UNDERLAY & ACOUSTIC SOLUTIONS UNDERLAY, UNDERLAY
Matthew Haestier of Direct Flooring Online looks at the best types of underlay for different rooms and applications, from stairs and hallways to underfloor heating.
When choosing underlay, it’s important to consider which type is best suited to each area.
Felt Underlay is the most durable underlay available, offering excellent levels of cushioning, insulation and sound reduction. However, its robust construction may make it difficult to cut and fit on stairs.
Crumb Rubber Underlay is largely made from recycled rubber, making it a durable choice for areas with heavy furniture. Its resilience helps protect carpet from indentations and compression.
Sponge Rubber Underlay is well suited to concrete floors and underfloor heating, combining durable cushioning and heat transfer design.
Foam Underlay is a lightweight, flexible option that works particularly well in tricky areas such as stairs. It also provides good levels of sound reduction and insulation.
The best underlay for stairs may not be the best choice for an entrance hallway. Hallways typically experience heavier foot traffic and therefore require a more durable underlay.
For rooms with underfloor heating, you will need to ensure the combined tog rating of the carpet and underlay is less than 2.5, otherwise the heat will not transfer well through the flooring.
In living rooms, a soft, comfortable underlay can help create a more luxurious feel, but durability is also important as these areas tend to receive a high level of use.
Where sound reduction is a priority, foam or sponge rubber underlay can be a good choice. For uneven floorboards, a thick, robust option such as crumb rubber can help provide a more stable surface.
WHAT IS THE BEST THICKNESS FOR UNDERLAY?
When it comes to selecting underlay, the general rule is that thicker is better. However, there are several factors worth considering:
Price – The thicker the underlay, the more material is required, and the higher the cost will be. Fitting – Thicker underlay can be heavier to handle and more difficult to cut and install.
Underfloor Heating – Thicker, highly insulating underlays can reduce heat transfer from underfloor heating systems to the floor surface. Some underlays are specifically designed for use with underfloor heating, while others are not suitable at all.
https://directflooringonline.co.uk/product/qa-floorsure-gold-10mm-carpet-underlay-15m2/
QA FloorSure Gold 10mm Carpet Underlay offers excellent thermal and sound insulation, keeping the whole room warmer and more comfortable.
DOES IT MATTER WHAT UNDERLAY YOU USE?
Yes, underlay is more important than many people realise and can affect comfort, insulation, flooring performance and installation.
Comfort – Hard subfloors can be very uncomfortable to walk on with thin underlay, and even more so without any at all. Heat Retention – Thin or poor-quality underlay may provide less insulation, which can be particularly noticeable during the winter months. Good-quality underlay can help retain warmth, potentially reducing the amount of energy needed to heat the room. Heat Transfer – Installing a highly insulated underlay over underfloor heating can restrict the amount of heat reaching the flooring surface. It is therefore important to choose an underlay suitable for use with the heating system. Flooring Lifespan – Using an inadequate or unsuitable underlay can contribute to increased wear and reduce the performance and lifespan of the floorcovering. Depending on the product, using the wrong underlay may also affect warranty cover. Installation – Installing the incorrect type of underlay for certain areas can make cutting and fitting during installation much more difficult. This is especially relevant for DIY projects.
WHICH UNDERLAY IS BEST FOR BEDROOMS?
A soft, comfortable underlay can be a good choice for bedrooms, where people are often barefoot or wearing socks. Felt underlay can be a suitable option, offering cushioning as well as insulation.
While thicker underlay generally provides a softer feel underfoot, the ideal thickness will vary depending on the carpet. A thinner carpet may benefit from a thicker underlay, while pairing a thick carpet with thick underlay could result in an excessively deep pile.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CHANGE UNDERLAY?
It’s a mistake to overlook the underlay when replacing flooring. If a floorcovering has reached the end of its useful life, the underlay underneath may also have deteriorated, even if this isn’t immediately visible.
Using old underlay with a new floorcovering can affect its comfort, appearance and performance, making replacement alongside the flooring a worthwhile investment.
Underlay can last for up to 25 years providing the installation was done correctly.
https://directflooringonline.co.uk x.com/TContractFloors 27
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