If you want to minimize loud distractions and echoes in your house, you should consider soundproofing your floors. Whether there are children running around upstairs from you or there is a dog in the backyard being loud, it is a good idea to soundproof your floors to suppress sounds and have a truly enjoyable living experience.
Soundproof laminate flooring that has a quality underlayment can help you to cut down drastically on external sounds. It is excellent when it comes to absorbing sound, and the layer underlayment also will provide more solidity to the floor. An added benefit is that it reduces the hollow percussive sound that often happens with footfalls when you float laminate flooring over a subfloor. This will pad the laminate floor like a pad does when you put it underneath carpet.
The underlayment is comprised of a thin foam pad. Usually, it is made out of polypropylene or polyethylene that is laid on the subfloor prior to installing the laminate. It is extremely common to install underlayment with laminate floors today. Some manufacturers do offer floors that already have this attached. However, you should know it is a special feature that you need to ask for, in most cases.
There are four varieties of floor underlayment that are most common.
* Cork Underlayment
This tends to be more expensive than foam. It does have a better quality overall. Solid cork is great when it comes to resisting moisture, along with preventing sound. When you put cork underlayment together with laminate flooring, you will notice it seems like a hardwood floor. Since cork is a renewable resource, this is considered to be the most environmentally friendly choice.
* Floor Muffler Underlayment
This is well known for having a moisture barrier. A large number of professionals prefer to use this type because it is a serious upgrade from the average foam underlayment. It is thought to be the best at sound reduction, as well as being mildew and mould resistant.
* Foam Underlayment
This is the most cost-efficient type of flooring underlayment. For this reason, it also is the most common. It is not the best for reducing noise from the floor itself or making it more comfortable for you to walk on it. It is preferable when used on the first floor, in areas where there is not likely to be moisture.
* Foam/Film Underlayment
This type has moisture protection built into it. Foam/film is similar to cork, yet it is less expensive. You must have a combination of film and foam to keep moisture from building up on the underlayment.
Every business owner or homeowner should take great care in making the decision on which type of laminate flooring to purchase. There are several factors for you to think about with such a choice. When you decide to use vinyl or laminate for your floor, you will need to get laminate floor underlayment. This is a top-notch flooring option that we offer at All Flooring WA. We also provide other services and products for your business and home needs.