Laminate flooring is designed to be a
Without underlayment to add a layer between these damp subfloors and the surface flooring, your laminate can quickly become wet, warped, and mildewy, harming its overall integrity. Moisture over time can also break down floor adhesive which causes the floor to start warping.
Some laminate flooring planks come with the underlayment attached to each plank. Underlayment is not optional. If your laminate planks don't have it already attached, we recommend that you buy rolls of underlayment on which to install your laminate floor.
Lay a moisture barrier
It also provides extra insulation on the flooring making it comfortable to walk on. You may also install an underlay on the subfloor to serve as a moisture barrier if your laminate planks do not come with it.
We would recommend an underlay of 3 – 5mm for laminate flooring. It should be at least 3mm thick to provide comfort and ground levelling properties. But, it should be no more than 5mm thick. If it's any thicker, you could experience problems with the laminate's locking system.
You have the top layer that is your floor covering (Hardwood, Laminate, Vinyl, Carpet, etc.), next you have the underlayment (usually a thin layer of fiber, foam, rubber), below that you have your subfloor (plywood, OSB, concrete), and lastly you have the joists which are the foundation to your floors.
This is where underlayment becomes a necessity. Since the laminate itself is not waterproof, moisture from below can get into the laminate and cause it to rot. This makes it vital that you install 6mm polyethylene barrier, or an underlayment with an attached moisture barrier, or both.
Most modern vinyl flooring, such as Happy Feet, comes with an attached underlayment or pad, often with a moisture barrier built-in – unless the pad is cork. If the product you choose doesn't have an attached underlayment, you can almost always install directly over the subfloor without one.
Subfloor Material
Therefore, because concrete is porous, it's a good idea to install a vapor barrier over your concrete subfloor before installing your flooring. This way you can stop the vapor drive of water upward to your floors, protecting them from any damage (source).
High-density foam is the best choice for laminate flooring. Foam protects these floors by expanding and contracting with them. To add to this, foam is long-lasting, provides a level subfloor and reduces sound transfer.
Although laminate flooring is great for use in all kinds of areas of your home, its one flaw is that it's not great when it comes to moisture. To avoid warping, discoloration, and bubbling, avoid installing laminate flooring in rooms that regularly see a lot of moisture such as bathrooms, kitchens, or utility rooms.
Subfloor: Typically made from sturdy materials like plywood, OSB, or concrete, designed to provide long-term durability and support. Underlayment: Made from softer, more flexible materials like foam, cork, or specialized plywood, designed to address specific performance needs.
Underlayment Not Required - Laminate Wood Flooring - The Home Depot.
Despite these enhancements, there is a common misconception that an attached pad replaces the need for a traditional flooring underlayment. You may save time shopping and installing your floor if you skip the underlayment, but you will not achieve the optimal performance and longevity for your floor.
Many problems may occur if spacers are not used when installing laminate flooring. For example, the flooring could first compress, buckle, or warp, giving it an uneven or distorted appearance. The walls or baseboards may be harmed if the flooring pushes up against them as it expands.
If unprotected, moisture can build up underneath your laminate flooring and cause warping of the planks.
Moisture and mold protection
An underlayment that offers a vapor barrier is essential to protect any flooring installed over a subfloor that emits moisture, like concrete. A thin foam underlayment made of polyethylene or polypropylene usually works best.
No, DuPont Tyvek is not a vapor barrier. It is breathable, allowing moisture vapor to pass through it.
Absolutely, insulating your subfloor is worth it for several reasons: Energy Savings: Proper subfloor insulation can reduce energy bills by up to 20%.
As with all subfloors, it must meet laminate flooring specifications. Plywood: Yes. Plywood is most-often used as a subfloor in construction. As with all subfloors, it must meet laminate installation specifications.
Prep Floor
The base floor should be clean, level and smooth. If needed, fix concrete subfloors with a patching compound. For wood subfloors, remove protruding nails and replace any damaged boards. uneven floors, use a foam underlayment as the base for your laminate planks.
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.
Standard foam underlayment: The most common form of laminate underlayment is this thin layer of cushioning foam material placed between plywood/OSB subfloors and laminate flooring.
Lamination is great for turning plywood into a great looking piece of wood or furniture.
Laminate flooring manufacturers typically recommend an underlayment. What happens if you don't put padding under laminate flooring is moisture coming through the subfloor can cause it to warp and mildew. And footsteps on the floor will be louder.