Do You Need Padding Under Vinyl Flooring

Most floors require a slope or change of no more than 1 8 across any 6 foot span and underlayment will not correct subfloors that do not meet that.

Do you need padding under vinyl flooring.

Nance carpet and rug versapad 180 sq. Consider the issue of sound transmission. Vinyl underlayment is generally an option if you re looking for extra cushion sound absorption or thermal properties. There are three primary reasons why vinyl flooring owners should have underlayment installed beneath the surface.

Laminate flooring is so thin that it needs underlayment s extra help to feel and act like real wood. Placing underlayment padding can help with covering up minor imperfections and slight unevenness with a subfloor. When it comes to vinyl flooring underlayment is not always necessary. Most of today s luxury vinyl tiles are fully waterproof which means you won t have to put a damp screen to prevent moisture as a part of the underlay.

While underlayment for vinyl planks may be used under hardwood and laminate the reverse is not true. Why would you want to install an lvt underlayment too. Again this is for minor imperfections. And you shouldn t use padding to even out your subfloor as that will allow the floor seams to move more you should level mechanically or with a compound.

You do not need foam padding under solid hardwood for many reasons but one reason is that hardwood is so dense that it limits the transmission of sound both within the room and to floors below. Vinyl planks require hard thin underlay because the product itself is softer. Putting a soft product under vinyl plank will result in an unstable floor that is much more inclined to being damaged and even punctured or torn over time. However you ll want to use one in every other application including covering existing hardwood floors vinyl flooring that isn t cushioned and concrete floors.

To allow for a smoother exterior along the finish floor to provide added stability and protection and to enhance the acoustic capabilities of the floor. If you do lay a separate underlay they are in general thinner than what you would install with laminate or carpet. It may also be a requirement in certain hoa or apartment complexes to have a sound barrier with your flooring. Vinyl and pvc do not need moisture protection.

There are several factors to consider when it comes to vinyl flooring underlayment.