Many people ask, does it really need any kind of substrate under the laminate , maybe it's worth trying to do without unnecessary expenses? The fact is that this coating has a fibrous structure, and only a thin film protects it from various harmful effects. In addition, if you decide to put it directly on the floor, then when walking, you will hear an unpleasant creak or rumble from the steps. A soft, even coating of the substrate will provide sound insulation, thermal insulation, soften various irregularities and protect the laminate from dangerous moisture.
What is a laminate substrate?
The substrate is a roll or sheet gasket between the rough floor and the decorative coating. In the case, how to choose a substrate for a laminate, many factors play a role. On a flat base enough to put a thin material (2 mm), but if there are small irregularities, then you need a thicker substrate - from 3 mm or more.
What is put under the laminate?
Now cheap polyethylene is very popular. It is not only inexpensive, but also not afraid of moisture, microbes and rodents. In addition, it can be bought with an already attached foil layer. It turns out, therefore, is already an efficient enough warm substrate for a laminate, working on the principle of a thermos. Its disadvantage is that over time, there is a subsidence of the material.
In the matter of what is put under the laminate floor, it is impossible to pass by polystyrene foam. In its foam composition it has a lot of air and it keeps the heat perfectly. Stronger than polyethylene, it holds a better form, absorbs third-party sounds well. At the moment this is one of the best options for choosing a substrate for your beautiful laminate.
The cork substrates are made of natural material, keep the heat well and resist the putrefaction processes quite well. Bitumen-cork substrates are made from special kraft paper impregnated with bitumen and sprinkled with crumb, which is made from crushed cork. Although such material breathes, but it better keeps moisture and does not give rise to condensation. Coniferous tiles on the elasticity is worse for the cork, and they are not suitable for all. But this material is environmentally friendly and does not miss air. By value, both of the latter types of substrate are more expensive for synthetics because of which the consumer often gives his choice in favor of foam or foamed polystyrene foam.