Modern brands offer the consumer just a terrific choice of laminate , which can be bought by a person with any income. However, regardless of the cost of the material, it is clearly necessary to complete it with a substrate. Often, buyers are troubled by what kind of substrate under the laminate is better and whether it can be used, for example, for linoleum .
Do you need a substrate for linoleum and parquet?
This question also worries the minds of buyers. The basis for laying the floor covering is necessary to perform the following functions:
- noise suppression;
- depreciation;
- protection from moisture;
- prevention of premature deterioration of the coating;
- heat insulation.
Among the various variations of such a product, it is difficult to choose the optimal one, so we will consider the existing names in more detail.
Cork pad under the laminate
It is generally recommended to be laid under a parquet board, which does not exclude the possibility of a cork-based laminate. Cork is one of the best natural insulators of noise and heat. Also this material is characterized by exclusively natural origin, which guarantees its ecological purity. The most serious drawback of the cork substrate is the ability to swell under the influence of water. For laying the laminate it is necessary to use its 2 mm version. If the thickness is less, crumbling of the substrate and premature failure of the entire structure can not be avoided. Also, you do not need to "chase" a thicker product, which will create unnecessary strain on the laminate locks.
Jute linoleum and laminate
This version of insulation consists entirely of natural jute fiber. For its production, jute fiber fibers are punched and rolled at a temperature of about 150 ° C. This leads to their cohesion and the formation of an elastic and lush mass. This type of substrate necessarily undergoes a flame retardant treatment, which helps to prevent the influence of microorganisms. Jute substrate is relevant in the case if there is no heating in the room where the laminate or linoleum will be laid, or there is a concrete floor base.
Substrate of expanded propylene
This option is the most budgetary and often purchased. It is resistant to moisture, easy and simple installation, heat and sound insulation properties. The most serious defect is the process of destruction of propylene, which will begin 10 years after the start of operation. It is also worth considering the toxicity and fire hazard of this type of substrate.
Substrate with a layer of foil
The foil layer is an excellent addition to the foam polyethylene substrate, which demonstrates excellent heat, sound and waterproof properties. This option is ideal for the construction of a floor from hard logs or for laminate, the service life of which does not exceed 10 years.
Substrate with bitumen base
This solution also guarantees good insulating qualities, but manufacturers prefer to keep silent about its significant drawback. The matter is that bitumen is formaldehyde, which under the influence of high temperature begins to melt and release toxic substances.
In the pursuit of buying the best substrate for a laminate or linoleum, many nuances must be considered. One of these is the structural features of the floor covering, which may simply be "incompatible" with the selected substrate option. Also, one should not overlook the peculiarities of the room in which the styling will be made, its purpose and the conditions for subsequent operation.