Using laminate floor underlay is a straightforward process that prepares your subfloor for the new flooring, providing benefits like moisture protection, sound dampening, and comfort. The key steps involve preparing the surface, laying the underlayment, and ensuring the seams are properly sealed.
Before you begin, ensure your subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Remove any debris or old flooring materials.
Laying the Underlayment
Laminate floor underlay typically comes in rolls. Here's how to lay it out effectively:
- Start in a Corner: Begin laying the underlayment in one corner of the room.
- Roll Out: Roll out the first row of underlay parallel to the longest wall.
- Cut to Fit: Use a utility knife to cut the underlayment roll at the end of the row, ensuring it fits neatly against the wall but doesn't go up the wall itself. You can leave a small gap as per manufacturer instructions or wall dimensions.
- Lay Subsequent Rows: Lay the next row of underlay parallel to the first one.
Sealing the Seams
Properly sealing the seams between underlayment sections is crucial, especially if your underlay acts as a moisture barrier.
As shown in the video reference:
- Butt Sections Together: Butt the edges of the underlayment sections together neatly.
- Use Pre-Attached Tape: Use the pre-attached tape that comes on the underlayment roll to seal the moisture barrier or the ends where the sections meet.
- Use Separate Tape (if needed): For ends that don't have pre-attached tape, use a quality duct tape or packing tape to secure them.
- Repeat: Repeat this process for all subsequent seams to create a continuous, sealed barrier and base for your laminate flooring.
Properly sealing the seams prevents moisture from seeping through and helps maintain the integrity of the underlayment's function.
Finishing Up
- Continue laying and taping rows until the entire floor area is covered.
- Ensure the underlayment lays flat without wrinkles or overlaps (unless specified by the manufacturer for certain products).
Following these steps ensures your subfloor is well-prepared with the underlayment, creating an optimal foundation for your new laminate floor.
