Laminate underlay. Which substrate to choose for a laminate, we select the best option

Laminated wood fiber panels have recently become the most common material chosen as the top decorative finishes for the floor. This is due to the characteristics that can satisfy the needs of most buyers. It is advisable to start preparing for repairs with a study of laying technology, which involves the creation of a complex structure. Additional layering provides protection of floor elements from adverse influences, extending its service life. The substrate under the laminate also insulates the base, ensures secure placement of the panels, and cushions the system during operation. Competent selection internal filling no less important than the choice of the main flooring.

Substrate under the laminate additionally insulates the base of the floor

What is multilayer technology used for?

The use of a lining under fiberboard is due to the solution of some problems, the most important of which are the following.

	characteristic
Waterproofing	The tree tends to swell in a humid environment, lose its presentable appearance, useful qualities. Even modern technologies treatments do not allow to create a stable protection. The backing layer reduces the moisture ingress to the wood panels.
Soundproofing	Extra layer specialized material muffles the sound. Fiberboard without flaws in laying reduces the spread of additional noise (creaking, rustling, clattering).
thermal insulation	An extra layer of floor delays comfortable temperature. Specialized layers are made in such a way that air circulation is carried out in a natural way, but the resulting heat does not go outside the room.
Surface leveling	Mistakes made during the creation of the screed affect the quality of the laying of the slabs. The underlayment will provide a slight leveling of the floor, simplifying further repair actions.

When installing wooden panels without first fixing the gasket layer, there is a risk of deterioration in quality finished construction.

The substrate must be fixed

A variety of building materials: how to decide on the right type

The range of finishing materials, including additional, participating in the supporting roles, is extensive. With all responsibility, you will have to make a choice not only of the finishing of the floor, but also of the internal substrate laid under the laminate. Significant differences in technical properties, suitable operating conditions make you understand all the nuances related to laying building materials on the floor. Knowing what types of substrates for laminate flooring are, having familiarized yourself with each option, you can make an informed decision.

Before laying laminate flooring, it is worth deciding on the type of substrate

Polyethylene foam (isolon)

The most affordable of those available on the market is recognized as an internal base made from polyethylene foam (isolon). The material, completely obtained by artificial means, is most often used in rooms with a special microclimate (susceptibility to moisture). It prevents the formation of condensate, does not let water through. To achieve maximum compliance with this condition, it will be necessary to lay polyethylene with an overlap of about 25 millimeters. Due to this property, fiberboard is protected from destruction when it encounters moisture. Decent price, performance of the barrier function - the main advantages of polyethylene. In addition, the following positive points are distinguished:

resists the formation of biological "garbage" (mold, fungus), is not susceptible to damage by pests (rodents, insects);

perfectly "removes" the uneven surface of the floor;

has decent soundproofing properties;

resistant to household chemicals;

is easy to install, economical use during the laying process.

Foamed polyethylene does not have high strength. Sheets with a thickness of 2-3 millimeters under the pressure of wooden dies are instantly flattened, and over time they are quickly erased. Use for 1-2 years is fraught with absolute loss positive qualities material. Izolon during this time will lose its shape, elasticity. DVP runs the risk of being left without the necessary support.

Polyethylene is susceptible to direct sunlight. Unscrupulous sellers sometimes sell goods that crumble in their hands (in case of improper storage). Isolon is also subject to the accumulation of static electricity. This property is especially noticeable during the heating season. It is not advisable to use it in dry rooms.

This substrate is the most affordable on the market.

Styrofoam

Foamed (extruded) polystyrene foam is ideal for rooms characterized by high traffic. The material has all the advantages of polyethylene foam, but can withstand severe loads. At the same time, discharges of static electricity are not peculiar to him.

Rigid synthetic sheets keep their shape perfectly, but are not able to compensate for irregularities. Laying polystyrene foam is required on a perfectly flat place. This laminate underlay is famous for high performance thermal insulation, and also able to absorb noise.

Expanded polystyrene does not have significant durability, therefore, initially high quality are gradually fading away. The main disadvantage of the material is the release of toxic substances during combustion. As a result of a fire, the flame instantly spreads. The use of expanded polystyrene requires increased attention to compliance fire safety.

This underlay will hold its shape very well.

Cork

A cork substrate is considered an expensive and high-quality layer. Oak raw materials are crushed into crumbs, pressed. These laminate underlays are produced in roll or sheet format. Meet different types of this type:

in the form of a crumb;

with rubber;

with bitumen.

Cork underlay is usually purchased in combination with expensive laminate flooring as it is expensive on its own. She possesses good level sound insulation, perfectly retains heat. According to these indicators, cork is confidently gaining leadership.

Cork backing has perfect elasticity. Any, even the most intense loads, are not afraid of its integrity. There is a complete restoration of the original state due to merciless compression. This ability has a beneficial effect on the main floor covering - protection against kinks and deformations is formed. In practice, this only works when placed on a level surface. In this case, a fresh screed is unacceptable.

The cork is resistant to biological deterioration (rot, mold), it will have to be used only in a dry environment. Even the neighborhood with moisture (above the bathroom) is not recommended. The material itself is not afraid of water, but passes it well, accumulates, which can cause rapid wear. decorative coating gender.

The cork substrate will be an excellent layer when installing a "floating" floor. It is freely used in panel houses. Apart from the need for serious preparation before laying, this the best substrate for laminate.

For those who have fixed their eyes on this material, but are going to use it at an increased level of dampness, it is recommended to choose a combined composition (with bitumen, rubber). These products are made from kraft paper treated with a compactor. The top of such a “sandwich” is a cork crumb. The combined material retains the ability to pass air, but prevents the retention of moisture. The cork base, even in this design, does not significantly change its value.

The cork substrate will be an excellent layer during installation

Coniferous

Market novelty building materials is a coniferous substrate. This variation of the lining is positioned as an excellent analogue of high-quality cork. The option made from spruce raw materials has a considerable price and is not widely used on sale.

Coniferous substrate, along with cork, is characterized by high environmental friendliness, heat and sound insulation. She "breathes" natural circulation air. In terms of elasticity, spruce material is inferior to cork. But big thickness(4–5 mm) successfully compensates for minor surface defects. Spruce blocks require diagonal laying which is not always convenient.

Coniferous substrate is a good choice for laying on a dry concrete base. In combination with an electric underfloor heating, it will allow you to warm up delicately and evenly.

Coniferous substrate - a good choice for flooring on a dry concrete base

Combined

Bases made from different materials, combine the properties of several types of products. There is an increase in beneficial features, minimization of negative ones. Expensive raw materials are used in limited quantities, but can improve the characteristics of the product. Due to the participation in the production of cheaper components, the cost of the final product is reduced.

The construction market offers a wide range of products. Most often, the attention of buyers is attracted by modifications with the presence of an expensive cork in the composition. Popular material under the brand name Tuplex. For its manufacture, isolon and polystyrene foam are used. In the product, the balls of the latter are located between 2 layers of polyethylene foam. A worthy product is called foil products. They combine isolon or polystyrene foam with a layer of foil.

Underlayment under a laminate from a combination of materials is often more convenient during the installation process. Manufacturers share the combination most in all respects, so such a product becomes worthy of attention. In some realities, the combined analogue in its technical indicators significantly outperforms the source material.

Underlayment under a laminate from a combination of materials is often more convenient during installation

Orientation in a variety of goods: buy and do not miscalculate

Properly choose best option only a true professional can do it. What substrate will ideal solution difficult to determine, for this it is necessary to take into account various nuances:

dampness level;

surface quality;

room configuration.

Each value is compared with the technical characteristics of the materials in question. In many cases, the alternative of the combined product becomes optimal or additionally added to the basis thin layer polyethylene/foil. In self-selection, the generalizing factor is the type of the initial surface.

Only a real professional can choose the best option competently.

concrete base

To build a floor in a structure with concrete masonry, it is enough to competently perform a screed. The base will turn out to be even, will not require special conditions for laying the coating. It does not matter which substrate will be used.

During repairs in an urban high-rise building, it is desirable to provide for the possibility of additional sound insulation. A good type of internal flooring will be a rubberized cork. Optimal Performance thermal protection, absorption of extraneous sounds, waterproofing will provide comfortable conditions residence.

During repairs in an urban high-rise building, it is desirable to provide for the possibility of additional sound insulation

wooden base

To arrange the floor in a variation with a wooden base, it is permissible to omit the thermal insulation parameter when opting for a substrate for a standard laminate. Separately, you will have to take care of waterproofing, compensation for the curved surface level. These conditions correspond to polyethylene foam.

Carrying out the installation of fiberboard will not require the application of efforts for leveling, fixing the material. Defects in the curvature of the floor will be successfully masked, will not cause inconvenience when laying the main floor.

For a wooden base, polyethylene foam is perfect

Base equipped with underfloor heating system

To install a floor in a model using an additional heating system, you will need to take into account 2 important factors: the need for waterproofing, ideal thermal conductivity. The system is obliged to freely perform its function, without the risk of failure, causing damage.

Among the substrates for the laminate, which one to take in such conditions? It is pointless to use cork, polystyrene foam. The optimal solution will become combined material: isolon with foil. The thickness of the substrate should not be excessively large, since the efficiency of the insulation system will noticeably decrease.

Manufacturers took care of the owners of insulating systems separately. Therefore, it is not difficult to find out which substrate is suitable in these conditions. They produce an adapted material equipped with holes. It conducts heat well and supports the flooring.

Manufacturers offer options for different floors

Choosing the optimal thickness of the inner layer

The substrate under the laminate in different variations can significantly differ in all characteristics, including thickness. The choice of the best alternative depends on the baseline data.

In the case of working with a thoroughly leveled surface, you can stop at thin materials(up to 2 mm).

A floor with slight irregularities needs to be reinforced with an internal content of up to 3 mm.

Materials with a volume up to 8 mm are used to compensate for significant level deviations in combination with intensive use of the finished coating.

Fiberboard panels tend to wear out quickly. By properly choosing the inner layer, the floor covering is protected from deformation. Excessively thick underlayment under the laminate on a flat surface threatens to deflect the panels. Over time, the floors begin to creak, locks and planks break. Substrate thickness below required value will not cope with irregularities, the top panels will suffer from mechanical wear.

Fiberboard panels tend to wear out quickly

Installation sequence

In most cases, laying the technical layer does not deliver special trouble. The process consists of a sequence of actions.

It is advisable to cover a recently completed concrete floor screed with a standard film of small thickness. If alignment work has been carried out for a long time, this step can be skipped.

The floor is cleaned of dirt, dust, work surface left completely dry.

The lining is cut using a construction knife. It is recommended to perform the calculation with a call to the walls (this place will be closed with a plinth). The use of a double overlay of layers to smooth out irregularities is not performed.

Corrugated building materials are laid out with the texture down, foil - with a shiny layer up. The substrate under the laminate often does not allow overlap, it is necessary to lay end-to-end.

Elements with a "slippery" base can be additionally secured with double-sided tape to prevent displacement during operation.

Laminate flooring is a must. It performs many useful functions while maintaining top coat floor in working order. Correct selection tactics suitable option will save you from mistakes during the repair.

Video: How to choose a substrate for a laminate?

Video: How to choose the right substrate for the laminate?

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Any person who buys an apartment or makes repairs in it faces the question of purchasing flooring. There are many options for laying the floor, one of the most popular is laminate. This material is considered durable and inexpensive. To properly lay it, you must follow all the steps, including the preparatory ones. It is at this stage of work that the question arises of which substrate for the laminate is better.

Bed underlay

The use of the underlay comes from the characteristics of the floor covering material itself. It is made from the waste of woodworking enterprises. That is, sawdust is pressed under the influence of high pressure and temperature.

On the finished sheets a decorative layer is applied on top, repeating the texture of the wood. Then, cover the entire surface with varnish to increase the service life. On the underside of the laminate boards there is a layer of polymers that protects the material from moisture and mechanical damage.

On all sides of the resulting panel, locks are installed for fastening, so laying the laminate is easy. Lay the boards on the screed.

Note! When laying laminate boards, the difference in unevenness on the floor should not be more than 1 mm per 2 linear meters.

At the same time, you can not lay the boards directly on the concrete, otherwise, when walking, they will knock on the screed and wear out quickly. . It is for these purposes that the lining was developed, which acts as a shock absorber, and also increases the level of sound insulation in the room. And also it provides required level vapor barrier so that the coating does not deform during operation.

Which substrate for laminate flooring is better based on its features

Exist different variants gaskets between the floor and the coating:

• from cork;
• polymers;
• foil;
• needles;
• combined options.

To choose a substrate for a laminate on a concrete floor, it is necessary to take into account the features of each of the listed types.

Cork

The main advantage is environmental friendliness. Even in the children's room, you can safely use a cork lining, it does not emit any harmful substances. Also, this material has long term service, good depreciation and sound insulation performance.

In addition to the positives, there are also negatives. These include:

• high price;
• afraid of moisture, so it is not used for underfloor heating.

Made from crushed oak bark. Sometimes they use not only natural material, but also add rubber or bitumen, which reduces the cost.

Thus, it is advisable to use such a coating for dry rooms, without installing underfloor heating. Most often, cork is combined with inexpensive laminate flooring to make the overall cost of the flooring optimal.

PE foam underlay

Substrates for laminate (sheet) are made of polyethylene foam in several versions. All of them have positive sides, which include:

• High ability not to pass moisture;
• Retains heat well;
• Not affected by bacteria and various chemicals;
• Light weight and low price.

However, there is a drawback that outweighs all this - a short service life and a quick loss of shape. That is, such a substrate will be acceptable in a room with high humidity and on a floor made of boards, which itself requires periodic repairs.

Styrofoam

The material is recognized as the golden mean in terms of price and quality. This option consists of two layers: polystyrene foam and foil. There are also extruded (single-layer).

The substrate is easy to install, does not transmit sound and heat, hides various defects sex, but for the price - this affordable option for many consumers. There is only one drawback - during long-term operation it can lose its shape.

If you choose a substrate for a laminate on a warm floor, which better fit under such a coating, then expanded polystyrene is suitable material for such structures.

from wood

This option is made from natural materials, is able to "breathe", only the price is much higher. Despite the cost, woodworking waste sheets are in great demand due to their durability and thermal insulation qualities, by which they are compared with soft insulation.

For example, a coniferous substrate for a laminate customer reviews has the following:“I don't often write reviews, but this mat was amazing. It has been lying with me for more than three years, during which time it has not caused any allergies or any other troubles. I thought that the coating would start to "walk", but nothing like that happened. Very satisfied".

Another review:“One friend laid himself such a natural substrate, was unpleasantly surprised by the aroma from it. I could not stand it, I handed it over to the store, as it turned out, the needles perfectly absorb all odors. They replaced it with a new package, everything was already in order with it.

Thus, it is quite difficult to accurately answer the question of which substrate for a laminate is better. For each buyer, the right option will be good based on the purpose of use, humidity in the room and the planned cost of money.

Which substrate for laminate flooring (price per m2) will be more profitable

Deciding which option from the whole variety is more suitable, we suggest looking at the table with approximate prices.

Image	Firm (article)	Variety	Price (rub/sq.m)
	Tepofol	Foam (2 mm)	15
	Tepofol	Foam (4 mm)	30
	Wicanders	Stopper (2 mm)	120
	Tuplex (RT-011)	Combined (extruded polystyrene foam and two layers of polyethylene film)	130
	Steico	Natural needles (7 mm)	575
	Coeksribas (CR-105-10)	Cork (10 mm)	514

And also when choosing, you can look at the rating of manufacturers, according to buyers:

• The best natural substrates. The first place is occupied by Premium Cork (Portugal), this material has high density and low thermal conductivity. Made from pressed cork bark. Price: 90 rubles. per sq. meter (2mm). Next comes PARCOLAG (bitumen-cork version). Refers to ventilated material. Price: 95 rubles with a thickness of 3 mm.

• From extruded polystyrene, buyers identified VTM, IsoPolin. This gasket is considered the best in terms of price and quality. It has high rates of noise and heat insulation. Price: 55 rub. per square meter.

• Among the polyethylene options, consumers singled out Tuplex, costing 99 rubles. Substrate made from modern materials that allow you to ventilate the space.

Thus, when you think about which underlay for a laminate is better to choose, you can rely not only on the material of manufacture, but also on the user rating, as well as on the pricing policy.

Often floor coverings are not complete without the use of a substrate. About the types and benefits in this article

Often floor coverings are not complete without the use of a substrate. The product has a number of serious purposes, due to which the use finishing material becomes comfortable and high quality. What is a substrate, its types and parameters are described in this article.

Material structure

What is a laminate flooring? This is an insulating layer between the finish coat and the subfloor - concrete slab, plywood, logs and / or boards. The structure of the material, depending on the nature of origin, is different. For example, polymer raw materials are different crystal lattice, where air bubbles act instead of molecules, natural wood dense, rubber or rubber - elastic and so on. Appearance– plates or rolls of appropriate thickness.
Options vary depending on the purpose.

Purpose of the substrate

Why do you need a laminate flooring? The purpose is different. The layer between the finish and the rough coat performs the following functions:

1. Moisture isolation is the main function of the substrate. The floor covering, which has wood in its composition, must be insulated from below, regardless of the original foundation and type of property - an apartment or a house. Human waste products are, first of all, released moisture. Condensation is able to accumulate everywhere and, due to the circulation of temperatures, settle on the floor.
Subsequently, it will begin to stand out, and if there is no substrate, it will soak into the wood, causing it to rot. The consequences are obvious - damage to expensive flooring and often health.
2. Depreciation. The laminate will experience dynamic pressures that cannot but affect the coating as a whole. Without a substrate, the surface is doomed to deformation of the interlocks, their fracture and shift in the future. If the base - the subfloor - is not perfectly even, then defects also occur on the surface of the lamella, despite even a good thickness.

3. Compensation for linear expansions. Laminate is a product using wood fiber raw materials. At different moments, it will behave differently, it will begin to shrink or expand. IN last version, the lamella is under pressure from the walls and neighboring elements, which will subsequently affect it by bending or breaking. Therefore, the substrate will play the role of a damper - it is strengthened with a margin on the walls.
4. Sound absorption and additional thermal insulation. The comfort of using flooring lies not only in beauty or ease of maintenance, but also in noiselessness, coupled with warmth. The thickness of the substrate is a parameter that affects these two factors.

So, it becomes clear that without an insulating layer in the form of a substrate, the laminate will reduce its performance and durability.

Types and characteristics

The materials from which the substrate is made are numerous. Accordingly, each has its own characteristics, properties, advantages and disadvantages. Let's describe in detail:

Coniferous tiles

Origin - natural wood. Appearance - plates of various thicknesses.
The advantages include environmental cleanliness and air circulation through the material. Of the shortcomings, serious, the following:

1. Expensive. Due to the popularity of polystyrene raw materials, coniferous substrate is a rarity in hardware stores. It is ordered in case of need and desire to purchase.
2. Requirement for a different insulating layer. It is strongly recommended to lay a layer of polyethylene under the needle substrate, since natural wood is not friendly with concrete condensate or possible leaks.

Substrate from softwood are purchased in rooms with a guaranteed absence of leaks and the accumulation of condensate. In the latter case, a split system is purchased to maintain the moisture level within acceptable limits.

cork cloth

A common and justified coating for laminate flooring: it has high sound insulation, is inert to high pressures- returns original form, environmentally friendly.
Minuses:

Softwood or cork underlayment requires isolation from the rough concrete floor, which, of course, entails extra work and costs.
It cannot be laid on top of a warm floor due to special property wood - it dries out and crumbles.
Cork has a low vapor barrier coefficient. In the case of laminate flooring in a kitchen where moisture and steam are natural, the substrate runs the risk of quickly becoming damp under the floor. Hence the rot and mold.

The disadvantages include the cost - the price of a cork is high.

park camp

The product is made from kraft cardboard with the addition of bitumen and cork chips.
Its main advantage is the leveling of the space under the laminate flooring. With him, thanks to the structure, flooring shifts are not threatened - it is most suitable for laying a floating floor. An important advantage is protection against steam. This substrate is good for kitchens and bathrooms. Disadvantages:

1. Odor release when heated. Such a substrate cannot be laid in tandem with a warm floor.
2. High probability of fake. When buying, you should require a certificate from the seller.

Parkolag cannot be attributed to environmentally friendly species, it is inexpensive.

Duplex, isoplat

Unlike coniferous or cork substrate, the raw material is a completely polymer product, therefore, it does not differ in environmental friendliness. This is a canvas consisting of two layers of film and polymer granules with air.
Has perforations to wick away moisture. Advantages:

1. Suitable for laying laminate with underfloor heating.
2. Applicable for classic concrete screed, if the time to full setting is not maintained.
3. It has good heat and sound insulation.

In addition, polymer substrates are inexpensive, thereby earning popularity among budget repairs.

The thickness of the substrate under the laminate

Self-laying laminate is most often accompanied by major mistake home craftsmen - laying the substrate in two layers.
It seems to ignorant amateurs that in this way the heat capacity of the floor and sound insulation increase. This is not true. The rigidity of the laminate, coupled with a thick layer of backing, will increase pressure play and the interlocks will subsequently break. The optimal parameter is from 2 to 4 mm. Thickness cork backing allowed from 1.8 mm.

Conclusion

So, the main thesis of the article is that a substrate for a laminate is necessary. Insulating layers will make the new floor comfortable and durable. The range is rich, and choosing a material according to the characteristics of the floor and safety requirements is not difficult.

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Laminate has become one of the most popular and cheapest floor coverings. It is strong, durable, happy wide choose- from budget to elite models of any color. As a rule, people spend a lot of time choosing a laminate, but they forget about the substrate. In this article, we will figure out which substrate is better, because the durability of the coating depends on its quality.

Underlayment for laminate flooring is required by floating floor technology. This is due to several factors, which we will talk about.

• Soundproofing. If the bedding under the laminate is not used, then each step will be given a booming thud. The presence of a soft even layer will hide small noises, frictions (see article about).

Sometimes in the 33rd and 32nd class of laminate there is a built-in substrate: an insulation layer is already glued on the reverse side. It is more convenient to lay such material than usual, but due to the more difficult production technology, the cost increases significantly.

• Surface leveling. Another function of the substrate is to level small irregularities. This is very important when, because the durability of the locks depends on the evenness of the base. According to the technology, the allowable floor differences should be no more than 2 mm per 1 m. However, too much thickness of the substrate under the laminate will rather prevent bumps from hiding, because then it will sag at the joints when walking. So that the seams do not spread in six months, the floor surface is carefully prepared before laying the coating (see article on.
• Moisture isolation. The laminate is made of pressed paper, so even moisture-resistant models do not need to be exposed to high humidity otherwise the panels will swell. Laying the substrate under the laminate will provide additional protection against moisture from the concrete floor. For the same reason, before laying the coating, it is better to wait at least a month after the installation of the concrete screed.

As a test of the readiness of the screed, you can put polyethylene on the floor overnight. In the morning, there should be no perspiration on the concrete.

• Thermal conductivity. A conventional underlay for a laminate installed under a warm floor reduces the efficiency of its work, since both the laminate itself and the substrate material have good thermal insulation properties. There are special substrates for underfloor heating, which we wrote about in. We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with, which describes the installation process on a wooden and concrete base with further finishing with laminate.

Substrate selection

In any hardware store It's easy to find many options, but how do you choose the right underlay for your laminate flooring? After all, they differ in material, thickness, sound insulation.

First of all, you need to find out the condition of the floor. If the base is even, the thinnest substrate will be enough - 2 mm. When small irregularities are encountered, it is worth choosing an insulation thickness of 3 mm. The thickness of the laminate with the underlay will be approximately 10-11 mm (assuming an average laminate floor thickness of 8 mm).

When choosing a substrate and the laminate itself, it is not necessary to give preference to the same manufacturer. It practically does not matter, because the parameters are general, so any company will do.

A brief video review of popular species:

Polyethylene foam

The most common polyethylene foam backing. Its popularity is primarily due to its low price. In addition, it has good moisture resistance, thermal insulation and is not affected by rodents and microorganisms. This material is very easy to use and minimizes waste. Often it is supplemented with a foil layer with aluminum for reflection infrared heat.

However, despite the large number of advantages, the cheapest material also has many disadvantages. First of all, it is not environmentally friendly. synthetic material, sags over time and does not hold its shape well. There are cases that after laying the laminate on a polyethylene foam substrate, static electricity is generated (especially in dry rooms), and the owners are periodically shocked. Therefore, think 10 times before saving 500 rubles, is your comfort worth this money? The material of domestic manufacturers will be cheaper: the price of a roll of 25 square meters. m. about 320-400 rubles. Foamed polyethylene from Quick step will cost 60-90 rubles. for 1 sq. m.

Cork substrates

Cork underlayment under laminate flooring is great as a base for a floating floor. Although it is a natural material, cork is not subject to mold and decay, and is an excellent heat insulator. Throughout the entire service life, such a substrate will retain its dimensions and characteristics. This type is available in the form of rolls or sheets. In some cases on reverse side there is a self-adhesive layer (see article about).


Due to the high cost, it is impractical to use the cork option for cheap coatings, but it is well suited as a durable base. The disadvantage of cork is water permeability, so condensation may appear under the coating.

Bitumen-cork substrates

This material is made on the basis of kraft paper with the addition of bitumen, and then covered with fine cork chips on top. The dressing is made from small pieces of cork 2-3 mm. Thanks to bitumen, this type is devoid of the disadvantages of conventional cork: it does not allow moisture to pass through and retains sounds well; the material breathes, which prevents the formation of condensate. Like the previous version, bitumen-cork substrates are only suitable for expensive species laminate, because of the high price.

Styrofoam

Often, extruded polystyrene foam is used as an insulating layer. It is optimally suited for high-loaded premises and evens out irregularities well. This is one of the most effective heaters due to the high air content in its composition. Due to its rigidity, it retains its shape well and effectively absorbs sounds, does not let moisture through. When using expanded polystyrene on the floor, a comfortable feeling when walking is provided. The most popular in this form are products from Izoshum, Arbiton.

Combined options

There are also combinations of polyethylene and expanded polystyrene. The most famous substrate is Tuplex (Tuplex), it consists of two layers of polyethylene, between which there are polystyrene foam balls.

This combined option Sold in rolls and has a thickness of 3 mm. Due to its structure, it can ventilate the room. Upper layer does not allow moisture to penetrate inside, and a thin lower layer passes it inside to the granules, and from there it comes out through the technological gaps.

Coniferous tiles

New recent years- coniferous substrate under the laminate. It is difficult to find it in stores due to its high cost, but coniferous boards from Isoplat are sometimes sold. The material is completely environmentally friendly and allows air to pass through, so there will be no greenhouse effect under the floor. However, in terms of elasticity, the needles are inferior cork. It is also worth considering that the minimum thickness of coniferous tiles is 4-5 mm, which is contrary to the requirements of many laminate manufacturers. The tiles are laid diagonally.

Substrate laying

Now let's talk about the technology, how to lay the substrate under the laminate:

• If the floor is fresh concrete screed, before laying it is necessary to lay a layer of thin polyethylene 0.2 microns. In older houses, this is not necessary.
• Thoroughly clean the floor of debris, vacuum all the dirt. The base must be dry.
• For cutting, use ordinary scissors or a construction knife. They overlap the walls, then the plinth will close it.
• In no case do not lay several layers of the substrate to compensate for irregularities, a layer of 2-3 mm will be enough. If you need more, they are produced with plywood, screed or in another way.
• If the material has a corrugation, it is laid down with this side, so there will be less irregularities. The foil material is laid with the reflective side up.
• Laying is carried out end-to-end, without overlapping sheets on each other. In order not to shift the substrate during work, it is recommended to stick it on double sided tape to the floor.

Summing up

Subject to the technology and the purchase of a high-quality substrate and laminate, they will last more than 10 years at home. Certainly, final choice will depend on material possibilities, but it is better to try to acquire high-quality natural materials not to pay twice.

Implies laying the substrate layer. What is this material which one to choose, how to install- Let's talk about all this. But first, it is worth dealing with the question: is it possible to do without it?

The answer is unambiguous and categorical: it is impossible. So it is said in the Russian documents TR 74-98 and TR 114-01 (TR - technical advice), as well as in the European regulation CEN/TS 16354, developed by the association of laminate manufacturers there. The fact is that the substrate performs a number of important functions that provide correct work floor covering.

Why do you need a substrate for the floor under the laminate

The laminate is laid according to the "floating" installation technology, there is a movement. A wear layer on top, a hard surface on the bottom that can abrade and damage the coating over time.

Noisy laminate. And it would be fine if only the tramp of steps prevented the neighbors from below, but you can also go deaf yourself.

If you lay a laminate on a concrete floor, especially on the first floor, then your feet will be cold. All substrates are porous, so they have thermal insulation properties.