Selecting the type of substrate under the laminate

Laminate is a new high-quality coating that meets many requirements. But it will be correct to perform its functions only with due regard to the technology of its laying, which consists not only in the preparation of the base, but also in the type of lining material. And what substrate to choose for a laminate depends on the type of the base of the floor and its additional functions. For example, heating.

The purpose of the substrate

The substrate serves a variety of functions in its function. Although, it would seem, a substrate - is necessary in order to put something under everything. Not so simple, because the base material can be any: concrete, old wood coating, tile, etc. All this accordingly requires a certain lining material, but there is one requirement that each of them must strictly adhere to - ventilation. Accordingly, the best substrate for a laminate is one that provides good ventilation of both the base and the finish coat. For what ventilation is necessary, probably, it is not necessary to specify, but it will be appropriate to remind all the same. It is necessary to carry out the drying of the coating and the rough floor from the condensate, possible dampness and sweetness. Thus excluding the possibility of the appearance of fungus, mold and other hostility. This all not only destructively affects the laminate itself, but it is also very dangerous for human health, which will breathe spores of these harmful formations.

Substrate functions

In addition to ventilation, the underlay material has several other important functions:

1. Noise insulation. The second most important function, which like nothing else is important for a quiet stay. Laminate is a very dense material that will become a good conductor of sounds created on its surface. Thanks to the dense structure, it will be transferred to the reinforced concrete slab, which is also a good conductor and simultaneously a resonator, amplifying the sound many times.
2. Aligning small irregularities. Any lining under the laminate has a soft and at the same time resilient structure of the material, which makes it possible to compensate for all pits and protrusions, creating an ideal front surface.

If you have an unpleasant creaking or bending the floor, you will be advised by tips on eliminating the creaks of the laminate.

Types of lining material

There are several varieties of substrates for laminate flooring. Each of them has its own specific purpose. Unfortunately, without it, the laying of the coating is impossible, because its perforated form is not on sale, and it is not planned in production. In addition, such a floor will not be as a decorative and protective coating, but a torment for the housewife.
So, today the following varieties of lining materials are on sale:

• expanded polystyrene;
• tube;
• cork rubber or bitumen-cork.

The most common application is precisely polystyrene foam under the laminate. Why? Because it is an extruded material with closed pores. In addition, it is one of the cheapest used for sex. It has the following properties:

• is not susceptible to rotting and spillage over time;
• has no interest for rodents and parasites;
• is moisture resistant.

In addition, the styrofoam substrate under the laminate surprisingly well retains heat. Due to its resistance to humid environments, it can be used on any basis: wood, tile, bare concrete, etc. To increase the heat transfer effect and accumulation, lay a layer of foil that reflects the infrared rays( directly the heat itself), concentrating them in the interior of the room.
Also, the expanded polystyrene substrate will not change its geometric dimensions and thickness during long-term exposure. This is due primarily to the dense structure, which allows to withstand heavy loads. What makes it possible and necessary to use it in rooms with increased traffic and high noise level, because the porosity of the material effectively isolates the sounds created when walking on the laminate, even on heels.
The next type is the cork under the laminate. It is a material of natural origin and machining. It is an excellent heat insulator, even more than the first option. Similarly, the material, having a sufficiently high longitudinal strength, will be an excellent basis for the floating floor. At the same time, it will not lose its form and will not cease to fulfill its direct functions. The cork substrate for the laminate is not affected by the rotting process and the formation of mold. As a high-quality material, the cork bark lining has high environmental performance. This makes it possible to use it in premises of any type of destination: kitchen, bedroom, living room, etc.
Being a good heat insulator, the cork substrate of the ventilation characteristic is low enough that condensation can form on the bottom surface of the laminate. The second drawback of this material is its high cost, which makes inexpedient application with cheap coatings.

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The next type of lining is a rubber cork substrate. Due to the production technology, it has improved air exchange parameters under and above the coating. For its production, kraft paper impregnated with bitumen is used. In general, this material has good waterproofing properties. On the top surface are pasted pieces of cork in sizes from 2 to 3 mm, which, in fact, provides the necessary exchange. At its core, cork rubber is the most suitable material as a lining for a laminate. But there is also a disadvantage, which is its high cost.
Given all of the above options, choosing the lining material is not so difficult. But it is necessary to take into account the properties of the material from which each substrate is made for a laminate, which is better, will help to understand its stability parameters and characteristics.
If the substrate is properly matched for laminate flooring, the warm floor is guaranteed. After all, it depends on the health of the whole family. In addition, all the types of substrates considered can be used in conjunction with floor heating systems.
The main criterion for choosing the material is the thickness of the substrate. From it directly depends parameters such as heat insulation and sound insulation.

Laying technology

To ensure a comfortable stay and a perfectly flat floor surface, the substrate must be laid using the appropriate technology. The first and main condition for laying the material is its location across the direction of the laminate boards. This makes it possible to provide the floor with the greatest strength and resistance to high loads. The second condition for compliance with the technology is waterproofing. To do this, a layer of polyethylene film must be placed under the substrate, if not provided on the substrate itself. It is also very effective to use foil. It not only becomes a waterproofing, but also an excellent reflector of heat.

Laying the cork under the laminate is to perfectly match it without overlapping with gluing edges with a double-sided adhesive tape. In this case, the tape is glued to the bottom of the floor. At the edges of the walls, it is necessary to leave a distance, which will be the outlet for moisture when it accumulates under the substrate. This is taken into account when using any of the types of materials.
If extruded polystyrene is used for a laminate as a substrate, then it is necessary to adjust the sheets diagonally to the direction of the elements of the face cover. This allows you to resist when moving the floor under the load. The sheets of styrofoam should be staggered, excluding the possibility of coincidence of joints with the coating. The effective thickness of this material is 3 mm, which ensures its necessary stability.
Before laying any type of substrate, it is necessary to level the base as high as possible. This will allow to have fewer problems when laying the laminate and the subsequent use of the floor.
Extruded polystyrene foam under the laminate is by far one of the most sought after and available due to its high indexes to mechanical effects on the compressibility and resistance to wet environments. Its thickness depends on the type of unevenness in the roughing field. The more of them, the thicker the material should be.

Video advice on choosing the best substrate for laminate