INSTRUCTIONS AND PROPHECIES OF THE Blessed MOTHER ALIPIA GOLOSEEVSKY, Kyiv...
Laminate flooring is one of the most popular flooring. The parquet board has a lot of advantages: high environmental friendliness, quick installation, retains heat, and most importantly, from an aesthetic point of view, is the main decoration of the interior of any room.
Laminate - the material is quite "voiced". Parquet is not flexible, even with small irregularities in the base of the floor it can deform and collapse.
Substrate under parquet board"Called" to resist these negative phenomena. In this article, we will talk about which substrate under the parquet board is better to choose.
Subfloor preparation
It is recommended to lay laminate and parquet on a leveled base. No matter how hard you try, a perfectly flat subfloor surface cannot be achieved. If negligent workers laid the laminate on an uneven cement screed, then new floors for short term will fall into complete disrepair.
Parquet boards will begin to diverge, forming cracks. Lock connections collapse, so the concrete floor screed is brought to the maximum evenness of the horizontal surface. The norms allow a maximum height difference of 2 mm per 2 running meters.
To control this tolerance, take a 2-meter ruler. By applying the rail in different places along and across the floor, control measurements of height differences are carried out.
Chalk mark problem areas on the surface of the screed. cement mortar level the floor. After re-checking the levelness of the floor base, a lining is laid under the laminate.
What is the underlayment for?
The underlay also serves as a shock absorber for the floor.
Underlayment for parquet is a necessary component floor covering from laminate.
The lining has the following properties:
- optimizes the thermal performance of the floor;
- fills in small differences in the height of the base of the floor;
- protects locks of parquet boards from below from cement dust;
- reduces the noise level from walking on the floor;
- promotes uniform distribution mechanical loads exerted on the laminated coating.
Consider the types of lining material, so that everyone can understand which is better to choose a lining for your parquet floor.
Substrate types
The trading network offers for sale several types of lining material for parquet:
- Polyethylene foam.
- Cork.
- Parkolat.
- Tuplex.
Polyethylene foam
Polyethylene foam (PP) underlay is the most commonly used material for underlayment under parquet. PP is not afraid of mold, fungi and harmful bacteria. PP is a very lightweight and easy to install material. The pad is sold in rolls. 
Store PP rolls in a dark room, as the polymer is under the influence sunlight quickly falls into disrepair.
Foil polyethylene foam (FPP)
Properly laid material reflects heat into the room FPP is the same polyethylene foam, covered on one side with a layer of thin foil. FPP is used as a lining for parquet when installing underfloor heating.
The substrate is laid with the foil side up to reflect heat into the room.
FPP has the same qualities as polyethylene foam, retains heat 30% better and does not require additional vapor barrier. The service life of the FPP is about 10 years.
Cork
Cork underlay for parquet board - natural natural material, which is made from cork wood chips with the addition of plasticizers and stabilizers.
The material, due to its porosity, has unsurpassed sound-absorbing and thermal insulation properties. Cork resists mold and fungus.
The cork underlay absorbs moisture and "transports" it to the edges of the floor, where it evaporates through the gaps between the floor covering and the walls.
park camp
The principle of laying the material parkolag 
This type material also serves as a waterproofing The bitumen-cork substrate is produced under the brand name Parkolag. Environmentally friendly material is used as a soundproof lining for parquet. The name itself says that cork has an upper bituminous surface.
The bituminous layer prevents the penetration of moisture from below. The cork surface provides ventilation of the floor covering, due to which moisture is removed to the edges of the floor.
The elastic underlay effectively hides small irregularities in the floor base and makes walking on the parquet almost silent.
Parkolag is laid with a cork down on a concrete screed without laying additional vapor barrier.
The substrate is sold in rolls of 1,000 mm x 15,000 mm. For more information on choosing a substrate, see this video:
duplex
Firm Tuplex produces a substrate from composite polymer materials. The lining consists of three layers:
- the lower porous film absorbs and passes moisture upwards;
- the middle layer is a fabric consisting of microscopic balls that removes moisture from the edges of the coating;
- The upper polyethylene film serves as a vapor barrier.
Let's summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the above types of substrates in the table:
| № | Substrate material | Advantages | Flaws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Polyethylene foam | Light, comfortable material in laying | Decomposed by ultraviolet light |
| 2 | FPP | Good thermal insulator | For use on underfloor heating only |
| 3 | Cork | High sound insulation | High price |
| 4 | park camp | Water resistance | Risk of toxic fumes |
| 5 | duplex | Good drainage | High price |
Substrate thickness
A thick lining will cause the coating to warp.
There is an erroneous opinion that the greater the thickness of the substrate under the parquet board, the better.
The fact is that the allowable height difference is 2 mm per 2 running meters. the area of the base of the floor must be equal to the thickness of the substrate.
Strange as it may seem, a thick underlay will only increase the height difference of the subfloor, which will eventually lead to the destruction of the entire surface of the floor covering. For information on how to lay the substrate under the laminate, see this video:
A substrate of any material is used for laying a laminate only 2 mm thick.
Underlayment for a parquet board is a question that everyone who has decided in favor of a noble aristocratic floor covering - a parquet board or a laminate, its imitation has to face.
From this article you will learn why such a choice is always a compromise between advantages and disadvantages.
What is an underlay?
The substrate under the parquet board plays the role of a shock absorber, hides the smallest irregularities of the base. The most high-quality and durable materials are not eternal, and parquet is one of them. What happens to a parquet board without a backing?
Any rough coating has defects, even if at first glance they are not visible. A parquet board is the same princess on a pea that “feels” bumps and pits that are invisible to you.
Over time, a play of a few millimeters will become more and more noticeable, the floor will begin to “play”, movement on it will become less and less silent, especially in shoes.
The substrate is important for sound insulation - with it, the neighbors below will stop hearing your movements.
Those who think about how necessary the substrate under the parquet should be told that this is not a topic for discussion.
Like the fact that the electrical wiring must correspond to the voltage, and the wall tiles must be planted on high-quality glue.
The underlay just has to be. At the same time, the tricks of unscrupulous advertisers and sellers who are trying to convince that it solves all the problems of laying parquet are also sinning against the truth.
For example, the statement that the thicker the substrate, the better it is: allegedly a greater thickness reduces the load on the parquet board and makes the floor “softer”.
For every two meters of parquet boards, a base difference of 2 mm is allowed.
A coniferous or cork substrate under a parquet board is compressed when pressed, therefore, the height difference will exceed 2-3 mm, regulated by generally accepted quality standards.
As a result, the same backlash will appear, for the sake of avoiding which the choice of the substrate was started. The lock joints will experience increased stress, which will significantly reduce the life of the floor.
If the substrate is thinner, during operation it will crumble and after a few years it will have to be replaced.
The boards at the joints will begin to play, creak and wear out. The base under the floor should be as even as possible, then 2-3 mm is quite a sufficient thickness of the substrate under the parquet board, so that the parquet will please for many years.
Another misconception is that the substrate brightens up any unevenness of the screed.
Whatever substrate you choose - coniferous, cork, thick or thin - its peculiarity is that it will repeat all the defects of the surface on which it is placed.
It is necessary to prepare the surface for laying parquet boards using special mixtures, gypsum sheets, moisture-resistant plywood and other materials.
Unscrupulous sellers claim that it is difficult to choose something better than a sheet substrate.
Practice shows that neither in the process of laying, nor in the process of using the floor, it has any advantages over the rolled one.
Substrate selection
The variety of substrates for parquet and laminate is great: polyethylene foam, foil, cork, coniferous, rubber-cork bitumen-cork and others. Which substrate for parquet board and laminate flooring is better and how not to get confused when choosing?
Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, coniferous or cork substrates captivate with a natural composition, so many people prefer them.
However, materials absorb any odors, such as spilled soup or cat urine.
Coniferous substrate is a fertile environment for various insects, such as cat fleas. Cork quickly swells from moisture, so it is necessary to put a layer of polyethylene under it.
The declared environmental friendliness is also in doubt, because the coniferous particles are fastened with something, and the manufacturers do not disclose the composition of the glue.
In addition, the thickness of such a substrate is 4-5 mm, which immediately voids the warranty for a laminate or parquet board.
Expanded polystyrene is devoid of the shortcomings of natural and conditionally natural materials, but it is characterized by low strength, therefore it is not particularly convenient to use, and over time it generally turns into dust.
In addition, when destroyed, the material releases an extremely toxic component, styrene. It negatively affects the heart and liver, provoking the development of diseases of these organs. Bitumen releases into environment formaldehyde is also not the most useful material.
Foamed polyethylene is one of the best options. It is practically eternal, does not attract fungus, mold or insects, does not cause allergies, and is inert to odors.
Among other things, polyethylene (other names isolon, tilit, penofol) isolates the floor boards from internal dampness, the source of which can be screed concrete. The best part is that this option is one of the most economical.
Polyethylene foam is, by and large, the same polyethylene from which canisters are made for drinking water, plastic utensils, grocery bags and many other materials.
As it decomposes, it releases ethylene, a gas that is harmless to humans, and a number of more harmful substances, but in very small quantities.
Polyethylene foam cannot be called the most eco-friendly material, however, it is definitely not more dangerous than the plastic from which metal-plastic windows are made.
However, polyethylene foam flammable material. Its main danger is in smoke formation, and in fact, as you know, in a fire, only a small percentage of people suffer from fire, most of become victims of suffocating smoke.
The foil substrate is not a separate type of cushioning material, but its additional function.
Manufacturers usually foil foamed polyethylene foam, enhancing its ability to isolate from noise, moisture and heat loss.
Each material and product has pros and cons, the latter have to be put up with. universal rule there is no choice, and do not trust those who come up with unequivocal recommendations.
In order to choose the right type of substrate, it is necessary to assess the operating conditions of the floor - in which room it will be located, the level fire hazard premises and what facilities fire protection you plan to provide, humidity and many other parameters.
That's the only way to do it the best choice in each specific case.
If the parquet board is laid in a glueless way, then according to the technology between the base and finishing there should be an intermediate layer in the form of a special substrate. Which is better to choose for a wooden and concrete subfloor? Let's figure it out.
When buying a parquet board of any manufacturer, pay attention to the information insert. It is printed with instructions for laying and operating the flooring. Among other things, it is indicated that between the subfloor and the finishing material there should be an underlying layer - the substrate. It's thin layer nonwoven fabric, produced in the form of rolls or mats. In the case of a parquet board, its functions are:
- Ensuring a snug fit of the finish to the base. The presence of air gaps leads to shrinkage of the floor material, the appearance of squeaks and cracks.
- Leveling small uneven subfloor. According to SNiP 3.04.01-87 / SP 71.13330.2011, differences of 2 mm are allowed for every 2 meters. AT this case The backing prevents damage to the locks.
- Steam and thermal insulation. Synthetic material well protects the wood coating from residual moisture of the screed, reduces the thermal conductivity of the floor "pie".
- Damping. Any underlying material partially dampens mechanical vibrations, thereby helping to reduce the level of domestic noise.
The optimal thickness of the substrate under the parquet board is 1-3 mm. It is impossible to use an underlying layer of a larger section, as this will lead to the appearance of gaps between the planks, as well as the rapid destruction of the lock joints.
Substrate varieties
When choosing a floor material, at the same time try to decide on the purchase of components. So, absolutely any of the intermediate materials on the market is suitable for a concrete subfloor.
Unlike the screed, wooden base a special approach is needed, because it can be conditionally called "breathing". Locking wood under a vapor-proof film is fraught with the appearance of rot, mold and other unpleasant "surprises" in the future.
Consider all types of substrates available on the market.
Foamed polyethylene (NPE, Izolon)
The most inexpensive and common underlay material is made from synthetic elastomer. Release forms - rolls 50-150 cm wide, 20-50 running long. m. In a thickness of 1-3 mm, it is intended for flooring for finishing flooring, and the product with a cross section of 4-10 mm is used as a heater or damper.
Produced in several versions:
- NPE - standard non-crosslinked polyethylene;
- NPE-F - isolon, laminated with foil on one or two sides. A good thermal insulator, therefore it is undesirable to use in combination with a floor heating system.
- NPE-P - "foam", welded with a dense polyethylene film with a thickness of 0.3 mm, a width of 30-40 cm more than the main layer. The protruding strips serve to create an overlap, some manufacturers even add an adhesive layer to facilitate the work.
Do not confuse polyethylene with polypropylene or polyurethane. These are different classes of polymers, moreover, only NPE is used for the production of the substrate.
Advantages of isolon:
- Absolute water and biostability;
- Inertia to most aggressive chemical compounds(including cement milk, etc.);
- Easy installation;
- Low price - from 14 rubles / m 2 and above.
Some experts are biased towards polyethylene foam due to the fact that over time it sags and ceases to perform damping functions. However, the same can be said about all varieties of the substrate. In addition, manufacturers such as Tarkett and QuickStep produce this material under their own brand. Moreover, it is recommended to use it in a set with your products. Not recommended for wood flooring.
Extruded polystyrene foam (XPS, EPS)
As a result of extrusion high pressure foamed polystyrene raw materials, a dense material is obtained, which is used both as a substrate and a heat insulator.
Release forms:
- Plates 0.6, 1 and 1.2 m wide, up to 3 m long and 1 to 12 mm thick.
- "Accordion" up to 1 m wide and up to 25 m long.
- "Accordion" foil, with an integrated vapor barrier membrane fabric, and also perforated. The last option is for underfloor heating systems.
- Rolls standard and foil with dimensions 1x30 m, etc.
Almost all manufacturers produce XPS as an accessory to parquet boards. The material is different:
- zero vapor and water permeability,
- high heat capacity, noise reduction and compressive strength;
- ease of installation.
Among the shortcomings, we note the high price - from 120 rubles / m 2. It is undesirable to use XPS on a wooden base.
Coniferous mats
The difference between laminate and parquet is that the first has a moisture-resistant special paper as the bottom layer, while the second has a layer of intergrown wood conifers. Therefore, the most optimal substrate is the one in which the vapor permeability coefficient is equal to that of the floor covering, that is, coniferous. Represents mats pressed from technical wood fibers (pine, spruce). Plate dimensions:
- Length - up to 270 cm;
- Width - up to 120 cm;
- Thickness - up to 25 mm.
The coniferous substrate is used on any type of bases. For mineral subfloors it is completed with vapor barrier membranes or waterproofing films. In advantages:
- Low coefficient of thermal conductivity;
- High sound dispersion and compressive strength;
- Stability and elasticity;
- Permissible thickness for the formation of "floating" floors - 1-4 mm.
Substrate cons:
- Difficult installation: the plates are laid diagonally, because of this, the material consumption is increased;
- Perhaps the appearance of bugs or fungi, as well as the development of allergies;
- High price - from 160 rubles / m 2.
In Russia, thick paper is rarely used as an underlying layer, but the Swedes and Finns have for many years recommended floor heating systems for parquet boards to lay building cardboard impregnated with moisture-repellent solutions. For example, the Kahrs concern even produces it under its own brand.
Cardboard backing is different:
- dense structure,
- a high degree of tear resistance,
- vapor permeability,
- slight sound-scattering effect.
It is produced in rolls of 1x15 m, installation is standard, end-to-end. It is undesirable to use in rooms with a periodic increase in the level of humidity (kitchen, balconies). Cost - from 170 rubles / m 2.
Cork
Under the parquet board, another type of bedding material is often used - pressed cork agglomerate rolled or sheet. Obtained by pressing granular oak bark and thermosetting synthetic resins.
The cork substrate is characterized by elasticity, low thermal conductivity, and a partial noise-dissipation effect. Among the shortcomings, we note partial water permeability, instability to decomposition, the development of mold and fungi on the surface due to dampness is possible. Therefore, a mandatory component when using is a waterproofing film on the base.
The price of the agglomerate starts from 200 rubles/m2.
To give the material soundproofing, dielectric and some other properties, the following is produced:
- Rubber-cork roll underlay, which is formed from a mixture of granulated bark and synthetic rubber. Antistatic material with good damping properties.
- Bitumen-cork underlay in sheets and rolls. It is made from cardboard impregnated with bitumen, sprinkled with granulate. The lining is resistant to high deformation loads, including static ones.
Combined substrate
Lining material in rolls, consisting of two layers of dense polyethylene film and polystyrene filler, called Tuplex. The term has become fixed and has become a household name, therefore both Russian and European manufacturers produce a substrate under this name.
Duplex is recommended for parquet boards from 13 mm thick. It has noise and thermal insulation properties. High-quality material is quite stable, weakly creases, and can be used in combination with the "warm floor" system. Contrary to marketing statements, this substrate does not have the ability to remove vapors from the floor covering, its main advantage is cushioning characteristics.
Tuplex is produced in rolls up to 33 linear meters long. Cost - from 140 rubles / m 2.
Substrate under the parquet board: which is better
It is difficult for a non-professional to understand the variety of goods, accessories and components that hardware stores offer. And sellers often contradict each other. How to figure it out?
To get started, read the information provided on the websites of parquet board manufacturers. Most recommend the use of polyethylene foam or XPS.
The second selection parameter is the substrate manufacturer. Material of unknown origin is unlikely to please with high quality, good density and the absence of a strong chemical odor.
The third criterion is the consideration of special requirements. For example, for concrete floors with high residual moisture ideal option NPE-P acts with an adhesive layer, which guarantees absolute waterproofing of the base. It is better to lay special perforated linings or heat-conducting construction paper on the floor heating system.
And the last is the service life. Extrusion is considered the most durable. Polyethylene will serve the same period, but not the fact that in the original thickness (it is washed out).
How each of the above materials will behave in practice depends largely on the operating conditions. To forget about re-repair for a long time, choose high-quality Decoration Materials.
Advice! If you need repairmen, there is a very convenient service for their selection. Just send in the form below detailed description work that needs to be done and offers with prices from construction teams and firms will come to your mail. You can see reviews of each of them and photos with examples of work. It's FREE and there's no obligation.
If the parquet floor is to be laid in a floating way, then you will need a parquet board underlay in without fail. It will take on the role of a layer between the obvious base and the finish coat. Is she really that necessary? We will talk about the indispensability of the substrate, as well as its main types, in this article.
Why is an underlay needed?
So, the decision has been made - a parquet board will “flaunt” on the floor. But have you prepared the ground for it? Even if it seems to you that the floor is “licked” to perfection, some irregularities will still be present, whether you like it or not. They just form under the parquet board those same voids that can significantly undermine the “well-being” of the coating, up to a reduction in its service life.
If you lay the floor covering without any "preludes" directly on the screed, then after a certain period of time the floor will begin to play. Even a couple of millimeters of play causes a lot of inconvenience, and not only to you, but to respected neighbors from below - any sound from human movement (especially in high heeled shoes) will be heard very clearly. Agree, there is little pleasant here.
All this can be easily avoided - you just need to purchase and timely lay a high-quality substrate under the parquet board. It is able to finally smooth out minor irregularities in the base, create good cushioning and dampen impact noise that occurs when walking.
Dispelling the myths about underlay
Myth #1 - The thicker the better
This is the most common misconception. For some reason, many people believe that laying a thick substrate will significantly reduce the load on the parquet board and that walking on the floor will be softer. We hasten to assure you that this is not the case. According to the standards, the maximum allowable base drop under the parquet board is two millimeters for every two square meters. Soft foam or cork backing tends to compress when pressed. The greater its thickness (its layer), the greater the height difference will be. And the difference in height and other irregularities, as we have already noted, create a backlash - in this case, on the locks of the parquet board. Lock joints begin to creak and actively wear out. And the saddest thing is that all this charm will “come out” in a couple of months - you will not be able to take timely measures.
The optimal thickness of the substrate under the parquet board is two millimeters. If the base is well leveled, it is this figure that will allow you to meet the standard difference. Plus, the absence of, say, a small fragment of the substrate will be completely imperceptible.
Myth # 2 - the substrate is able to even out any differences
Oh, how delightful that would be if it were not true! The repetition of all the irregularities of the subfloor is one of the features of the substrates. To bring the base into proper condition, it is necessary to use either the appropriate mixtures or sheets of gypsum, moisture-resistant plywood.
Myth # 3 - the substrate in sheets is the most wonderful
Sheet material has absolutely no advantages over roll material: neither in terms of laying, nor during operation.
Types of substrates and their features
The modern market offers the buyer polyethylene foam, foil, cork, rubber and bitumen-cork substrates, as well as substrates made of composite materials. Let's consider each variety separately.
Option #1 - polyethylene foam
Polyethylene foam backing is the most common. This material has a high chemical resistance to various substances. She is not afraid of mold, fungi, bacteria or moisture. But! Foamed polymers are flammable and toxic. This is an extremely significant disadvantage.
In addition, as is known, the polymerization process is reversible - this means that such a polymer will decompose under the influence of light and oxygen. Simply put, in about ten years, your polyethylene foam substrate will turn into a kind of powder, completely losing all its positive properties. Since the foamed polyethylene is sensitive to ultraviolet light, the substrate made of this material before laying under the parquet board, it is better to store in the dark.
Option #2 - foil
The substrate with a foil layer is a good noise, hydro and heat insulator. As a rule, polyethylene foam samples are foiled - this material is recommended to be used when laying the coating on logs with rigid fixation of the board.
Option #3 - cork
Such substrates are crushed and then pressed cork oak bark. It's organic natural material without any chemicals. The cork substrate under the parquet board does not rot, does not mold, is an excellent heat and noise insulator. She is able to keep her best qualities throughout the entire operating period.
The only remark - cork backing must not be laid directly on fresh screed. First, a waterproofing layer should be laid: a solid plastic film.
There is also a rubber-cork variety of the above-described substrate, on a synthetic basis. It is an excellent sound insulator. With a bang, it dampens the vibrations of electrical appliances.
Option #4 - bituminous cork (Parkolag)
This is kraft paper treated with bitumen and sprinkled with cork chips. The main advantages of bitumen-cork substrates are durability, good sound insulation, high moisture protection. Stacked cork "seasoning" down.
Considering the advantages of a particular material, it is important to pay attention to its disadvantages. A significant disadvantage of these substrates is the property of bituminous mastic to highlight in in large numbers formaldehyde.
Option #5 - from composite materials (Tuplex)
Tuplex - three-layer material. The bottom layer is a porous film that lets moisture into the middle layer filled with balls (it maintains a constant height of the product). Upper layer- polyethylene film.
The use of such a substrate is especially important in case of problems with the screed (its “underdrying”, the formation of condensate). Thus, the risk of damage to the parquet board is significantly reduced.
Which option is still better?
After reading this material, you will probably wonder - so which substrate is still better? According to experienced experts, as well as already sophisticated buyers, the most reasonable choice in terms of practicality, safety and durability are cork samples, as well as Tuplex.
As a rule, on construction market finishing materials are offered for purchase in a package - complete with related materials and equipment necessary for repairs. Among them is the underlay for parquet - a coating that is indispensable when arranging the floor.
What are the functions of the underlying material?
Agree that the manipulation is done for a reason. Moreover, the underlay is supposed not only for parquet, but also for a number of other similar coatings. The gasket must compensate, reinforce and fulfill a number of additional features, namely:
- Increasing the performance of thermal insulation.
- Improving the heat level of the floor covering.
- Providing excellent sound insulation.
- Simplifying the installation of parquet boards or laminate.
- Insulation against moisture penetrating from the base.
- Minor surface smoothing.
Each of the above functions is significant, and the choice right kind material improves the quality of the installed floor covering and its service life.
What are laminate underlays?
What kind of building and repair materials you will not find on the market! A wide range of products is presented regardless of industries, especially in the lining market. The most common types of gaskets for parquet are:
- polyethylene foam;
- foil;
- cork;
- bituminous cork;
- composite.
Polyethylene foam pads
In the rating for sales of related materials for parquet, it beats all ratings. it the best substrate under the floorboard. Most often chosen by the client and most actively sold. It copes with its task perfectly, which means that it greatly facilitates the work and eliminates the occurrence of possible problems related to laying the floor:
- easily and quickly laid on the floor;
- maximally absorbs vibrations from walking, compensating them;
- helps to increase the level of heat;
- creates a reliable insulating layer that protects against moisture.
Thanks to special impregnation and a dense film layer, the material is not damaged. small pests: rodents and insects - and bacteria and fungi on the surface of polyethylene foam immediately die.
The material is inexpensive, and laying does not require special training, just roll out the roll and cut the canvas to the required length.
Among the shortcomings of such a lining, a short service life is distinguished - up to 10 years, after which it completely disintegrates.
Foil pad
This type of coating is a modification of any other flooring taken. In this embodiment, one of the types listed above is taken and one of its sides is pasted over with foil, which contributes to an additional increase in all its properties by 3 times. The most common variant
The laying of the cover film turns out to be important point. Here it is important to ensure that the foil is on top. This will allow you to glue the sheets with the tape from the frame.
Not sure which parquet underlay to choose? Definitely foil. Such a substrate is suitable for mounting any type of floor, which is supposed to be laminated, but best of all it shows its functions on wooden surfaces with a solid and rigid structure.
cork bedding
This is Nai best material for laying under parquet. Compared to polyethylene foam, it will last at least 40 years. From positive qualities allocate a function:
- excellent heat retention;
- fast heating of parquet;
- noise isolation from footsteps.
Under the parquet board is different:
- elasticity;
- fast adaptation to operating conditions;
- moisture resistance;
- natural composition, which, in turn, makes them absolutely safe and hypoallergenic;
- high strength which allows the cork backing to be used on a variety of surfaces.
Cork is the best material for mounting under a laminate, according to experts.
Bituminous cork layer
It is better known under a different name - parkolag. It is a quality and widely used flooring used in combination with many floor coverings and is characterized by:
- high rates of heat and sound insulation;
- vibration absorption property;
- high strength;
- moisture resistance.
The only, but significant drawback of the coating is the bituminous resin in the composition. When the permissible temperature is exceeded, this substance begins to release substances that are unsafe for human health and life with an unpleasant resinous odor - formaldehydes. For most residential premises, the use of such a substrate option for a parquet board or laminate is strictly prohibited.
Along with the disadvantage - a significant advantage due to the lack of the need for waterproofing works during the laying of parquet.
Composite materials
Such a substrate consists of several components forming three layers and continuously interacting with each other. Foamed polyester is used as the base, which easily passes moisture, but perfectly muffles noise and transforms under the base, especially if there are surface irregularities.
In the middle layer, which forms a flat surface, there are special balls. Here there is a constant circulation of air, contributing to the easy neutralization of penetrating moisture.
Tuplex - an ideal base for parquet board
Duplex is another type of substrate with a three-dimensional structure. The bottom layer is made in the form of a porous film that allows a small amount of moisture to pass through, filled with foam chips, forming a dense layer that constantly maintains its shape. Between the second and third layers there is a ventilation space. Last layer looks like protective covering from polyethylene film. The thickness of the substrate under the parquet board is 2-3 centimeters.
The use will be effective in the case when the floor covering is laid on a damp screed or there is condensation due to temperature fluctuations in the room.
Moisture, getting into the structure of the lower layer, rises up with air currents and evaporates efficiently, and the excess steam goes out through the gaps formed between the parquet board and the wall in the area of the plinth.
it the best option substrate, preventing damage to the floor covering from moisture ingress. The coating is expensive, but in comparison in terms of price and quality, it is no worse than the option of a cork lining for a laminate.
The only negative is the delivery features. It is possible to purchase a substrate for a duplex parquet board only in the form of large rolls supplied to the market, and this is not always convenient and practical.
What and how to choose
Having become acquainted with the main options for underlays for parquet, it can be argued that each of them is characterized by its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of a certain type of material depends not only on the substrate, but also on the purpose of the repair. To choose the best option, focus on the following criteria:
- thickness;
- ability to level the base;
- type of delivery (plates or rolls);
- price.
Underlayment thickness
The substrate material of the highest quality and meeting the requirements should not be thinner than 1 centimeter. Some of the species reach a thickness of up to 3 centimeters. Foil linings do not exceed a thickness of 0.5 cm, cork can reach 3 centimeters, and a coniferous flooring under a parquet board - at least 5 centimeters.
Surface alignment property
Remember that when laying the substrate on the old base, you should choose the option that compensates for unevenness and adjusts as much as possible, leveling the surface. So you save on materials for the self-leveling floor, and if from the very beginning you counted on the screed and planned this stage, then this criterion can be overlooked.
Plates or rolls
Quality does not suffer in any way from the form of delivery of goods, but it significantly affects the speed of installation of a parquet board or laminate. The plastic form makes it possible for the interlayer to adhere tightly to the base and the coating that is laid on it. Before laying the parquet, lay a cork underlay on the floor and let it sit for at least 24 hours to level the floor.
Minimum and maximum price
Considering the cost of materials, they form an idea of the minimum cost, which on average is 45 rubles per 1 running meter, and the maximum price - from 350 rubles per linear meter of the substrate.
Underlayment under a parquet board is an insulating material that creates a barrier between the parquet board and the base, thanks to which the coating does not come into contact with the concrete surface.
The main functions of the layer include thermal insulation and sound insulation. Please note that the correct choice of material depends on performance characteristics floor covering.
Now you know what a floorboard underlayment is. Which one is better, choose for yourself, based on the advantages and disadvantages of options for flooring described above.
