The importance of underlay selection in wooden floor installations
Underlays provide thermal, acoustic and damp protection to your room environment
When installing wooden floors, the choice of underlay is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in determining the comfort and longevity of the flooring.
Underlays not only provide thermal and acoustic benefits, they also help with minor irregularities in the sub-floor level.
Let's explore why selecting the right underlay is essential and how different types of underlays cater to various flooring needs.
What is an Underlay & Why is it Important?
An underlay is a thin layer of material that sits between the wooden floor and the subfloor (the surface underneath the floor). While it might not be visible once the floor is installed, it has a significant impact on the overall quality and durability of your flooring.
Thermal benefits. A good underlay can act as an insulating layer, helping to keep your floors warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This can make a big difference in energy efficiency and comfort, especially in rooms where you spend a lot of time.
Acoustic benefits. Wooden floors can be noisy, especially in high-traffic areas or multi-story buildings. The right underlay helps reduce noise by absorbing sound, making your space quieter and more peaceful. This is particularly important if you have children, pets, or live in an apartment.
Damp protection. Many underlays are designed with special features to protect your wooden floors from moisture. Some underlays have built-in moisture barriers, while others are made from materials that resist water. This extra layer helps keep your floors safe from dampness that might come up from the subfloor underneath. Dampness can cause wooden floors to warp or get damaged over time. Having a moisture barrier in areas like basements or rooms with concrete floors, where there is a higher risk of moisture, is particularly encouraged.
Smoothing irregularities in the level of the subfloor. No subfloor is perfectly flat. Even small bumps or dips can cause problems when installing wooden floors. An underlay can help smooth out these minor imperfections, providing a more even surface for the wooden floor to be installed on. This not only makes the installation process easier but also helps prevent damage to the flooring over time.
Understanding the Thickness of Underlay and the Different Types Available
Thicker underlays, for e.g. 5 mm, will not be appropriate for thinner flooring products like laminates or 14 mm engineered wood products. These are ideal for thicker and heavier flooring planks. For thinner flooring, like laminate or engineered wood, a thinner underlay (2 mm or 3 mm) is often the better choice. Thinner underlays are also often better at conducting heat, which is important if you have underfloor heating.
The type of underlay you choose will largely depend on the type of wooden flooring you’re installing. Some of the most common types of insulation products available on the market today include:
Duralay Excel Silver - high-performance rubber underlay with moisture barrier.
Duralay SilentFloor Gold - high-performance rubber underlay with superior soundproofing.
Regupol - popular for being eco-friendly and highly durable, and effectively reducing impact noise - often used in commercial spaces where noise reduction is priority.
Timbertech Elit - high-density rubber combined with a foam layer, providing excellent support and cushioning.
Timbertech Elit Plus - like Timbertech Elit, this one is made from high-density rubber and foam but with enhanced properties for even better performance.
Novostrat Sonic Gold - perfect for use under laminate and engineered wood floors in areas where moisture protection, sound insulation, and thermal insulation are key priorities).
Novostrat Sonic Classic - suitable for use under laminate and engineered wood floors in areas where standard sound and thermal insulation are sufficient. It's best for installations in dry, low-moisture areas like living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
Fiberboard - primarily used for its insulating and leveling properties. It is a popular choice for wooden and laminate flooring installations laid over floorboards, due to its versatility.
Essentially, the installation of the right underlay is vital for ensuring the performance, comfort, and longevity of your flooring. Whether you are dealing with moisture concerns, noise reduction, or the need for thermal insulation, the underlay acts as the foundation that supports your flooring. From high-performance options like Duralay Excel Silver and Timbertech Elite Plus to eco-friendly choices like fiberboard, selecting the appropriate underlay can prevent common issues like creaking, uneven surfaces, and damage from moisture. Ultimately, underlay installation is not just an extra step - it's a crucial component that enhances the durability, comfort, and overall quality of your wooden or laminate floors. Investing in the right underlay will pay off in the long run by keeping your floors looking and feeling great for years to come.
