Polystyrene for laminate. Underlay for laminate which is better and more practical Underlay for laminate from extruded polystyrene foam 7mm

When installing flooring important role plays not only high-quality finishing material, but also the whole pie, starting from the base. An important role is played by the substrate, which compensates for the load when walking, reduces the "voicing" of the coating and protects it from moisture. Expanded polystyrene under the laminate is used quite often and this is due to its unique performance properties.

Expanded polystyrene has several varieties, depending on the method of its manufacture.

Table 1. Varieties of expanded polystyrene

Characteristics of extruded polystyrene foam

More often under a laminate the substrates made of this material are used. The peculiarity of its structure lies in evenly spaced closed cells, which ensures the moisture resistance of the material. The production of the substrate takes place using an extrusion molding machine, where polystyrene, together with a blowing agent, is fed through a narrow nozzle under high pressure and high temperatures. The result is a low density material (30-40 kg/m³).

The material does not rot and does not absorb moisture. When wet, water does not penetrate further than the open side combs on the cut. It differs from analogues in its great strength and thermal insulation properties. Substrates from this material are produced in rolls and in the form of sheets, 1000 x 500 x 3 mm in size.

Table 2. Characteristics of expanded polystyrene

Advantages and disadvantages of the material

Of the advantages of polystyrene foam substrates, the following are noted:

1. High strength and durability of the material allow you to create high-quality flooring, which long years will maintain integrity and aesthetic appeal.
2. The porous structure guarantees high thermal insulation properties of such a substrate.
3. The embossed surface provides natural circulation air between the substrate and the base, while moisture and condensate will not penetrate further than the substrate.
4. The thickness of the substrate allows you to hide minor irregularities in the base.
5. The material is not afraid low temperatures, so it can be used in unheated premises.
6. Laminate is a rather resonant coating, and the substrate with a porous structure in the form of sealed cells filled with air perfectly absorbs noise.
7. The material is light in weight and convenient in size, which facilitates its transportation and installation.
8. The cellular structure and homogeneous composition make this material resistant to ammonia, alcohol, propane, salts and alkalis.
9. Expanded polystyrene does not change its physical properties even under heavy loads.
10. The material is not subject to decay, it is environmentally friendly and safe for humans and environment.

Among the shortcomings, a small thickness of the substrate is noted, due to which it has a low leveling ability. Therefore, the base must be leveled special formulations or slabs. Otherwise, if the difference exceeds 1 cm, after a while, a creak will appear when walking on the laminate.

Another disadvantage is that the material is not sold in parts. If the room is small, you still have to buy the entire package.

Types of substrates

Expanded polystyrene is used to make several types of materials that can be used as a substrate for a laminate. They differ in thickness and operational characteristics. Expanded polystyrene plates are often equipped with end milled grooves that ensure a snug fit of the elements to each other.

Note! Due to the low water absorption coefficient, the extruded polystyrene foam substrate can be safely used in the premises of the first floor, without focusing on the depth of groundwater.

To ensure thermal insulation of laminate flooring, it is sufficient to use a 3 mm underlay. It is produced in the form of sheets of 20 pieces per pack. Convenient is the substrate, folded into an accordion. Between such sheets, a minimum number of joints is formed due to the fact that the material, when unfolded, fits the entire length of the room.

Polystyrene sheet for flooring

As noted earlier, the EPS substrate can be rolled or in the form of sheets. The second variety is available in the form of separate plates or accordions. They differ only in the way they are laid.

When laying the sheets with an accordion, proceed carefully so as not to damage the connection of the sheets. If this happens, then the gap is sealed ordinary tape. Also, with the help of adhesive tape, separate sheets are fastened together so that they do not scatter. The advantage of the accordion is that its installation is much faster.

With a sheet length of 1000 - 1200 mm and a width of 500 - 600 mm, the thickness of the product can vary from 2 to 5 mm. Several types of sheet substrates can be distinguished.

"Solid" 2 mm thick

This variety can be used in the underfloor heating system. The density of the "Solid" sheet substrate with a thickness of 2 mm is 40 kg / m³. So that the substrate is not an obstacle to the heat flow coming from the coolant, it has a perforation.

Note! Since the leveling ability of a material with such a thickness is minimal, and the laminate must be laid on a flat base, it is necessary to carefully consider the preparatory stage.

When installing a coolant (pipes with water or an electric cable) in a screed, during the operation of a warm floor, make sure that its temperature does not exceed 28 degrees. When creating a vapor barrier layer, the substrate may not have perforations.

If an infrared warm floor is being installed, when the heating elements are laid directly on the substrate, a material without perforation should be chosen to eliminate heat loss.

The cost of this type of polystyrene foam substrates starts from 60 r / m². The package contains material to cover an area of ​​8.4 m².

Expanded polystyrene substrate "Solid" with a thickness of 2 mm is recommended to be purchased for electric or water heated floors.

"Solid" 3 mm thick

The 3 mm thick substrate is more comfortable to work with and has a better leveling effect. Ribbed surface on back side sheet contributes to the shrinkage of the material under load.

A variety of polystyrene foam substrate in the form of an accordion has a length of 10 meters and is designed for an area of ​​10.5 m². Its average density is 45 kg/m³. There are no ribs on the back side. Compared to foam underlays, which are also often used when laying laminate, this option has a greater density and durability.

As previously noted, the material in the form of an accordion fits faster than sheet counterparts. The cost of the material starts from 55 rubles per m² and exceeds the price of a foamed roll analogue.

"Aberhof" (Aberhof) 5 mm

The Aberhof 5mm sheet underlay is sold in packs of 10 sheets for a 5.25 m² flat surface. The size of one sheet is 1050 x 500 x 5 mm. This variety is characterized by higher sound and thermal insulation properties (higher than that of a three-millimeter one by about 2%). The sheet density is 35 kg/m³. The advantage of the material lies in its high leveling capacity (3.5 mm).

When using such a substrate on uneven floor It must be taken into account that it shrinks over time. However, this type of underlay is best suited for laying laminate flooring and parquet board on uneven ground.

Advantages and disadvantages

Extruded polystyrene foam sheet substrate has the following positive properties:

1. High density and long service life when compared with a foamed counterpart.
2. Relatively low cost, which starts from 20 rubles per 1 m².
3. The material does not rot or mold.
4. Available in a convenient format and packaging, which facilitates the process of transportation and installation.

Of the shortcomings note:

1. combustibility of the material.
2. In a pack, defective curved sheets may come across.
3. Due to the fragility of the sheets, the laying of the sheets must be done carefully.
4. You need a perfectly even and clean base without small pebbles that can violate the integrity of the sheet.
5. The need to use a vapor barrier film.

Table 3 average cost material

Detailed step by step instructions for laying laminate you will find in the article. We talk about the nuances, the choice of the substrate and its types, the laying process and how to cut holes.

Video - How to choose a substrate for a laminate

Underlayment for laminate - what is it? What should she be? What is it for? What qualities should a laminate flooring have? These qualities will allow her the best way fulfill their functions, purpose. There is a certain standard set of requirements for the substrate. Let's look at him.

Read more:

• It should have high moisture resistance.
• Be neutral with respect to alkalis.
• Have good bactericidal properties.
• Possess thermal insulation properties.
• Be very unattractive to rodents, as well as insects, bacteria.
• Have a micro-ventilation structure.

Polystyrene has all these properties. He has even more positive properties suitable for underlayment under laminate. I wonder what those properties are?

What is a polystyrene laminate underlay?

Polystyrene is a type of foam, it is made in the form of plates. These plates are microporous, their surface is smooth. The granules of the extruded substance foam, resulting in polystyrene.

In its manufacture, volatile oil products and water vapor are also used. The result is a cellular material. Its structure is very light. Meanwhile, it is very durable, lightness is deceptive. Is excellent warmth and waterproofing.

Differences of this material from others possible types underlays the following:

• He gives a high degree protection of the laminate from mold, fungus, excessive moisture.
• Absolutely not allergic, absolutely safe in this sense.
• Durable and resistant to stress, does not depend on circumstances, temperature fluctuations.

Sheets are produced on special equipment. As a result, we have great material waterproof, resistant to mechanical influences with excellent thermal insulation properties.

In the market, in the store - in general, on sale you can see diversified different types this heater, different sizes, colors.

• It is delivered in sections interconnected by a multilayer foil-coated polymer fabric.
• This is a design with a moisture resistant base. Its joints are sealed.
• Packs are usually not unpacked.
• Sold as a whole. There are 10 to 20 sheets in a pack. It depends on the manufacturer.
• The color of the product does not affect its quality in any way and does not say anything, although there are many different colors. You can choose to taste.

Foamed polyethylene VS foamed polystyrene under laminate

These floorings are different, they differ in properties, in installation, they should not be confused!

Foamed polyethylene is the cheapest substrate for laminate flooring. It is not very reliable, this is its huge minus. Under the influence of gravity, it can break.

All other characteristics necessary for the performance of its role, to be an intermediate layer between the lamellas and the lower floor, are good. He is not afraid of moisture, fungi, mold, he perfectly isolates noise, it is easy to mount it. Low reliability makes it not so desirable in application.

Helpful information! Expanded polystyrene is much more durable material due to its durability. It is also resistant to moisture, fungus and mold. Its heat and sound insulation properties are at its best. It perfectly fills the space under the laminate. This is the most common substrate.

Polystyrene absorbs noise better, and polyethylene has a higher thermal conductivity. It's about comparing the two materials. Polystyrene is more expensive beneficial features, the service life is higher than that of polyethylene.

Foamed polystyrene underlay for laminate: types

There are two types of such a substrate. Each species has its own form, different composition. They have different purposes.

foil composite

In appearance, these are granules baked under the influence of high temperature. They are moisture resistant, have a cellular structure, in which 98% of air, which makes the thermal conductivity of the material quite low.

Foiled polystyrene foam is usually used for underfloor heating. The foil is able to reflect heat rays, this contributes to better job the entire system as a whole. Usually in such a substrate there are two layers - foil and insulation.

Lay such a substrate down with a shiny layer and fix it with adhesive tape specially designed for this.

Such flooring has its advantages:

• Protection against mold and fungi in this material is very high.
• High thermal insulation.
• Good sound insulation
• Strength, long time use.
• Moisture resistance.

extruded composite

This is the name of one of the options for the substrate extruded polystyrene. It differs from the previous material in production technology. With this method (extrusion), the polymer is transformed, which gives the flooring the opportunity to obtain slightly different properties.

The advantages of this material:

• Excellent soundproof properties. This is achieved thanks to the cellular composition and air in the cells.
• Very easy installation, fast, easy. To a large extent, markings on the plates help this. It determines the installation step and greatly facilitates the work. You don't need any tools - just enough tools to install laminate flooring.
• High moisture resistance. Moisture will not penetrate to the laminate, it will not swell, absorb water. The underlay provides good insulation.
• The substrate is resistant to a wide variety of chemistry, it is not afraid of biological effects. That is, bacteria do not multiply in such a substrate, it is not afraid of acids, alkalis, and so on.
• Stability to loads is an important point. Even under heavy loads, large differences temperature, the substrate retains its maximum physical properties, it is strong and reliable always.
• Equally important is environmental friendliness. The substrate is safe for humans. Does not emit anything harmful to the environment.

Foam material is considered one of the best. Its excellent properties allow it to take first place in quality, making it the undisputed leader. Thermal insulation, which is at its best, and efficiency are especially appreciated.

The extruded format is usually in the size of 1x1, the thickness of the sheet is 3 mm. There are usually 10-20 sheets in a pack, depending on the manufacturer. It is this material that is used, for example, in a private house or apartments, where it is necessary that the floors have heat-insulating properties.

Unfortunately, the material also has disadvantages:

• This is a rather high cost.
• Not very good cushioning properties, the flooring can be compressed over time.
• No micro ventilation.

Both options (extruded and foiled) are suitable for floors that have a small level difference. Improving the adhesion of the material to the screed or floor is guaranteed by the groove system, thanks to which air circulates.

Laying the substrate under the polystyrene laminate

As always, first of all preparatory work. IN without fail subfloor leveling. A cement screed is made or a self-leveling mixture is poured.

Important! A film with thermoacoustic properties is laid on the screed. It will provide high-quality sound insulation, for this it is specially designed. After that, a heater is laid, the edges of which are connected with masking tape.

Then they lay a rather thick waterproofing film. Its purpose is clear - to provide good level waterproofing. The film spreads with an overlap of at least 10 centimeters. You can fix all this with another layer of screed. When it dries, the final chord is the laminate.

Polystyrene for the substrate is a very correct, deliberate, practical choice.

A high-quality laminate underlay must meet several requirements, including moisture resistance, vapor permeability, as well as good heat and sound insulation. In addition, the main purpose of the lining is to protect the flooring from wear and tear soon. So, a polystyrene substrate (polystyrene) has all the listed properties, supplemented by several more unconditional advantages.

General properties and characteristics of substrates

The polystyrene substrate is a kind of polystyrene known to everyone, manufactured in the form of tile products with a finely porous, one might even say microporous structure. Such plates are known for their smooth surface.

The technology for the production of polystyrene is characterized by foaming (expanding) of the granules of the extruder substance, as well as the use of volatile petroleum products and water vapor, due to which polystyrene is obtained, known for its "lightness" and cellularity.

The polystyrene substrate for a laminate or any other type of board, as well as for linoleum, is divided into two groups:

A material consisting of many microscopic moisture-resistant granules, in literally words baked under the action of high temperature values.

The cellular structure of each granule (the proportion of air in each is 98%) ensures low thermal conductivity of the substrate, which indicates the possibility of its use in the construction of a floor heating system.

Structurally foiled polystyrene consists of two layers:

1. Foil made of aluminum, designed to reflect heat rays;
2. Insulation.

Laying a polystyrene substrate with a foil layer involves laying the foil down. Fastening is carried out with adhesive tape.

Specifications

• dynamic strength - 30 (MN / m 3);
• base density - 21.5-35 kg / m 3;
• thermal conductivity - 0.036 W / (m∙K);
• vapor permeability - 0.001 Mg / (m∙h∙Pa);
• noise absorption - at the level of 23 dB;
• flexural strength ≥ 0.25 MPa;
• compressive strength at 10% linear deformation ≥ 0.16 MPa;
• maximum use temperature - +70 ° С.

The main advantage is excellent moisture resistance, due to which the polystyrene substrate (the price is approximately equal to 260 rubles per m 2 with a width of 1 m, a length of 5 m and a thickness of 2.5 cm) is quite durable.

She is on long term retain its original characteristics and protect the finish coating from wear (linoleum, parquet, laminate, etc., including ceramic tiles).

It is unusual for the substrate to accumulate condensate during temperature changes, as a result of which the risk of mold or the growth of other microorganisms is reduced to zero.

The substrate is strong enough, especially when compared with the classic polyethylene foam - its service life is much higher. High rates of heat and sound insulation - another plus of foil polystyrene - these properties will save housing not only from extraneous noise, but also from excessive heat loss.

Although, in comparison with the polyethylene foam substrate, foil is stronger, however, this is not enough to leave it under the coating for a long time.

It wears out quickly, losing its porosity with prolonged contact with massive objects. Another disadvantage of the substrate is its toxicity in case of fire, which does not allow the material to be classified as environmentally friendly.

Produced by extrusion, which allows you to get a harder and dense material. The manufacturing process consists in mixing polystyrene granules with a foaming agent in a special machine called an extruder.

All production technology is carried out at high temperatures and under high pressure. Today on the market you can find a rolled and tiled substrate option. Such polystyrene outwardly resembles polystyrene, while internally polystyrene is more durable and has a lower degree of water absorption.

Specifications

• density - 28.0-45.0 kg / m 3;
• modulus of elasticity - 12 MPa;
• thermal conductivity - 0.027-0.030 W / (m∙K);
• ultimate strength in bending - 0.4-0.7 MPa;
• compressive strength at 10% linear deformation 0.20-0.50;
• water absorption in 24 hours - 0.1-0.2% by volume;
• vapor permeability - 0.015-0.019 Mg / (m ∙ h ∙ Pa);
• the maximum operating temperature is +75°C.

Of course, extruded polystyrene has a number of advantages over foil. This is a greater degree of heat and noise insulation due to a less porous and more dense structure.

Since the material has a higher density, it is, accordingly, less susceptible to deformation, which means that even with prolonged exposure to static pressure, it does not tend to sag under weight, while maintaining its original elasticity.

Possessing a low coefficient of water absorption, the extruded polystyrene substrate, as well as the foil one, does not contribute to the formation of condensate. A sharp change in the temperature background is also not terrible for her, that is, laying a polystyrene substrate of this type is also possible in unheated rooms.

An extruded polystyrene substrate for a laminate, the price of which is slightly higher than foil (about 300 rubles per m 2 for a mat 1.2 m long, 0.6 m wide and 12 cm thick) cannot boast of good shock-absorbing qualities, which is the first drawback . Accordingly, the higher cost of the material is the second disadvantage.

A polystyrene backing of a foil or extruded type is appropriate for laying on a relatively flat surfaces. With a fairly similar pricing policy, both of them tend to protect the flooring from moisture and condensation.

They are able to heat and sound insulate the room and make movement on the base more comfortable and springy. Which type to prefer is up to you.

Polystyrene foil backing, video

As a rule, a variety of types and sizes of insulation are available on the market and in any specialized store. It is delivered in sections - 1,000 x 500 x 20 (30-50). Between themselves, such sections are connected using a multilayer foil polymer web. This is a whole structure 5,000 x 1,000 mm with sealed joints and a moisture-resistant base.

! Usually sellers do not unpack packs. Standard pack - 10-20 sheets, depending on the manufacturer. In this case, the color can be very different, but the important thing is that it does not affect the characteristics of the canvas in any way.

Try not to confuse these two flooring options!

What is polyethylene foam? This is the most cheap option intermediate layer between the lamellas and the rough base. He is not afraid of moisture, fungi and mold. It is characterized by excellent sound insulation performance, as well as ease of installation. What is the downside? In low strength: polyethylene is torn under the influence of gravity. He is unreliable.

What is Expanded Polystyrene? This is a durable material that is also not afraid of moisture, fungi and mold, and is also characterized by excellent fillability, good heat and sound insulation properties. This is one of the more popular options.

If we compare these two types, then the second one has a greater noise absorption coefficient, but lower thermal conductivity than the first one. This, of course, affects its value.

Foamed polystyrene underlay for laminate: types

Such a laminate underlay as expanded polystyrene is available in two variations, each of which has its own shape, composition and purpose.

foil composite

These are small moisture-resistant granules that are literally baked under the influence of high temperature. Each granule has a cellular structure in which air occupies 98%, guaranteeing sufficient low level thermal conductivity.

Foiled polystyrene foam - best option for underfloor heating. The foil layer here reflects heat rays and improves the performance of the entire system. As a rule, such a substrate consists of two layers - foil and insulation. It is laid with a shiny layer down and fastened with a special adhesive tape.

The main advantages of such flooring are:

• High level of protection against mold and fungi;
• high coefficient of thermal insulation;
• excellent;
• high strength;
• moisture resistance.

This is a well-known version of the substrate for laminate extruded polystyrene. difference this material from the previous one lies in the technology of production. This is the so-called extrusion method, which allows the flooring to obtain several new properties through the transformation of the polymer.

Advantages of the extruded version:

1. soundproofing . In general, the soundproofing properties are excellent precisely because of the air cells;
2. ease of installation. Such a canvas is mounted easily and quickly. There are even special mounting markings on the plates, which allows you to determine the installation step as accurately as possible;
3. moisture resistance. It is an excellent insulation for laminate flooring. So, the boards will not swell, deform or absorb moisture;
4. resistance to chemical and biological attack. Polystyrene laminate substrate is not afraid of acids, and thanks to the synthetic composition, bacteria do not multiply in it;
. The design is designed in such a way that even under heavy loads or temperature changes, the coating does not change its physical properties, remaining strong and reliable;
5. environmental friendliness. Neither hydrogen granules nor carbon granules emit harmful substances during operation.

! It is these characteristics that make foam one of the best. Excellent thermal insulation and economy in use make it a leader.

The extruded format can be found in the size of 1x1 s. It is this thickness that is most often used in those apartments and houses where the floors must have heat-insulating characteristics (as in a private house, for example). As a rule, there are 10-20 sheets in a pack, depending on the manufacturer.

Also, do not forget about the possible disadvantages, which include:

1. High cost (when compared with polypropylene, for example);
2. average depreciation properties (under the influence of the load, the flooring is pressed over time);
3. lack of microventilation.

In general, both extruded and foiled versions are suitable for floors with a small level difference. The groove system guarantees improved adhesion of the material to the screed or wooden floor, and also provides air circulation.

Laying the substrate under the polystyrene laminate

As in any other case, the laying process is preceded by a series of preparatory work. The preparation process includes mandatory alignment draft foundation by using cement screed or self-levelling compound.

To ensure high-quality sound insulation, a special film with the necessary thermoacoustic properties is also laid over the screed. And only after that they lay a heater, the edges of which must be joined with masking tape.

Then, in order to ensure a high-quality level of waterproofing, a waterproofing film is also laid on top of such a “pie”, the thickness of which should be above 0.2 mm. A prerequisite is to lay a film with an overlap of 10 cm. To fix everything composite materials on top, you can put another layer of screed, and after it dries - the top coat - laminate.

Underlayment for laminate polystyrene is an indispensable "ingredient" of the right flooring. But you were going to lay the lamellas only correctly, right?

Video - laying polystyrene under the laminate.

Alexander Dragun, Ph.D., site expert

It has long been noted that people devote much attention to secondary things. less attention than the main one. This also applies to the installation of a laminate in an apartment: a lamella strip is chosen for a long time and a substrate is bought for it almost without hesitation. Considering that foamed polystyrene substrates are among the leaders in popularity, we will consider how reasonable this is.

Types and characteristics of expanded polystyrene substrate

Polystyrene belongs to a group of synthetic polymers with the common name polystyrene. Obtained by polymerization of styrene. The output is translucent granules, from which, by injection molding (pressed polystyrene) or extrusion at + 190-230 degrees Celsius (expanded polystyrene), finished goods.

The production of the substrate takes place by extrusion of polystyrene granules mixed with foaming agents (volatile oil products and water vapor), under enormous pressure and high temperature. The result is polystyrene foam with a low density (30-40 kg / m 2), moisture absorption of 0.08%, thermal conductivity of 0.035 W / (MxK) and high level noise absorption (up to 22 dB).

The substrate for the laminate is expanded polystyrene in the form of plates (individual sheets or an accordion) or rolls.

Sheet sizes:

• width - 50.0-60.0 cm;
• length - 100.0-120.0 cm;
• thickness - 2, 3, 5 mm.

Sold in packs of 10 or 20 sheets. Sellers do not open the package, so you won’t be able to buy one or two sheets. Rolled material is made 15 m long, 110 cm wide, 2 mm thick.

Extruded polystyrene foam underlay for laminate can also be foiled, when the foam and foil are glued together. Issued in sheets. Possesses:

• noise absorption - up to 23 dB;
• dynamic strength (impact) - 0.035 W / m 2;
• bending strength - 0.25 MPa;
• thermal conductivity - 0.035 W / (MxK);
• compressive strength - 0.16 MPa.

These technical characteristics allow us to conclude that the addition of foil not only improves the basic consumer properties a simple substrate, but also gives it a new property - the ability to waterproof.

A foil substrate is used mainly under a warm floor. Stacked with foil up, and mounted on it heating elements which allows heat to be reflected upwards. According to reviews on the forums, it is not inferior in quality to a foil cork, but at a much lower price.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any construction material, the substrate for the laminate polystyrene (more precisely expanded polystyrene) has its advantages and disadvantages in comparison with similar materials. The advantages include:

• ability to maintain elasticity high strength molecular bonds of the material during compression, as a result of which the floor covering retains its integrity and beauty for a long time;
• long service life, coinciding with the service life of the laminate;
• the absence of deformations during prolonged exposure to heavy objects (under the legs of furniture, the polystyrene substrate is able to restore its dimensions for a long time);
• high thermal insulation properties - the porous structure does not conduct heat well;
• good level of noise absorption - up to 70% or 22 dB;
• retains its properties in a wide temperature range - from -50 to +75 degrees Celsius, which allows you to lay polystyrene material under a laminate or linoleum in unheated rooms (dachas);
• ability to circulate air concrete surface screed or waterproofing material (ribbed underside), as a result of which condensation does not form under the laminate;
• environmental friendliness - safe for the environment (does not rot);
• conformity of quality to the price;
• the ability of the cellular structure to prevent the formation of condensate, and when it occurs, absorb moisture, which makes it possible not to waterproof the floor screed;
• the accuracy of the dimensions of the sheets in length and width, which simplifies the laying process;
• light weight and compact packaging, which allows transporting the polystyrene foam lining in cars.

There are also disadvantages, but very few:

• low leveling ability - with a thickness of 3 mm, it is not able to eliminate the impact on the flooring of irregularities of more than 1 mm, as a result of which a creak quickly appears;
• has a temporary drawdown, which will go away in 4-5 weeks;
• it is not sold in sheets, but only in packages, as a result of which quite often there is a large balance - losses in the family budget;
• low resistance to aggressive media (easily soluble in gasoline, acetone, chloroform, etc.), except for ammonia, alkalis, alcohol, propane;
• highly flammable due to the high content of carbon (92%) and hydrogen (8%) in the composition;
• in packages, the sheet material is permanently bent;
• fragility of the substrate with strong bending.

Polyethylene or polystyrene?

There is an interesting confusion in life: due to the fact that foamed polystyrene and polyethylene belong to polystyrene, their professional builders often confused. However, this is completely different materials, With different characteristics and, of course, the price.

Foamed polyethylene is cross-linked (abbreviated as PPE) and non-cross-linked (NPE). Both types of material (Izolon, Stenofon, Porileks) have the most low price among the substrates (15-28 rubles / m 2). But this does not mean that they are equally poor quality.

Non-crosslinked polyethylene foam (NPE) does not have a cross-linking network at the molecular level, which leads to rupture of the material under significant loads. In cross-linked polyethylene (PPE), during the production process, a hydrogen atom is replaced by a carbon atom, as a result of which molecular bonds are formed in all directions (and therefore cross-linked). Such polyethylene significantly exceeds NPE in all indicators:

• density - higher by 30%;
• strength - higher by 40-50%;
• long service life - almost 2 times more;
• high level of sound insulation (NPE practically does not have it);
• thermal conductivity - lower by 20%.

However, the foamed cross-linked polyethylene is still slightly inferior in quality. polystyrene substrate which finds expression in the price. It is in expanded polystyrene in the range of 35-50 rubles / m 2.

Conclusion: based on prices and quality characteristics, PPE is the best foam underlay for linoleum. For laminate or parquet budget repair, it is better to lay polystyrene foam.

Popular manufacturers and prices

If you are going to buy expanded polystyrene for the substrate, you should keep in mind a few points:

• no manufacturer of laminate or parquet recommends an expanded polystyrene underlay for their products and, therefore, does not guarantee the flooring;
• the expanded polystyrene substrate successfully performs all the functions of the damper layer;
• low price for many buyers is a priority compared to the flooring warranty.

Extruded polystyrene laminate linings are produced in Russia, Poland and China (in other countries of Europe and America, such products are not sold - they are in priority natural materials) for the population of the countries of the former Soviet Union.

The most popular brands are:

• Firm VTM IsoPolin(Izopolin) (Poland) - manufactures products in the form of rolls and sheets with a thickness of 2, 3 and 5 mm. The dimensions of the roll are 20 m x 1.1 m x 2 mm, the plates are 100 cm x 50 cm. The thickness may be different. Fits not only under the laminate, but also under the wooden floor. By their own technical specifications The XPS substrate occupies a middle position between cork and NPE. High quality accompanied by an appropriate price - from 55 rubles / m 2;
• "Isoshum"(Russia and the Republic of Belarus) - is considered the best in terms of price and quality. Produced with a thickness of 3 mm, an area of ​​0.5 m 2. Pack of 20 sheets. The price starts from 25 rubles/m 2 .;
• "Solid"(Russia, Aramil, Sverdlovsk region) - produced in the form of single sheets and accordions with a thickness of 2 to 5 mm. In the package of a simple substrate 5.25 m 2, accordions - 52.5 m 2. Prices start from 55 rubles/m2;
• "Aberhof"(Aberhof) - German company produces a 5 mm thick underlay for floor screed with a height error of up to 3.5 mm. Packed 5.25 m2 (10 sheets). For 1 m 2 you will have to pay, oddly enough, only 25-30 rubles. The disadvantages include rapid shrinkage. However, among this type of substrates, with a high leveling ability (3.5 mm), it is the undisputed leader.

Styling nuances

In principle, there are no significant differences in the laying of an expanded polystyrene underlay compared to other types of underlay under a laminate. An exception is the location of the material from expanded polystyrene in relation to the laminate:

• the roll substrate is located perpendicular to the floor covering;
• slabs are laid at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to parquet or laminate.

The rest is the same workflow:

1. Prior to the start of work, the substrate is brought into the room and unpacked so that the material takes on geometric dimensions for the temperature and humidity of the room where it will be mounted;
2. Some of the slabs are cut diagonally from one corner to the other - they are laid near the walls;
3. A strip is laid out along for mounting several strips of laminate. It is better to be safe here - this is one of the few types of substrate that you can walk on. But it’s better not to take risks, especially since there are no problems with this scheme of work;
4. Joints stick together masking tape or construction tape;
5. Installed laminate flooring
6. The next strip of the substrate is laid out, and so on.

There are some nuances when laying roll material. Here the problem is the constant twisting of the cut backing sheet. Attempts to straighten it often lead to the fact that it crumbles and then breaks. The solution to the difficulties that arise is simple - cut the sheets to size, unfold, put something heavy on the ends and leave for a couple of days. During this time internal stress weaken and the problem will disappear.

Conclusion

Fulfilling repair work By budget option most suitable option substrates for laminate - expanded polystyrene, which allows:

• improve heat and sound insulation of the room;
• maintain the integrity of the interlocking joints of the lamellas for a long time;
• to level the floor screed errors up to 1 mm.

The disadvantages of the material are associated with its packaging and operation in force majeure circumstances. In the first case, you often have to overpay for excess substrate, in the second, get additional source ignition.

Laying on its own does not cause problems. The main thing here is not to allow the connecting lines of the substrate and the laminate to coincide. Therefore, the lining must be placed at an angle of 45o to the lamella line.