Underlay for laminate: selection criteria

Which underlay to choose for laminate or parquet boards? Probably every person asks this question. Many flooring sellers give incorrect advice. We will try to clarify this sensitive matter. So, there are some types of substrates: foam, cork, wood fiber, and heat-reflecting. Foamed substrates, having high moisture resistance, reliably protect the laminate floor from premature wear. {(http://www.budsektor.com.ua/podlozhka-i-aksessuary.htm)}The backing for laminate {} made of polyethylene foam is simple and easy to process. It can be reinforced with an additional protective layer of aluminum foil, which gives the effect of reflecting heat into the room. Low cost is also an important advantage that such a substrate has, the price of which is much lower than the cost of a cork substrate. The backing for the laminate is made of cork, can be made in sheet form, or supplied in rolls. This rigid insulating material can be an ideal base for a floating floor. Cork backing for laminate will serve as a very effective heat insulator and is not susceptible to the appearance of fungi and mold. The cork substrate also has a drawback, which is the possibility of condensation on the underside of the coating lamellas. We try not to recommend such a substrate. Cork substrate is highly expensive, which makes its use impractical for inexpensive and short-lived coatings. But the highest quality and most effective are considered to be wood fiber boards used for any type of coating. They absorb transit sounds from walking, sounds from heels, and knocks on the floor very well. Possessing good thermal insulation qualities, this substrate is popular among people living on the lower floors. The only drawback is the lack of moisture resistance. That is, you just need to put a hydrobarrier in the form of a regular polyethylene film. It’s easy to buy a laminate underlay, but check its properties very carefully. It's up to you to choose.