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.
Underlayment, or “padding” as it's often called, is the spongy, closed-cell plastic foam sheet that comes in rolls. It is rolled out between the actual laminate flooring planks and the subfloor.
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.
What is the Best Underlayment for Laminate Floors? 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.
There are a number of different underlays suitable for use with laminate flooring. If you're laying onto a wooden sub-floor then fibreboard underlay is very popular as it provides excellent heat insulation.
For concrete sub-floors, lay a damp-proof membrane to protect it from moisture. Laying underlay beneath the laminate flooring can help with acoustic and thermal insulation. Lay this the opposite way to your flooring.
For any flooring that requires a floating installation method, be laminate or vinyl planks, use a 6 mils (or thicker) plastic sheet as a moisture barrier. You can also use an underlayment with a moisture barrier built-in for water vapor control.
If you're looking for an affordable underlay to fit under a wood or laminate floor, foam underlay is the way to go. It's comfortable to walk on, provides cushioning underfoot, absorbs sound and does a great job of keeping your room warm.
Polyethylene foam: Polyethylene (PE) foam is one of the most common underlayment materials for laminate flooring. PE Foam underlayments generally do not provide top-tier acoustic performance and moisture protection like an XLPP Foam underlayment, but PE Foam is often a more affordable alternative.
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.
Laminate flooring is designed to be a floating floor that may be installed over virtually any type of sub floor. And by “floating”, we mean that it doesn't need to be nailed or glued to the sub 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.
And wood reacts to moisture by swelling or warping. So it stands to reason that consistent exposure to moisture is also bad for laminate flooring. A vapour barrier is the best and simplest way to protect it: by preventing moisture from below from penetrating the flooring and damaging it.
Never use a floor buffer or polisher while cleaning laminate wood flooring. Don't use abrasive or acidic cleaners. Harsh cleaners might strip the protective coating from the floor. Don't use steel wool or scouring powder.
wait for the floor to cure
Before you use your new floor or move into the room, make sure the floor is completely cured. Do not walk on the floor for 24 hours after installation. If you do, it will damage the installation, resulting in an uneven floor.
Underlay protects your laminate against moisture damage
For cold subfloors like concrete, you need to consider a damp proof membrane. Cold ground floor subfloors are often prone to damp, which can damage your laminate. An underlay with a vapour barrier helps prevent this.
With laminate floors, we typically recommend using rug pads that are made of natural rubber or felt material. Rug pads with natural rubber backing are eco-friendly and provide excellent grip.
Moisture and mold protection
A thin foam underlayment made of polyethylene or polypropylene usually works best. If you have an attached pad laminate or vinyl floor, our recommendation is the Sentinel Protect Plus Underlayment. This premium underlayment can be used on, below, and above grade.
A first option to counter the coolness of laminate flooring is the installation of a quality underlay. It's important to note that we are not talking about paint or a liquid coating, but rather a solid membrane often sold in rolls that is deployed under the laminate floor.
The underlay should be laid foil side down (essential to ensure maximum resistance to moisture from the subfloor) allowing a 5cm excess of underlay to run up the perimeter wall. Each roll of underlay should be closely butted-up.
Enhanced comfort
One of the primary reasons homeowners opt for PU foam underlay is the unrivalled sense of comfort it provides. Its natural cushioning effect means it feels soft and plush underfoot, helping transform any room into a cosy and welcoming space.
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.
Moisture Protection
For below-grade installations on a concrete subfloor, a vapor barrier is a necessity. Concrete subfloors are porous, which means the concrete subfloor will emit moisture over time. If unprotected, moisture can build up underneath your laminate flooring and cause warping of the planks.
— Moisture and Temperature Fluctuations
The impact of moisture and temperature changes on laminate flooring cannot be overstated. Increased moisture levels can cause laminate floorboards to expand, separate, warp, buckle, or lift. This is particularly problematic in cases of flooding or water leaks within the home.