Substrate thickness and other theoretical information

Perhaps the most common misconception among buyers is the belief that the thicker the substrate, the better. Supposedly this will make walking softer and the load on the parquet board or laminate will be less. This is wrong. According to the standard, the maximum height difference when laying laminate and parquet board- 2 mm per 2 m². This includes both the drop in the base itself and the shrinkage of the substrate. Soft materials, such as foam backing or cork backing, will compress when pressed. The larger the layer of such a substrate, the greater the height difference. The difference in height creates play in the locks of the laminate or parquet board, which causes increased wear of the lock joint and the appearance of squeaking. What’s most offensive is that the parquet boards do not begin to creak and the locks break off immediately, but after several months without the possibility of timely detection of a laying defect.

Based on the above, standard thickness substrate is 2 mm. This thickness, with a well-leveled base, even in the event of complete damage or the absence of a fragment of the substrate (for example, due to poor-quality installation or separated strips of the substrate), allows the standard permissible difference to be met. Please note that most parquet board manufacturers specify in the installation requirements the need to use a 2 mm thick cork backing. With a non-standard substrate, even in a warranty case, the manufacturer may refuse, but in practice the manufacturer only cares about the thickness.

Stores often sell cork 4, 6 or 8 mm thick, but such materials are not intended by manufacturers for laying laminate and parquet boards.

Another myth is that the base can be leveled with a substrate. Underlays for laminate and parquet boards perfectly follow the shape of all floor irregularities. To level the floor in cases where it is impossible to use hardening mixtures (usually due to saving time for work), it is necessary to use solid materials - either gypsum or other sheets, or moisture-resistant traditional plywood.

Almost all types of substrates (except Tuplex and those based on bitumen mastic) have a porous structure that is not protected from moisture. When laying on plywood or dry leveling sheets, additional moisture insulation is not required. If parquet boards and laminate are laid on a screed, dew appears on the surface of the screed due to the temperature difference, so it is highly recommended to lay a polyethylene film 200 microns thick or slightly thicker with a wide overlap under the moisture-proof substrate.

They also often began to sell the substrate not in rolls, but in sheets. For example, a traffic jam. Sheet materials have no advantages or convenience when laying them, except for greater profits for the manufacturer.

Foamed propylene backing

The cheapest underlay, which is often purchased for laminate flooring. Nothing particularly bad can be said at first glance - it meets the installation requirements and does not react to moisture. One nuance - the decomposition of foamed propylene occurs on average after 7-10 years, after which the substrate turns into powder, losing the necessary properties of hydro- and thermal insulation. In addition, rolls of expanded propylene may sit in a warehouse for a couple of years before being sold to the consumer. All foamed polymers are fire hazardous, much more dangerous than wood, especially if you take into account the high toxicity, as a result of which the use of such a substrate is prohibited in many buildings.

Cork backing

Traditional underlay for parquet boards. Cork is the best natural sound and heat insulator and a completely natural product, so it really excellent material. The only serious disadvantage of cork is that it swells with water. Cork underlay is available in different thicknesses; under parquet boards and laminate you should use only 2 mm thick cork underlay. If the substrate is thinner, it crumbles, significantly reducing the service life of floating floors. If the plug is thicker, there is an excess load on the locking connection. The lack of moisture protection should not significantly affect the choice, because... The inner layers of a parquet board, and even more so a laminate, are much more afraid of moisture. If the cork substrate is laid on a concrete screed or self-leveling floor, be sure to lay a 200 micron thick polyethylene film underneath with a wide overlap and go over the joints with moisture-proof tape.

Sometimes you can find something exotic in stores - a cork backing with a finished polyethylene layer. Good, but overpriced, it’s easier to buy two layers separately.

Tuplex backing

Tuplex substrate is a material made of three layers. The bottom layer is a porous film that allows moisture to pass from below into the middle layer. The middle layer is filled with expanded polystyrene (foam) balls that maintain a constant layer height. There is an air layer between the balls with good ventilation. The top layer is polyethylene film.

Taken together, this is especially effective in the case of insufficiently dried screed or when there is condensation on the screed due to inconsistent heating of the room. Moisture penetrates through the pores into the middle layer and is well ventilated through air ducts along the perimeter of the room in the gaps between the parquet board and the wall. Thus, the risk of damage to the parquet is significantly reduced.

Tuplex underlay today is the best “lazy” underlay for parquet boards and laminate, if you don’t want to look for waterproofing polyethylene under cork. Duplex has a price approximately equal to cork backing, but is usually supplied in rolls of 33 m², which is not always convenient. If desired, you can find rolls of 10 m² in stores. Tuplex guarantees waterproofing in any case, regardless of the professionalism of the installers, which is why parquet manufacturers (Karelia and Kahrs, for example) like to recommend this type of underlay.

Bitumen-based substrate

Substrate based on bitumen mastic - a new product on Russian market, but actively promoted by several chains of parquet salons. The main advantages are noise, heat and moisture insulation. We confirm that these advantages exist, but sellers are silent about one thing - bitumen mastic releases formaldehyde into large quantities, especially in hot weather or when installed near heat-conducting pipes. Because of this feature, bitumen-based materials are prohibited in many countries and institutions. Recently, the use of bitumen materials for roofing has been banned in Moscow and a number of regions; huge amounts of money are being invested to convert asphalt with bitumen to paving slabs only because of environmental problems.

Coniferous substrate

An actively promoted product on the Russian market. The thickness of the substrate is 4-7 mm, so you automatically lose the warranty on parquet or laminate. If any dispute arises, the parquet manufacturer will say that you used an unrecommended underlay, regardless of who is at fault in your case. The main problem is the attempt of companies promoting coniferous substrates to sit on two chairs - they recommend both as a material for the base (i.e., a competitor to gypsum fiber board, OSB and plywood), and as a damper (other substrates). The material cannot fulfill both purposes, because in the first case, rigidity of the material is required, and in the second, softness. Below is a press release from one of the popular manufacturers of coniferous substrate with comments from a technologist.

• “Completely environmentally friendly material, containing no chemical elements.” Debatable. How are the pine needle particles held together, what is the composition of the glue/resin?
• “Removes floor unevenness up to 3 mm depending on the thickness of the substrate.” Due to what? If due to softness, then additional load on the locks (the service life of parquet/laminate is reduced, creaking and cracks at the ends may appear).
• “The porosity of the coniferous substrate prevents moisture from accumulating under the floor covering and ventilates it, allowing it to pass through, which prevents the appearance of mold and mildew.” No, the author does not understand the issue. For fungus to occur, you need: a) lack of sunlight; b) absence of drafts; c) the presence of a nutrient medium. A and B for everyone, but cellulose is just a breeding ground for fungus. The use of pine needles increases the possibility of fungus. Or they use glue that covers the cellulose, which is not environmentally friendly.
• “Over time, it does not dry out or sag.” Debatable. How does it level out if it doesn’t sag?
• “Equalizes the humidity in the room by absorbing or releasing moisture when there is a lack of it in the surrounding air.” This is a reference to the properties of wood. Then it's a fungus.

Backing with foil layer

The foil layer is a good hydro-, heat-, and noise insulator and is rather an improved version of the original substrate material. A substrate made of foamed polyethylene is usually foiled; the main qualities of such a substrate are described above. The foil backing is recommended for use when laying on joists with rigid fixation of the board, as well as for inexpensive laminate with a service life of about 10 years.

Which substrate is better?

In our opinion, it is better to use either Tuplex or cork underlay (with or without a polyethylene layer, depending on the base) under laminate and parquet boards. Yes, and cork is the best underfloor heating material.

We hope our review of underlays will protect you and your floor.

A multi-layer system for laying laminated floating flooring requires the use of an intermediate layer - a substrate. It is produced in a huge assortment, so the question “which one to choose” is relevant. In our article you will find detailed answers.

Why do you need a laminate underlay?

The substrate is a non-woven thin-layer material of roll or sheet type, used to create an intermediate layer in independent system installation of laminate, parquet boards.

In 2013, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the Association of European Manufacturers of Laminate Flooring (EPLF) developed standards for underlayment:

• CEN/TS 16354 - technical specification defining what exactly applies to backing materials and methods for testing them;
• EPLF technical sheet “Substrate materials” describing product requirements and recommendations.

According to these documents, the product must perform the following functions:

• Eliminate small differences in the base (up to 2 mm in accordance with the requirements of manufacturers and SNiP 3.04.01-87/SP 71.13330.2011), unevenness to ensure proper installation of the laminate.

Important! It is strictly forbidden to install a substrate folded in several layers under the floor covering to level out significant defects in the base. Too much play in the area of ​​the locks leads to their rapid destruction, as well as the formation of cracks, chips, and creaking.

• Ensure full operation of the floor system, including protection from residual moisture of the concrete floor, insulation, comfortable walking due to shock absorption, etc.
• Reduce the level of impact noise, that is, provide noise insulation (not to be confused with sound insulation).

Types of substrates

The following types of underlayment material are commercially available:

Izolon or NPE

Isolon is non-crosslinked polyethylene.

This is a substrate made of foamed polymer - non-crosslinked polyethylene. Issued as roll material 50-150 cm wide, 20-50 m long. The structure is similar to a thin sponge, it is produced in factories specializing in products made from synthetic elastomers (Nelidovo plastics plant), as well as in enterprises producing laminate (QuickStep, Balterio).

There are several types on sale:

• NPE-F – foil-laminated (foiled) on one or both sides. It is recommended to use 2-10 mm thick isolon for insulation of subfloors, walls, and ceilings;
• NPE-P – isolon glued to a polyethylene film with a cross-section of 300 microns. Used as wind, steam and waterproofing material. In this case, the polyethylene layer protrudes beyond the substrate by about 10-20 cm, so it is convenient for them to overlap.

Izolon is bio- and water-resistant, does not react with aggressive household chemicals, most alkalis, including cement laitance. It is not advisable to use it on wood, chipboard, or OSB substrates, as it has zero vapor permeability. This means that rot, mold and other “surprises” appear on the boards underneath over time. Ideal for concrete floors.

The main advantage of the material is low price behind square meter. The NPE substrate will cost approximately 20-50 rubles/m2.

Disadvantages: over time, subsidence and loss of up to 50% of volume are observed, poor sound insulation properties.

Whatever polyethylene backing you choose, the installation technology is the same: the sheets are cut to the length of the room and laid end-to-end along the base, secured with adhesive tape. No overlap required.

Extruded polystyrene foam (EPS or XPS)

Extruded polystyrene foam.

The substrate from polystyrene raw materials obtained by extrusion is produced:

• Slabs in sizes 1×0.5 m, 1.2×0.5 m and others;
• Rolls 1 m wide and up to 30 m long;
• “Accordion” of various sizes: 1×6 m, 1×10 m, 1×12 m, etc. There are standard, foil, with an integrated vapor barrier membrane, perforated EPS. The latter is intended for a base with a “warm floors” system.

Each material has its own purpose. For example, roll is better suited for large areas. The accordion-folded substrate is convenient to transport and is good for use in rooms with complex geometry. Standard mats are most often purchased for standard apartments and houses.

Extruded polystyrene foam has almost zero vapor permeability, which is why it is undesirable to use it on wood. Recommended bases: concrete, gypsum fiber board, fiber board, etc.

In addition, the EPS substrate has a high degree of deformation strength - up to 24 T/m², and is biologically and chemically resistant. It is worth choosing if the deciding factor for you is low level thermal conductivity of the floor.

Some manufacturers (QuickStep, Isoshum) offer special noise-reducing and noise-dissipating products, which are obtained by increasing the density of the material. The acoustic effect is enhanced by an average of 15-20%.

The cost of the material reaches 300 rubles/m2. This factor is often decisive, so if you have a limited budget, it is better to choose a cheaper analogue - NPE.

Installation of EPS under the laminate is done end-to-end; it is advisable to glue the slabs and rolls together with tape. Foil and integrated substrates are laid with the untreated side down and secured at the joints with aluminum tape.

From compressed fibers of industrial coniferous wood mixed with thermosetting resins, a vapor-permeable underlay material is obtained for installation under laminate, parquet and engineering board. Works great on wood and concrete floor complete with vapor barrier membranes. Slab sizes:

• Width – up to 60 cm;
• Length – up to 120 cm.

Advice! It is better to use a coniferous underlay on a wooden floor without waterproofing film, as this will disrupt the steam exchange system and lead to the appearance of rot and mold.

The coniferous substrate is laid diagonally end-to-end. The edge slabs must be cut at an angle of 45° and mounted around the perimeter of the room.

Cork agglomerate

Cork is considered one of the most versatile finishing materials. It is used to produce wall, floor, and ceiling finishing and rough coatings. Granulated cork oak bark is mixed with thermosetting resins and pressed. The resulting product is called an agglomerated substrate for laminate or parquet boards.

The material turns out to be quite elastic, with good shock-absorbing and heat-saving properties. Available in rolls and sheets, it works on concrete and wooden bases.

Now let's talk about the cons. Firstly, claims about 100% environmental friendliness are not true. To verify this, just look at the sanitary and hygienic certificate. According to the specification, cork flooring is classified as a polymer or polymer-containing material. Consequently, it can be called natural only conditionally.

Secondly, the presence of natural bark in the composition does not guarantee the biostability of the product. Thirdly, according to reviews, over time the underlying layer of cork crumbles and can absorb water.

The disadvantages include the cost of the material. Cork agglomerate for flooring will cost 200-800 rubles/m2. That is, the underlying layer can cost as much as a laminated floor from a European manufacturer.

Combination Products

Besides traditional products There are various composite materials with specific properties. Let's list the main ones:

So which underlayment is the best? The most affordable is isolon. For bases made of wood and wood-containing materials (plywood, chipboard), cork and pine agglomerate are preferable.

For concrete floors, any of the above materials can be used, but the base must be carefully prepared before laying. Includes:

• Leveling using cement-sand mixtures or self-leveling self-leveling compounds.
• Drying naturally or using special waterproofing primers.
• Dust removal using a construction vacuum cleaner.
• Priming with strengthening compositions so that the base does not become dusty and does not crumble.

If preparation and installation are done correctly, the underlayment will last as long as a laminate flooring.

Advice! If you need repairmen, there is a very convenient service for selecting them. Just submit in the form below detailed description work that needs to be done and you will receive offers with prices from construction teams and companies by email. You can see reviews about each of them and photographs with examples of work. It's FREE and there's no obligation.

Distribution of such building material, as a laminate, deservedly so because of its undoubted advantages: long service life, simple installation technology, aesthetic appearance and comfortable use as a flooring. Installation requires minimal floor preparation, but without the use of a special underlay, the life of the laminate can be significantly reduced. A properly installed backing will prevent it from deforming, enhances the thermal insulation of the room and protects it from moisture. Its main functional purpose is to dampen vibrations that inevitably occur when walking on the floor. Which one to choose?

Kinds

All types of laminate underlays have approximately the same characteristics, but each of them has its own advantages, on the basis of which a particular type can be chosen for installation in a particular room.

Cork

Cork backing can be manufactured in three main versions:

• Cork fabric - consists of pressed natural cork chips. Absolutely environmentally friendly material that is not afraid of mold or rot.
• Rubber cork - a mixture of cork and rubber granules. The material has the smallest percentage of changes in its properties over time.
• Bitumen-cork (Parkolag) is a three-layer material consisting of kraft paper, bitumen mixture and cork chips. Disadvantage - the smell of bitumen may spread in well-heated rooms and especially in rooms with heated floors.

Advantages:

• Environmental friendliness.
• Unlimited service life.
• The best sound insulation.
• Thickness - in standard apartments Can be used with a thickness of only 2 mm.

Flaws:

• Due to its high rigidity, it requires a perfectly flat floor.
• Afraid of large water leaks.
• Mandatory use of polyethylene film as the bottom layer of the substrate.
• Relatively high cost.

Natural cork backing will ideal option for covering floors in bedrooms and children's rooms.

Polyethylene foam

The most common option due to ease of installation, low cost and unpretentiousness of the material during operation. When using it, you should not be afraid of condensation and, as a result, mold. Significant disadvantage- fragility, over time it loses elasticity and shrinks, which leads to the formation of voids. If after a couple of years of operation there is no desire to open the floors to replace it, then you should not opt ​​for this option. Most often, such a substrate is used when commissioning budgetary objects - when there is no increased requirements to the quality of materials, and savings are more important than technical characteristics.

Extruded polystyrene

Made from extruded polystyrene, it is slightly more expensive than polyethylene foam, and is superior to it in such operational characteristics, such as deformation over time, creasing and sound insulation. Disadvantages - a labor-intensive installation process, the highest toxicity during combustion, a decrease in all technical characteristics after 2-3 years and their complete loss after 10 years. Using extruded polystyrene with a thickness of more than 3 mm will lead to an even faster loss of all qualities. Concrete can serve as an ideal base for installation.

Foil

This type of substrate is a material consisting of two layers (total thickness - 3 mm):

• The base is polyethylene in foam form. The main advantages of this layer are excellent thermal insulation and sound insulation, low hygroscopicity.
• Outer - aluminum foil under polypropylene film. Thanks to this layer, it is protected from mechanical influences and the effects of organic liquids, including acids, alkalis and solvents.

The disadvantage is the high cost. The costs will be justified if it is planned to install heated floors in the room. This type reflects heat well (its correct location is with the foil facing up) and helps to significantly save money on heating the room.

Composite "Tuplex"

It is a kind of “sandwich”, consisting of two layers of film and a middle layer - granulated polystyrene. Thickness, only 3 mm. Possesses everyone beneficial properties necessary for its intended use.

Advantages:

• Elasticity - hides possible unevenness of the subfloor.
• Good sound insulation - muffles impacts on the laminate.
• Low thermal resistance - can be used in rooms with heated floors.
• Prevents the appearance of mold and rot.
• Retains all its qualities throughout the entire service life (20 years).

There is only one significant drawback - the highest cost, which scares off most potential buyers.

Fiberglass

Not the most common type, although it does not have any noticeable disadvantages. Advantages: environmental friendliness and increased strength to mechanical stress. It is used in conjunction with a thin (up to 5 mm) laminate on almost any surface (concrete, wood).

ISOPLAT

An interesting material consisting of coniferous wood. A substrate made of such a material due to its properties and technical specifications resembles cork. Distribution of ISOPLAT is problematic due to its large thickness - at least 5 mm, as well as due to inconvenience during transportation and installation.

Which one to choose?

When choosing, the fundamental points are the financial capabilities of the buyer, the relief of the subfloor and the recommendations of laminate manufacturers.

Most laminate manufacturers will refuse to consider claims regarding the quality of their product if the type of underlay used has not been successfully tested by their company. Therefore, first of all, the choice should be guided by the manufacturer’s recommendations.

• abandon the polyethylene foam backing;
• choose a substrate with a maximum thickness of 3 mm;
• use polyethylene film as a moisture barrier on a rough concrete floor;
• use only one type of substrate in one room without combining it in the horizontal plane.

Thresholds

An important point in maintaining high performance properties is the thresholds. First of all, their purpose is to protect the seams from moisture, dust, dirt and chemical substances. In rooms with possible high humidity and the risk of spilling large volumes of water, the threshold is not so much a decorative element as an important functional detail. In such rooms, rubber thresholds should be used in conjunction with a high-quality sealant. In other rooms, you can get by with wooden or metal thresholds without additional sealing of the seam.

High-quality accompanying materials are the key to long-term and comfortable operation of the laminate.

Laminate on modern stage refers to popular and cheap floor coverings. It is characterized by high strength and durability. There is a wide choice of materials on the construction markets. You can choose a budget or elite option. It is possible to be guided by color and pattern. And if you decide to finish the floor using this coating, then you need to know what kind of substrate for a concrete floor under the laminate can be used. This is exactly what we will talk about in this review.

Why is it necessary to use pads?

The underlay is mandatory for floating floor technology. The quality of the coating will depend on this. In addition, there are several reasons to recommend using a substrate.

1. Soundproofing. If you do not use a mat under the material, then every step you take will impact the concrete floor. Using a soft and even layer will hide minor noise or friction. There is also a coating that has a built-in backing. In such situations, lay on a concrete floor under a laminate additional material not necessary. We are talking about coverage of grades 32 and 33. However, its cost is quite high.
2. Using bedding you can level the surface. This is an important quality that should not be forgotten. It plays a special role at the moment. The durability of the locks will depend entirely on the evenness of the base. According to technology, differences should not exceed 2 mm per 1 meter. It should also be noted that if the substrate on the concrete floor under the laminate is too thick, then it is unlikely that it will be possible to hide the unevenness. At the joints when walking, it will begin to sag. If you do not want to change the coating after six months, then you need to carefully prepare the surface for installation.
3. Moisture insulation. When creating a laminate, pressed paper is used. Therefore, even the most moisture-resistant models should not be tested. Otherwise, the panels will simply swell. A concrete floor underlay under the laminate will help provide additional protection against moisture. Before you start laying the material, you need to wait about a month after the concrete screed has been made. The readiness of the base can be checked using polyethylene. Place it on the floor overnight. If there was no moisture on the concrete in the morning, then you can start laying.
4. Thermal conductivity. The bedding material has good thermal insulation properties. If you place it under a heated floor, its performance will be reduced. There are special substrates that should be used in such a situation.

What factors should be taken into account when choosing?

At the present stage, almost any hardware store can select a specific substrate for laminate flooring. The price of this material varies in different ranges. How to make the right choice? After all, substrates can differ not only in cost, but also in the material used, thickness and sound insulation.

First of all, you need to find out what condition the floor is in. If the base is flat, then the thickness of the substrate can be 2 mm. If there are slight irregularities, then you should opt for a bedding whose thickness is 3 mm. Together with the laminate, this figure will reach approximately 11 mm, if we take the average parameters.

When choosing a specific material for covering, you do not need to give preference to the manufacturer who designed the laminate you are using. It does not matter. Any company can apply. Some particularly popular materials should be listed.

Cheap lining option

The lining made of polyethylene foam has become very popular. What is the reason for the fame that this substrate enjoys? Its price is the lowest. But, regardless of this, it is characterized by good resistance to moisture and excellent thermal insulation properties. In addition, the substrate made of this material is not susceptible to rodents and microorganisms. All costs will be kept to a minimum, since the litter is easy to install. Often it is supplemented with a foil layer with aluminum. This helps reflect infrared rays.

Disadvantages of polyethylene foam

This substrate also has disadvantages, of which there are quite a few. First of all, not entirely environmentally friendly synthetic materials are used in its production. Over time, the shape of the litter will change. The material will begin to sag, losing its shape. In some situations, after laying the main coating on such a lining, it begins to form. Therefore, when purchasing, you need to think several times whether the savings of 500 rubles are worth it.

The cheapest option is a laminate underlay made by domestic manufacturers. Price per roll of 25 sq. meters reaches about 400 rubles. will cost 100 rubles more per square meter.

Expensive cork material

Don't know which underlay to choose for laminate flooring? Pay attention to cork bedding. They are perfect for floating floors. This natural material. However, it is not susceptible to mold or rotting. Excellent ability to insulate heat. Throughout the entire service period, the substrate will not lose its size and characteristics. This material is sold in the form of rolls. There is also a sheet backing for laminate flooring. There are species that back side have a self-adhesive layer.

The substrate is characterized by high cost. For this reason, it is not advisable to use it together with cheap coatings. However, the durability of the products is high. Among the disadvantages, in addition to price, water permeability should be highlighted. For this reason, condensation may appear under the coating.

Bitumen lining for laminate

The backing can be made from kraft paper with the addition of a material such as bitumen. The top of the lining is covered with fine cork chips. Through the use of bitumen this type the bedding does not have the disadvantages that characterize the sheet underlay for laminate cork material. The bitumen lining does not allow moisture to pass through and is capable of blocking sounds. The material will breathe, which prevents the formation of condensation. As in the case of cork, it is advisable to use this type of lining only with an expensive coating. This is due to its high cost.

Extruded polystyrene foam

Quite often from a position insulating material extruded polystyrene foam can be used. It is perfect for those rooms that are characterized by high loads. It can be used to smooth out uneven surfaces. Such a substrate is an effective insulation due to the presence of a significant amount of air in its composition. Rigidity allows you to maintain its shape, effectively absorbs sound, and prevents moisture penetration. Using polystyrene foam on the floor will give you a comfortable walking experience.

Combined option

Do you need a warm underlay for laminate flooring? Enough interesting option can be considered a combination of polyethylene with expanded polystyrene. This material is usually sold in rolls. Its thickness reaches 3 mm. Due to its structure, such a substrate is capable of ventilating the room. The top layer does not allow moisture to penetrate inside. The bottom layer passes it to the granules, through which it comes out using special gaps.

New in construction stores

Coniferous bedding for covering is a new product. It is very difficult to find due to its high cost. However, sometimes you may come across “Izoplat” - a substrate for laminate flooring that is completely environmentally friendly. In addition, it is capable of allowing air to pass through. For this reason, a greenhouse effect will not be created under the coating. However, the elasticity of needles is noticeably inferior to that of cork material. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that the thickness of the tiles reaches 4-5 mm. This contradicts many of the requirements put forward by laminate manufacturers. The tiles must be laid diagonally.

What should you consider when installing? Reviews

Now we should talk about how the substrate is laid under people who were able to do this, they will help to understand this issue.

1. If the concrete screed is fresh, then before laying it is necessary to lay thin polyethylene. If the house is old, then this procedure is not mandatory.
2. Thoroughly clean the floor of debris and dirt. In addition, the base must be completely dry.
3. For cutting, you should use regular scissors or a construction knife. It is necessary to overlap the walls. Then it can be closed using a plinth.
4. It is not recommended to lay several layers at once to compensate for unevenness. One is enough. If the unevenness cannot be covered with the material, the base will need to be leveled first.
5. If the material has corrugation, it should be directed downward. In such a situation, it will be possible to hide some irregularities. The foil lining should be laid with the reflective side up.
6. It is recommended to install them end-to-end. There should not be any overlap. For fastening should be used This will help prevent the material from moving.

Conclusion

If all the recommendations mentioned above are taken into account when laying the material, then the laminate will last a very long time. Naturally, the final choice in favor of a particular substrate must be made based on one’s own material capabilities. However, you must try to purchase only high-quality and natural products. Otherwise, new repairs may be required within six months.

I’ll tell you exactly the same as for a parquet board!

When laying laminate or parquet boards using a floating method, you can use the same underlays. But each type has its own characteristics and properties, each buyer himself determines what suits him best.

We will look at the most common types of underlays for laminate and parquet boards, which you can easily find in the nearest hardware stores.

Types of underlays for laminate

The first and least expensive option is, of course, isolon, aka foamed polyethylene or polyethylene foam.

This polymer material used in many repair and construction work, including when laying laminate or parquet boards. Foamed polyethylene is used for sound and thermal insulation of floors. Doesn't do its job well.

But isolon material is not very durable, it is compressed under load and breaks easily. But it is light, cheap, and not afraid of moisture. At the same time, a substrate made of such material can be quickly laid and secured easily and conveniently.

Main advantages : The most inexpensive of all existing ones, it is not afraid of mold and fungi. It is not afraid of moisture and weighs little.

Types of substrates for laminate flooring photo

Cork backing for laminate flooring photo

Types of underlays for laminate: Tuplex

There is another type of underlay for floating floors.

Parkolag substrate photo

These are the main ones types of substrate, which are most often found in our Russian stores.