You’re about to embark on a home renovation project, and you’re determined to do it right. You’re laying new laminate flooring, a choice that promises durability and style. But a question lingers: “Can I use roofing felt under laminate flooring?” This seemingly simple question opens a door to a world of considerations, affecting not only the look of your floors but also their longevity and your wallet. Let’s delve into the world of underlayment and discover the best approach for a successful flooring project.
Image: www.roofingassociation.co.uk
Imagine stepping into your newly renovated home, the crisp, modern laminate floor reflecting the sunlight streaming through the window. You’re proud of your work, but a nagging doubt creeps in. Did you make the right choice about the underlayment? Did you choose a material that guarantees a smooth, stable floor for years to come? The underlayment, often overlooked, plays a crucial role in the success of your flooring project.
Understanding the Role of Underlayment
Underlayment is like the unsung hero of flooring. It lies beneath the visible surface, silently contributing to the functionality and longevity of your floor. Its primary purpose is to provide a smooth, even surface for your flooring, hiding any imperfections in your subfloor. Additionally, underlayment offers a range of benefits:
- Noise Reduction: Underlayment acts as a sound barrier, absorbing foot traffic and minimizing noise transmission between floors. Say goodbye to the hollow echo of footsteps!
- Shock Absorption: The cushioning effect of underlayment provides a softer feel underfoot, reducing stress on your joints and making walking more comfortable.
- Moisture Barrier: Some underlayments are designed to protect your flooring from moisture, preventing warping and mold growth.
- Thermal Insulation: Certain underlayment options offer thermal insulation, creating a warmer feel underfoot and potentially reducing your heating costs.
Why Roofing Felt Might Not Be the Best Choice
Here’s the surprising truth: roofing felt, while a common material for roofing, is not typically recommended for use as underlayment for laminate flooring. This is because:
- Moisture Absorption: Roofing felt is porous and readily absorbs moisture. If you’re in a humid environment or your subfloor is prone to moisture issues, using roofing felt could lead to mold growth and damage to your flooring.
- Uneven Surface: Roofing felt can become uneven and bumpy over time, creating an uneven surface for your laminate flooring, leading to potential tripping hazards and an aesthetically displeasing appearance.
- Lack of Structural Support: Roofing felt doesn’t provide the necessary structural support for laminate flooring. It can compress under weight, causing floorboards to sag and eventually buckle.
Explore Suitable Alternatives:
Rest assured, plenty of excellent underlayment options are designed specifically for laminate flooring. These underlayments are crafted from materials like foam, cork, rubber, or synthetic fibers, each offering unique benefits:
- Foam Underlayment: This cost-effective option offers good sound insulation and provides a comfortable feel underfoot. However, it might not provide the best moisture barrier.
- Cork Underlayment: Known for its natural insulation properties and a luxurious feel, cork underlayment offers excellent sound absorption and moisture resistance. However, it tends to be slightly more expensive.
- Rubber Underlayment: Providing excellent shock absorption and moisture resistance, rubber underlayment is durable and ideal for high-traffic areas. It can be a bit pricier but offers long-lasting performance.
- Synthetic Fiber Underlayment: These underlayments, often made from recycled materials, offer a balance of sound absorption, moisture resistance, and affordability.
Image: flavored.ph
Expert Advice:
Always consult a professional flooring installer for specific recommendations. They’ll consider factors like your subfloor condition, the type of laminate flooring you’re using, and your desired level of noise reduction and moisture protection.
Choosing the Right Underlayment:
When choosing your underlayment, consider the following:
- Moisture Resistance: If your subfloor is prone to moisture, opt for an underlayment with a high moisture barrier rating.
- Sound Absorption: For maximum sound reduction, choose an underlayment with a higher sound absorption rating.
- Thickness: Thicker underlayment provides more cushioning and sound absorption but can affect floor height.
Can I Use Roofing Felt Under Laminate Flooring
Conclusion:
While it might seem tempting to opt for roofing felt due to its familiarity, it’s crucial to choose the right underlayment for your laminate flooring. Remember, the underlayment underpins the success of your flooring project and contributes significantly to its long-term performance and your overall satisfaction with your new floor. So, invest in quality underlayment and enjoy the benefits of a smooth, sound-dampened, and durable floor for years to come.
