How to choose a substrate for laminate

Laminate has a porous structure and can be deformed, for example, from exposure to moisture. To create natural ventilation to remove moisture trapped under the laminate and to protect the flooring from contact with concrete, a reliable quality substrate is necessary. If you make the right choice of substrate, you can significantly improve the insulation of the floor, reduce the penetration of noise and extraneous sounds into the room, as well as somewhat extinguish the loud knock from the heels.

In this article we will explain how to choose a substrate for laminate flooring for an apartment and a summer house, consider various materials and the required substrate thickness.

Substrate requirements

1. Good thermal insulation. 
2. Chemical Resistance. 
3. High moisture resistance. The material must not pass moisture, otherwise a fungus may appear under the coating, contributing to the destruction of the laminate.
4. Processing bactericidal agents. High-quality substrate, as a rule, is impregnated with a special solution that prevents the multiplication of various microorganisms under the laminate.
5. The ability to create microventilation laminated coating and remove condensate.

The main types of substrates for laminate:

• PE foam backing;
• polystyrene backing;
• cork backing.

Polyethylene foam

Foam substrate. It is made on the basis of an isolon (foamed polyethylene). It is considered the most economical option. This kind of film serves for many years. The substrate is easy to fit. You can connect it with ordinary tape.

This material is quite easily torn because of what should act very carefully, so as not to accidentally tear the film. The main disadvantage is that such a substrate shrinks, thickens sufficiently, and after a period of time begins to absorb less, which leads to the formation of irregularities on the floor.

Virtues:

• not afraid of moisture;
• easy to fit;
• not afraid of the appearance of fungi and mold;
• prevents the occurrence of rodents and insects;
• fairly cheap stuff.

disadvantages:

• when laying can be easily damaged;
• exposed to the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation;
• with prolonged use pressed.

Polystyrene

It is a two-layer durable material, the layers of which are joined with glue. The first layer of the substrate is polystyrene, and the second is aluminum foil. Floors using a polystyrene substrate are warmer due to the fact that heat transfer between the rough cement floor and the laminate is reduced.

Lay this material to the foil up.

The process of laying is somewhat more complicated than laying the substrate made on the basis of isolon. This material is fastened with a special aluminum tape.

Virtues:

• not afraid of mold and fungal microorganisms;
• not afraid of moisture;
• good floor insulation.

disadvantages:

• slightly more expensive foam substrate;
• pressed under load.

Corkboard

It is an excellent basis for laying a floating floor. An important property of such a substrate is that it is practically not pressed under pressure. Its service life is so great that it can last almost longer than laminate. Pretty easy to fit.

Before laying, the entire surface of the cork substrate should be treated with water-repellent agent. The necessary tool can be purchased at building materials stores (bitumen or rubber may be used).

It is not recommended to use this type of material in rooms with high humidity (for example, in kitchens or bathrooms). Note that no water-repellent agent is not able to fully protect cork material from moisture, and the ingress of moisture leads to its deterioration.

Virtues:

• does not contain toxic substances;
• high resistance to stress, not pressed;
• durability.

disadvantages:

• material is vulnerable to bacteria and fungi;
• cork material is highly susceptible to moisture;
• expensive stuff.

Substrate thickness

The optimum is the thickness of the substrate from two to five millimeters. The choice of thickness depends on the type of material chosen, its degree of strength, thickness of the laminate coating and curvature of the floor.

Желательно, чтобы пробковые подложки были не толще двух- трех миллиметров. Substrate thickness из пенополиэтилена должна быть около пяти миллиметров, поскольку со временем она будет проседать и это, непременно, скажется на качестве укладки ламината.

In rooms that require additional sound and heat insulation, it is recommended to use a thicker layer of substrate.

A thick layer of the substrate may cause an increase in the load on the laminate fasteners.

Some manufacturers produce a laminated coating with an insulating material pre-attached to it from below. This is typical for laminated flooring class 32 and 33. Of course, this type of laminate is very convenient to install, but it will cost you dearly.

Before you make a choice on a specific type of substrate, weigh all the pros and cons. Properly selected substrate will help you increase the life of the laminate and improve floor performance.

Video

Technology laying sheet substrate of polystyrene, wood-fiber and cork substrates: