How to Find the Best Underlayment When Replacing a Floor
The pretty part of the floor is the finished floor covering that goes on top where everyone can see. But, the most crucial part is what's underneath it. The goal of the underlayment is to create a smooth and firm substrate on which to install the finished floor. Choose the underlayment carefully. It can mean success or failure in the beauty and longevity of your floor. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Do your homework. Many substrates are in the marketplace and the same underlayment won't work for every floor covering type.
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Examine your subfloor for moisture damage. Underlayment products made with wood can warp, causing your finished floor to buckle. Vapor barriers are marketed for houses built with a crawl space to prevent moisture from seeping into the underlayment.
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Check the floor manufacturer's recommendations. Often, the warranty that comes with the floor covering is honored only if the recommended underlayment is used.
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Avail yourself of the wealth of information concerning each type of underlayment. This information is obtainable online. Common underlayment products are hardboard, plywood, oriented strand board (OSB) and particle board. These types are used under resilient floor coverings. Non-wood underlayments include gypsum fiber board and cement board.
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Apply foam underlayment for laminate and pre-finished wood floors. In areas where moisture is a factor, use a vapor barrier in conjunction with the foam. Combo underlayment is a foam product with the moisture barrier already attached.
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Tips & Warnings
Adhesives are used in installing some floor coverings. The adhesive needs to be compatible with the underlayment.
Cork is an underlayment product that offers superior sound control. It comes in rolls and sheets.
A product that combines subfloor and underlayment in a single layer is known as ToughPly Sturd-I-Floor.
