Rubber underlayment is most often utilized under wood, tile or carpet, but can not be used under vinyl because of staining. Rubber is an excellent choice over wood and concrete subfloors and is very easy to install underneath just about any kind of floor. Since it's often made from recycled rubber products, it's environmentally friendly, as well!
Underlayment is the layer between your subfloor and your new flooring. Yes, it's actually that simple. Underlayment is usually made out of rubber, cork, rubber cork, felt or foam.
Unless your flooring came with an attached underlayment, you probably need a separate underlayment. Underlayment adds warmth and softness, and more importantly, increases the life expectancy of your new flooring. Let's take a minute and discuss more about the advantages of underlayment.
Underlayment isn't just something we tell you to throw down under your carpet or laminate. It has several uses:
The flooring underlayment functions as a protective barrier between your floor and subfloor. Floating floors are especially susceptible to expansion and contraction as the temperature changes. Underlayment offers a barrier from the friction of movement, keeping your flooring totally together throughout motion.
Rubber is one of the best choices for underlayment because it is super versatile. It protects your flooring from mold and mildew and protects your ears from hollow sounding floors. In fact, it is one of the most sound absorbing and insulating underlayments there is.
Rubber underlayment is most often utilized under wood, tile or carpet, but can not be used under vinyl because of staining. Rubber is an excellent choice over wood and concrete subfloors and is very easy to install underneath just about any kind of floor. Since it's often made from recycled rubber products, it's environmentally friendly, as well!