Flooring underlays are something we don’t hear much about but they play a big role in making some flooring types more durable and comfortable. They’re actually a fundamental element that creates a layer between the subfloor and the flooring.
Some of the most common types of flooring, like carpet, hardwood, vinyl, and laminate, are enhanced in different ways when combined with the right floor underlayment.
In this article, we’ll introduce different types of flooring underlays, discuss their benefits and importance, and guide you in choosing the right underlayment for your place.
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Why Use Flooring Underlays?
In many cases, using the right type of underlay for the flooring can enhance its performance and improve it in different ways. However, they’re not used for all types of flooring. Usually, we have underlayment for
- solid hardwood and engineered wood flooring,
- laminate flooring,
- carpet,
- and vinyl flooring.
We can also see it used under concrete and tiles. But regardless of the type of flooring, underlays can benefit them by
- Making the Floor More Comfortable
The underlayment offers support and cushioning making it feel more comfortable under the feet. This is particularly beneficial for those who have to stand long hours. This extra comfort reduces the stress and strain on the muscles and joints.
- Protecting the Floor and the Subfloor
As flooring underlay adds an extra layer between the flooring and the subfloor, it protects both of them.
For example, in areas where moisture damage is common, a moisture-resistant underlayment can protect the flooring from warping, swelling, staining, mold, etc. This is one of the main reasons for using underlayment for hardwood floors.
On the contrary, if water damages the flooring, the underlay stops it from reaching the subfloor leading to bigger headaches.
Except for moisture, it also protects the floor from impact (the underlayment helps in distributing weight more evenly), little problems and irregularities of the subfloor, changes in the temperature and humidity, and everyday wear and tear.
Therefore, the lifespan and performance of your floor and subfloor are improved. This is a great option for basements, bathrooms, and other places prone to impact, high humidity, temperature fluctuations, and moisture damage.
- Providing Noise and Thermal Insulation
Another great benefit of flooring underlays is reducing the transmission of sound and heat. So, they make the place quieter by lowering the levels of noise between floors, for example, footsteps or noise caused by dropping something.
Also, during winter and summer, they don’t allow heat to be transferred through the floor easily. The result is energy efficiency by reducing the amount of energy used for cooling or heating.
- Easier Installation
As mentioned above, the floor underlayments cover the minor irregularities you can find in the subfloor, providing a more stable and even surface to install the flooring. In addition, some even offer built-in interlocking systems or adhesives that make the securing and installation of the flooring even easier.
Overall, underlays are here to make your floor more durable and comfortable. Plus, you can count on having a more peaceful environment, energy efficiency, and more stable flooring.
The Most Common Types of Flooring Underlays
Different types of flooring underlays are available in the market but here we only discuss six of them that are widely used.
Foam Underlayment: Affordable and Versatile
The most common and popular flooring underlayment is foam underlay. They’re not only budget-friendly but also useful for various applications.
- They can be used as underlayment for laminate flooring, engineered wood, carpet, etc.
- Foam underlayment offers some desirable properties, like moisture resistance, sound insulation, thermal insulation, comfort, and subfloor compensation (covering small irregularities).
- It is easy to cut and install foam underlays. Most of them even come with built-in adhesive or tape.
- Polyethylene foam is light and flexible.
- Polyurethane foam is dense and durable.
- Rebond foam or bonded foam underlay is made of recycled foam pieces and offers excellent cushioning, subfloor support, and durability. So, it’s a great choice for carpet.
- Cross-linked polyethylene foam underlayment or XLPE foam underlay is another type that is stronger and more durable. It also provides better insulation properties.
- Foam underlays are available in different thicknesses and densities.
Rubber Underlay: Soundproof and Durable
With their exceptional soundproofing properties and longevity, rubber underlays are ideal for commercial spaces and residential apartments where controlling noise levels is important. They also work great as carpet, laminate, and engineered wood underlayment.
These flooring underlays are usually made of natural rubber, synthetic elastomers, or recycled rubber. Among these, synthetic and recycled rubber underlayment is more affordable. Plus, as recycled materials are used in them, they’re consider an environmentally friendly option.
Overall, due to their excellent resilience and acoustic insulation properties, rubber underlays are great for high-traffic areas.
Felt Underlay: A Thermal Insulator That Offers Comfort
Felt underlays are mostly used under carpet flooring because
- they provide extra comfort and softness under the feet.
- their thermal insulation properties can somewhat improve energy efficiency.
- their sound absorption properties offer a quieter and more peaceful environment, especially for homes with kids.
Like rubber, felt underlayment is made of recycled fibers or synthetic materials which is an affordable choice. However, for more expensive carpeting, wool felt underlay is usually used. This type of felt is made of natural wool and offers better acoustic and thermal insulation as well as more comfort and cushioning.
Cork Underlay: A Sustainable Choice for Energy Efficiency
Another environmentally friendly option, cork underlay is usually made from the bark of cork oak trees. They’re an excellent choice for reducing energy consumption (because of cork’s insulation properties) and levels of noise. They also ensure the floor is comfortable and soft under your feet.
Cork underlayment is best compatible with floating floors, like laminate and engineered wood, but you can also use it with tiles and other types of flooring materials as well. Besides, it can compensate for the irregularities of the subfloor to some extent.
What’s more, for easier installation and customization, you can get a cork flooring underlay roll. These cork roll underlays also come in different thicknesses.
Plus, as cork naturally resists mold and mildew, you don’t have to worry about it.
Combination Underlay: A Blend of All the Features You’d Desire
As its name suggests, combination underlays combine different materials and underlays to enhance their properties. Some of the most common combinations include:
- Foam and felt combination underlayment for better cushioning, resilience, and sound absorption,
- Rubber and foam combination underlay to add the durability of rubber with the comfort of foam,
- Rubber and cork combination underlay to combine the natural properties of cork with the resilience of rubber,
- Fiber and rubber combination underlayment adds the stability of fiber to the strength of rubber,
- And, some flooring underlays (rubber, felt, cork, and foam) come with a built-in moisture-resistant or vapor barrier layer to protect the floor and subfloor from moisture damage.
Vapor Barrier Underlayment: Resist Moisture Damage
In places, like bathrooms, basements, and wherever humidity and vapor rise from the subfloor (for example, coastal areas), vapor barrier underlays can put your mind at ease.
The integrated plastic or foil sheet stops the moisture from penetrating into the flooring leading to extensive moisture damage. This is particularly useful for hardwood flooring.
All in all, using flooring underlays is not a luxury, they can be necessary in some places to protect the flooring materials from damage. Read the following section to find out how you can choose the best underlayment for your place.
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How to Select the Right Flooring Underlayment?
Think about the factors below when deciding the type of underlay for your place.
1. The Flooring Should Be Compatible with the Underlayment
The first factor to consider is the type of flooring because each has its own requirements. Here is the best underlayment for different flooring types.
- Carpet Flooring Underlays
- Foam underlays
- Felt underlayment
- Rubber pad underlay
- Laminate Flooring Underlay
- Foam underlayment
- Combination underlayment (with a moisture-resistant layer)
- Underlayment for Vinyl Flooring
- Combination underlays with a built-in vapor barrier
- Underlayment for Hardwood Floors
- A combination underlay (foam, felt, cork, or rubber) with a moisture-resistant layer
- Engineered Wood Underlayment
- Combination underlayment (with foam or felt layers)
2. The Condition of the Subfloor
If the subfloor has some imperfections and irregularities, you should go with underlays that provide more subfloor support and leveling properties.
3. Moisture Control
See if there is any risk of moisture damage. For example, bathrooms and basements require a kind of underlay that can protect the floor and the subfloor from water damage.
4. Sustainability
It’s great if you can opt for underlayment options that are environmentally friendly, like eco-friendly or recycled materials.
5. Your Own Preferences
What properties do you wish the underlayment to have? For example, do you need to reduce the level of noise or do you like to improve the energy efficiency?
Another thing to consider is the budget. Flooring underlays come in various prices. Determine your budget before making up your mind. There are underlays for any budget.
To sum up, for each type of flooring, you have a range of suitable underlays. Consider your budget, expectations, and requirements of the place to make the right decision.
FAQs About Flooring Underlays
Here are your most common questions about floor underlayment.
How Can I Decide If My Floor Needs Underlayment?
The decision depends on the flooring type you want to install, your place conditions and requirements, as well as your own preferences.
Some flooring materials, like laminate and engineered wood, usually require a kind of underlayment. For others, consider if you like to enhance the floor for better comfort, installation, sound and heat insulation, and durability.
If yes, review the factors discussed in the previous section to make the right decision.
Do I Need Underlayment for Laminate Flooring with Attached Pad?
No. The attached pad provides the protection, insulation, and cushioning you need.
What’s the Best Parquet Flooring Underlay?
High-quality foam underlayment is usually recommended for parquet flooring.
What’s The Best Underlayment for Laminate Flooring on Concrete?
You can go with either a foam or a combination underlay with a moisture-resistant layer.
What Flooring Underlays Can Reduce Noise?
Rubber and cork underlays offer the best soundproofing properties. However, if you are looking for superior soundproofing for commercial spaces like studios and theaters, then you can choose specific acoustic underlayments that are specifically designed to absorb and block sound.
What Flooring Underlayment Is the Best for Moisture Control in Basements and Bathrooms?
The most commonly used underlay for moisture control in basements and bathrooms is polyethylene foam underlayment.
What Type of Flooring Underlay Is More Useful in Manchester, NH?
Selecting the right type of underlayment mostly depends on your place requirements and your own preferences. However, climate can play a role in making a better decision as well. For example, in Manchester, NH, the humidity is usually high. So, underlays with a built-in vapor barrier are best for this region.
In addition, Manchester has got cold winters. Therefore, it’s best to go with those underlays that offer better thermal insulation.
Quality Flooring Installation and Replacement Services in Manchester, New Hampshire
If you are located in the area of Manchester and neighboring cities in New Hampshire, you can count on us for high-quality flooring installation services. Our experience and dedication have made us one of the best flooring companies in the area. Above all, we are all about making it easy for our customers.
You don’t even need to leave your place. For any flooring services (installation, refinishing, carpet, etc.), call us at (603) 782-1942 or fill out the form below . We’ll bring you the whole flooring shop!