What is the best substrate for laminate - dismantle existing types

Base under laminate, what is its function?

basis under the laminate performs not only the function of leveling, but has a number of other important properties.Now, you probably wondered - what exactly this property?The fact that the laminate itself, together with its inherent positive performance, and has a number of disadvantages.It has a high porosity, tends to warp, it is sensitive to moisture.And it is necessary to compensate, and therefore need the support.

It provides protection from excessive moisture absorption, performs the function of sound insulation, the coating softens deformation.In addition, it guarantees additional depreciation (springy) properties, which favorably affects the musculoskeletal system of man, has a low weight and is simple enough to install.

What substrate opt for laminate?

In today's building materials market represented a huge variety of substrates.They are made of different components and have certain properties.To help you determine which is best for laminate substrate, will describe each of them.

• foamed polyethylene (or izolon) - is the cheapest material is not afraid of moisture, mold and fungi, has excellent sound insulation and features easy installation.However, its major disadvantage is the low strength.Izolon quickly compressed by gravity and breaks.
• Foamed polystyrene - a more expensive material, but also more durable.The main advantages: not afraid of moisture and mold, has excellent occupancy rate, good sound and thermal insulation properties.Among the shortcomings can be identified rapidly compressing under load.But, in general, the substrate for a laminate of polystyrene is very popular today.
• Cork - the most eco-friendly material.It is suitable when the floor on concrete, wooden base.There are several varieties: bitumen and cork rezinoprobkovaya substrate .Of the benefits of release: no shrinkage (ie not pressed), has good acoustic and thermal insulation properties;when covered with bitumen or rubber, not afraid of water.Cons: The most expensive of the submissions, plus, if the tube is not protected by an additional layer, it is exposed to moisture.
• composite material Tuplex is made of two layers of polyethylene film.It allows you to "ventilate" floor space, since the lower part is moisture and removes it evenly around the perimeter.

way, the desired substrate thickness should be about 3-5 mm.It depends on the material and the manufacturer.If the substrate is a laminate 5 mm (such as extruded polystyrene), it will provide a greater level of insulation coatings.

Mark decides whether the substrate?

There is a myth: a substrate made, and problems are solved, especially soundproofed.Yes, for example, cork underlay can reduce impact noise (from falling objects, walk), at least 20 dB, but it does not remove the air noise.To provide complete soundproofing, you need to approach the process works complex.As it is known, in the construction of buildings used concrete slabs of different thicknesses - 160, 140, 200 and 250 mm.

Accordingly, they are thicker than the better.For example, tile 200 mm is able to provide sound insulation up to 74 dB.And the use of the substrate will further increase this figure.If the plate is thinner, it is necessary to provide reinforced insulation.

Many experts recommend a multi-layer structure.That is, in addition, you can use the concrete floor, and then to lay the substrate and laminate.And be sure of this "puff" the floor to make a "floating", that is to connect the laminate with a locking means (not glue it to the base).