Substrates under the laminate are in rolls or rectangular blocks, and help to properly lay out the floor itself. To prevent laminate strips from becoming unusable due to a damp floor or to not creating gaps between them, it is important to lay substrates that have insulating properties but remain sufficiently elastic to serve as a proper basis. For the production of the layer between the floor and laminate using different materials. Some are more concentrated on sealing off damp basements for ground floor apartments. Others eliminate noise better and warm the floor more. There are economical and expensive options. To find out what kind of substrate for laminate to use in each case and where you can save, you need to finish reading the article to the end.
Content:
The substrate under the laminate which company choose
The release of such products is an important branch of the construction market. Here are the global brands and start-up companies that focus on economy products.
Here are the most common manufacturers of such goods:
1. Steico
2. Decora
3. Tarkett
4. Eco-cover
5. Petroform
Decora belongs to the Polish production and is famous for its insulating materials, baseboards and PVC profiles. It has several subsidiaries with separate lines and brands.
Petroform is a domestic trademark from Resource, whose headquarters are located in the cultural capital of Russia. The company specializes in the production of foam insulation based on polyethylene. Such an affordable and thick material is widely used in construction throughout the North-West region of the country.
The German brand Steico began to develop in 1960 and is today one of the leaders in the production of floor materials from natural components. These are expensive, but very high-quality products, with factories not only in Germany, but also in France and England. The company is constantly developing new options for combining wood materials to produce high-quality products.
Tarkett specializes in all types of floor products, including not only building materials, but also sports surfaces for wrestling, running and fitness. The company sells its products in more than 100 countries. Production reaches about 1 million square meters per day.
The best substrate for laminate from natural materials
To laminate for a long time and did not have cracks or fractures, it is important to put a quality substrate. Natural materials in the base are represented by the wood component (cork, chips or chips) and binding mixtures. Such a substrate is warmer, but expensive. Well, it absorbs noise, which helps to maintain friendships with neighbors, if there are many children in the apartment or there are dance lovers. Thick structure gives a slight alignment of the floor. It is advisable to use in children's rooms or cold houses. Here are the best representatives of such materials on the reviews of those who laid them.
Steico Underfloor - for children's rooms
Children jump a lot and often drop toys on the floor. To reduce unpleasant conversations with neighbors, it is advisable to lay this thick backing. It is based on natural fiber of coniferous trees, which has undergone thorough grinding and glued together with natural wood resin. This coating has a stable size, without drying out or shrinking. The substrate is able to absorb excess moisture and give it to the atmosphere.If solvent or glue gets on it, then nothing will happen.
The product is produced in the form of rectangular plates, the thickness of which varies from 3.6 to 7 mm. Here you can choose your option, depending on the temperature of the floor and the expected level of noise. The substrate is able to align the differences on the concrete tile joints of the floor up to 3 mm. Material is not prone to mold. Plate parameters are standard and are 590x790 mm. Sold in pack of 15 pcs.
Advantages:
- very warm;
- well isolates sound;
- natural ingredients are odorless;
- easy to install (the panels are laid out and all);
- does not crumble at the edges;
- has an international certificate of quality.
Disadvantages:
- 3.6 mm version is very fragile and may break during installation;
- expensive;
- difficulties in transportation.
Tarkett cork underlay 2 mm - an economical option for an apartment
Fans of quality materials who want to save money should pay attention to this product of an international company, created specifically for flooring before laying laminate flooring and being one of the most affordable. 100% natural composition, which is easily restored after compressed state in the package. Cork has good thermal properties and easily keeps the cold from the bottom of the basement and heat in the room.
The product is produced in rolls of 10 m. The thickness of the cork is 2 mm, which allows you to create a rigid base that does not allow the laminate locks to become loose over time. The binding component is a polyurethane resin made in Portugal. You can purchase the substrate only on the official website of the company, which protects it from fakes. The product can be laid directly on the concrete with a moisture content of not more than 4%. The material is designed for 25 years of use.
Advantages:
- all-natural ingredients;
- acceptable price;
- well isolates sound;
- retains heat;
- durable;
- elastic;
- easy to lay.
Disadvantages:
- due to a thin layer it weakly levels the floor;
- cork quality refers to recycled substances.
Arbiton Cork 2 mm - for underfloor heating
This Polish product differs from Decora at the same time in quality and availability. The substrate is made of natural cork. The product is produced in rolls with dimensions of 10x1 m. The thickness of the total layer is 2 mm. It provides both warmth and rigidity. The product is distinguished by the possibility of laying with laminate or parquet, under which will be located a system of heated floors with water heating. But for this you should lay the shielding layer.
The natural base well resists moisture and mold. Since the laminate is experiencing transverse and longitudinal loads when walking on it, the substrate reflects them well with its elasticity. When rolling the roll does not leave waves. But the edges are quite fragile, which can lead to a kink.
Advantages:
- price;
- elasticity;
- possibility of combining with a warm floor;
- no waves from the roll;
- easy to combine joints;
- suitable for glueing and free coating.
Disadvantages:
- fragile;
- solid blotches in the composition.
Parkolag 3 mm - for first floors
In apartments on the ground floor, a frequent problem is the cold floor. This substrate from the Russian company Icopal was created to solve this problem. Its basis is cork crumb bound by bitumen and placed on thick cardboard. This allows you to combine elastic properties and gives a long service of the laminate. Thanks to bitumen, moisture does not penetrate from concrete panels into the room.
The triple mixed structure allows you to maintain an acceptable air exchange and prevents the formation of fungus and mold. If it gets too hot in summer, the material is not deformed and maintains a stable linear dimension. The product is sold in rolls of 15 m. The layer thickness is 3 mm. It can be purchased in any region of the country.
Advantages:
- fat;
- reliably insulates moisture due to bitumen;
- the elastic structure does not allow "walking" to the floor;
- suitable for expensive types of laminate;
- wear resistant;
- high ventilated properties;
- easy to purchase in any region;
- stronger when laying than cork counterparts.
Disadvantages:
- can not be used under the warm floor;
- after laying there is a slight smell of bitumen.
The best substrate under the laminate of polymers
Synthetic materials are also actively used between the concrete floor and laminate panels. This option is cheaper, because at the heart of these interlayers is a composite polymer. It gives the best protection against moisture and rotting. But his sound insulation and thermal properties are worse. Here are the best substrates of this category.
Eco-cover 1000x500x3 - for private homes
This is a Russian product of a wide purpose, which is well suited for children's rooms, offices and residential premises in the private sector. It is convenient to align with him and the floor. The material is both elastic and strong at the same time, which tightens the surface well. It turns out by combining ethylene and vinyl acetate. It is absolutely harmless. Thickness of a layer is 3 mm.
Available in slabs twisted into rolls, which is convenient for both transportation and installation. Easy to cut. Sound insulation reaches 17 dB. The material has a water absorption level of 0.098%, which ensures the complete absence of fungus or decay processes under it. This is effective on ground floors and private homes where moisture can come from the ground. This layer can be used at a room temperature of - 40 to +80 degrees. It is easily stored and does not lose useful properties.
Advantages:
- elastic;
- large selection of sizes;
- easy to cut;
- full moisture resistance;
- low dielectricity;
- thickness 3 mm;
- improved composition;
- effectively absorbs noise.
Disadvantages:
- unpleasant chemical smell;
- overpriced.
Rolled backing "Petroform" 5 mm - good for leveling
Another domestic product available at a price and having an acceptable layer thickness of 5 mm. It is successfully used for smoothing floor irregularities, often found in old buildings. Available material in rolls per meter. It is necessary to accurately calculate and purchase the desired length without overpayment for the remaining parts. The substance is obtained by foaming polyethylene, as a result of which a porous light structure is formed.
The cloth is cut with just scissors. After the roll may remain small waves, so you can fix the edges with tape and pull. The substrate has high rates of vapor barrier, heat preservation, resistance to rot. It is light and supple. Can move on a concrete screed or self-leveling floors. Absolutely does not absorb water.
Advantages:
- cheapest in this class;
- 5 mm layer smooths out irregularities;
- easy;
- easy to install;
- does not break;
- zero water absorption;
- You can buy the exact number of meters.
Disadvantages:
- long-lasting smell of the film;
- When the substrate is 5 mm thick, the laminate "plays" a little from the steps.
ReFoam 3002 - excellent sound absorption
This layer has high noise absorption rates of up to 21 dB. Such material, created from cross-linked polyethylene and having an increased density, is ideal for a children's room. It is both elastic, which gives ease of installation, and elastic, which helps to preserve the integrity of the flooring. Despite the Russian production, the technology itself of this interlayer material was developed in Japan.
The substrate is sold in rolls with a length of 10 m and a width of 1.2 m. A thickness of 2 mm ensures proper rigidity, which is why the locks on the laminate do not become loose. Water absorption is less than 1%, but not the best in the class, so for wet floors of the first floors it is better not to buy it. Cross-linked polyethylene is not deformed under the panels and is designed for a long time. The smell of chemical products quickly disappears, and the material remains environmentally friendly.
Advantages:
- good sound insulation;
- without smell;
- easy to transport;
- easy to lay;
- acceptable stiffness;
- floors do not slam when walking;
- no deformations.
Disadvantages:
- overpriced.
What kind of substrate under the laminate to buy
Here not only price, but also construction factors play a decisive role.Here are the key criteria for choosing interlayer material:
1. In the apartments on the first floors, where often cold floors, it is better to buy Parkolag 3 mm, which will create warmth and comfort.
2. In children's rooms, distinguished by the stamping of feet and falling objects, they purchase Steico Underfloor or ReFoam 3002.
3. If there is a need to smooth out uneven floors without additional costs, then it is advisable to buy a thick and cheap Petroform 5 mm.
4. In private homes, where moisture can build up under the foundation, Eco-cover 1000x500x3 will be better protected.
5. For those who want to save money, but to lay a laminate and a quality substrate in a regular apartment, Tarkett 2 mm will be available.
6. And if you want to place under the layer also a floor heating system, then Arbiton Cork 2 mm will do.
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