Underlay
Underlay is a soft or hard barrier between the structural floor and the floor covering. Many different underlay types are available and serve various purposes, from underfloor levelling to acoustics, to comfort. Though the purpose varies depending on the material used, most floor coverings require some type of underlay.
Why Underlay is Important?
Underlay provides a better-looking end result
Hard underlays provide an even and more predictable surface by covering the shortcomings of the structural subfloor.
Underlays help in load transfer too causing less damage to the topmost layer of the floor.
Structural stability is extensively improved in timber subfloors when a hard underlay is used.
The air bone noise generated by the foot traffic and hollow sound is minimized to a great extent.
Underfloor moisture is subdued to a larger extent
Reduces structural noise your establishments.
Adds physical comfort and softness
Increases the life of the flooring by protecting and supporting it.
Different types of underlay
There are Two Prime Categories of Underlays
Rigid Underlay
Generally speaking, Rigid Underlays serves ones of the two purposes listed below
1.Provides a solid base to the floor covering
2. Acts as a uniform plate that spreads the weight on top of the flooring reducing the possibilities of damages to the flooring.
These underlays are always installed to a subfloor with the help of Adhesives, Screws, Staples or Nails.
Soft Underlay
Generally speaking, Soft Underlays serves ones of the two purposes listed below
1.Comfort for Underfoot
2. Soundproofing
These underlays are just rolled out onto the subfloor, After Installation of the weight of the floor covering will hold the Soft Underlay in Place.
Applications of Underlay
Underlay enhances the floors visual appearance, physical comfort or acoustic properties, unlike the floor covering it is actually not a part of the structural subfloor.
Your floor covering decides the type of underlay you need. For example, a normal thin 1 mm underlay is used for hybrid flooring. 2 mm foam underlay is used for timber or laminate floors. In case of carpets a 12 mm rubber underlay is used.
Lastly under lay can reduce structure borne and air borne noise.
It provides cushioning and Thermal insulation.