If you are installing a floating laminate floor or floating engineered timber floor, then you will be required to install prior to the floor being laid a foam or rubber underlay. A minimum of 3mm underlay is recommended by Imperial Flooring Australia. Underlay and subfloor types are the most important aspect of any flooring project in both residential and commercial spaces. Proper selection and installation of underlays and subfloors is crucial to the proper wear and stability of any flooring type, especially when it comes to acoustic performance.
Types of Underlay for Floating Floors sold by Imperial Flooring Australia.
What is Flooring Underlay?
Floating floor underlay is a layer of foam or rubber that protects your floors. It is installed between the subfloor and the floating floor that acts as an insulation that will both dampen sound (acoustics) and protects your beautiful floors from mould, mildew, and any potential moisture.
Option 1# - 3mm Silver Foam Underlay (2 in 1)
The 3mm silver foam underlay is an affordable option in underlayment, perfect for most residential & commercial spaces that doesn't require the acoustic performance certification. It provides a silver moisture film protection with noise reduction properties inbuilt. This underlay is the perfect everyday floating floor underlay that consumers should consider purchasing.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product: Floating Floor Underlay
Type: Silver Bottom / Foam Top
Moisture Barrier Overlap: Yes
Roll Size: 20sqm Roll
Thickness: 3mm
Width: 1meter
Peel & Stick Tape: Yes
AAAC Star Rating: 4
Suitable Floor Coverings: Laminate, Bamboo & Engineered Flooring
Install Method: Floating Floor Only
Options 2# - 3mm Acoustic Rubber Underlay
If you require strata certification or must meet certain acoustic requirements at the property or commercial premises, our 3mm Acoustic rubber underlay is the certified floating floor underlay you will require. This rubber underlay is perfect for households that want the best performing underlayment, especially for subfloors with excessive noise that requires acoustic noise reduction. The 3mm Acoustic Rubber Underlay is suitable for dual bond direct stick installation applications for engineered timber flooring.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product: Floating Floor Underlay or Direct Glue Down
Type: Rubber
Colour: Multicolour
Surface: Granular Texture
Grade: Commercial & Residential
Density: 850 Kg/m3
Acoustic Performance: 43dB
AAAC Star Rating: 5
Roll Size: 10sqm
Length: 10 metres
Width: 1 metre
Thickness: 3mm
Suitable Floor Coverings: Laminate Flooring & Engineered Flooring
Strata Certified: Yes
Installation Method: Floating Floor or Direct Dual Bond Stick Down (Glue)
Installation of Underlay: Loose lay installation or glue down.
Ground Level Concrete: Install Builders Plastic or Moisture Barrier first
Conclusion
At Imperial Flooring, we recommend spending as much on underlay as you can afford because performance generally follows price in floating floor underlay. The best performing underlay for all floating floor installations in terms of acoustic noise reduction is the 3mm Acoustic Rubber Underlay, but that's not to say the 3mm silver foam underlay is still an everyday affordable option that will do the job!