QA

Question: How To Install Underlay For Laminate Flooring

What side of underlayment faces up?

If you are using rubber underlay, roll it out rubber side down with the paper facing up – if you’re using polyurethane underlay, like the ones we supply, the printed side should face up.

Does the direction of underlayment matter?

It is very important that the underlayment run the same direction as the flooring.

Do you staple down underlayment?

There is no fastening the underlayment to the subfloor. If your choose this route, staples are a good choice to fasten the underlayment. Staples usually have a coating which help increase the holding power. Using a crown compression stapler, staple 2 inches on the seams and edges with 4-6 inches apart in the middle.

Should underlay be stuck down?

It’s important to ensure the underlay is rubber or foam-side down. Try to keep the underlay as straight (and bump-free!) as possible and secure in place – either by stapling inside the gripper or by using an effective adhesive. Each roll of underlay should be laid in the same way.

What tape do I need to join underlay?

Vapour Tape is vital for joining up the seams of Laminate or Wood Underlay as it implements a secure moisture barrier between the seams of the underlay. It also helps strengthen the joins keeping the underlay firmly in place.

Do you tape underlay together?

The answer is no. We recommend to use duct tape as every hardware store carries this product. Some manufacturers sell specialized tape for underlayment but there is no extra benefit.

Should underlayment go up the wall?

The underlayment has a plastic strip on one end that goes along the wall and up the wall that will be covered by the baseboard, and the other end has a strip of adhesive tape. It is very important that the underlayment run the same direction as the flooring.

Can you put underlay on top of underlay?

Never put underlayment under laminate with built-in padding underneath. It has the same effect as using two layers of underlay and will cause the floor to be too soft and unstable which can cause the joint locking system to dislodge or break apart.

What is the best underlay?

The best type of underlay for carpet is PU foam. It is the best option due its many advantages over alternative types of underlay such as its strong heat insulation abilities and the soft underfoot it provides. However, sponge rubber is another solid option.

What is a good underlayment for laminate?

Best underlay for laminate flooring is foam or cork. Best underlay for laminate flooring is foam because it is simple to install, it is a good sound barrier, and is very cost effective. Some best foams have attached additional layer which functions as the best moisture barrier.

Does laminate flooring underlay need expansion gap?

Expansion gaps are essential in all laminate floor installations. Temperature and humidity will change in all rooms. This result is the laminate flooring will expanding and contract as the temperature and humidity change.

How far apart do you nail underlayment?

FASTEN THE UNDERLAYMENT Using each panel’s printed nail pattern as a guide, nail or staple at 2-inch intervals along the edge of each panel at 4-inch intervals throughout the panel interior. Before fastening, place your full body weight on the panel being installed. All fasteners must be slightly countersunk.

Do you glue laminate underlay?

Laminate flooring is not recommended to be glued down. Since it is a floating floor, it is meant to support itself via locking systems and have no connection to the subfloor.

What thickness underlay is best for laminate flooring?

We would recommend an underlay of 3 – 5mm for laminate flooring. It should be at least 3mm thick to provide comfort and ground levelling properties. But, it should be no more than 5mm thick. If it’s any thicker, you could experience problems with the laminate’s locking system.

Do I need a damp proof membrane under laminate floor?

Do I need a DPM under laminate flooring? Simply put yes. In order to prevent damp rising through the concrete floor and causing issues, a DPM should be used under all final floor types including wood flooring, laminate, vinyl and floor tiles.

Does underlay need expansion gap?

Apart from that, fibreboard underlay provides great sound reduction and thermal insulation and all these in an affordable price. Bear in mind, that you should leave a 2mm expansion gap between the staggered boards and 10mm gap around the perimeter of the room.

Should you tape fibreboard underlay?

use a bit of masking tape to join the underlay. just helps to keep it all in place and only takes seconds. i fit loads of laminate and prefer the fiber board type underlay. mainly because i am usually fitting over a carp rotten floor.

How do I work out how much underlay I need?

Our underlay rolls cover 15.07 square metres; simply multiply your length by your width (to get the total square meters), and divide it by 15.07 and you will know how many rolls of underlay you will need.

What happens if you overlap underlayment?

The underlayment should meet but not overlap, as overlaps in the underlayment result in bumps under the flooring. Duct taping the seam will hold the underlayment in place and help maintain the vapor barrier.

Can you put 2 layers of underlay under laminate?

No, it is not recommended to install a thick or double layer of underlayment with laminate flooring. If you install any additional underlayment, the base for your flooring will end up being too soft and could jeopardize the integrity of the locking system.

Can I use old underlay for laminate flooring?

Most of the time, you shouldn’t reuse old underlay. We recommend that you buy and fit new underlay at the same time as your new flooring. Old underlay can disintegrate as it ages, as well as harbour lots of dust and dirt.

Can you lay laminate on uneven floor?

You should not put laminate on an uneven floor. If there are bumps or dips that are more than 3/16 of an inch in size, you should not lay laminate until the floor has been levelled. Laminate that is installed on an uneven floor will settle into the uneven surfaces. This will affect the quality of the final product.