Big Question Answered - Do You Need Underlayment For Vinyl Plank Flooring

Many homeowners will be unsure of whether or not to utilize an underlayment when installing vinyl plank flooring. Now, you might be asking the same thing if you're wanting to replace your old tile, wood, or concrete floor with gorgeous, durable vinyl flooring. Installing cheap vinyl flooring can also affect your underlayment process.

What Is Underlayment?

The joists, subfloor, underlayment, and finish flooring material are the main components of flooring. The subfloor, which is often made of plywood, rests on top of the joists, which are an element of the house's framework. The finish floor material is laid on top of a thin layer of underlayment that covers the subfloor. Underlayment can act as a moisture barrier in addition to soundproofing and relaxing the sensation of the floor underfoot.

How To Know If You Need An Underlayment

Understanding your subfloor type and the function you want the underlayment to fulfill is crucial before you install your vinyl planks. You should also ask yourself the following questions:

•Is the condition of your subfloor good?

•Does it have no dents, lumps, or other faults and is it smooth?

•Is it dust-free and clean?

It is advisable to utilize an underlayment if your subfloor is scratched, soiled, or full of bumps and you believe that fixing, cleaning, or sanding it would be time-consuming.

Consider the type of subfloor you have as well. An underlayment would be required if you were installing vinyl planks over a concrete subfloor for two reasons: first, it will provide more cushion, and second, it will serve as a moisture barrier, keeping water vapor out of the planks. When the cold weather arrives, an underlayment will also aid in keeping your new flooring warmer.

You won't need to worry about shielding your vinyl planks from water vapor if you are installing over a hardwood floor, but you might still want to acquire an underlayment out of additional caution or for sound absorption. The same holds if you put the planks over linoleum or tile. The majority of the time, moisture won't be a problem, but an underlayment will assist make the new flooring soundproof while also adding a layer of softness.

When Does An Underlayment Help

If the manufacturer of your vinyl planks suggests installing an underlayment, please follow their advice because failing to do so may lead to problems during or after installation. For instance, a floor may function poorly or not last as long as it should if there is no underlayment.

Most homeowners that ignore the advised underlayment usually come to regret it because the floor frequently starts to creak. Even a one-millimeter height difference along the length of the plank might cause this noise.

Additionally, an underlayment can aid in protecting the vinyl planks from moisture, as was already indicated. For instance, if you are laying the planks over a concrete foundation, the underlayment will assist control humidity in the air, making the area more livable while also preventing moisture from getting in.

Things You Need To Know About Installing An Underlayment

•Underlayment might not be necessary for vinyl planks with an attached pad.

An underlayment is most likely not necessary if your vinyl flooring has attached padding. However, depending on the subfloor's material, plank thickness, and personal preferences, your choice may differ. Take all of this into account.

•Radiant Floor Heating Can Be Combined With Underlayment.

Your underlayment might work with the heating system on your floor. It's crucial to check with the manufacturer first, though. Generally speaking, you are fine to go if the underlayment is safe for use with radiant floor heating.

Types Of Underlayment To Use With Your Vinyl Plank Flooring

Rigid underlayments and soft underlayments are the two varieties of underlayments that can be laid beneath vinyl planks.

•Rigid Underlayment

Underlayment panels and plywood are frequently used in rigid underlayments. When installing vinyl plank flooring, plywood is frequently the underlayment material that is used most frequently.

Plywood sheets measuring 4' x 8' and often 14 to 12 inches thick provide ideal flooring underlayments for a variety of subfloor types, including wood, tile, and linoleum. Even with the thinnest vinyl planks, the A-graded side is ideal because it is rather smooth.

Underlayment panels can be used in place of plywood. These are excellent moisture and sound barriers and typically come in 2 by 2-foot tiles. If you are installing your vinyl planks on a concrete surface, they are the best choice.

A rigid underlayment tends to boost the height of your floor a little bit even though it is more stable and offers a superior water vapor barrier. If the underlayment is excessively thick, the floor could be raised too high, requiring you to adjust some areas of your home. To ensure that the door can open and close properly, for instance, you might need to cut the door frames.

Soft Underlayment

Many individuals are now leaning more toward soft underlayments such as sheets of cork or foam because of the clear disadvantage of stiff underlayment that we have discussed previously.

Typically, these underlayments are floating ones, which means that the subfloor is not in any way bonded to or connected to them. This can be advantageous for homeowners who frequently move because these underlayments are simple to remove and reinstall.

The kind of flooring you intend to put the underlayment over and your preferences will ultimately determine the type of underlayment you select. A firm underlayment would be best if you are working with a concrete slab. A soft underlayment would be a better choice, though, if you're searching for anything that can dampen sound and make the floor seem softer underfoot.

How To Install Vinyl Plank Flooring Underlayment

The most typical way for installing underlayment over a subfloor is as follows, however different underlayment kinds may call for alternative installation techniques:

•Clean your flooring well to remove any dirt and debris that can prevent the underlayment from adhering to the subfloor effectively. You can use a vacuum cleaner or a wet mop. Before moving forward, make sure the surface is entirely dry.

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions while installing the underlayment. For your vinyl planks to be level, keep the surface as level as you can.

•Before putting your vinyl flooring, check to see if there are any gaps between the underlayment sheets or boards and fill them up with seam filler.