How Important Is Underlayment for Laminate Flooring?

Underlayment Types

• Cork is an environmentally friendly underlayment option with excellent insulation properties. It is flexible and easy to install, cushions the laminate floor to make walking more comfortable and reduce noise. Typically stapled or glued to the subfloor it is laid on, foam underlayment pads measure 1/8 inches thick. Designed to compress under the weight on the laminate floor, the underlayment option reduces the effects of sound waves and variations in temperature. Made from lightweight plastic, moisture or vapor barrier is a common underlayment option typically used with another underlayment material in moisture prone areas such as basements, kitchens and bathrooms.

Noise Reduction

• Underlayment for laminate flooring decreases the amount of sound that travels under the floor, thereby reducing noise pollution to some extent. For instance, natural cork underlayment is used as acoustic insulation for laminate flooring, reducing echoing that occurs due to footsteps, which is why it is considered one of the most effective underlayment options for noise reduction. The natural insulator prevents the laminate flooring from sounding loud when someone walks over it, as opposed to the footsteps producing a noticeably loud sound if there is no underlayment. However, standard foam and cork underlayment options do not greatly reduce the amount of noise produced when someone wearing high heels walks over the flooring.

Moisture Barrier

• Barring moisture from reaching the laminate flooring is another reason why underlayment is important. Cork, foam/film or standard form underlayment options prevent moisture or water from deteriorating or damaging the laminate surface. Forming an impenetrable layer, underlayment absorbs the moisture, thereby preserving the structural integrity of the floor. This is especially important if the subfloor is made from concrete slabs, since these porous materials easily trap moisture, causing mold and fungus to grow and spread. Moisture that reaches the laminate flooring causes it to rise and appear uneven.

Other Reasons

• Underlayment provides thermal insulation, which is essential for homes and offices during the winter. The underlayment maintains indoor temperature because it prevents warm air from escaping from the floor, thereby reducing energy costs. Moreover, because underlayment keeps you warmer, it makes you more comfortable. In addition, underlayment also causes the flooring to appear even, no matter how even the subflooring it. Installed correctly, the material reduces the aesthetic disability a subfloor that features dips may provide, causing it to appear even and uniform.