Many property owners think that they don’t need underlayment, and they are wrong. Though it is optional, and you can choose to exclude it from your flooring plan, there are many reasons you may want to have underlayment installed. A VCH installer can help you make the right choices regarding underlayment acquisition and installation.
Do you need an underlayment for a hardwood floor?
The answer to this question isn’t a ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ If you have a plywood subfloor already installed, and the subfloor is level and smooth, you don’t need underlayment for your floor. Plywood has moisture resistance properties compared to solid wood and creates a smooth surface. So, if you have plywood installed, you may not need underlayment.
Benefits of underlayment for hardwood floor
Knowing the benefits of underlayment will help you decide whether you need it in situations where it’s unnecessary and know what you are paying for. Here are the benefits of having an underlayment installed.
Effective moisture barrier
This benefit is typically real, especially if you invest in underlay that has an attached vapor barrier. The vapor barrier helps to keep your wooden floor free from water and moisture.
It evens out subfloor imperfections
An even subfloor is a significant element to excellent stability in wood flooring. Although it is essential to address the subfloor’s significant flaws before installing it, a perfect underlay is seen to level the minor ones, hence ensuring stability.
It is an excellent cushioning agent.
One of the significant drawbacks of wood flooring is that its surface is not pleasant to walk on due to the coldness. This is especially true if you are using hardwood due to its durability. Underlayment cushions the feet when walking or standing on the wood floor and insulates it from extreme temperature changes.
Helps to reduce noise
One problem with various flooring materials is the noise caused by footfalls. Well, this has improved since the flooring products have been evolving. But to ensure additional noise reduction, you can opt for an underlay.
Do you need an underlayment for a hardwood floor?
Felt
This is among the most popular underlayment for your hardwood floor. One of the best underlay types perfect for you is the black felt if you are not using a floating floor. The black felt resembles roofing underlay, but it doesn’t contain asphalt or tar. It is safe and easy to install in confined areas in your home. It offers protection, but the felt lacks whistles and bells. Though the underlayment is thin, it provides underfoot cushion or sound-dampening.
Cork underlayment
This type of underlayment offers excellent sound-reduction properties. If you want to even out minor imperfections, the cork underlayment is flexible, and it can fit between the subfloor and the wood floor. It also assists in insulation against heat and cold, and it is also water-resistant.
Rubber
Rubber offers a sound moisture barrier, is easy to install, and acts as an excellent noise reduction agent. Another benefit of rubber is its easy DIY. The hardwood underlayment is significant when installing your wood floors. The small addition of cost and the time pay off after a long time by protecting your floor against moisture, increasing your comfort, and reducing noise.
Contact us
VCH Flooring stands by the promise to do the job right. Our professional installers will perform services consistent with the industry standards to your satisfaction. Using VCH Flooring warranties the services provided with a DONE RIGHT GUARANTEE. If you have concerns after the installation, contact us within 60 days and the services with be re-done at no additional cost. Product warranties vary by manufacturer. Because we are a services company and do not manufacture products, we only warranty our services with the DONE RIGHT GUARANTEE. We will disclose the warranties before the work begins as part of our transparency policy to be good neighbors who serve the community with excellence. Email vchflooring@gmail.comVCH Flooring 1812 Underwood Blvd, Delran, NJ 08075 Website https://vchflooring.com/contact-us/