There are a number of different materials that are used in thermal underlay. You can choose from Cork, Felt, XPS foam, Everspring, and more. The type of material you choose will be dependent on your needs. However, a thermal underlay can make a huge difference in the temperature of your room.
Cork
Cork is a very versatile material that is ideal for a variety of purposes. Its natural qualities and unique honeycomb structure help it to reduce impact and airborne noise. Combined with a special resin binder, this material performs exceptionally well under wood, floating and laminated floors, as well as ceramic tiles and natural stone. Another advantage of cork is its antibacterial properties. Cork thermal underlay contains an additive called Microban, which provides continuous antibacterial protection while contributing to the excellent acoustics of the flooring.
Cork underlayments are suitable for all types of floating floors. They work well under hardwood, laminate, bamboo, and engineered wood. However, if you have a concrete subfloor, you’ll need a vapour barrier. Once you’ve installed the underlayment, you can install floating floor planks over it. You can also stagger the joints for added stability.
Cork is one of the most efficient building materials on the market for thermal insulation. It achieves a level of insulation that no other natural building material can rival. The material’s R-value is equivalent to solid Styrofoam insulation, which means that it helps reduce heating and cooling costs. In addition, cork thermal underlayment helps heating and cooling systems work more efficiently.
Cork is also a good choice for floors that experience fluctuations in humidity. Cork is also known to protect against stress cracks. Excessive changes in humidity cause wood to contract and expand. Using cork underlayment can help prevent stress cracks in hardwood floors and lower heating costs.
Cork underlay is a great choice for homeowners who want a natural, environmentally friendly flooring option. It is a renewable resource that doesn’t require toxic chemicals or chemical additives. Cork is also mold and moisture resistant. Plus, it is also biodegradable. That means that you can be proud to walk on your new floor and not worry about it becoming damaged.
Cork is also a great option for homeowners who are concerned about sound transmission. It has been proven to reduce sound transmission between floors, and can be applied over most types of flooring. It can also protect floors from rot and moisture.
Felt
Felt thermal underlay is made from recycled fibres and is suitable for a range of domestic applications. Its heat and sound insulation properties make it an excellent choice for stairs. This material is sourced from renewable resources and is manufactured in the UK. In addition, it has a low VOC and no formaldehyde content.
Felt thermal underlay is becoming increasingly popular. Its low-cost production means that it’s a more affordable alternative to PU foam or even other types of underlay. Many felt manufacturers use wool as the raw material for their underlay, and this fiber is a superior insulator, keeping the warmth in the room. Felt underlay is firm and hard-wearing, and is suitable for both domestic and commercial applications. It’s also environmentally friendly and made from 100% recycled fibres.
Unlike other types of underlay, felt thermal underlay is completely recyclable. As it is made from recycled textile fibres, it can be made from old clothes and fabric bags. It can be recycled again, which eliminates waste from landfills. Felt thermal underlay is an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective way to keep your carpets warm.
This type of underlay provides thermal insulation, and can protect hardwood, laminate, and carpet flooring. It also offers moisture protection. It is easy to install, and comes in rolls of up to 630 square feet. It can be installed on any type of subfloor, and is an excellent insulator.
Felt underlayment can be hard to install, and is not as efficient as synthetic underlayment. Felt also tends to wrinkle, which makes it harder to lay flat on the floor. Moreover, it is much heavier than synthetic underlayment. Furthermore, it can’t be left exposed for more than a few hours. Otherwise, it can leech oils and lose its insulating properties. Felt also has a tendency to tear, especially during installation and in high wind conditions.
XPS foam
XPS foam thermal underlay is a versatile and eco-friendly insulating board. It is commonly used for flooring underlayment but has many other applications as well, including wall and perimeter insulation. It can also be used under concrete slabs, roofing materials, and swimming pools. It is also 100% recyclable.
Another benefit of this thermal underlay is its noise-reducing ability. It is particularly effective at reducing noise transmission between different rooms. It also boasts a high compressive strength and is easy to install. It is ideal for sub-floors that may be slightly uneven. The foam’s moisture resistance is another benefit, and it won’t be susceptible to mould growth.
XPS foam board is often manufactured with a plastic face and is available in standard sheet sizes. It is very dense, weighing about 2.18 pounds per cubic foot. It is also relatively inexpensive compared to other rigid foam board options, costing just $0.47 per square foot. If you want to make your home energy-efficient, consider an XPS thermal underlay.
Unlike EPS, XPS foam is recyclable. It is made of foamed polystyrene, which makes it an ideal material for insulating walls. It also doesn’t deteriorate, which means it’s an environmentally-friendly option. Furthermore, it does a better job of reflecting heat back towards the floor.
XPS foam board is also very effective at reducing energy consumption, and is a sustainable building material. Studies have shown that this insulation material saves more energy during the lifetime of the building. In addition, it is recyclable, as it can be melted down and reused. This means that the material won’t harm the environment and will save you money.
XPS insulation boards can be used for walls, floors, and attics. They are easy to install and come in standard 4×8 sheets. They can also be cut to smaller sizes. XPS insulation boards are also durable and offer a lifetime warranty. They’re also an ideal choice for outbuildings and other spaces. They also reduce air leakage through the walls and enhance comfort.
Everspring
Everspring Thermal Underlay is a high-quality rubber underlay with a low tog rating, perfect for use under floor heating systems. Its high-density sponge runner and ultra low tog rating maximise underfoot comfort, and it’s exceptionally hard-wearing. As a result, it’s ideal for domestic and light commercial installations and exceeds the British Standard for heavy contract use.
Underlays can vary greatly in the amount of warmth they provide. Some are rated as high as 3.5 tog, while others are rated lower. A high-quality thermal underlay will reduce sound and maintain the integrity of your floors during heavy loads. It is easy to install and maintain and can be re-used many times.