Laminated panels are one of the mostcommon materials for use as flooring. Such flooring combines optimal technical and physical, functional and decorative qualities, allowing you to decorate the rooms in different design styles. However, its operation can cause inconvenience. The presence of bumps, pits and noise effects in the form of a squeak is a common problem of coatings, the laying of which was made with violations of technology. The key element of the floor device in this case will be the intermediate layer of the substrate. It not only eliminates unpleasant sounds, but also protects the structure of the decorative material from rapid wear. In this sense, the role of the substrate under the laminate on the wooden floor is especially great, the defects of which, unlike the concrete surface, cannot be repaired with priming agents and grouting.
Place the substrate in the structure of the floor covering
The layer of material is directlybetween the wooden base and laminate. Thus, it minimizes the negative phenomena that can occur in the process of walking. In addition, it cannot be said that this layer is necessarily homogeneous and monolithic. For example, the description of the substrate under the laminate on a wooden floor that requires insulation and waterproofing, can be represented as a multi-level "cake", including additional protective layers. This may be a film, foil, mineral wool and other insulators.
Making a rough configuration of the futurecoatings, it is important to consider the limitations on thickness. Decorative panels themselves, depending on the model, can increase the height of the floor by 1-2 cm. If the room is small, then such changes can be noticeable. Accordingly, it would be useful to calculate the thickness of the substrate under the laminate on a wooden floor, the optimum value of which is 3-5 mm. It should not be too thin, otherwise the leveling function will not be performed, but, again, in a thick layer of meaning may not be, if the material itself is chosen incorrectly.
Basic requirements for the substrate under the laminate
To proceed when choosing follows from a wide rangeoperational properties. The main ones will be indicators of strength and rigidity. The substrate must be elastic in order to provide a damping effect, but at the same time resistant to breaks, since permanent mechanical loads can lead to rapid loss of shape. The values and the ability of the material to noise reduction, heat and waterproofing. Even with additional layers, such protection cannot be guaranteed if the base of the material does not meet the basic requirements for insulation. Particular attention should be paid to issues of environmental safety. If the substrate is chosen for laminate flooring on a wooden floor in a living room, then preference should be given only to floorings of natural origin. And in this part it should be noted that there are practically no completely natural materials of this type on the market, however, the main component may well be non-synthetic. And, on the contrary, the practicality of artificial substrates will be quite appropriate when laying the coating in technical rooms, corridor, back rooms and utility block.
Cork backing
This is a worthy solution just for arranging.living quarters, because cork flooring is environmentally friendly, but it does not undergo biological degradation processes. That is, unlike other natural materials, it excludes the development of mold and rot. The advantages of this solution include good thermal insulation. The material retains thermal comfort in the room, naturally adjusting the microclimate. Since it lacks dense and airtight layers, ventilation will be provided in the clandestine niche. That is, it turns out a ventilated "breathable" substrate under the laminate. It is desirable to lay the panels with a cork layer on the wooden floor with a high-quality hydro insulator, since the material does not differ in the function of moisture protection and contact with water can destroy it. Other disadvantages of this substrate include high cost. It is an average of 20-25% higher than the price of popular synthetic counterparts.
Bituminous cork panels
A modified version of the abovesubstrate, which is different configuration of the device structure. A plate of this type is formed by crumbs from cork, laid on Kraft paper with the addition of bitumen resins. This solution optimizes the technical and physical qualities of the coating, increasing its strength, and also contributes to more effective noise insulation. This option, due to its rigidity, is suitable in cases where a substrate is needed for laminate flooring on an uneven wooden floor - the layer eliminates the errors of the roughing surface, thereby ensuring a close connection with the decorative flooring. The presence of bitumen, in turn, eliminates the formation of condensate, so the material is not afraid of moisture. Of course, you should not use such a substrate in the bathroom or in the kitchen, however, it is not afraid of a slight excess of the humidity coefficient.
Polystyrene foam materials
Искусственный материал на основе extruded agglomerate of plastics, the merits of which include a mechanical protective function. Styrofoam levels the wooden surface, creating optimal conditions for the subsequent laying of the laminate. This option is recommended for heavily loaded rooms where heavy equipment is installed or there is a walk-through area. Public buildings are the target objects in which the laying of this substrate under the laminate on a wooden floor is justified. The photo below illustrates an example of mounting panels on an extruded polystyrene base.
Conifer plates
Relatively new and least commontype of substrate due to the high price tag, which exceeds even the cost of cork models. But, thanks to a combination of operational properties, this option can be justified. Such plates are distinguished by good thermal insulation, environmental safety, rigidity and ability to ventilation. In many ways, coniferous plates are similar to cork, but there are fundamental differences. First, the substrate under the laminate on a wooden floor of this type is less resilient, and secondly, the plates have a high thickness. This nuance should be considered when laying. Initially, the thickness may be about 5-7 mm, but during operation, the needles will be compressed and the level of coverage will be reduced. Accordingly, the structure of the placement of the laminate panels will change slightly.
How to choose the best option?
Much of the choice will help determine the targetpurpose of the place of application of the coating. If we are talking about business premises or offices, then it is worth laying dense polystyrene foam. Its artificial origin as a defect will not matter, but the technical and physical qualities will benefit the flooring. And, on the contrary, the best substrate for laminate on a wooden floor in the living room or nursery is made of cork or other materials like pine needles. In choosing from this spectrum, one should focus on the insulating and noise-suppressing qualities. Modifications with bitumen resins will be the most advantageous option for the combination of qualities for laying in the living room or office, but the artificial component still limits their use in sleeping rooms.
Coating technology with substrate
Черновая поверхность очищается от грязи, vacuumed, washed and dried. Next is the layout of the site on which the laminate will be laid. The substrate material is laid in the transverse direction relative to the future placement of the decorative panels. And at the edges should be left a small tolerance. It will close the baseboard, thereby ensuring the integrity of the flooring. Usually the substrate under the laminate on the wooden floor is not fixed, but for greater reliability, you can use glue or hardware. At the final stage panels are mounted. In modern models of laminate provides locking connections that can be latched when pairing sheets. Again, if there are doubts about the insufficiency of the insulating functions of the substrate, then it will be useful to provide film layers for hydro and vapor insulation before laying the laminate.
Conclusion
Внедрение дополнительных слоев усложняет coating structure, making it more functional and flexible to use. With quality installation and the right choice of materials, you can organize durable flooring in any room. It is possible to determine which substrate for laminate on a wooden floor will provide the desired performance properties by the nature of the application of the room itself. But not only his appointment should be the decisive factor of choice. The best substrate is one that is suitable for bundles with concrete laminated panels. Foam polystyrene materials are optimally suited for high-strength models, and the laminate from home series is organically supplemented with substrates made using natural raw materials.
