Green laminate flooring. Materials for the manufacture of substrates for laminate. Natural materials are the most expensive

Purpose.

Rolled technical cork GREEN LIFE is used as an underlay for floating floor coverings.

It is an environmentally friendly and natural material with thermal insulation properties, designed to make your home more comfortable. The cork underlay is designed to reduce noise, improve thermal insulation, smooth out minor defects and irregularities in the base. Recommended for mechanical deformation protection and suitable for commercial and residential use on most floor coverings.

Storage.

The cork underlay must be kept in a dry, well-ventilated area protected from direct sunlight and moisture for at least 48 hours prior to laying. During storage and laying, the temperature and relative humidity must be maintained at the level of constant use of the building (temperature 18°C ​​- 26°C, relative humidity 30%-75%).

Screed preparation.

The substrate must be firm, dry, smooth, even, free from dust and any other contaminants. Relative humidity of cement-sand screed< 2,5% (СМ).

Polyethylene vapor barrier film.

Be sure to lay a polyethylene vapor barrier film under the cork substrate, which should go 50 mm onto the wall along the perimeter of the floor. A continuous vapor barrier film is recommended, if this is not possible, then the film is overlapped, with an overlap of at least 200 mm. Mounting to the base is possible, for example, with double-sided tape. It is forbidden to attach by any mechanical means - staples, screws, etc., which can damage the film or cork backing.

Use with floor heating systems.

GREEN LIFE cork underlay is suitable for use with floor heating systems. Keep in mind that cork has a high thermal insulation performance, choose an appropriate floor covering that is compatible with heating systems.

Installation instructions.

Starting from one of the walls, roll the GREEN LIFE cork backing along the longest wall in the room. Cut off the length, leaving about 30 mm of overlap on the wall. Continue loosely laying the next row of rolled cork backing side by side with the previous one so that the side edges touch. Seal the joints with adhesive tape so that they do not open when the flooring is laid. When completed, the GREEN LIFE cork underlay should completely cover the floor area without gaps, with tightly bonded and film-bonded joints.

Attention!!! Never attach the GREEN LIFE cork underlay to the substrate mechanically. Always follow the flooring manufacturer's instructions.

Overview of the best of the most popular

In order to recommend the best substrates to you, we took into account the opinion of representatives of manufacturers of the most popular laminate brands, analyzed the reviews of craftsmen and users on specialized Internet resources and construction forums, and the technical characteristics of materials.

Selection criteria

The selection was made by us on the basis of the parameters below, which we offer you to be guided by when choosing.

Noise absorption

By this is meant the absorption of "shock" (reflected and transmitted) noise. The reflected noise you hear when you walk on the floor, the passing one is the one that is heard by your neighbors below. Let's make it clear right away: NO backing will save YOU from the noise of your neighbors under you, it is YOU who save them from the roar of your heels.

Relation to moisture

Substrates from different groups react differently to moisture. Please note that an indispensable condition for the guarantee for laminate from manufacturers is the presence of a waterproofing film with a thickness of 200 microns.

thermal insulation

This indicator is important if the floors are located above basements, unheated garages, walkways.

Density, thickness

For laminate, the ideal is the most solid base. In this case, the wear of the locks will be minimal. The softer and thicker the substrate, the faster the coating will become unusable. If the thickness is more than the optimal (!) 3 mm, then there is a high probability of the appearance of cracks due to the wear of the locks.

Reaction to uneven ground floor

The denser the material (and cork has the highest density), the worse its leveling ability and the more carefully the base should be leveled. The curvature of a large radius you will not align with anything!

Lifetime

Under an expensive laminate with a lifespan of 15 years or more, it is not economically feasible to lay a cheap polyethylene substrate, which will wear out in a couple of years.

Suitable for use with underfloor heating

This characteristic is relevant for those who plan to lay laminate on underfloor heating.

Ease of installation

Some types of roll substrates (from cork, in particular) “strive” to curl up when laying. In this case, it is better to take sheet material.

The best manufacturers (brands) of substrates

Well-known laminate manufacturers strongly recommend using branded substrates for their products. Otherwise, they reserve the right to refuse to consider the claim, if any. However, all of them favor cork substrates from Portugal and VTM brand extruded polystyrene. Excellent reviews about Parkolag and Isoplin from both installers and buyers. Quick Step NPE substrates have proven themselves in operation. But the domestic analogue will provide you with "bubbles" and "waves" after laying. We also do not recommend extruded polystyrene of Russian and Chinese brands: in the product description, their characteristics are overestimated.

OUR RANKING OF THE BEST SUBSTRATES

Place	Name	average price	Nomination	Description	Our rating
The best natural substrates
1.	Premium Cork (Cork), Portugal	90 rubles/m2 (2 mm) 145 rubles/m2 (3mm)	Natural cork The highest density The lowest thermal conductivity	Material "technical cork" from compressed cork tree bark. It has a high resistance to deformation, good noise and vibration absorption, excellent thermal insulation qualities. Fits exclusively on a thick film. Sold in rolls and sheets. Not recommended for heated floors.	9 out of 10
2.	PARCOLAG (Parkolag)	95 rubles/m2 (3mm)	bituminous cork Best Features	Ventilated lining. It is a kraft paper impregnated with natural bitumen with natural cork dressing (granules 2-3 mm in size). It is characterized by high noise absorption, excellent noise and moisture insulation. Roll material.	9 out of 10
3.	Isoplaat (Isoplat)	55 rubles/m2	The best thermal insulation, acoustics, alignment	Conifer resin-based fibreboard for sound insulation. Levels uneven subfloor up to 4 mm. It is characterized by high thermal insulation, natural ventilation, vapor permeability. Effective damping of "impact" noise, sound dispersion, moisture resistance.	9 out of 10
Best Extruded Polystyrene Underlays
1.	VTM, IsoPolin (Isopolin)	55 rubles/m2	Best value for money	Material - polystyrene film. This rigid XPS underlay sits in the middle between cork and polyethylene in terms of installation complexity and cost. Excellent sound insulation, minimal moisture absorption. Excellent thermal insulation properties that remain in high humidity.	10 of 10
The best polyethylene substrates
1.	Tuplex (Tuplex)	99 rubles/m2	Most technological	State-of-the-art composite material consisting of expanded polystyrene granules between two layers of polyethylene different thickness. It has excellent moisture and noise insulation properties. The membrane construction of the lower layer of Tuplex allows you to ventilate the space under the laminate: moisture seeps in and then is removed under the baseboards.	9 out of 10
2.	Isolon PPE	35 rubles/m2	The cheapest underlay	Heat-resistant finely porous substrate made of foamed "cross-linked" PPE. Outperforms NPE in all respects.	8 out of 10
3.	Foil Izolon PPE	56 rubles/m2	foil	Insulating substrate Izolon PPE with a foil layer 14 microns thick applied on one side.	7 out of 10

The best natural substrates

Let us immediately clarify that the natural origin of the substrate in this case does not give any advantages in terms of ecology, since a laminate will be placed on top of it, which, as you know, is an artificial material.

Cork underlayment Premium Cork (Cork)
Rating 9 out of 10

Photo: vopros-remont.ru

Average price in Russia: 90 rub./m2, thickness 2 mm (145 rub./m2 - 3 mm thick)

Advantages: One of the best substrates made in Portugal, Spain. Very high density means the resistance of both itself and the laminate locks to deformations under loads. Due to the high damping properties, the floor will not “play” over time. Due to its very low thermal conductivity, good insulation floors above unheated rooms. Since it dampens noise well, it will be an excellent solution for children, game rooms. Can be used with high-end laminate without requiring replacement, 25 years. Unlike the Chinese counterpart, it does not crumble, is good in installation and operation, and does not harm the laminate.

Flaws: High price. Noisy on poorly leveled ground. It is best to apply on wooden floor, plywood, chipboard. Absorbs moisture, therefore requires concrete waterproofing and is not recommended for wet rooms and kitchens.

Typical Reviews
“It is necessary to carefully remove the base under the cork! I encountered this…”
“... it's hard to lay. When the roll ends, the cork tends to pull back strongly, and there are fears that it, crumpled, will fall under the laminate.

Parkolag (Parkolag)
Rating 9 out of 10

Photo: strmnt.ru

Average price in Russia: 95 rub./m2, thickness 3 mm

Advantages: High noise absorption, wear resistance, very high moisture insulation make this ventilated underlay one of the best. Cork powder, which retains its elasticity, contributes to long service laminate, and bitumen prevents the penetration of moisture from the concrete screed. The presence of air exchange prevents the formation of condensate, fungus, mold. Maintains linear dimensions under very significant pressure and changes in temperature and humidity conditions. A reliable underlay that will be an excellent solution for expensive laminate brands and will serve without causing problems for many years.

Flaws: Cannot be used under underfloor heating.

Reviews:
“Compared to technical cork, as a mixed version, it is more versatile, moreover, more wear-resistant. Wins in terms of a barrier to excess moisture.
“As a substrate, I always liked Pargolag, about which I heard a lot of tales, such as bitumen stinks not like a child, etc. All this is nonsense.”
“I bought a parking lot for laminate flooring. Fine! And there is no smell, and teeeee…”

Isoplat (Isoplaat startfloor barlinek)
Rating 9 out of 10

Photo: bug.ua

Average price in Russia: 55 rub./m2 (thickness 5 mm)

Advantages: An ideal substrate for underfloor heating due to its absolute safety when heated. Due to the porous structure, it has good noise and sound-absorbing, acoustic and heat-insulating properties, and heat resistance. The special structure of the bottom layer allows free air circulation, providing ventilation properties. In addition, thanks to antiseptic impregnation, it is protected from fungus and mold. In terms of elasticity, thermal conductivity, resistance to compression, sound absorption, durability and naturalness, it is similar to cork. As for thermal insulation, due to the thickness of Isoplat, it is 3 times higher and comparable to soft insulation.
Flaws: Plates of smaller thickness are not produced.
Reviews:
“I have a 5 mm isoplaat under 33 laminate. Elastic, warm to the touch, dampens noise well. With two small children, the neighbors downstairs simply don’t hear us (their opinion).”

Best Extruded Styrofoam Underlays

VTM, IsoPolin (Isopolin)
Rating 10 out of 10

Photo: skill-spb.ru

Average price in Russia: 55 rub./m2 (thickness 3 mm)

Advantages: A stable base for laminate flooring, making it comfortable even diagonal laying laminate. Due to the closed moisture-proof pores, it is an ideal waterproofing. Optimally selected density is expressed in a sufficiently high resistance to external pressure and at the same time the absence of strong rigidity. The latter quality compensates for floor irregularities up to 3 mm and enhances sound insulation: the impact sound absorption index approaches cork. Specifications similar to Isoplat plates. Mechanical pressure does not have a destructive effect on the structure, so VTM and IsoPolin substrates do not lose their high heat and sound insulating properties over time. Service life more than 10 years.

Flaws: Not suitable for areas with high traffic and load (ballrooms, fitness clubs, etc.). Not suitable for underfloor heating.

Reviews:
“In terms of laying properties and resistance to sagging, XPS underlay and Isoplat are almost identical.”
“As a builder, I can say that it is pleasant and easy to work with him, many customers require just such a substrate.”
“In the Olympic Village… there is a huge demand for this substrate among understanding people.”

The best polyethylene substrates

Tuplex (Tuplex)
Rating 9 out of 10

Photo: ekopol.kiev.ua

Average price in Russia: 99 rub./m2 (thickness 3 mm)

Advantages: Tuplex underlay adapts to the shape of the base, smoothing out small imperfections. Superbly absorbs impact noise, drowning out the sound of heels. This quality allows us to recommend Tuplex for both residential and office use. Thanks to its low compression (14 times less than polyethylene foam), it retains its shape well and prevents the laminate from sagging. The unique structure of the material allows you to remove moisture naturally, but this advantage is reduced to zero in the presence of waterproofing film. Suitable for underfloor heating.

Flaws: The heating efficiency from underfloor heating is lower compared to traditional heat-conducting substrates due to the dispersion of part of the air.

Reviews:
“The best… I've worked with is Tuplex. Very easy to fit."
“I heard complaints about it. Key takeaway: Styrofoam balls deform over time… Maybe that’s not the case, but it’s worth thinking about.”
“... I tried for compression - it is not restored. Although the annotation says otherwise.

Isolon PPE
Rating 8 out of 10

Photo: www.web4market.biz

Average price in Russia: 35 rub./m2 (2 mm)

Advantages: Good heat and noise-absorbing parameters of “cross-linked” closed-cell polyethylene, its environmental friendliness, resilience and elasticity, increased moisture resistance and hydrophobicity, inertness to “chemistry”, bacteria and relative cheapness make the Izolon PPE substrate (not to be confused with Izolon NPE!) preferred for use in residential and public buildings. These qualities can be maintained by Izolon PPE for a long time under any operating conditions. Does not deform under load, does not burn and does not emit toxic substances. Over time, it does not collapse, does not lose stability and strength, unlike gas-filled polyethylenes Izolon NPE, Penofol, Polyizol, etc. Service life in normal conditions over 25 years. The best solution for underfloor heating.

Flaws: Despite the good thermal insulation performance, you should not count on the thermal insulation of the floor with a material thickness of 2-4 mm.

Reviews:
“If you take Izolon, then the PPE is white with very dense small bubbles, but not our NPE!”
“Compared to cork, Izolon has much worse compression and recovery.”

Foil Izolon PPE
Rating 6 out of 10

Photo: www.dom-laminata.ru

Average price in Russia: 56 rubles/m2

Advantages: In addition to the advantages of Izolon PPE, the foil layer, which is a reflective thermal insulation, enhances the heat, vapor barrier properties, reduces heat loss by 97%. Important: the effectiveness of foil thermal insulation is higher, the higher the temperature difference between the subfloor and the room. For the first floor with a concrete floor, foil Izolon PPE is useful, for an apartment on the fourth floor there will be no gain in temperature. But as a heater, it goes well with an infrared warm floor.

Reviews:
“In order for the foil to give a tangible effect in heat reflection, the temperature should be. around 60°C. Therefore, the foil on the foam ... a good marketing ploy ... ".
"...living in a plastic bag requires constant ventilation."

What is the best underlay to buy?

To the same group of materials, even professionals often have a diametrically opposed attitude, and most often poorly reasoned. Our rating of the best substrates does not give an unequivocal answer to this question - the choice is yours. Study the characteristics of the material and choose the one that best suits the tasks, the degree of evenness of the base and your financial capabilities. At the same time, keep in mind that thicker does not mean better, the thickness of the substrate should not exceed 3-4 mm, unless a larger one is allowed by the laminate manufacturer.

When the repair is already coming to an end, it's time to lay flooring. Most often these days, people prefer such material as laminate, which is versatile, looks very neat and beautiful and can last for decades. However, before this wonderful coating is on your floor, you need, as they say, to prepare the ground so that it is more firmly fixed. This is where the question arises as to which is better, what should be its thickness, and what material it should be made of.

Brief description of the substrate

Before we start comparing different kinds this "underground" layer, let's figure out what it is. Indeed, in order to understand which substrate for a laminate is better, you need to know its functions and purpose, otherwise do right choice it will be very difficult. So, firstly, even in the newest apartments, the floor is not perfectly flat. Of course, the screed in some places compensates for this drawback, however, when laying the decorative coating, over time, the irregularities will begin to be squeezed under the weight of the residents of the apartment and furniture. The substrate in this case performs a shock-absorbing function and prevents the laminate from sagging in places where there are small depressions or cracks. Also, this coating performs a soundproof function. That is, those noises that come to you from neighbors from above will be less noticeable thanks to this auxiliary floor layer.

Additional functions of the substrate

If you still doubt whether you need a substrate for a laminate, then carefully consider its following properties. Firstly, this additional layer allows you to keep more warm air in the apartment. At the same time, it does not let the cold through, thereby serving as a heat insulator. The substrate will become an additional conductor of heat if your house has a warm floor, and if there is no such system, then it will simply give the room more comfort. An important function of this material is also the protection of wood from moisture. It absorbs most of the fumes, so that the sensitivity to water in the laminate is noticeably reduced. This allows this floor covering to serve you longer and not deteriorate. ahead of time. And now, in order for you to understand which laminate underlayment is best, we provide a list of all existing coatings that can be used for repairs.

Material - the basis of any substrate

Types of this flooring are strictly divided into groups depending on the materials from which they are made. For example, one of the most common options is as a rule, it is sold in the form of wide rolls of foil and has a completely negligible thickness. It is worth remembering that this material can be mounted exclusively under the laminate, and combine it with parquet board Absolutely forbidden. The price of this coating is extremely affordable, so it is often used during budget repair apartments or office space. The fact is that this “foil” is very sensitive to mechanical damage, therefore, voids often appear under the laminate if it is laid. Nevertheless, the material performs a shock-absorbing and insulating function, therefore it is in considerable demand.

Cork cloth is one of the best choices

One of the common types of "underground" coatings is under the laminate. The price of this material is quite affordable for everyone, and its quality is quite high. Therefore, cork rolls diverge from the shelves of hardware stores quickly, and in apartments they serve for a very long time and with high quality. It is worth noting that this material is combined not only with a laminate, but also with a parquet board, however, it cannot be mounted if the apartment is equipped with a heated floor. This is due to the fact that it has low vapor barrier properties, and the moisture that will evaporate from the pipes can damage the decorative floor layer. Also, do not forget that this layer is mounted together with a cellophane film, which compensates for the low vapor barrier. In this case, both the decorative coating and the cork substrate under the laminate will serve you for a long time. The price of such a substrate will fluctuate between 150-300 rubles per square meter which is quite affordable these days.

Parkolag-rolls - a lot of warmth and comfort

Now let's talk about how dense and thick the underlay should be for exactly the option that will ideally cushion the flooring and at the same time not take up a lot of free space? The answer is simple - you need to give preference to such a coating as parcolag, or, as it is more commonly called, kraft paper. It is sold in rolls, the price of which varies depending on the thickness and quality. However, even the most budget options They are a dense and at the same time elastic fabric, insensitive to mechanical damage. This is a 3 mm thick laminate underlay, thanks to which the coating perfectly levels the floor and prevents further deformation of the laminate. It also has excellent vapor barrier properties, thanks to which the tree retains its qualities better. However, it is worth remembering that a thin layer of bitumen must be applied over this kraft paper, which at first after repair will emit a characteristic smell.

Tuplex is a repair brand that will fix all the mistakes

For many years now, all builders have been saying that the best substrate for a laminate is a duplex, which is sold in rolls. This material does not have a specific name, so it is called in accordance with the manufacturer, but this does not make its quality worse. It is a multilayer film, the thickness of which does not exceed three millimeters. Cellophane layers are located along the outer edges of the coating, and foam granules are contained in the middle. Thanks to such a simple structure, this coating ideally retains and even increases heat in the room, and along with this, it also has soundproofing and absorbing properties. Cellophane, which is part of the duplex, does not allow moisture to pass through, so that the board remains completely intact. It is noteworthy that this material can also be placed on a wet screed, if it is necessary to complete the repair urgently. Over time, moisture from the concrete will be absorbed into the substrate, and this problem will be eliminated.

Natural materials are the most expensive

But from the more respectable and expensive coatings, a coniferous laminate substrate, made from natural raw materials, stands out. It is produced in the form of sheets of various sizes, the thickness of which is 3 or more millimeters. It has a characteristic dark green color and a slightly fleecy surface. This allows the material to retain the greatest amount of heat in the house, but does not trap air. That is, this lining “breathes”, simultaneously performs heat-insulating and sound-proofing properties, and also absorbs all unnecessary moisture, thereby prolonging the life of the tree. However, coniferous laminate underlay is not sold in hardware stores. It can be made to order, and its cost will be much higher than that of its cellophane and cork counterparts. Also, this material is combined with a parquet board, and has served for decades.

Which is better: sheets or rolls?

Today, there are two main types of auxiliary coating that is mounted under any floor: sheet and roll underlay for laminate. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, so we will briefly consider them now. In the first case, the plates, regardless of their thickness, should be as close as possible to the walls. The distance between them should be as minimal as possible, and all joints are treated with adhesive waterproof tape (in extreme cases, you can use adhesive tape, but the result will be of less quality). Rolled canvases begin to be laid from the extreme wall, gradually filling the middle of the room. You need to cut off the strips with a small margin, just in case, and if something remains sticking out from under the decorative coating, then it can be easily cut off. In this regard, the question of which substrate for the laminate is better is up to you, since these are already questions not of the quality of the material, but of the installation process.

Optimum lining thickness

So, we have already learned almost everything about the quality and types of lining for wooden flooring. Now let's move on to its aesthetic qualities, namely, to the parameters. Many people choose suitable material, begin to wonder about how thick the substrate for the laminate should be in their apartment. Now we will consider this issue in detail. This size mainly depends on the differences in the floor itself, that is, on the size of its defects. If the depressions are between 2 and 5 millimeters in size, then a coating with an average thickness of 3 mm will do. If the irregularities are more significant, then materials with a thickness of up to 8 mm, or even more, can be used. This will level the floor and prevent further subsidence of the laminate.

As already described above, many linings do not have a cellophane base, and this is important in conditions high humidity. Therefore, before installing the material, make sure that this layer is laid, which will prevent the appearance of moisture in the room. The exceptions are substrates that are already stitched with this material.

Materials such as foil and foam are excellent at retaining heat and at the same time are inexpensive. Therefore, laminate linings made on their basis are often mounted in apartments where temperatures are always low. And, of course, it is important to pre-level the floor with a concrete screed, and not hope that the substrate will take over these functions. The smoother each new layer is, the longer your decorative flooring will last.

A small conclusion

Now you know that one of the necessary repair steps is laying such material as a substrate for a laminate. How to choose which type to give preference to and how to mount it - only the master of this business can describe this process in full colors, however, how to do all this. The article provided general rules and recommendations about these works, which you can use if you do repairs in the house yourself. However, it is still not worth starting such work without experience.

Laminate has become one of the most popular and cheapest floor coverings. It is strong, durable, happy wide choose- from budget to elite models of any color. As a rule, people spend a lot of time choosing a laminate, but they forget about the substrate. In this article, we will figure out which substrate is better, because the durability of the coating depends on its quality.

Underlayment for laminate flooring is required by floating floor technology. This is due to several factors, which we will talk about.

• • Soundproofing. If the bedding under the laminate is not used, then each step will be given a booming thud. The presence of a soft even layer will hide small noises, frictions (see article about).

Sometimes in the 33rd and 32nd class of laminate there is a built-in substrate: an insulation layer is already glued on the reverse side. It is more convenient to lay such material than usual, but due to the more difficult production technology, the cost increases significantly.

• • Surface leveling. Another function of the substrate is to level small irregularities. This is very important when, because the durability of the locks depends on the evenness of the base. According to the technology, the allowable floor differences should be no more than 2 mm per 1 m. However, too much thickness of the substrate under the laminate will rather prevent bumps from hiding, because then it will sag at the joints when walking. So that the seams do not spread in six months, the floor surface is carefully prepared before laying the coating (see article on.
  • Moisture isolation. The laminate is made of pressed paper, so even moisture-resistant models do not need to be exposed to high humidity, otherwise the panels will swell. Laying the substrate under the laminate will provide additional protection against moisture from the concrete floor. For the same reason, before laying the coating, it is better to wait at least a month after the installation of the concrete screed.

As a test of the readiness of the screed, you can put polyethylene on the floor overnight. In the morning, there should be no perspiration on the concrete.

• Thermal conductivity. A conventional underlay for a laminate installed under a warm floor reduces the efficiency of its work, since both the laminate itself and the substrate material have good thermal insulation properties. There are special substrates for underfloor heating, which we wrote about in. We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with, which describes the installation process on a wooden and concrete base with further finishing with a laminate.

Substrate selection

It's easy to find plenty of options at any hardware store, but how do you choose the right underlay for laminate flooring? After all, they differ in material, thickness, sound insulation.

First of all, you need to find out the condition of the floor. If the base is even, the thinnest substrate will be enough - 2 mm. When small irregularities are encountered, it is worth choosing an insulation thickness of 3 mm. The thickness of the laminate with the underlay will be approximately 10-11 mm (assuming an average laminate floor thickness of 8 mm).

When choosing a substrate and the laminate itself, it is not necessary to give preference to the same manufacturer. It practically does not matter, because the parameters are general, so any company will do.

A brief video review of popular species:

Polyethylene foam

The most common polyethylene foam backing. Its popularity is primarily due to its low price. In addition, it has good moisture resistance, thermal insulation and is not affected by rodents and microorganisms. This material is very easy to use and minimizes waste. Often it is supplemented with a foil layer with aluminum for reflection infrared heat.

However, despite a large number of advantages, the cheapest material also has many disadvantages. First of all, it is a non-environmentally friendly synthetic material, which sags over time and does not hold its shape well. There are cases that after laying the laminate on a polyethylene foam substrate, static electricity is generated (especially in dry rooms), and the owners are periodically shocked. Therefore, think 10 times before saving 500 rubles, is your comfort worth this money? The material of domestic manufacturers will be cheaper: the price of a roll of 25 square meters. m. about 320-400 rubles. Foamed polyethylene from Quick step will cost 60-90 rubles. for 1 sq. m.

Cork substrates

Cork underlayment under laminate flooring is great as a base for a floating floor. Although it is a natural material, cork is not subject to mold and decay, and is an excellent heat insulator. Throughout the entire service life, such a substrate will retain its dimensions and characteristics. This type is available in the form of rolls or sheets. In some cases, there is a self-adhesive layer on the back (see the article about).


Due to the high cost, it is impractical to use the cork option for cheap coatings, but it is well suited as a durable base. The disadvantage of cork is water permeability, so condensation may appear under the coating.

Bitumen-cork substrates

This material is made on the basis of kraft paper with the addition of bitumen, and then covered with fine cork chips on top. The dressing is made from small pieces of cork 2-3 mm. Thanks to bitumen, this type is devoid of the disadvantages of conventional cork: it does not allow moisture to pass through and retains sounds well; the material breathes, which prevents the formation of condensate. Like the previous option, bitumen-cork substrates are only suitable for expensive types of laminate, due to the high price.

Styrofoam

Often, extruded polystyrene foam is used as an insulating layer. It is optimally suited for high-loaded premises and evens out irregularities well. This is one of the most effective heaters due to the high air content in its composition. Due to its rigidity, it retains its shape well and effectively absorbs sounds, does not let moisture through. When using expanded polystyrene on the floor, a comfortable feeling when walking is provided. The most popular in this form are products from Izoshum, Arbiton.

Combined options

There are also combinations of polyethylene and expanded polystyrene. The most famous substrate is Tuplex (Tuplex), it consists of two layers of polyethylene, between which there are polystyrene foam balls.

This combined option Sold in rolls and has a thickness of 3 mm. Due to its structure, it can ventilate the room. The upper layer does not allow moisture to penetrate inside, and a thin lower layer passes it inside to the granules, and from there it comes out through technological gaps.

Coniferous tiles

New recent years - coniferous substrate under the laminate It is difficult to find it in stores due to its high cost, but coniferous boards from Isoplat are sometimes sold. The material is completely environmentally friendly and allows air to pass through, so there will be no greenhouse effect under the floor. However, in terms of elasticity, needles are inferior to cork. It is also worth considering that minimum thickness coniferous tiles - 4-5 mm, which is contrary to the requirements of many laminate manufacturers. The tiles are laid diagonally.

Substrate laying

Now let's talk about the technology, how to lay the substrate under the laminate:

• If there is a fresh concrete screed on the floor, a layer of thin 0.2 micron polyethylene should be laid before laying. In older houses, this is not necessary.
• Thoroughly clean the floor of debris, vacuum all the dirt. The base must be dry.
• For cutting, use ordinary scissors or a construction knife. They overlap the walls, then the plinth will close it.
• In no case do not lay several layers of the substrate to compensate for irregularities, a layer of 2-3 mm will be enough. If you need more, they are produced with plywood, screed or in another way.
• If the material has a corrugation, it is laid down with this side, so there will be less irregularities. The foil material is laid with the reflective side up.
• Laying is carried out end-to-end, without overlapping sheets on each other. In order not to displace the substrate during work, it is recommended to stick it on a double-sided adhesive tape to the floor.

Summing up

Subject to the technology and the purchase of a high-quality substrate and laminate, they will last more than 10 years at home. Of course, the final choice will depend on material possibilities, but it is better to try to purchase high-quality natural materials so as not to pay twice.