When you are in the process of selecting your new floor and searching for the best model you have probably heard the word “underlay.” Sometimes it is one of those things that no one pays much attention to—until they learn what it is like without it. Underlay is not always seen since it hides beneath your floors, but it influences how your floor looks, feels and endures.
As the leading UK Flooring Suppliers, we fully understand that a good floor is not just a surface material. It is a great investment, and learning of the factors of underlay can assist you in getting the most from that investment. But what is underlay, do you know? Why do we should bother ourselves to know more about it?
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What is Underlay Used For?
Underlay is the layer of material placed beneath your flooring. Think of it as the unsung hero that helps everything come together. It’s not just about providing cushioning (although that’s part of it). Underlay also improves the sound quality of a room, protects your floors from moisture, and even makes the whole space feel more comfortable. It might not be something you see every day, but it has a big impact on how your floor performs.
When you step onto a new floor, it’s often the underlay that gives you that extra bit of comfort. It helps to soften the impact, reduces noise, and can even improve the insulation of your home. If you're installing laminate, wood, or carpet, underlay can make all the difference between a floor that’s just okay and one that’s a real pleasure to walk on.
What is the Purpose of an Underlayment?
Underlay has several purposes that extend beyond the mere need to make your floors feel softer. Another advantage with this type of flooring is that it ensures that your floor is well anchored to the ground. Without underlay, your floors might move, make noises, or wear out the areas unevenly after some time. It also helps to form a base on which all other components which make up the flooring are placed so that they stay aligned and secure.
Underlay also provides the function of reducing the noise on the hard surfaces such as wooden or laminated floors. Have you ever stepped on a floor that made a echo or creaked when weight was put on it, that is what underlay is for. With the aid of footfall noise it can reduce the noise level in your home and makes it to sound dew. In fact some of the types of underlay also act as insulators by maintaining the room temperature during the cold season and also during the hot season.
What is an Example of an Underlay?
It may be useful to provide an example of what an underlay might look like, and just as in the previous post, we have one ready to go.
Underlay can be divided into several categories depending on the kind of underlay and the floor type. For instance, the foam underlay is recommended for use under laminated or engineered wooden flooring. It is light, simple to fix and very efficient in sound absorption. On the other hand, felt underlay is mostly suitable for carpet types of flooring. This also provides support and warmth to be walked on and moreover protects the carpet from quick wear and tear.
Rubber underlay is also popular when people look for additional sound insulating qualities. It is quite heavy and has good cushioning qualities, so the finished floor will easily withstand traffic in specific or any noisy zones. Cork is another underlay that is commonly used for underlay for wood and laminate floorings. Well, it brings in good insulation in the room and has a natural touch of luxury into your room.
Do You Need Underlay for Flooring?
The short answer is yes, underlay is necessary for most types of flooring but let’s delve deeper into this. Although, there are many hard floors such as vinyl that don’t necessarily have to have underlay, many others do. With regard to laminate, engineered wood, and carpet, underlay is not only advised, but its usage is mandatory in most cases. Not only does it offer better comfort and enhanced durability of the floor surface, but also makes your warranty on the flooring genuine.
There are cases and situations when your floor will not necessarily need underlay, however it may still be beneficial to lay down one. The benefits of using concrete are; it reduces noises, improves the insulation and provide a level and strong base. In fact, it might significantly decrease the lifespan of your floor, and its overall functionality, if there is no underlay to support it.
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That is why even flooring, which is often taken as one of the most mundane elements of the design, is crucial because the details matter. For many people, underlay is not considered as an important element of the flooring process but it is an important element that determines if your new floor will be suitable for years to come. If you need help making the right decisions for your home, then you’ve come to the right place at UK Flooring Depot. From choosing between the right kind of floor covering to choosing the right underlayment, we’re here to help you.
