A cozy atmosphere is one of the main requirements for a living space. Upon arrival at home, each person wants to relax, enjoy peace and quiet. However, if your restless child runs around on the floor, then distinct sounds are made that interfere with a peaceful rest. And when your downstairs neighbors listen to loud music in addition to everything, then one can only dream of silence. An effective solution to this problem is the purchase of a floor underlay. Of course, it is quite difficult to figure out all the nuances on your own, but our information will help you successfully select the appropriate insulating layer.
Benefits of underlayment for laminate flooring
Flooring plays a very important role in renovation. And the choice of material for the floor should be taken seriously. Today, laminate is called the most popular coating 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
The laminate 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 - in the laminate, 8 millimeters is considered the most popular thickness; as well as a floating laying method, as a result of which a kind of membrane is obtained under the feet that transmits sounds. To dampen such impact noise, an underlayment is placed on subfloors when laying laminate flooring.
Some manufacturers integrate special soundproofing systems into their product - a similar layer is glued on the back of the laminated floor planks. An integrated underlay is commonly found on Grade 33 and Grade 32 laminates. Such a coating is very convenient to lay, but the integration of the substrate into the laminate significantly increases the cost of production. Therefore, a more prudent decision would be to purchase warm substrates for laminate in rolls or sheets. The soundproofing abilities of such material are indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging.
Surface leveling
In addition to reducing noise, such an intermediate layer between the laminate and the base is able to 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. In the manufacture of the screed, some differences are obtained, and such deviations are not permissible for laying floor coverings.
When arranging laminated parquet on concrete surface after a few months, the so-called "backlash" appears in some places. Laminate, 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, then the unevenness during walking will be noticeable anyway.
Therefore, additional leveling of the base is required. For this, you need a substrate for a polystyrene foam laminate, which allows you to achieve a perfectly flat floor surface and hide minor differences. But do not get too carried away with the thickness - the use of a substrate with a thickness of more than 3 millimeters is unacceptable, because a too thick laminate substrate will sag at the joints of the flooring planks, and the connecting locks may simply be damaged.
Moisture isolation
Humidity has a detrimental effect on floor coverings. If due attention is paid to the natural drying process when arranging the floor, then there will be no problems when laying the laminate. A new concrete screed should dry naturally for at least one month.
In any case, it will not be superfluous to carry out a simple test to see if the substrate is ready for arranging a laminate floor. Throw a plastic bag on the floor in the evening, and check in the morning - if perspiration has appeared on it, then the screed is not yet ready for laying the laminate. Laminate underlay is able to maintain a 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 a floor heating system. Laminate flooring has inherent thermal insulation properties. Substrates under the laminate and "warm floor" are also heat insulators. Thus, the "warm floor" system is under two layers of thermal insulation, which reduces the heating efficiency.
Think about it, in this case it is not necessary to bear the costs of buying and installing floor heating, as well as paying for the electricity consumed. The substrate under the laminate has high thermal insulation properties and is able to provide good thermal insulation of the floor.
Properties of the substrate under the laminate
So, the need for laying insulating material under the laminate is beyond doubt. It remains only to choose the substrate. High-quality roll and sheet substrates are not too cheap, however, according to the masters, savings on this material may end backfire up to the swelling of the laminate. In this case, you need to find a compromise, having found out what qualities the substrate under the laminate floor should have.
A special insulating material that does not allow direct contact of the laminate floor with the subfloor must meet the following requirements:
- be neutral to interaction with alkaline materials;
- have bactericidal properties;
- perform the function of thermal insulation;
- have high moisture resistance;
- do not promote the reproduction of rodents and harmful insects;
- provide an opportunity to remove condensate - microventilation;
- reduce the load on the interlock of the laminate floor.
Choosing a laminate flooring
What kind of substrate to choose, because there are many varieties of this material on the market? First of all, you need to proceed from the state of the rough base of the floor. If the screed is in good condition and meets the established tolerances, then you can safely take a two-millimeter substrate. In the case when the concrete has small flaws, it is recommended to buy a three-millimetric substrate under the isoplat laminate.
On the market building materials the following types of substrates for laminate flooring are presented: polyethylene foam, extruded polystyrene foam substrates, combined, bituminous substrates with cork and cork materials. It is a mistake to believe that it is worth buying a substrate from the same manufacturer as the laminate floor. This is of no fundamental importance.
Polyethylene foam pads
Polyethylene substrates are very popular, because they are highly moisture resistant, have good thermal insulation properties, are not infected by various fungi and bacteria, and are not interesting to insects and rodents. It is convenient and easy to work with such material, it is economical and produces little waste. Not infrequently, the film has an additional layer of metallized film. Foil substrates 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 can sag over time. In addition, such insulating material is afraid of ultraviolet radiation.
Cork substrates
Cork underlay is a good insulating material and is an excellent base for a floating floor. It is known as an excellent thermal insulator and is resistant to mold and rot. The material is produced in rolls and sheets. Used as a thermal insulator warm floors» and underlay for floating floors. It retains its linear dimensions and technical properties throughout the entire service life.
The high cost of cork films makes it impractical to install it for inexpensive laminate floors, which have a short useful life. The disadvantage of a cork underlay under a laminate is that when it is used, condensation can form on the underside of the laminate.
Bitumen-cork substrates
Bitumen-cork films are made on the basis of kraft paper with the addition of bitumen, after which it is covered with cork chips on top. Cork dressing 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 provide air exchange at the proper level, equalize pressure and prevent the formation of condensate. The material is useful when it is planned to lay an expensive and durable type of laminate. With low-grade cheap laminate flooring, this coating is not advisable to use.
Styrofoam substrates
Extruded polystyrene foam is often used as an insulating layer under a laminate floor. Such a film is the optimal solution in terms of load resistance. In addition, it well levels the unevenness of the concrete base. Thanks to these qualities, an extruded polystyrene foam underlayment can be used for a room that is heavily used.
Effective absorption of vibrations and stresses guarantees increased walking comfort. Expanded polystyrene well insulates the laminated floor and, due to the closed structure of its cells, is highly moisture resistant. The material initially has a high density, so it retains its own elasticity and thickness for a very long time.
Combined substrates
Synthetic combined substrates, which are used in the production of expanded polystyrene and polyethylene, are quite in demand today. Most famous example such a material is the well-known Tuplex substrate. The combined film is a kind of “sandwich”, where expanded polystyrene balls are located between two layers of polyethylene with different characteristics.
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. The top layer, made of high-density polyethylene, prevents moisture from penetrating to the base of the floor if water suddenly gets on the floor. A thin lower layer allows moisture to pass from the rough base to the granules, and from there it is brought out due to technological gaps.
The advantages of the combined substrate are its flexibility, strength and ability to maintain the original thickness, as well as to even out subfloor defects.
Special substrates
Special insulating material can reduce transit noises or dampen the sounds of footsteps with maximum efficiency. Thanks to the creation natural ventilation the material is able to remove moisture that has fallen under the floor covering. The use of special substrates reduces the laying time of the laminated floor by 2-3 times due to the built-in moisture-resistant membrane. Special substrates in many respects have good performance but are of high cost.
Underlayment technology for laminate flooring
When laying a substrate under a laminate, professional skills, work experience and special tools are not required, but certain rules must be carefully observed. First of all, the performance and durability of the laminate depends on the literacy of the work. With the correct laying of the substrate under the floor covering, you and your neighbors will not remember each other!
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 a little more than an ordinary plastic bag - close to 0.2 millimeters. The top layer of the laminated floor is covered with a protective film that protects the coating from moisture, so the bottom surface should not be left unprotected.
Before laying the substrate, the substrate must be thoroughly vacuumed. Without fail, it must be dry. The substrate can be cut with ordinary scissors or a construction knife, the measured lines are applied with a pencil or marker using a ruler. To achieve maximum evenness of the surface, you can not make several layers of the substrate. It will be enough to take a submarine, the thickness of which is 2-3 millimeters.
If you choose a thicker polystyrene laminate underlay for uneven coverage, the laminate locking devices may break under pressure. Yes, and walking on the floor in this case will be inconvenient, as the panels bend.
Substrate laying
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 the floor does not move out of its place during careless movement. When laying, it is imperative to put a substrate 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 substrate under the laminate.
If the film is corrugated, then the side with the corrugated surface must be laid down, so it will be better to level the base. If the material is with aluminum foil, then the side with the foil should be placed up.
Thus, choosing a laminate from the whole variety of modern floor coverings, it is recommended to buy a special submarine for laminate to provide sound insulation and smooth out irregularities on a rough basis. Special insulating material has a number of positive properties and is presented on the market in a wide range. It won't be difficult to find the right underlayment for you!
Modern laminate flooring is highly durable. They are reliable, have high technical and operational characteristics. The installation technique involves the use of special substrates on the concrete floor under the laminate. The substrates are different, and the right one will increase the life of the laminated coating and improve technical performance. Also, with the help of substrates, you can completely eliminate the negative effects of subfloors on the laminate. What is this component? What are the substrates, and how to choose them correctly? All this we will consider in our today's article.
Why do you need underlays for laminate flooring?
The characteristics that are guaranteed by the manufacturer directly depend on where and how the laminate is used, as well as on the rules for laying this material. One of the main requirements of any manufacturer is the use of substrates.
Manufacturing companies may even refuse a guarantee if the laying was carried out with violations. Consider the main functions that the lining under the laminate performs.
Roughness compensation
This component allows you to compensate for uneven subfloor. The main task of the underlying layer is to level even minor irregularities as much as possible. Most people are sure that if you carefully work on the screed, and it turns out to be even, then the substrate on the concrete floor under the laminate is not required. This is fundamentally wrong. Concrete floors cannot be as flat as a mirror. It will not be possible to perfectly level the screed even if the top layer is covered with finishing plaster levels.
In addition, when manufacturers talk about alignment, they mean height differences and defects, the size of which does not exceed 1-2 millimeters. These are grains of sand, small ledges. It is these errors that the substrate between the screed and the laminate allows to smooth out. Some try to use a laminate underlay on an uneven concrete floor to replace the work of leveling the screed. But you should not do this.
Providing backlash
The second important task that the substrates solve is the provision of free play. The laminate is laid in a floating way. The coating is not fixed with glue and during operation has a certain free play(i.e. moving). This is about a little freedom.
Laminate movement is measured in a few millimeters. But the movement data is always there. Therefore, laminate and other types of floating floors should be laid with a small gap from the walls along the perimeter of the room. The gasket between the base and the floor covering protects the back of the board from wear due to constant friction against the concrete floor. This ensures gliding.
Sound and heat insulation
The substrate under the laminate on the concrete floor is also designed for waterproofing. This flooring is made from compressed cellulose fibers. The top layer of the laminate is reliably protected from moisture. But the wrong side of the protection has practically no. The board at the increased humidity reacts to it and warps. Slots appear, locks break, the board is deformed. The substrate is designed to protect the coating from moisture, which accumulates as a result of condensation. Laminate installation technology requires laying a plastic film or any other vapor barrier layer on a concrete screed.
Also, the substrate under the laminate on the concrete floor provides sound insulation. The porous material well softens the noise of steps and neighbors from below. Some claim that the sound deadening properties of underlays are nothing but a myth. In fact, the porous pad works and increases sound insulation. It is believed that laying for the laminate protect and from the cold. The substrate can be used as one of the layers-elements of the heat preservation system. Is it so? Experts say that the substrate is really able to retain heat. However, a strong effect should not be expected.
Requirements for laminate flooring
There is no doubt that underlayment is essential when laying laminate flooring. The cost of roll and sheet linings is not cheap. However, according to the masters, it is not worth saving on linings. To do right choice products, you need to know the basic qualities of these materials.
The substrate on the concrete floor under the laminate must be neutral to the effects of chemical aggressive substances. Also, the insulating material must have bactericidal capabilities, be resistant to moisture, and not promote the development of fungus and mold, insects. The possibility of microventilation is necessarily provided. Finally, the underlay should reduce stress on the interlock of the laminate flooring.
Substrates suitable for concrete
Given the fact that today a concrete screed acts as a subfloor in any type of premises, then the bulk of the linings that are available on the construction market are perfect for concrete. It must be said right away that this insulating material is not intended to level the defects of such a coating. Such a component can only compensate for small irregularities. But the technology of laying the substrate on a concrete floor under a laminate prohibits this.
The insulating backing material will act as a shock absorber, which will ensure the comfort of walking on the laminate and the convenience of being in the room. All types of insulating substrates that are currently on the construction market can be divided into two types:
- Artificial.
- Natural.
What are their features? Let's consider each type separately.
Features of artificial models
They are made from polymer materials. Artificial products are offered at affordable prices. Despite the cheapness, their characteristics are quite acceptable. Artificial solutions are very popular among the owners of both apartments and private houses.
Specialists in the field of repairs say that artificial substrates are the best option for laying laminate on concrete. The substrate, in addition to its basic functions, will be a good vapor barrier. Also, the material will be able to retain some of the heat in the room.
Features of natural models
You need to start with the fact that a natural substrate on a concrete floor under a laminate is much more expensive than an artificial one. As for the materials for production themselves, it can be cork, the remains of wood chips. The substrate has high ecological, technical and operational characteristics. Such material has good resistance to various negative influences. The service life is an order of magnitude longer than that of artificial analogues.
Cork pads
Such models are perfect for laying on concrete. These products are made from cork oak bark. There are no additional components in the composition. Therefore, this material is completely environmentally friendly. Also, the cork tree has a lot of other advantages and is rightfully considered the best substrate for a laminate on a concrete floor. This material is able to take static loads well for a long time. The product does not wrinkle during installation. When it is used indoors, good sound and heat insulation performance can be achieved. If you purchase special thickened types, you can hide minor irregularities in the floor screed.
There are also disadvantages. Cork is exposed to moisture. The material is not suitable for installation in bathrooms, kitchens, loggias. Do not install on underfloor heating. And finally, another disadvantage is the high price compared to other types of materials. Given the durability of cork, this material should not be combined with an inexpensive and short-lived laminate. The best option for cork is a class 32-33 laminate. The thickness of the substrate under the laminate on the concrete floor should be from 1.5 to 6 millimeters.
Bitumen-cork substrate
It is made on the basis of kraft paper and bitumen. After the product is covered with cork chips. The dressing is made in pieces 2-3 mm in size. This material has good sound insulation and protects against moisture due to the presence of bitumen in the composition. What are the advantages? This substrate is able to provide air exchange on high level. The material equalizes the pressure and protects against the formation of condensate. These models are also suitable for expensive laminate.
Polyethylene foam models: features
This is a completely artificial product. However, experts recommend this particular substrate for operation together with a concrete screed. Among the advantages are resistance to moisture, low thermal conductivity, low weight, affordable price, ease of installation.
How to choose a substrate for a concrete floor under a laminate? Professional advice does not recommend using this inexpensive, as well as short-lived material, along with expensive and high-quality laminate. During operation, polyethylene foam loses its shape. This can lead to visible defects on the surface. Removing them is quite difficult.
Despite the disadvantages, it is a good option for installation in bathrooms and kitchens, as well as other areas with high levels of humidity. In this case, the load on the laminate should be small. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase material of the 31st class. These models are presented in a wide range. As for durability, such a laminate lasts up to 15 years or more.
Styrofoam pads
These products are one of the most versatile. They are suitable for installation on any screed and subfloor. The peculiarity of these products in a two-layer structure is foil and polystyrene foam. This material is able to provide good sound insulation. It is suitable as a substrate for a laminate on a concrete floor heating. In addition, manufacturers allow these underlays to be laid on subfloors with defects. If laminate flooring has a lifespan of 10-12 years, then EPS underlayment is a great choice for it. Such a laminate without any problems will last its entire life.
Combined
These materials are in high demand today. They are made of expanded polystyrene and polyethylene. The film is a sandwich, where between the layers of polyethylene are balls of expanded polystyrene.
This material is supplied in rolls. Its thickness is 2-3 mm. Due to this design, the material can ventilate the space. The underlay has a long service life. The top polyethylene layer protects from moisture. Thinner (lower) passes it from the subfloor to the balls. This is where the moisture gets out.
Finally
So, we found out what a substrate is and why it is needed. The choice of substrate for laminate on a concrete floor is quite large. The modern market offers a lot of models in different price categories. You should choose based on the cost and quality of laminate flooring. It is important to follow the technology of laying the substrate in order not to experience problems during operation in the future.
In choosing the thickness of the substrate, one should focus on the condition and quality of the subfloor. Underlayment 2mm thick can only be used if the floor is in good condition. For concrete with small flaws, it is worth choosing a 3mm thick isoplate type substrate.
Polyethylene foam pads
Polyethylene foam substrates have gained their 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 PE foam underlays have expanded their product range by combining the layer with an aluminum-based metallized film.
Cork substrates
The use of this type of substrate under the laminate is relevant in the case of laying a floating floor and underfloor heating. Good insulating qualities, naturalness of the material and resistance to mold and microorganisms have made cork a leader in this segment.
Produced in the form of sheets and rolls, it is convenient when laying in small areas. During the operational period does not lose its technical properties and linear dimensions. The disadvantages of the material can be considered the likelihood of condensation on the underside of the laminate and the high cost.
Bitumen-cork substrates
Kraft paper, bitumen and cork chips are components of bitumen-cork films. Cork dressing is made from pieces of 2-3 mm in size, which allows the coating to provide air exchange at the proper level and prevent condensation. It is advisable to use such a substrate when laying expensive laminate.
Styrofoam substrates
Extruded polystyrene foam is used as the base material for the underlay due to its ability to level out irregularities in the concrete base well. Expanded polystyrene is the best insulation for laminate flooring. The closed cell structure of the material and density provides high moisture resistance.
Combined substrates
The category of combined substrates includes a "duet" of expanded polystyrene and polyethylene. Between two layers of polyethylene are the smallest balls of expanded polystyrene. The high-density polyethylene that forms the top layer prevents the penetration of moisture that may be on the surface of the floor. Moisture from the draft base to the granular layer passes through a thin lower layer, then due to technological gaps it is brought out.
Today, laminate flooring is becoming more and more popular, mainly due to its technical characteristics: comparative durability and wear resistance. In addition, this finishing material is also relatively inexpensive, easy to maintain, and easy to install. In order for the floor covering to serve longer, it is necessary to choose the right substrate for the laminate.
Let's start with the fact that the laminate is, for the most part, a wooden finishing material, therefore, it will have the same disadvantages as wood: high porosity, moisture sensitivity, warpage. Laminate floor constantly "breathes", and this needs to be compensated somehow. In addition, such a material flexes when stepped on, but the substrate has shock-absorbing properties that soften the deformation of the laminate.
The service life of a laminate floor depends on which substrate was chosen for it. At the same time, no one can give any guarantees if the laying of the floor is carried out without a substrate. Therefore, it is necessary to take her choice very seriously.
The main functions of the substrate are to increase the strength of the laminate and uniform distribution floor loads. In its absence, the floor is soon loosened, which leads to its failure. Therefore, it is important to know in advance what load the laminate floor will have to withstand during operation.
Types of substrates
There are four types of underlays. Each is designed for certain conditions. What are laminate underlays made of, what are their differences, advantages and disadvantages?
Izolon
The most affordable type of substrate is polyethylene. She is not afraid of water and does her job well. However, the big disadvantage is the short service life. It will take only a few years, and the substrate will lose its shape and become sensitive to stress.
Minuses: isolon, or polyethylene foam, is not a very durable material. It is quickly compressed under the influence of the load, it is easily torn.
pros: Isolon underlay is one of the cheapest, it is moisture resistant, and weighs a little, it is very easy to lay and has good fillability, it is convenient to fix it with adhesive tape. In addition, isolon has relatively good soundproofing properties, it is not affected by fungus and mold.
Polystyrene
The polystyrene substrate is very convenient in operation. It is small sheets. This material copes with its task no worse than a cork substrate. It can level the surface, sound and heat insulate the room. However, the durability of the polystyrene material leaves much to be desired. 
As a rule, such a substrate is two-layer: made of polystyrene and aluminum foil interconnected. You need to lay it with the foil up, and use adhesive tape made of aluminum frame (or foil) as a connection.
Minuses: at a cost relative to isolon - a more expensive option for a substrate for a laminate. In addition, due to the fact that such a substrate rolls out worse, its laying will be more difficult, and the press resistance is the same as that of isolon, i.e. practically none. Therefore, if you are in doubt about how to choose a substrate, then before buying it is better to weigh the pros and cons so as not to overpay extra money.
pros: good fillability, resistance to mold and moisture.
Cork backing
For a child's room, a cork substrate is best suited. Thanks to it, after any load, dimensions and parameters are restored. In addition, it can play the role of a good heat insulator. Its properties and dimensions will not be lost for a long time. The only problem is that it can only be laid on a perfectly flat surface. 
Cork material has always been considered the most expensive view finishes - and in the case of a laminate underlay, it remains just as expensive. And the point is in its merits. Before laying the laminate on the substrate, it should be primed with a water-repellent compound.
Minuses: moisture resistant, so it is undesirable to use it in rooms with high humidity.
Pros: almost not pressed, has good heat-insulating and sound-proofing properties, is environmentally friendly.
Special materials
Some firms can offer their proprietary developments: porous polymer substrates, pressed wood fiber tiles. Basically, they have a good quality - although it is impossible to judge all materials unambiguously well.
Tuplex is considered the ideal substrate. It has moisture resistance, is able to protect the floor from the fungus. However, you will have to pay too much for quality material. Not every person can afford to purchase such a substrate.
What is the best thickness?
If you think that the thickness of the substrate will more than compensate for all the unevenness of the floor, then you are deeply mistaken. After all, before working on laying the flooring, the floor will still have to be leveled, and any substrate is eventually pressed - as a result, there is a height difference in the substrate, and sooner or later your laminate floor will go to landfill.
Between the substrate and the floor in some places there is a vertical gap. As a result, the laminate dies are deformed at the joints. Moreover, the thicker the substrate under the laminate, the greater the gap between the dies is observed. Therefore, the substrate should be thin, 2-3 mm, and the floor difference should be a maximum of 1.5 - 2 mm.
In addition, even under the substrate, you can put an ordinary plastic film, which is used in the construction of greenhouses. Such a film will serve as an excellent protection against moisture for a concrete floor.
The best substrate for laminate flooring is chosen, depending on your preferences and financial capabilities. Therefore, each person can choose the option that suits him best.
Laminate coatings are stacked in tandem with the substrate. In this role, different materials are used, each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most popular are cork substrates and their modifications with a bitumen base. Let's consider this material in more detail.
Under the laminate you need a shock absorber protective layer
Functional purpose of the rubber cork substrate
When installing laminate flooring, there are many factors to consider in order for it to operate at the proper level. The stability of the laminated coating is provided by a rubber cork substrate. Consider its main functions.
Surface leveling
Let's start right away with the most controversial - the ability to level the surface. Some argue that the rubber-cork substrate under the laminate is not able to hide all surface flaws, others say otherwise. Professionals note that minor height differences and base defects can be hidden with the help of a substrate.
Attention! For coatings with a wood base, the maximum allowable height difference is called. For laminate and parquet, it is 2 mm per square meter.
Moisture isolation
This function is indisputable, but not all substrates provide reliable protection from moisture. The same laminate and parquet extremely negatively tolerate the effects of dampness. If the substrate does not have a moisture-proof function, then this can be corrected by using a plastic film under it.
thermal insulation
All types of substrates have high thermal insulation qualities. The degree of thermal insulation directly depends on the thickness, but even thin layers seriously improve the thermal insulation contour of the room.
Soundproofing
Noises from neighbors, including from below, penetrate into the room, so the use of a soundproofing layer under the finishing floor covering will come in handy. In addition, vibrations from walking and working household appliances are extinguished by them.
Gasket performs set important functions Depreciation
Another function is to cushion the flooring to ensure reliable operation. So, the laminate should not hit the surface of the concrete coating, because the layer under it from the shock-absorbing material will protect it from premature failure.
This thick "pie" of flooring has many tasks. Therefore, its use is mandatory, and to ensure the best quality, it is recommended to choose a quality substrate.
Which one to choose: rubber cork substrate or bituminous?
The underlayment under the floor covering must have good technical characteristics and be durable. All these qualities are inherent in rubber-cork and bitumen-cork combined substrate. They have some distinctive features which we will talk about.
Rubber cork backing
It will take a lot of time to fully characterize this material, so it is worth briefly dwelling on the pros and cons of cork.
environmentally friendly material Cork made from oak bark special technology, has the following advantages:
- environmental friendliness - no harmful chemicals are used in the manufacture;
- good heat and sound insulation;
- the cork is not afraid of moisture and is not a favorable environment for fungi and mold;
- retains its shape even after long loads, so the base under the flooring remains even and strong.
This material can be used in children's rooms, without fear of harming the health of children.
But the cork also has disadvantages:
- High price. The technical characteristics of the cork are at a high level, and therefore the price for it is appropriate. Because of this, cork underlayment is used only with expensive types of flooring.
- Does not protect the floor from moisture. Therefore, it is necessary to use this material under a laminate or parquet with an additional laying of a waterproofing layer.
The use of a cork substrate allows you to solve many problems, but this is not the only type of material. Cork products with the addition of rubber are offered on the market.
Bitumen-cork (parkolag) substrate
Briefly characterize the manufacturing technology of this material as follows. Kraft paper is taken and treated with bituminous impregnation. Cork balls with a diameter of 2-3 mm are placed between sheets of kraft paper.
Roll containing cork crumbs Distinctive features of bitumen-cork substrate:
- It is not considered an environmentally friendly material, because it includes bitumen, which, although in small quantities, exudes harmful substances. Therefore, it is used in non-residential premises.
- Provides moisture protection. It is not necessary to use an additional waterproofing layer along with this substrate, therefore it is laid in rooms with high humidity.
The bituminous substrate has special technological gaps through which the moisture that has got into it comes out without condensing under the laminated coating.
Rubber cork backing
This material is popular with consumers and is known for its elasticity, which is imparted by the addition of synthetic rubber to oak bark admixture. Cork crumbs and synthetic rubber binds polyurethane adhesive.
Stretchy rubberized material It is allowed to use this gasket material with a warm floor, because, unlike the first two representatives, it conducts heat, and does not enclose it.
Pro specifications cork material has already been said. Rubber cork can be compared with its qualities and is in no way inferior to it. This cushioning material well protects the room from extraneous noise and cushions the flooring.
The rubber structure provides the best shock-absorbing properties, besides it is resistant to moisture. The very same natural cork without the addition of rubber is characterized by crumbling and instability under the influence of dampness.
Note the durability of rubberized materials, which wear out much less over time.
If it is allowed to lay a rubber-cork substrate only on a completely dry surface, then it is permissible to mount rubberized samples on wet concrete.
In rolls or slabs?
The rubber-cork substrate and the usual one are produced in rolls or plates. Each type of material has its own advantages and disadvantages, but the difference is not in quality, but in the order of installation.
- Tiled material is laid close to the walls. The technological gap between it and the wall is minimal. The joints between the plates are closed with waterproof tape (you can use ordinary tape, but the quality of the connections with it is worse);
- The rolled material begins to be laid from the extreme wall, and it is immediately oriented perpendicular to the lamellas of the finishing floor covering. Cut strips from the roll with a margin, the excess is easily removed with a knife.
The final choice is based on personal preferences, therefore it is impossible to advise one or the other as the most suitable one.
Substrate thickness
The choice of thickness of the rubber cork backing is very important. Both sheet and roll have a wide range of thicknesses: from 2 to 10 mm. A cork no thicker than 3 mm is used as a substrate for a laminate, because the maximum allowable height difference is 2 mm per square meter. The same applies to solid and parquet boards, but under tiles or linoleum, the thickness is not fundamental.
Attention! Frequently passable places are more deformed, and over time, indentations form in the substrate.p
When choosing a rubber cork substrate, many factors are taken into account. Making a brief conclusion, we note that for the nursery and bedroom it is better to use traditional environmentally friendly cork material. For rooms with high humidity, material with rubberized or bituminous impregnation is suitable. Remember that bituminous impregnation is flammable and releases harmful chemicals, so it is better to use a rubber cork variation in the bathroom or kitchen. Including because it is compatible with a warm floor.
