How to make laminate warmer

It is no secret that the most popular of all their flooring is laminate. It is in demand due to its unique properties, as well as simplicity and affordable price. This material is made of pressed wood fibers, and therefore, in part, has the properties of natural wood. It does not belong to cold materials, therefore in summertime it creates exceptionally pleasant sensations under your feet. But in the winter months, too, I want to be barefoot, while without the unpleasant consequences associated with a cold. Therefore, it is important to know how to make the laminate warmer.

The first thing that comes to mind is to mount a warm floor. But such a reconstruction - is troublesome, and the materials and the cost of the work will result in a lump sum. In addition, under the laminate is best to install infrared floor heating, since other types of heating will be less effective. This is due to the fact that the laminate does not transmit heat well, since it (together with the substrate) is to some extent a heat insulator.

A remarkable alternative to the time-consuming and costly installation of a heated floor in some cases is a warm substrate under the laminate.

What is the substrate and why is it needed?

Modern laminate flooring is often sold with a ready-made bottom layer, but despite this, a warm substrate remains extremely popular and is in demand among buyers. When choosing a substrate, it is not necessary to give preference to the one that is produced by the same manufacturer as the laminate itself. The main thing is to choose from all the variety the option that fits exactly in your situation, based on the operating conditions.

The substrate under the laminate will make the floor warm, but this is not its only purpose. It is necessary in order to extend the life of the flooring. It is impossible to start laying the boards directly on the concrete, the gap between the laminate and the base of the floor must be filled with the substrate. It will eliminate all the irregularities and roughness of the base, facilitating the work during the installation of boards, reduce unwanted noise. Thus, the substrate under the laminate is needed to provide heat and sound insulation, as well as for cushioning and leveling the floor.

Types of warm substrates

From foamed polyethylene. It has a porous structure and is in all hardware stores, since it has a very valuable from the point of view of consumer property - reasonable price and good quality. PE foam is valued for its resistance to moisture. It has good anti-static properties, but does not have a good level of sound insulation. Laying such a substrate is simple: it is easy to cut and takes the desired shape. The disadvantage of the material is its "fear" of direct sunlight, as well as the fact that in the process of using the substrate is gradually thinning.

Foamed polystyrene. It has all the positive qualities of polyethylene foam, but is more durable. Of all the synthetic insulation, it is recommended by experienced finishers as a warm substrate for the laminate.

Corkboard. Made from natural material - pressed bark of cork, therefore it is absolutely safe for humans. The material is very good in operation. It does not rot, does not deform from the load, parasites and mold are not afraid of it, it perfectly retains heat and absorbs sound. Available in rolls and sheets.

The varieties of cork substrate include:

• Rezinoprobkovaya. It is a mixture of rubber and cork crumb passed through the press.
• Bitumen cork. It is made by drawing on the prepared paper impregnated with bitumen, a cork crumb. This material has waterproofing properties.

Felt. It is made of natural felt or harness and artificial. Thickness varies from 1 to 4 mm. Such a substrate has a soft base, which contributes to its rapid alignment on the floor surface, and the many air bubbles in the substrate structure make it warm.

Compositional. Consists of several synthetic components.

Substrate Laying Tips

Before starting work, thoroughly clean the floor from debris and dust. The substrate must be dry. On it the film from polyethylene keeps within. It is necessary for waterproofing. Then proceed to the laying of the substrate.

Note! If the substrate is grooved, it must be laid grooved down. If one side of the substrate has a foil layer, it is placed with the foil up.

For cutting the substrate, you will need a construction knife, but it will not be superfluous to first mark the material with a marker and ruler, so as not to be mistaken with the dimensions.

The substrate, regardless of whether it is rolled or sheet, should always be laid strictly in the same direction as future laminate panels. The substrate is placed on the floor end-to-end without overlap and the use of glue. The edges are recommended to fix with tape or tape.

Note! It is not necessary to lay the substrate in two layers, from this the floor will not become warmer, but the castle joint on the panels can become unusable. In addition, under the load too thick substrate will be washed out, it will be inconvenient to walk on such a floor, the boards will deform and wear out quickly. Therefore, one layer with a thickness of 1–4 mm will be quite sufficient.

Video

In more detail about types of substrates and features of installation of each type in video material: