Differences in Laminate Underlayment
#1
07-26-17, 09:17 AM
Differences in Laminate Underlayment
I am putting in a laminate floor and planning which underlayment to buy. I found one I like but am curious as to the differences in them.
The two which are different are the foam 2mm and a Silver 2mm foam underlayment. (It looks as if the foam is coated in the silver.)
What does the silver do? Is it important to lay the silver side up or down? Is it recommended over plain foam or would the foam be better?
The two which are different are the foam 2mm and a Silver 2mm foam underlayment. (It looks as if the foam is coated in the silver.)
What does the silver do? Is it important to lay the silver side up or down? Is it recommended over plain foam or would the foam be better?
Last edited by Marvinator; 07-26-17 at 10:33 AM.
#2
07-26-17, 10:40 AM
Group Moderator
What do the laminate's installation instructions say? You want to follow them to keep your warranty intact.
#3
07-26-17, 10:42 AM
Instructions say to use underlayment. Before I purchase, I am trying to learn about different kinds and how one might work in this room better than another.
My question is what does the Silver do for a floor where the standard foam does not?
My question is what does the Silver do for a floor where the standard foam does not?
#4
07-26-17, 01:47 PM
Super Moderator
Since we don't know what brand you are looking at, we can't really say what the difference is. Could be some sort of insulating property, or maybe for radiant floor heat. It should say on the manufacturers website or the underlayment instructions. Or you can call the manufacturer.
#5
08-03-17, 07:56 AM
I'm not sure why I'd buy something without knowing it's purpose. I have not bought any of this yet, but wanted to know the difference before I buy.
The only thing I can find on the internet is that the Silver backed has a "3 in 1" Vapor Barrier. Since the standard 2mm foam is also a vapor barrier, I wanted to know what the pros think of using one or the other.
I guess I'll go with it, as it appears to be an extra set of vapor protection...which this room may need.
Thanks for all the responses.
The only thing I can find on the internet is that the Silver backed has a "3 in 1" Vapor Barrier. Since the standard 2mm foam is also a vapor barrier, I wanted to know what the pros think of using one or the other.
I guess I'll go with it, as it appears to be an extra set of vapor protection...which this room may need.
Thanks for all the responses.
#6
08-03-17, 11:05 AM
Member
The foil lined vapor barrier would be important if you are installing over a slab. If on a traditional framed floor system it probably wouldn't be much benefit.
