Flooring Underlayment Learning Center
The attributes and benefits of flooring underlayment are diverse, and the technical terminology can sometimes be confusing. In order to make the best choice it is important to understand the definitions and concepts behind flooring underlayment.
Underlayment Basics:
Necessary for all installations of laminate flooring or engineered real wood flooring installed using a “free-floating” method. This means that the individual boards are not actually attached to the sub-floor but are instead secured to each other by gluing the mating tongue and groove edges ore by simply clicking together the joints.
Underlayment is placed over the sub-floor and the actual flooring is then placed on top of the underlayment.
SoundStop Underlayment in a Typical Floor System
Function of Underlayment
- Aids in deadening sound when walking on the floor (click-clack noise)
- Softens the feel when walking on the floor
- Absorbs imperfections in the sub-floor
- Reduces overhead sound in rooms below the flooring
Moisture Barrier:
When installing flooring on a concrete slab or in an environment where it is possible for moisture to rise up underneath the flooring, it is important to have a moisture barrier between the underlayment and the sub-floor. A moisture barrier can be attached to the underlayment itself or can be a stand-alone product.
Continued: Learn about Sound Proofing definitions
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | next »