The substrate is a separating element between the parquet board and the surface on which it is laid. It significantly increases the thermal insulation of the floor, prevents the penetration of foreign noise into the room and muffles sounds when walking.
In order to understand what substrate is best for buying a parquet board, you need to familiarize yourself with the requirements that it must meet. This, above all, good thermal insulation, resistance to chemicals, moisture resistance and optimal thickness (2-5 mm). Quality material must be treated before selling bactericidal impregnation.
Kinds of substrates for a parquet board
- Substrates made of polyethylene foam. Products of this type refer to artificial materials and is a foam polyethylene. Substrates are sensitive to light and oxygen, which reduces their value. They are available with or without foil. If you ask yourself which of the varieties of substrates for a parquet board is better, you need to pay attention to the fact that many prefer the first option. The material is laid with the foil side outwards.
- Substrate of expanded polystyrene. It is characterized by durability and strength, it keeps heat well, it requires a flat surface for laying. Over time, the product loses its quality. When products are burned, toxins are released, which is a big minus of the product. (Photo 2)
- Cork pad under the parquet board. The material is produced in rolls or sheets. Its merits are natural, and the drawback is that the coating for the cork should be perfectly even and clean. For installation, a polyethylene film is required.
- Coniferous substrate under the parquet board. It is gaining popularity due to natural origin. Durable and has excellent sound insulation. Many complain of fragility, which is compensated by the same naturalness.
- Bitumen-cork substrate. Kraft paper is treated with bitumen and sprinkled with crumb of cork. The material is laid down with the cork side. It should be noted that bitumen has the property of releasing harmful substances.
- Composite materials (Tuplex). For the substrate is not terrible, if the coupler has minor errors. Three of its layers are an ideal protection for a parquet board. The top layer is made of polyethylene, the bottom of the porous film, and on average the balls are placed, due to which the product has the same height.
Before choosing a substrate for a parquet board, think about the fact that you should not save on buying. A good product will extend the life of the laminate board and improve floor maintenance.