Laminate base, what is its function?
The base for the laminate performs not only an equalizing function, but also has a number of other important properties. Now you have probably wondered - what exactly are these properties? The fact that the laminate itself, together with its inherent positive performance characteristics, has a number of shortcomings. It has a high porosity, is prone to buckling, sensitive to moisture. And it needs somehow to compensate, therefore the substrate is necessary.
It provides protection from excessive moisture absorption, performs noise-isolating function, softens the deformation of the coating. In addition, it guarantees additional damping( springing) properties, which favorably affects the human musculoskeletal system, has a small weight and is simply mounted.
Which substrate should I choose for laminate?
In the modern market of building materials, there is a huge variety of substrates. They are made of different components and have certain properties. To make it easier for you to determine which is the best substrate under the laminate, we will describe each of them.
- Foamed polyethylene( or isolon) - is the cheapest material, is not afraid of moisture, mold and fungi, it has excellent noise insulation and is easy to install. However, its significant disadvantage is its low strength. Isolon is rapidly compressed under the action of gravity and tears.
- Expanded polystyrene - more expensive material, but also more durable. The main advantages: it is not afraid of moisture and mold, has an excellent occupancy, good sound and heat insulating properties. Of the disadvantages can be identified rapid pressing under load. But, in general, the substrate for laminate from polystyrene is very popular today.
- The plug is the most environmentally friendly material. It is suitable for flooring on concrete, wooden base. There are several varieties: bitumen-cork and rubber cushion substrate .Of the advantages are: the absence of shrinkage( that is, does not press), has good sound and heat insulation properties;when covered with bitumen or rubber, is not afraid of moisture. Cons: the most expensive of the presented materials, plus, if the cork is not protected by an additional layer, it is exposed to moisture.
- Composite material Tuplex is made of two layers of polyethylene film. It allows you to "ventilate" the floor space, since the lower part lets the moisture in and out evenly around the perimeter.
By the way, the desired thickness of the substrate should be about 3-5 mm. It depends on the material itself and the manufacturer. If the substrate under the laminate is 5 mm( such as extruded polystyrene foam), then it will provide a greater level of insulation coating.
Does the substrate solve everything?
There is such a myth: they made a substrate, and the problems are solved, especially with soundproofing. Yes, for example, a cork substrate is capable of reducing impact noise( from falling objects, walking) by at least 20 dB, but it will not remove air noise. To ensure complete sound insulation, you need to approach the process of work in a comprehensive manner. As is known, during the construction of houses used plates of reinforced concrete of different thickness - 160, 140, 200 and 250 mm.
Accordingly, the thicker they are, the better. For example, a 200 mm tile can provide sound insulation up to 74 dB.And the use of a substrate will further increase this figure. If the plate is thinner, then it is necessary to provide reinforced insulation.
Many experts recommend a multi-layer construction. That is, you can additionally use a concrete screed, and then lay the substrate and laminate. And it is necessary to make such a "layered" floor "floating", that is, to join the laminate in a locked way( do not glue it on the base).
