary and How to Choose the Right One

Last Updated on December 3, 2024 by Admin

When installing flooring, the underlayment plays a critical role in ensuring comfort, durability, and functionality. Choosing the right products for your project is equally important, and that’s where NRORO comes in. NRORO offers a comprehensive selection of flooring solutions, including state-of-the-art SPC and LVT vinyl planks, versatile wall panels, and top-tier underlayments designed to meet the highest standards of quality and style. Their products not only provide exceptional durability and aesthetics but also include innovative features such as moisture protection, soundproofing, and easy installation systems. Whether you’re a homeowner or a contractor, NRORO’s solutions are tailored to create a flawless and lasting foundation for your flooring.

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In this article, we’ll explore why underlayment is essential, the different types available, their functions, and how to select the right one based on the flooring material. And when it’s time to make your choice, you can trust nroro.com to provide everything you need for a reliable and stylish result.

Table of Contents

Why is Underlayment Necessary?

The underlayment generally consists of a layer of material positioned between the floor and the subfloor. The major functions are as follows:

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1. Cushion and Comfort

It softens footsteps, provides a comfortable walk, and also removes the possibility of mechanical damage to the flooring.

2. Soundproofing

The underlayment helps reduce impact and airborne noise, especially in apartment buildings, and makes an area quieter.

3. Thermal Insulation

Certain types of underlayment performances contribute to retaining the heat, which becomes very important when cold floors occur-particularly in private houses or ground floors.

4. Moisture Protection

This prevents moisture from seeping up from the subfloor and prolongs the life of the flooring.

5. Subfloor Leveling

This becomes the course for the undersurface-irregularities in the sub-floor can be smoothed out by the underlayment itself, thereby making installation easier and improving the look of the flooring.

Underlayment Types

There are several types of underlayment, each having its own distinctive features and field applications.

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1. Underlayment Foam

Characteristics: Inexpensive, lightweight, resistant to moisture.
Functions: Protection against moisture, cushioning, sound absorption.
Advantages: Inexpensive, easy to install.
Disadvantages: Not very durable, poor thermal insulation.
Application: It is suitable for laminate and parquet flooring.

2. XPS – Extruded Polystyrene

Properties: High-density, very good thermal and sound insulation.
Functions: Subfloor leveling, protection against moisture, holding heat.
Advantages: Durable, resistant to mechanical stress.
Disadvantages: More expensive.
Application: For engineered wood and laminated flooring.

3. Cork underlayment

Properties: Natural material, friendly to an environment, pressure-resistant.
Functions: cushioning, thermal and sound insulation.
Advantages: eco-friendly, durability, very pleasant to walk on.
Disadvantages: Susceptible to water damage, requires the additional layer of the moisture barrier.
Application: It can be used on parquets, laminated, and hardwood floors.

4. Combination Underlayment

Characteristics: Combination of materials, like those of cork and rubber.
Functions: Versatile – combines the benefits of various underlayments.
Advantages: Durable, good sound insulation.
Disadvantages: Very expensive.
Application: Installation in premium floors that are subject to extreme comfort requirements.

5. Foil-Backed Underlayment

Characteristics: It has an aluminum layer that is meant to reflect heat.
Functions performed: thermal insulation, protection against moisture.
Advantages: Suitable for heated flooring systems.
Disadvantages: Less effective sound insulation.
Application: Can be applied to laminate and tile flooring.

How to Choose Underlayment Material for Particular Flooring Materials

Selection of underlayment will of necessity include consideration of the type of flooring to be utilized and the conditions under which it will serve.

1. For Laminate Flooring

Foam underlayment is an inexpensive underlayment system suitable for dry locations.
XPS: high-traffic areas.
Cork – for warm interior spaces including a small amount of dampness.

2. For Parquet and Solid Wood Flooring

Cork underlayment-for elasticity and durability.
Combination underlayment-for high-end flooring with improved sound dampening.

3. Vinyl Flooring (SPC, LVT)

Requires underlayment to be dense and thin for stability.
Manufacturer-recommended underlayments are recommended.

4. For Ceramic Tile Flooring

Foil-backed underlayment-floors that are heated.
XPS – thermal insulation.

Tips for Choosing the Right Underlayment

1. Consider the Moisture Levels

For water-exposed areas-room bathrooms and kitchens-use moisture-resistant underlayment.

2. Focus on Room Type

In the bedrooms and living rooms, choose soft and thermal-insulating materials; in offices, choose dense and wear-resistant ones.

3. Compatibility with Flooring

Employ underlayment recommended for your specific type of flooring material.

4. Accounting for Floor Height

Due to this fact, the underlayment should not raise the floor level very high, especially where either doors or furniture are fixed.

Conclusion

Underlayment is not just an accessory; it is included in the basis of flooring installation, influencing comfort very strongly and life expectancy. Furthermore, the type of underlayment depends on the type of flooring, conditions of the room, and your priorities: soundproofing, thermal insulation, or protection against moisture. Be thoughtful in this process, and your floor will serve long and be a good servant!

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