If you are preparing to floor your house, ask questions like, “What is the Recommended Underlayment for Hardwood Flooring?” These kinds of questions are necessary so that you don’t make mistakes while trying to install hardwood flooring. Different types of flooring require different materials, and a hardwood floor is no different. Hardwood flooring requires an underlayment before it can be installed. It is unnecessary to do this,
but there are significant advantages that come with installing an underlayment. Underlayment is a thin-like sheet of material in between the subfloor, usually made of concrete or cement and the hardwood floor.
An Underlayment Serves Some Primary Purposes Which Include but is Not Limited to the Following
Soundproofing
With an underlayment, you are provided with soundproof materials that block or prevents noises from reaching you. Sounds can be distracting. There are two types of sounds that underlayment blocks. They include as follows
Underlayment Smoothens
Underlayment smoothens the flaws and imperfections of a subfloor. The defects may include significant gaps and holes, uneven surfaces, rough surfaces, slippery surfaces, and many other shortcomings. Before you install an underlayment, make sure to do the following
Comfortable
With an underlayment, your hardwood floors will feel very comfortable and soft to walk on. Comfort and a soft feel come from the fact that the underlayment comes in-between the subfloor, either made of concrete or cement that could be rough. With an underlayment, you won’t feel the roughness of the hardwood floor, thereby becoming uncomfortable.
Stop Floor Expansion
Climates and seasonal changes are inevitable. Without an underlayment, your hardwood floor might expand during the summer or hot months and become very soft. It will start to trap moisture and make your room warm. During the winter months as well, the hardwood floor might become dry and shrink. With an underlayment, this can be prevented.
Acts as a Moisture Barrier
An underlayment acts as a moisture barrier for your floor. It prevents moisture from coming in contact with your floor. Moisture can disintegrate your floor and shorten its lifespan.
Types of Underlayment
Foam Pad Underlayment
Foam pad underlayment is made of polyethylene foam. Some of these foam pads come with sticky sides that make it very easy to install. It makes your hardwood floor very sift to walk on and prevents moisture from coming in contact with your hardwood floor.
Rubber Underlayment
Rubber underlayment is made of rubber. They are usually cheap, and you don’t need to break a bank trying to purchase it. Rubber underlayment is suitable for noise reduction. It acts as a soundproof for noise, and it acts as a moisture barrier as well.
Cork Underlayment
Cork underlayment is suitable for people who want a renewable type of underlayment. The cork underlayment is also eco-friendly. The cork underlayment is soundproof, acts as a moisture barrier, and it is also very soft. It is quite cheap, surprisingly, and can be gotten in many stores.
Felt Underlayment
A felt underlayment is made if very thick materials. It is waterproof, which means that it acts as a water barrier. It is suitable for people who live in waterlogged areas or regions. It provides a smooth surface for your hardwood floor as well.
The Different Brands of Underlayment That Are Available Under This Include as Follows
Moisture barrier underlayment is quite expensive because of the materials that they are made from. It might be hard getting them in a local store because if this, but they serve their purpose at the end of the day. Some moisture barrier underlayment is also soundproof. It is almost like kill g two birds with one stone.
How to Install an Underlayment
Many underlayments that are made have a sticky bottom that is made of quality adhesive. All you have to do is measure your room, cut the underlayment, roll it down the room, and press with your fingers as you go so that it sticks properly.
Other types of underlayment might require nails or pins or need you to buy your adhesive before installing it.
Conclusion
Underlayment should serve three primary purposes; noise reduction, moisture barrier, and smooth finishing. You won’t have to ask yourself questions like “What is the required underlayment for hardwood flooring” if your underlayment serves these purposes. If your underlayment can’t serve these purposes, the aim is defeated.
You may also read..