Even such an excellent floor covering, as a laminate , requires special preparatory work - leveling the surface, priming, installation of waterproofing and substrate. Violation of these rules is highly undesirable. For example, the lack of a substrate is sufficient ground for the laminate seller to reject your claim in case of premature deterioration of the coating. Fortunately, now there is a good choice of this material - polystyrene foam, polyethylene foam, cork. The latter kind of expensive, but it has some valuable properties that do not have a synthetic coating. Therefore, it is undoubtedly worth a detailed description.
Cork pad for laminate
- The cork substrate for a laminate is better from its competitors:
- this type of substrate does not just hide some small tubercles or shells on the base of the floor, it allows to completely smooth out all possible defects, which will make it possible to prevent another additional pouring;
- Laminate locks, in the case of a cork substrate, are better protected from dust, which can be emitted by a fresh concrete base;
- this excellent material is a good waterproofing and thermal barrier;
- when using a plug, the mechanical load is better distributed over the floor plane;
- this kind of substrate better absorbs noise when walking and dragging objects;
- one more important advantage is the environmental friendliness of the material;
- The plug does not compress so quickly under the load and is durable.
Pressed crumb of natural wood (oak) is an organic substance, and it should not be used in a moist environment. But even a dry room, especially after a recent repair, sometimes has its drawbacks - a fresh screed, which is still full of moisture, the presence of a shower room, a toilet or a wet basement from below, and other nuances. That is why manufacturers began to modernize the usual cork substrate under the laminate, to invent its varieties, which, respectively, have their pros and cons.
Types of cork substrate
- Technical plug without additives . Use this material without pre-laying of polyethylene is possible only when there are no damp rooms below, and the base itself is completely dry and well prepared.
- Bitumen-cork substrate . For its production take a special kraft paper, and weld it a mixture consisting of crushed cork and bitumen. This material is delivered in the form of strips, which are laid without overlap. Strengthen them with a sticky tape. Bitumen allows you to give up additional waterproofing, but it is because of it that this type of cork in living quarters is rarely used.
- Rubber-cork substrate . This material consists of granular cork and rubber. It can be found, both in stripes and in plates. To lay the rubber-cork substrate also it is necessary without overlap, edges having fastened with an adhesive tape. Rubber well retains heat, moisture, and well extinguishes mechanical vibrations. In addition, it stretches a bit, which makes it possible to apply this substrate over the rough floor of wooden boards.
Some disadvantages of the cork
The cork substrate under the laminate has many advantages, but, like other materials, is endowed with its minuses. Despite its high strength, it can eventually be pinched and deformed in places where furniture is installed and under the legs of chairs. The second disadvantage of cork is a higher price compared to synthetic substitutes. If you want to install floor heating, then the classic plug should be discarded, because it does not conduct heat well. You should in this case buy an alternative option - a substrate with a foil coating. In damp rooms, a simple cork also serves poorly, it is better to choose sheet or roll material from a granulate with an admixture of rubber.