The substrate for linoleum - aligned , insulated and eliminate noise

Do I need a substrate for linoleum - its main function

substrate - the basis for finishing flooring, performs three main functions: smoothing irregularities on the surface of subfloor, its insulation and soundproofing.The subfloor compulsorily subjected to leveling before laying the coating, but even with all the necessary work no one is safe from the occurrence of irregularities subsequently.

They can occur due to poor performance of the concrete screed, heavy load, bumps and falls of heavy objects.Linoleum is characterized by its softness, so the total amount of generated defects will be clearly visible.The support will cover up these irregularities and extend the finish coating.

good substrate is and good insulation, increasing your chances that in the cold, the heat loss in the house will be minimal. course, directly laying linoleum cement-sand screed is fraught with the fact that the floor is cold enough.As a result, walking on a surface does not bring much comfort.Moreover, the cold floor did not have a beneficial effect on your body.In this case the substrate under the linoleum may play the role of floor insulation.

Especially important is this support function for those who live on the ground floor of a multistory building or in a private house with a basement.

Sound-proof properties of the substrate is not less important.They can significantly reduce the noise penetrating into your home from the neighbors below, if any.This is especially important for old houses built - without sound insulation you hear gaining bath neighbor who lives two floors below.

Of course, there are now several materials that may be used as a substrate for linoleum.Each has its advantages and disadvantages, which determine their degree of suitability for use under the conditions of your stay.It remains only to determine whether there is a need for support in your case.If so, feel free to proceed to the choice!

substrate What is better?

Immediately worth mention that experts almost unanimously opposed the use of the foam substrate.This is due to the fact that most types of household linoleum is quite soft.Add to that the foam - the result you get an impressive dent in the floor surface even by a little bit heavy objects, to say nothing of the furniture.Today, as the basis for finishing flooring, you can choose:

• jute substrate;
• natural linen;
• plywood or fiberboard;
• material from the flax mixture, jute and wool;
• cork material is a high density and degree of hardness.

So fabric of jute would be the ideal option in that case when it is necessary to improve the thermal insulation of the floor: when laying concrete screeds directly on the ground, there is no heating in the room. Jute substrate made of natural materials, which makes it environmentally friendly and safe for humans.Moreover, due to its ability to pass air, this material regulates indoor climate.

Choose a product that has the highest density!

stiffness requirement, in principle, applies to all types of substrates.Hard materials will minimize the risk of nicks and spring effect when walking.It would seem that this is fully consistent with the requirements of plywood or MDF, but it's not quite true.

Practice has shown that the plywood significantly reduces the life of the household linoleum, and fiberboard not tolerate high humidity and temperature changes, which leads to deformation of the substrate and thus the flooring.That's why most experts recommend the use of cork.

cork backing - a practical basis for linoleum

Today cork material, which is sold in DIY stores in rolls, is one of the best device for the substrate under the flooring of linoleum.This is due to its excellent performance and unusual cell structure.Millions of cells are small air bubbles that contribute to the uniform distribution of loads on the cover.

So cork underlay is an excellent sound insulating material which does not miss the sounds from the lower floors.In addition, this eco-friendly material retains heat well, allowing you to comfortably walk on the floor barefoot even in extreme cold.

Unlike hardboard, cork resistant to elevated levels of humidity.This feature allows you to not have to worry about a possible deformation of the substrate.Furthermore, this material provides additional protection linoleum.

Thus, to answer the question of whether the substrate is needed, it is possible after a careful analysis of the conditions in which the flooring will be used.Only after that you can choose the material, focusing also on their own preferences and financial opportunities.