Underlayment:
Whether or not you need a flooring underlayment depends on your acoustical goals, the type of flooring you are installing, and the subfloor it will be installed on. Here are some general guidelines:
1. Hardwood flooring: Most hardwood flooring requires an underlayment to provide a moisture barrier and cushioning between the subfloor and the hardwood planks. This can help prevent the hardwood from warping, buckling, or developing gaps.
2. Laminate flooring: Laminate flooring may or may not come with an underlayment pre-attached to the underside of the planks. However, some manufacturers recommend installing an additional underlayment to provide extra cushioning and sound insulation.
3. Vinyl flooring: Vinyl flooring usually comes with a pre-attached underlayment pad. Most brands can be supplemented with an optional pad should additional acoustical separation be desired or required or as a moisture barrier and for additional cushioning.
4. Tile flooring: Tile flooring usually doesn't require an underlayment, but a cement backer board may be necessary to provide a stable and level subfloor for the tiles. Underlayments that provide better acoustical separation are also available. In general, an underlayment can provide several benefits, including sound insulation, moisture protection, and cushioning to make your floors more comfortable to walk on. However, not all flooring types require an underlayment, so it's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and consult with a flooring professional if you're unsure.
Foam Products
Eco Ultimate Silencer
Eclipse II
Molding Flooring Tape
Silencer LVT– “The only underlayment warranted for use under planks with or without pre-attached pad”
Floorotex temporary floor protection
6mil Visqueen Vapor Barrier
1. Hardwood flooring: Most hardwood flooring requires an underlayment to provide a moisture barrier and cushioning between the subfloor and the hardwood planks. This can help prevent the hardwood from warping, buckling, or developing gaps.
2. Laminate flooring: Laminate flooring may or may not come with an underlayment pre-attached to the underside of the planks. However, some manufacturers recommend installing an additional underlayment to provide extra cushioning and sound insulation.
3. Vinyl flooring: Vinyl flooring usually comes with a pre-attached underlayment pad. Most brands can be supplemented with an optional pad should additional acoustical separation be desired or required or as a moisture barrier and for additional cushioning.
4. Tile flooring: Tile flooring usually doesn't require an underlayment, but a cement backer board may be necessary to provide a stable and level subfloor for the tiles. Underlayments that provide better acoustical separation are also available. In general, an underlayment can provide several benefits, including sound insulation, moisture protection, and cushioning to make your floors more comfortable to walk on. However, not all flooring types require an underlayment, so it's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and consult with a flooring professional if you're unsure.
Foam Products
Eco Ultimate Silencer
Eclipse II
Molding Flooring Tape
Silencer LVT– “The only underlayment warranted for use under planks with or without pre-attached pad”
Floorotex temporary floor protection
6mil Visqueen Vapor Barrier
Questions?
