If you decide to install luxury vinyl tile as your new flooring, you still have a variety of options to choose from. You can choose from a wide variety of colours and patterns. If you decide to install Luxury Vinyl Tile tile flooring, keep in mind that the surface of the tile will not be the only factor to consider. There are several benefits of underlayment to all types of flooring, including luxury vinyl tiles. The same is true about the benefits of underlayment regardless of the type of subfloor it is installed on, whether it is concrete, hardwood, or any other type of flooring.
Photo: TheFloorTrader
Underlayment can enhance the sound-absorbing properties of vinyl tiles. Additionally, it can improve the feel of the tile when walked upon and prevent the development of a number of problems. You will want to invest in a quality underlayment to maximize the performance of your new luxury vinyl plank flooring. The following are a few reasons why you should do so
- This can serve as a moisture barrier.
- This can be used to conceal bumps and grooves in a subfloor.
- This provides cushioning for the body.
- The material acts as a thermal insulator.
- This material provides sound dampening properties.
Vinyl Flooring Underlayment Increased Water Barrier
Photo: FlooringStores
Water resistance is already a feature of vinyl plank flooring. Nevertheless, you should be cautious when it comes to areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms where leaks / excess water may be an issue. Water is never good for any floor, and even a 100% waterproof vinyl floor, which will not be damaged with water... but subfloors and underlayment can be. So it is not enough to just have a waterproof vinyl floor installed (floating method) above underlayment in a bathroom as example. What happens when you spill coming out of the bathtub? The water does not hurt the floor, but goes to the edge of the floating floor and gets underneath the waterproof vinyl. Not it can damage the underlayment and subfloor. Our as bad, it gets trapped under the flooring and you end up with mold and mildew.
In high moisture / high risk water environments your flooring needs to be sealed so water can not get underneath.
Vinyl Flooring Underlayment Ensures That Your Bumpy Subfloor Is Hidden
A level subfloor is always the key to a successful installation. But, perfectly smooth subfloors can be difficult to achieve. It is unfortunate that any minor imperfections that were overlooked will be evident when your flooring is installed. As if that was not bad enough, you will also be able to hear them. A crackling sound will be heard when someone steps on an uneven subfloor if it isn't smooth, or this can damage the locking system from your new installed valuable flooring. Underlayments can help conceal imperfections, making them less noticeable and hopefully soundless. All installations need a level subfloor, this is key to a successful install. But a high quality underlayment is your friend to help that be true.
Vinyl Flooring Underlayment Adds A Little Cushion For Comfortability
There is no doubt that hard floors are hard. Many people experience pain if they are on their feet for too long on these surfaces, which can be an issue, especially for an aging population. Hence, you may find cushy mats placed in front of the kitchen sink or other areas where you may be standing for an extended period of time. A thicker, high quality underlayment is not the same as that type of cushion, but, its the same idea. A high quality underlayment will help your hard surface floor be a little softer under foot.
Vinyl Flooring Underlayment Prevents Cold Floors
One of the most significant benefits of a cork or other warm underlayment material, it can protect against cold floors. You will not have to worry some much about freezing your feet in your house if you walk around in bare feet. If you are installing vinyl or another hard flooring option, you should consider a cork material if heat / cold is a concern.
Vinyl Flooring Underlayment Provides Sound Absorption
You may already be familiar with the sound a hard surface floor can make if you have a busy family / pets. A proper underlayment will help to reduce this problem by absorbing some of the ambient noise in the room. It can be especially helpful if you live in an apartment or condominium. We suspect your Strat will give you their guidelines as tot he sound rating needed for you flooring installation. Many various options exist to meet your sound reduction needs. So times the pad attached on your vinyl floor (if that is the product type you decide to purchase) is enough to cover that sound rating, and some times you need to add to that installation package to ensure the sound rating goal is reached.
Other flooring blog articles you may want to read:
BEST BUY VINYL FLOORING | COMPTON SPC VINYL
GOODFELLOW FLOORS: EXCEEDING YOUR FLOORING EXPECTATIONS
LAMINATE, VINYL, AND ENGINEERED HARDWOOD FLOORING OPTIONS: WHAT MAKES THEM DIFFERENT?