What Are the Consequences of Not Installing Underlayment Under Laminate Flooring?

Without a subfloor to provide a layer of protection between the damp subfloors and the floor surface, laminate can quickly become wet, deformed and moldy, compromising its overall integrity. Over time, moisture can also break down the adhesive in the floor, causing it to start to warp. Lee has more than two decades of hands-on experience in remodeling, repairing and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years.

It is often recommended by laminate flooring manufacturers

This gives you more control over the products and the price. What happens if you don't put padding under the laminate floor is that moisture entering through the subfloor can cause it to warp and develop mold. And the steps on the ground will become more pronounced. When installing the floor, make sure that the subfloor is level and free from imperfections.

This will help to prevent moisture from being trapped between the layers of the soil, as well as to prevent any strange falls or creaks in the soil. Many laminate manufacturers are now producing sheets with a pre-fixed underlayment, rather than sheets that require a separate underlayment. Even so, buying a laminate floor with a separate subfloor is something to consider, as it gives you more control over the installation and expands your options. Foam flooring is the most popular type of laminate floor covering, mainly because it is economical and easy to work with. It is also a waterproof laminate floor pad. The lightest foam does little more than smooth out the subfloor and has virtually no sound-absorbing qualities.

Heavier, denser foam better limits sound transmission. Many flooring companies recommend felt as the best padding for laminate floors. The felt base tends to be more than four times heavier than foam and at least twice as expensive. However, this recycled product has higher sound absorption rates than foam. If you are installing a laminate floor with a pre-fixed subfloor over a wooden subfloor, you will not need any additional subfloor.

Instead of taking steps to install a vapor barrier, some DIYers choose to install their laminate floors without protection. Some people believe that if they have not bought enough, it is not a major problem for the base layer to leave voids along the edges of the room, but this can extend the life of the floor. You may not always find your favorite subfloor prefixed to the tables, so it's time to analyze your different options to get exactly what you want for your floor. Once you have chosen the best base layer for your laminate floor, you can use a professional installer or install it yourself. If you don't use a base coat, your beautiful laminate floor will be prone to damage and wear.

Floor subfloors are a product that provides exceptional protection and support for your new surfaces. In most cases, the subfloor will also have a vapor barrier that will keep moisture away from the laminate sheets. Unfortunately, many homeowners choose to cushion their budget instead of installing a laminate subfloor. If your laminate floorboards already have a subfloor pad, do not use an additional subfloor, as doing so would void the Swiss Krono warranty. Laminate can make the floor feel colder in winter, especially when installed on a cold subfloor. It's quite easy to find a good laminate with an integrated base if that's what you choose, as companies are filling their catalogs with more and more options.

Installing a base layer unifies any imperfections in the subfloor, helping to ensure that the laminate is level and stable.