Selecting the appropriate underlay can be crucial when installing laminate flooring. The underlay acts as a vital layer when using polystyrene foam laminate, affecting everything from comfort to durability. Knowing the function of this underlay will facilitate a smoother installation process and help you get the most out of your flooring.
Underlays are made to give your laminate a stable foundation. The proper underlay for polystyrene foam laminate aids in soundproofing, insulation, and smoothing out small subfloor imperfections. Without it, your laminate may feel noisier or less stable underfoot, which could negatively impact how your new floor feels overall.
This post will discuss the qualities of an excellent underlay for polystyrene foam laminate, how it prolongs the life of your flooring, and what to consider when making your selection. With the correct knowledge, you’ll be prepared to choose wisely and take pleasure in a flawlessly laid laminate floor.
- Types and characteristics of polystyrene foam substrate
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Polyethylene or polystyrene?
- Popular manufacturers and prices
- Laying nuances
- Video on the topic
- Sheet backing for polystyrene laminate – expert review
- Test comparison of popular laminate underlays.
- Underlay TUPLEX® 3 mm
- Installation of laminate on polystyrene foam WITH YOUR HANDS
- Coniferous underlay for laminate reviews! Cons and pros! 3, 5 and 7 mm.
- Comparing flooring underlays
Types and characteristics of polystyrene foam substrate
Polystyrene is a member of the synthetic polymer family known as polystyrene foam. obtained by styrene polymerization. Transparent granules are the end product, from which expanded polystyrene or pressed polystyrene can be obtained by extrusion at +190–230 degrees Celsius.
Under extreme pressure and high temperatures, polystyrene granules combined with foaming reagents (volatile petroleum products and water vapor) are extruded to produce the substrate. The end product is low density (30–40 kg/m2), high noise absorption (up to 22 dB), moisture absorption (0.08%), and thermal conductivity (0.035 W/(MxK) polystyrene foam.
Rolls or slabs (single sheets or accordions) are used as the substrate for polystyrene foam laminates.
- width – 50.0-60.0 cm;
- length – 100.0-120.0 cm;
- thickness – 2, 3, 5 mm.
Offered in packs of ten or twenty sheets. You won’t be able to purchase one or two sheets because the sellers don’t open the packaging. Roll material with dimensions of 15 m × 110 cm × 2 mm is produced.
When the foil and foam are adhered to one another, the backing beneath the laminate, which is composed of extruded polystyrene foam, can also be foil-coated. available in sheets. Holds:
- noise absorption – up to 23 dB;
- dynamic strength (impact) – 0.035 W/m2;
- bending strength – 0.25 MPa;
- thermal conductivity – 0.035 W/(MxK);
- compressive strength – 0.16 MPa.
Based on the technical specifications provided, we can conclude that adding foil to a simple substrate not only improves its basic consumer properties but also adds a new feature: waterproofing.
The primary use for foil backing is beneath heated floors. Heat can be reflected upwards by placing heating elements on it and covering it with foil. Reviews on the forums indicate that although the quality is significantly lower, it is comparable to a foil stopper.
For a smooth, long-lasting, and well-insulated floor made of polystyrene foam laminate, selecting the appropriate underlay is essential. In addition to improving sound insulation and offering thermal protection, the underlay serves as a supporting layer that evens out small subfloor imperfections and improves the performance of laminate flooring. You can increase the longevity of your laminate flooring and improve the comfort of your living space by choosing a premium underlay that is compatible with your subfloor.
Advantages and disadvantages
The backing for expanded polystyrene laminate, or polystyrene laminate, has benefits and drawbacks when compared to other materials of a similar kind, just like any other building material. Among the benefits are:
- the ability to maintain elasticity due to the high strength of the molecular bonds of the material under compression, as a result of which the floor covering retains its integrity and beauty for a long time;
- long service life, coinciding with the service life of the laminate;
- absence of deformation during prolonged exposure to heavy objects (under the legs of furniture, the polystyrene backing is able to restore its dimensions over a long period of time);
- High thermal insulation properties – the porous structure does not conduct heat well;
- A good level of noise absorption – up to 70% or 22 DB;
- retains its properties in a wide range of temperatures -from -50 to +75 degrees Celsius, which allows you to lay polystyrene material under the laminate or linoleum in unheated rooms (dachas);
- the ability to ensure air circulation on the concrete surface of the screed or hydraulic protection material (ribbed lower side), as a result of which condensation is not formed under the laminate;
- Environmental friendliness is safe for the environment (does not rot);
- quality compliance with price;
- the ability of the cellular structure to prevent condensate formation, but when it occurs, absorb moisture, which allows not to waterproof the floor screed;
- the accuracy of the sizes of sheets in length and width, which simplifies the laying process;
- light weight and compact packaging, allowing the polystyrene foam pad to be transported in passenger cars.
There are some drawbacks as well, but not many:
- low leveling ability – with a thickness of 3 mm, it is not able to eliminate the impact of irregularities of more than 1 mm on the flooring, as a result of which creaking quickly appears;
- has a temporary drawdown that will go away in 4-5 weeks;
- is not sold in sheets, but only in packages, as a result of which quite often a large balance arises – a loss of the family budget;
- low resistance to aggressive environments (easily dissolves in gasoline, acetone, chloroform, etc.).d.), exception – ammonia, alkalis, alcohol, propane;
- highly flammable due to the high content of carbon (92%) and hydrogen (8%) in the composition;
- in packages, sheet material is constantly curved;
- fragility of the substrate under strong bending.
Polyethylene or polystyrene?
In real life, there is an intriguing confusion: professional builders frequently mix up foamed polystyrene and polyethylene because they are related to foam plastic. But these are entirely different materials, with unique qualities and, of course, varying costs.
There are two types of foamed polyethylene: cross-linked (PPE) and non-cross-linked (NPE). The most affordable substrates are Izolon, Stenofon, and Porilex, with prices ranging from 15 to 28 rubles per square meter. However, this does not imply that their quality is correspondingly low.
Because non-crosslinked polyethylene foam (NPE) lacks a molecular cross-linking network, it will rupture when subjected to heavy loads. During the manufacturing process, a carbon atom takes the place of a hydrogen atom in cross-linked polyethylene (PPE), causing molecular bonds to form in all directions and giving PPE its name. This polyethylene greatly outperforms NPE in every metric:
- density – 30% higher;
- strength – 40-50% higher;
- long service life – almost 2 times longer;
- high level of sound insulation (NPE has practically none);
- thermal conductivity – 20% lower.
The price of cross-linked polyethylene foam indicates its slight quality inferiority over the polystyrene substrate. It is in the range of 35–50 rubles/m 2 for polystyrene foam.
In conclusion, PPE is the best foam backing for linoleum in terms of both cost and quality attributes. Polystyrene foam is a better option for low-cost repairs beneath laminate or parquet flooring.
Popular manufacturers and prices
A few things to consider when purchasing foam polystyrene for the substrate are as follows:
- no laminate or parquet manufacturer recommends polystyrene foam underlay for their products and, therefore, does not provide a guarantee for the floor covering;
- the foamed polystyrene substrate successfully performs all the functions of the damper layer;
- low price for many buyers is a priority compared to a warranty on flooring.
For the population of the former Soviet Union, linings for extruded polystyrene laminate are made in China, Russia, and Poland (these products are not sold in other parts of Europe or America because natural materials are prioritized there).
The most well-liked brands are:
- Firm VTM IsoPolin (Isopolin) (Poland) – produces products in the form of rolls and sheets with a thickness of 2, 3 and 5 mm. Roll dimensions 20 m x 1.1 m x 2 mm, plates – 100 cm x 50 cm. Thickness may vary. Fits not only under laminate, but also under wooden floors. According to its technical characteristics, the XPS substrate occupies a middle position between cork and NPE. High quality is accompanied by an appropriate price – from 55 rubles./m 2 ;
- "Isonoise" (Russia and the Republic of Belarus) – considered the best in terms of price and quality ratio. Available in thickness 3 mm, area 0.5 m2 . Pack of 20 sheets. Price starts from 25 rubles./m 2 .;
- "Solid" (Russia, g. Aramil, Sverdlovsk region.) – produced in the form of single sheets and accordions with a thickness of 2 to 5 mm. The package contains a simple base of 5.25 m2, an accordion – 52.5 m2 . Prices start from 55 rub./m 2 ;
- "Aberhof" (Aberhof) – a German company produces a 5 mm thick underlay for floor screed with a height error of up to 3.5 mm. Packaging: 5.25 m2 (10 sheets). For 1 m2 you will have to pay, oddly enough, only 25-30 rubles. Disadvantages include rapid shrinkage. However, among this type of substrate, with high leveling ability (3.5 mm), it is the undisputed leader.
Laying nuances
Polystyrene foam underlays for laminate flooring can be laid similarly to other types of underlays, theoretically speaking. The position of the polystyrene foam material in relation to the laminate is an exception:
- the rolled underlay is positioned perpendicular to the floor covering;
- the slabs are laid at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the parquet or laminate.
The rest follow the same protocol:
- Before work begins, the substrate is brought into the room and unpacked so that the material takes on geometric dimensions suitable for the temperature and humidity of the room where it will be installed;
- Some of the slabs are cut diagonally from one corner to the other and laid near the walls;
- A strip is laid out lengthwise for the installation of several strips of laminate. It’s better to be safe here – this is one of the few types of substrate on which you can walk. But it’s better not to take risks, especially since there are no problems with this scheme of work;
- The joints are glued together with masking tape or construction tape;
- Laminate is installed;
- The next strip of substrate is laid out, etc.d.
The process of laying rolled material involves some subtleties. The cut sheet of backing is constantly twisting, which is the issue here. Whenever you try to straighten it, it frequently crumbles and eventually breaks. The problems that occur have an easy fix: cut the sheets to size, unfold, place a weighty object on the ends, and then let them sit for a few days. Internal strain will lessen and the issue will go away during this period.
Type of Underlay | Description |
Foam Underlay | Lightweight and easy to install, provides basic cushioning and sound insulation. |
Rubber Underlay | Offers excellent soundproofing and durability, ideal for high-traffic areas. |
Combination Underlay | Combines foam and rubber for enhanced comfort and noise reduction. |
Moisture Barrier Underlay | Includes a built-in moisture barrier, perfect for areas prone to dampness. |
Cork Underlay | Natural and eco-friendly option, provides good insulation and reduces noise. |
The performance and longevity of your polystyrene foam laminate flooring can be significantly affected by selecting the appropriate underlay. A quality underlay aids in soundproofing, insulation, and the provision of a stable base. It’s critical to choose one that complements both the qualities of the laminate you’re using and your unique needs.
Make sure the underlay is applied evenly and completely covers the surface during installation to avoid any gaps or overlaps. Poor insulation and uneven surfaces can be avoided with proper installation. You can make sure that your flooring experience is efficient, comfortable, and seamless by paying attention to these little things.
In conclusion, you can extend the life and use of your laminate flooring by purchasing the proper underlay and installing it properly. Take your time, make informed decisions, and install your flooring according to best practices to reap the full rewards of your setup.