Today, choosing a floor covering , we focus not only on its design and appearance, but also on such criteria as durability and reliability. Take for example laminate . This is a relatively inexpensive and at the same time quite presentable type of coverage. Externally, the laminate can mimic various materials, such as wood, stone or tile, and its color palette has the widest range. But, choosing a laminate, few people think about such an important detail as the substrate under it. But it is she who guarantees that laminated floors will serve you well during the warranty period. So, what kind of substrate for a laminate to choose?
Why do I need a laminate substrate?
The correct substrate under the laminate performs several functions:
- soundproof : thin enough laminate boards are usually laid down by a "floating" method, and it does not always turn out perfectly. After installation, the coating can produce a noise effect that is noticeable when walking, especially if the floor in the room is not leveled. The substrate will help prevent it, since it has noise-insulating properties;
- moisture-absorbing : the laminate only on the outside has a hard surface covered with a protective laminating film. On the other hand, it looks like a porous surface made of compressed wood dust and, in fact, it is. This means that the bottom of the laminate is absolutely not protected from moisture. For this purpose, there is a substrate that successfully insulates the base of the laminate from high humidity;
- Smoothing : in any room, the floor even after the lighthouse may have minor irregularities. At first glance, they are not very noticeable, but, having laid a laminate without a substrate, you will be convinced of this. Therefore, experts recommend using a substrate.
Kinds of substrates
The substrate can be of different thicknesses and, in addition, can be made of various materials.
- Substrate under the laminate of cork wood - the most environmentally friendly material. This coating will last you a very long time, because in the course of time the cork practically does not deteriorate and does not lose its properties. The most important thing is to choose a quality product, because otherwise the cork may begin to crumble, and then small pieces form under the laminate the tubercles that will lead to squeaking. Wooden cork substrate under the laminate also varies: rubber cork, bitumen-cork, cork and cork substrate.
- Coniferous substrate under the laminate is not so flexible, but it perfectly "breathes", in other words - it passes air well. It is sold with tiles, which need to be stacked closely, if necessary, pruning the substrate with a sharp knife.
- Extruded polystyrene foam is the optimal material for a laminate substrate in rooms where large loads are planned. It also has heat-insulating properties, which is a very important characteristic of it. Among the shortcomings of expanded polystyrene is insufficient leveling ability, combustion toxicity and the fact that such a substrate, after 7-8 years, loses its valuable properties.
- The foil substrate will be optimal for rooms with a cold floor: it reduces heat loss by 30%, has a heat-insulating effect. The foil layer can be on both sides of such a substrate or only with one (in the latter case, the base should be laid with foil upwards).
- Combined substrates , which combine expanded polystyrene, polyethylene and even rubber.
As for the thickness of the substrate, it varies from 0.8 to 10 mm. Choose it should be so: the more equal the floor, the thinner the substrate should be. For residential premises a thickness of 2 to 4 mm is used.