The Right Underlayment for Vinyl Flooring Makes All ...

The Importance of Choosing the Right Underlayment for Vinyl Flooring

What is Underlayment?

Underlayment is a material layer installed between the subfloor and the flooring surface. It plays a crucial role in your overall flooring system, which includes the joists, subfloor, underlayment, and the top flooring layer.

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The primary function of the underlayment is to offer essential moisture control, soundproofing, warmth, and to minimize deflection – the bending or sagging of the floor due to loads.

Many modern vinyl floorings, such as Happy Feet, come with an attached underlayment, often with a built-in moisture barrier – except when the pad is made of cork.

If the vinyl flooring you select doesn’t come with an attached underlayment, you can usually lay it directly over the subfloor. However, this might lead to a less satisfactory experience. To maximize softness, warmth, moisture protection, and noise reduction, an underlayment is vital.

Underlayment Thickness

A common guideline is to install vinyl over 1-1.5mm of underlayment or cork. However, making broad statements about maximum thickness without considering the material's density and composition can lead to problems. Always consult a flooring expert if you have specific questions about your flooring and its compatibility with underlayment.

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What About a Double Underlayment?

More is not always better, especially with underlayment, where too much can undermine the floor’s locking system. Adding excessive underlayment under vinyl with an attached pad can cause too much cushioning, leading the floor to separate over time. This is why double underlayment (using more than one layer) is typically not recommended and might also void the warranty.

However, you can sometimes add an extra layer of underlayment. For instance, if your floor has a cork pad attached, you may also want to install a very thin moisture barrier. Adhering to the manufacturer's instructions is crucial to avoid any issues and ensure the warranty remains valid.

LVT with Cork Backing Attached or Cork Underlayment?

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