Overview and characteristics of the best material for the substrate under the laminate

Before we deal with this issue, you need to figure out what a given material, and what are its operational features.After all, the life of any product depends not only on its quality but also on the correct installation and further use.What is called a "laminate"?

thing is that this term is usually meant a coating that has an outer protective layer (film).So, the thing is based on a particular product.And since, as such, can be cardboard, chipboard, sheet metal and some other materials, and then the substrate under a laminate is best to choose, in accordance with this circumstance.

most often called "laminate" products are sold in the form of boards, which have as conventional counterparts connecting cutouts ( "groove" and "spike").The structure of all products - multi-layered.The top - a protective, behind him - a decorative, and then - the foundation (providing strength of the entire "build").The bottom layer serves to protect the material from absorbing moisture and simultaneously serves as a shock absorber when mechanical impacts.

What must provide the substrate

1. Smoothing possible irregularities.Laying laminate on a site where there are differences in height, will inevitably lead to a "loosening" of the whole floor.Formed slit laminate boards at the edges begin to crumble.The slightest puddle formed on the floor, immediately penetrate down into the floor slab.Moisture will gradually erode the concrete, trying to find a loophole and go down.In general, such a long time the floor will not be, and the ceiling of the ground floor rooms have to constantly put in order.
2. soundproofed.Laminate - a solid material, so do not do without a sound mitigation steps.
3. Reduced heat loss in the room.Any room should be somehow insulated.It is not only comfort, but also a way to avoid the emergence and development of various putrefactive processes, which ultimately affects the health of the hosts and the service life of all property.
4. Depreciation load.Otherwise, the laminate will deform from constant contact with the rigid foundation floor (concrete, cement, rough board).

Consider the basic materials of which make the substrate for laminate:

Polyethylene foam

Take naturally thick material.It is good that the waste during installation, virtually none.However, over time the layer becomes thinner ( "pressed"), therefore decreasing heat and sound insulation properties.And the elasticity is also deteriorating.Cost - from 85 rubles / m2.

• cork materials.
• Styrofoam (extruded).
• Combination products.

Arbiton

material sheets or rolls of 2 or 3 mm thick.Excellent shock absorber is able to smooth out any unevenness in the floor.An advantage that can be placed on any surface, as adhesion requirements are needed - it is not glued.

approximate cost - 50 rubles / m2 (2 mm) and 70 rubles / m2 (3 mm).

Izolon

In "pure" form is used rarely as quickly wears out, and torn quite easily.However, the complexity of installation is not because the joints are sealed with adhesive tape (duct tape construction).It should be used in areas where there is intense movement of people.Price - 40 rubles / m2.

Better known foil izolon.He has all the necessary qualities for reliable substrate.It is covered with a metallic layer of foamed polymer.It differs good ability to "hold" heat.Accordingly, the cost is higher - from 60 rubles / m2.

there and rolled material (30 x 1 m) extruded polystyrene.At the performance level, he does not differ from the tube.It has a high water-repellent properties and increase the strength and durability (about 50 years).A sheet thickness of 3 mm (100 x 50 cm) is from 50 rubles.

One option - Isoplaat plate.They have a further advantage: as a basis used compacted sawdust softwood.These boards have a tonic and curative effects.Therefore, the price - from 120 rubles / m2.

Tupleks

multilayer film made of polyethylene (3 mm).Specificity of the material that is located between the gasket layers of granular polystyrene.This substrate has high strength.It is advisable to be laid in rooms where the floors are exposed to the strong mechanical stress.The cost of the roll (30 m2) - 90 rubles.

Izoshum

Polystyrene foam.It features high quality and long life.Unlike traditional film - is not deformed, therefore, does not change its properties during the entire time of operation.On average, it costs 50 rubles / m2.

Available varieties on a cork base.The distinguishing feature - a great shock absorption and the ability to restore its thickness after the cessation of mechanical action.Marketed as rolls and plates.Performed in a roll (mm 3) From 150 rubles / m2, the sheet (10 mm) - 320 rubles / m2.

There are also some other materials.Before their purchase better to ask about the review of these products, as well as the reputation of the manufacturer.

few tips

• Masters practitioners believe that the optimum thickness of the substrate - to 4 mm.
• Differences in height on the surface to be treated should not exceed 2 mm.Otherwise, there is no backing does not help.
• Some products from the technical cork well absorb liquid, so they should not be used in rooms with excessive humidity.This feature should be specified separately.As an option - additional processing of materials with water-repellent properties (for example, mastic).