Insulation under wood floors offers several advantages when installing or renovating existing flooring. Insulation helps regulate temperature, reduce noise pollution and protect it against moisture leakage.
Certain underlayment materials are easier than others to install. Felt is easy to cut and provides basic moisture resistance; foam underlayment offers affordable protection while also being excellent at dampening sound transmission.
Insulation
An estimated 15% of heat loss can come through floors, so adding insulation under them could save energy and reduce bills significantly while also helping prevent moisture penetration into wood floors – something which can become an issue over time.
Insulating underlay works similar to duvets in that they’re graded according to their Tog rating and help keep out cold air while trapping warmth inside. Selecting an appropriate Tog rating for your region is key in order to determine its R-Value requirements.
Underlay provides sound reduction properties as well as comfort underfoot by reducing vibrations, noise, and providing cushioning properties. This is particularly beneficial in older homes with reclaimed pine floorboards which may suffer deformation over time resulting in unsightly gaps which allow drafts into the property – using an insulated underlay may solve both issues and make all the difference to your experience with wood floors.
Noise Reduction
Underlay not only helps with thermal insulation, but can also serve to limit noises and vibrations from traveling between floors – an especially valuable function in multi-level homes or apartments with multiple residents moving across floors at the same time. This feature is particularly important in multi-story homes or apartments where residents will often walk on floors above and below each other.
Foam underlayments are one of the easiest types to install and can be applied either with glue or floating installation methods. They have excellent sound absorbing properties and can reduce IIC ratings up to 28 decibels.
Cork underlay has become increasingly popular as an underlay choice for wood flooring, providing both sound-dampening and temperature insulation properties. It is firm yet spongy to easily fill in sub-floor imperfections while being eco-friendly as it helps repel termites and insects; its moisture regulating capabilities reduce early decay of hardwood floorboards; it acts as an obstacle against dust particles thus decreasing allergy levels in households.
Moisture Barrier
Installing underfloor insulation to your new wood flooring can make an enormous impactful on energy bills, sound deadening and durability. Furthermore, adding insulation can protect against impact damage as well as expansion during seasonal relative humidity shifts – not to mention improve its appearance!
Some underlayment options come equipped with moisture barriers built directly into them, making them suitable for use over concrete sub floors and particularly basements. Felt underlayment in particular offers additional benefits as an eco-friendly damp proof membrane; it can even be used under various flooring such as laminate and hardwood flooring options.
For optimal protection, look for an underlay with a high R-value to keep the heat inside during winter and cold air out during summer. When installing Warmup Foil systems for underfloor heating, an R value that offers vapor barrier properties must also be compatible.
Durability
No matter your goal – be it underfloor heating or simply to reduce noise levels in your home – choosing an insulating underlay offers numerous advantages. Not only can it keep feet warm during winter, it prevents sound traveling between floors and even protects flooring materials from damage.
There are various types of underlay available and it’s essential that you select the one most suited to your project. Wood species and room size will both play an influential role when deciding the appropriate type. Softer hardwood species like cherry are best suited to underlays that provide extra support and padding, while harder species like hickory pair well with flexible foam or rubber underlays.
Felt underlay is an economical choice that offers good moisture resistance and insulation value, while rubber underlays offer greater noise reduction by easily absorbing footfalls and disturbances – ideal for apartments and condos.