Underlayment may not be the most glamorous part of your flooring project, but it plays a crucial role in the performance, longevity, and comfort of your laminate floor. Choosing the right underlayment can make a significant difference in how your floor feels underfoot, how it sounds, and how well it resists moisture. This blog walks you through the essential factors to consider when picking the perfect underlayment for your laminate flooring.
Why underlayment matters
Underlayment is a thin layer of material installed beneath your laminate floors. It serves several important functions:
- Moisture protection: Underlayment acts as a barrier against moisture from the subfloor, preventing damage to your laminate planks.
- Sound reduction: It helps to reduce the sound of footsteps and other impacts, creating a quieter and more comfortable living space.
- Thermal insulation: Underlayment can improve the thermal insulation of your floor, keeping it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
- Subfloor imperfections: It can help to smooth out minor imperfections in the subfloor, creating a more even surface for your laminate flooring.
Types of underlayment
There are several types of underlayment available, each with its own unique properties:
- Foam underlayment: This is the most common and affordable type of underlayment. It offers good sound and thermal insulation, but may not be the best choice for moisture-prone areas.
- Cork underlayment: Cork is a natural material that provides great sound insulation and is environmentally friendly. It's also more resistant to moisture than foam.
- Rubber underlayment: Rubber offers superior soundproofing and is ideal for high-traffic areas. It's also a good choice for moisture resistance.
- Combination underlayment: These underlayments combine different materials, such as foam and foil, to provide multiple benefits like moisture resistance, sound reduction, and thermal insulation.
Choosing the right underlayment for your needs
When choosing underlayment for laminate flooring, consider the following factors:
- Subfloor type: The type of subfloor you have will influence your choice. Concrete subfloors may require a moisture barrier underlayment, while wood subfloors may benefit from sound-reducing underlayment.
- Moisture levels: If your floor is prone to moisture, choose an underlayment with a vapor barrier or a material naturally resistant to moisture, like cork or rubber.
- Noise reduction: If soundproofing is a priority, opt for an underlayment with high sound transmission class (STC) ratings, such as rubber or cork.
- Thermal insulation: For added warmth and comfort, choose an underlayment with good thermal insulation properties.
- Budget: Underlayment prices vary depending on the material and features. Determine your budget beforehand to narrow down your options.
Your experts on laminate floors in Jacksonville, FL
By carefully considering these important factors, you can choose the right underlayment to improve the performance and longevity of your laminate flooring. At Dexters Floors, we offer a wide range of underlayment options to suit every need and budget. Our flooring store in Jacksonville, FL, serves Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine, Fruit Cove, and Orange Park, FL.
