Do You Use Underlay For Vinyl Flooring

If you are looking for additional sound reduction benefits insulating value and built in vapor barrier we recommend the quietwalk luxury vinyl underlayment has it was designed for luxury vinyl plank and tile flooring.

Do you use underlay for vinyl flooring.

Floor underlayment by scott deboer november 1 2019. Quietwalk luxury vinyl underlayment view product where to buy category. Vinyl floors are designed with a base layer making the addition of underlay pointless. Vinyl planks require hard thin underlay because the product itself is softer.

To allow for a smoother exterior along the finish floor to provide added stability and protection and to enhance the acoustic capabilities of the floor. While vinyl flooring is known for its resiliency it would be a major mistake to overlook the underlayment. Plywood used as underlayment for sheet vinyl flooring should also have a sanded smooth surface on the topside. But it is strongly recommended that you refer to your manufacturer s instructions before doing so.

A vinyl flooring underlayment will not be as thick as a laminate or hardwood underlayment. Wear layers and topcoats can protect the surface of your floor but underlay adds a layer of protection to the bottom of your boards or tiles. We use a stiff bristle hand brush to get debris out from under the drywall. With certain types of flooring the underlayment can be just as important as the floor itself.

There are three primary reasons why vinyl flooring owners should have underlayment installed beneath the surface. The only time a vinyl floor may need underlay is when the surface beneath is uneven or has issues with damp. This baselayer makes the vinyl flooring incredibly durable and comfortable to walk on. Get in touch with experts at lifestyle flooring for more guidance regarding the use of underlay for vinyl flooring.

Using an underlay where it is not required can nullify your floor warranty. Since vinyl planks are generally thinner than a laminate the underlayment is also thinner. While underlayment for vinyl planks may be used under hardwood and laminate the reverse is not true. If you are installing your vinyl plank flooring over a concrete subfloor you may want to use an underlayment for three reasons.

Second you may want an extra vapor barrier above the subfloor to reduce any risk of moisture. Your vinyl floor must have a thickness of 4mm or more in such cases. Avoid using materials with distinct raised grain patterns which can affect the finish texture of the sheet vinyl. An underlay may be used if you want to increase the height of your floor.

Vinyl floors that are glue down or loose lay will not need a vinyl underlayment as these floors will be installed directly over the subfloor. One thing is certain with underlayment and vinyl plank flooring though and that s the fact that when it s recommended it must be thin and it must be dense. However you ll want to use one in every other application including covering existing hardwood floors vinyl flooring that isn t cushioned and concrete floors.