Guide To Different Types Of Underlays
In simple terms an underlay is a sheet of material that is laid between the subfloor and the flooring of your choice. All underlays should be chosen according to the subfloor and their main use is to keep the floor level, stable and cover any imperfections, as well as providing a form of insulation (heat and sound).
There are various types of underlay that serve for different purposes across your property, so here we’ve gathered all the information you need to help choose the most appropriate underlay that suits your needs!
Basic Bronze
This 2mm thick underlay gives your floor covering the perfect level of support, protecting it from excess wear and even high impact damage, i.e. keeping your floor looking better for longer. This polyethylene foam is designed for easy installation and comfort. This product is also environmentally friendly, as it is 100% recyclable.
Silver Grade
This 2mm thick underlay increases the life expectancy of your floor, by protecting it against wear and tear, as well as moisture. This product comes with a built in damp proof membrane (DPM), meaning you no longer need to worry about moisture rising up from your subfloor. The silver foil backing acts as a barrier, that helps keep your floor dry. This product is also 100% recyclable.
Gold Grade
This 3mm thick underlay consists of closed cell polyethylene foam that fully supports your floor, protecting it from excess wear and even high impact damage, i.e. keeping your floor looking better for longer. The gold grade underlay also comes with a built in damp proof membrane (DPM), meaning you no longer need to worry about moisture rising up from your subfloor. The gold foil backing acts as a barrier, that helps keep your floor dry. This product is also 100% recyclable.
Barrier
This 3mm thick underlay consists of a clear vapour barrier, which effectively stops moisture rising from the subfloor, keeping your room warm and dry. Furthermore, the built in DMP provides great resistance against the growth of fungi, mould and bacteria. As with many underlays, the barrier also gives your flooring the perfect level of support by guarding it against excess wear and impact. In addition, the barrier has been approved for its easy installation and maneuvering, due to its lightweight PE foam. The barrier is also 100% recyclable.
Tech Board
This 5mm thick underlay provides fantastic insulation and is particularly designed to deliver a level subfloor, by smoothing out the most uneven areas, offering stable support and helping your floor last longer. The tech board is also renowned for noise reduction, and is commonly used upstairs to stop noise echoing downstairs. With outstanding thermal insulation, the tech board is perfect for use on top of floorboards. This product is also very easy to line up, cut and fit, simply saving you time and effort during installation.
Thermo Tech (Compatible With Underfloor Heating)
This 1.8mm thick underlay comes in a unique perforated design, which has an ultra low tog value, meaning your underfloor heating system will be able to work more efficiently. The dense polyethylene material can withstand long-term heavy loads by consistently supporting your floor and maintaining its shape for longer.
Thermo Vapour (Compatible With Underfloor Heating)
This 2mm thick underlay features a unique perforated design, which has an ultra low tog value, meaning your underfloor heating system can work at its best. The thermo vapour underlay also has a built in vapour barrier to stop moisture rising up from the subfloor, simply protecting your floor and keeping your room completely damp free. Furthermore, its lightweight polyethylene material makes it a breeze to lift and move around. Thermo Vapour is also 100% recyclable.
Timber Tech
This 3mm thick, heavy duty underlay features a high density, fleeced back, natural rubber, that is extremely stable and prevents movement within your floor; simply reducing any wear and tear. The underlay is renowned for its acoustic performance, dramatically reducing sound and creating a peaceful environment in any home. The use of this underlay also means you don’t have to worry about moisture rising up from the subfloor, as the silver vapour barrier film is designed for superior protection against damp. This super-tough underlay is ideal for use in both the home and in commercial properties.
