Flooring Underlayment In Kenya
Flooring underlayment is either a hard or soft material that is installed under the floor covering and above the subfloor. Flooring underlayment equalizes imperfections in the subfloor, softens and cushions the floor covering to make the floor easier to walk on, protects against moisture, and provides some sound insulation. Foam, cork, and rubber are common soft underlayments. Hard underlayment materials include plywood and hardboard.
Choosing the right type of underlayment and installing it correctly can greatly improve the durability and comfort of your floors.
What We Do as Part of Our Flooring Underlayment Service.
Prior to starting the installation process, we will first choose an underlayment that is appropriate with the flooring type. Different materials provide specific benefits such as sound reduction, moisture protection, or thermal insulation.
Subfloor Preparation:
The first step in our flooring underlayment service is to ensure that the subfloor is clean, dry, and levelled before the installation. This is because any imperfections or debris can affect the performance and longevity of both the underlayment and the flooring. For any elevated areas, we will use a leveling compound or sand them down until they are levelled.
Underlayment Acclimation:
We will then allow the underlayment to acclimate to the room temperature and humidity so as to prevent expansion or contraction after installation.
Laying of the Underlayment:
Our experts will now begin laying the underlayment from one corner of the room, working their way across. This helps to ensure a consistent application.
A utility knife and a straightedge will also be used to cut the underlayment so as to fit around obstacles and edges while ensuring accurate cuts for a snug fit.
Securing the Underlayment:
Depending on the type of underlayment, our experts might need to use adhesive or seam tape to secure the edges and seams while ensuring that the underlayment is laid flat and does not shift as this helps to maintain a smooth surface for the flooring.
They are also going to trim any excess underlayment at the room edges using a utility knife so as to ensure it fits neatly against walls and other vertical surfaces.
Installation Inspection:
As the last step of our flooring underlayment service, our experts will inspect the underlayment for any gaps, wrinkles, or uneven areas so as to make sure all seams are properly sealed.
They will also ensure that the surface is smooth and ready for the final flooring installation.
Types of Flooring Underlayment
Foam Underlayment
It is one of the most popular types of underlayment because of its affordability and easy installation. It is typically manufactured from polyethylene or polypropylene foam, and it comes in rolls or sheets. This type of underlayment provides excellent sound absorption, reducing impact noise and improving acoustics. It also acts as a moisture barrier, preventing water vapor from reaching the flooring.
Foam underlayment is frequently used in laminate and engineered hardwood floors.
Cork Underlayment
Cork underlayment is a sustainable option that provides outstanding soundproofing and thermal properties. Made from the bark of cork oak trees, it is available in roll or sheet form. It also excels at reducing noise and is particularly effective at absorbing impact sounds. Moreover, it offers insulation properties that help regulate heat and cold, making it suitable for areas where temperature control is important.
Cork is commonly used with hardwood, laminate, and tile flooring.
Rubber Underlayment
Rubber is also highly durable and offers excellent soundproofing properties. It is made from recycled rubber materials, often sourced from tires, and can be bought in rolls or interlocking tiles. This underlayment effectively reduces both impact noise and airborne sound transmission, making it an ideal underlayment for multi-story buildings or spaces that require significant noise reduction. Additionally, it offers a degree of cushioning, which can enhance the comfort of walking on the floor.
Rubber underlayment is commonly used with hardwood, laminate, and tile floors.
Plywood Underlayment
Plywood, on the other hand, consists of thin sheets of plywood that are installed on top of the subfloors. Its purpose is to offer stability, strength, and a smooth surface for the finished flooring. It is important to ensure the plywood is properly secured and the seams are adequately sealed to prevent any movement or moisture penetration.
It is commonly used with hardwood, vinyl, and carpet floor installations.
These are just but a few of the types of flooring underlayment that there is feel free to contact us on this and other kind of flooring services.