underpadding for laminate – good, bad and ugly?
I am in need of under-padding for a cement floor to put laminate on top of. I heard from someone that it is better to buy the best when it comes to under-padding. I was thinking about : Roberts Air Guard 3 in 1. It is about $250.00 for 600 sq feet. Now I know there are cheaper solutions, so what is everyone’s take on under-padding? Is it like designer clothes, only worth the label?
Replies
David
It is usually best to follow certain guidelines when installing laminate floors.
One of which is the right underlay for a specific substrait. Most of the time there's a need for a moisture prohibitive underlay over concrete-these often will have a peel and stick tape attached so you can join one run to another and seal that seam. Above grade over wood subfloor above a controlled environment, maybe not necessary.
The cost of it might mean something-but I'm not familiar at all with Roberts Air Guard.
Some floorings are specific about using their proprietary product underneath-what laminate are you using and what do they say.
And yes, manufacturers information often means something in spite of Do's tirade against anyone advising even reading and becoming familiar with their guidelines. Some warranties are void if not following certain procedures-but Do don't care a lick about reality.
I am going by the advice of the homedepot floor guy. Not sure if they are trying to up-sell me or just being honest.
Or guessing.
Cal ...
Don't be an AZ, Do has never suggested anyone not read manufacturer's instructions. Good Grief, grow up!
By all means, read and read some more. Then ask people what works for them. Sorry that affends you so. Actually, I am not.
ddo
act like an adult and a human being.
It isn't hard, but does take practice.
And, here's a simple thought-don't ask for advice if you can't take or understand the advice.
thanks.
It is a cement floor and I am a little worried about the moisture or dampness of the room...
When I laid laminate in my basement I used the best underlay they had which had foam padding with the moisture barrier attached to it, easy to lay and you can rest assured you will not have future issues. The stuff I used was $1/sqft. If you can get a similar item at HD for that price then go for it. You want good underlay with laminate over concrete as there is no give to the concrete.
How do you know if there is moisture being trapped? I guess that is might concern. I was hoping the more expensive stuff (the Robert AirGuard) would be a better bet since I don't want mold build up if there is some moisture being trapped.
Roberts Air Guard
I recently laid 1100+ sq ft of engineered oak on a slab, using the Roberts 3 in 1. The results are great. I really like the cushioning underfoot. There are cheaper products, but this is one case where you get something extra for the money.
A couple of notes about installation:
1. Laminate floors need a flatter surface than carpet. High spots need to be ground down and low spots built up. Any cracks on ther slab should be filled in -- they're a sure fire moisture source. Let the patching compund dry before the foor goes down.
2. Don't roll out the whole room at once. Roll out one 40" width, then install flooring over that, then another 40", etc. Use empty flooring boxes to protect the exposed underlayment while laying the floor.
3. The underlayment cuts easliy with scissors. Use a SHARP utility knife to trim to fit. Get a roll of tyvek tape to attach to baseboard and patch any tears while installing. Duct tape is too thick and will show thru the finished floor.
4. Roberts 3 in 1 has micro-ban to cut down on mold since it is a moisture barrier.