When you look at the floor in your house or business, you are looking at not one but several layers. A floor is composed of several different layers that make it perform as it is intended to. Most of them, however, are not visible. This is because they lie under the top layer or finish. This is the case with flooring underlayment.
What Is Flooring Underlayment?
Flooring underlayment sometimes called “padding” is, as noted above, a layer on which the top flooring will come to rest. It is generally a thin layer or substrate composed of either cement board or wood. The material may also be poured into place – as is the case with some professional types of underlayment.
Types of Flooring Underlayment
Flooring underlayment comes in different types. They are chosen to fulfil specific flooring or industrial requirements as well as to meet certain budgetary restraints. Among the types you are most likely to run across are the following:
1. Plywood: Plywood sheets are cut down to meet certain size requirements. Standard size selected are 4′ x 8′ of AC grade.
2. Cement Board: Cement board or fiber-cement board is fitted into place – sometimes over a plywood substrate before the final floor is placed.
3. Poured Flooring Underlayments: This is a professional cement-based material that is poured into place. It is self-leveling and is used by experts for certain floors.
4. Polymer and Related Synthetics: These are used in a variety of situations. Some are applied using a trowel.
5. Underlayment Panels: These resemble tiles or panels. They are interlocking and are assembled accordingly.
6. Soft Flooring Underlayment: While many professionals choose hard flooring underlayment material, there is a soft option. This includes cork and foam. These materials are purchased in rolls. Installation of them is of a floating rather than an attached nature. This means, soft underlayment of this type is not secured through screws, pouring and setting or other similar fashion.
Basic Reasons for Flooring Underlayment
While it is not essential to install flooring underlayment, doing so does produce a higher quality floor. It is very effective for the following reasons:
1. Provides a stability for the entire flooring.
2. Creates a smoother and more even surface than say wood on which to lay the finish floor
3. Establishes a better surface for the adherence of any sort of flooring that requires an adhesive. A flooring underlayment, for example, makes it easier and better to attach a finish flooring of ceramic tiles
4. Reduces instances of squeaks and leaks
5. Improves the acoustics
Using Flooring Underlayment
If you plan to install a floor or even repair one, consider the value of including an underlayment. By adopting this approach, you are able to help improve the overall look and function of your flooring. While it is possible to install a floor without one, using a flooring underlayment is one further means you can distinguish the conscientious experts from the amateurs.
If you have concerns regarding the type of Flooring Underlayment you require, talk to the professionals at Dex-O-Tex. They specialize in various advanced waterproof surfacing and coatings for your floors and walls. To discover more about us and our products, visit http://dex-o-tex.com/.
