Choosing the right underlay for your home

The importance of using an underlay layer
As a home improvement specialist (or as a knowledgeable DIY person) you have probably heard about the importance of laying out a sub-floor layer prior to fitting the flooring of your choice. This layer will act as a supportive element while providing insulation and keeping moisture away.

However, not many people realise that the underlay layer is also an essential component in the flooring equation. You might be wondering why you should install an underlay if your sub-floor is already in perfect condition. The answer is simple: underlays provide an additional level of protection to the flooring structure.

It is important to note that throughout the years, sub-floors undergo a series of expansion and contraction movements. These are caused by temperature changes, humidity, and moisture levels. Fitting an underlay layer helps prevent premature damages to the sub-floor, thus effectively extending the life of your flooring.

Fitting the correct type of underlay can also help provide better sound insulation and improving overall floor stability.

Choosing the best underlay type for carpeted floors
The most popular carpet underlays in the UK are made of rubber. There are only five types of rubber underlay, which differ from each other in their weight. As a general rule of thumb, the heavier the underlay, the more comfortable walking on the carpet will feel.

Rubber underlays come in “denominations” of 60, 80, 100, 130, and 150 lb. The lightest underlay types are particularly suitable for rooms that experience heavy traffic, since they are also the firmest. Thicker underlay types would suit bedrooms or living rooms.

Other types of carpet underlay include wool, foam, polyurehtane, and crumb rubber underlays. These are usually cheaper than rubber. Remember than the heaviest or the thickest underlay is not always the best, as some carpets are better suited to thinner (or lighter) underlay types. Always check the recommendations indicated in your carpet.

Choosing the best underlay type for wooden floors
Rubber underlays are also used with wooden floors. These provide the best levels of noise reduction, something particularly important when it comes to wooden floors. Rubber underlays would suit flats in the upper floors of a building, upstairs rooms, or wherever noise levels need to be kept at a minimum.

At the other end of the scale we find polyfoam underlays, which are the thinnest and cheapest, although they have good shock-absorption properties. These are suitable for rooms that do not experience heavy traffic.

The middle ground would be a fibre-board underlay, which offers excellent comfort standards. These are a good option to conceal and flatten out floor imperfections.

Choosing the best underlay type for laminate floors
Rubber underlays can be fitted with laminate floors too. Rubber underlays that incorporate a moisture barrier are useful in areas like basements or conservatories. These are sometimes called acoustic underlays, given the high levels of noise reduction they provide.

Foiled underlay is ideal in areas which endure harsh winters and low temperatures, as they provide excellent thermal insulation.

Foam underlay is the thinnest of all and it is especially suitable to be fitted on top of wooden sub-floors.