Ruth Hardaker talks about the importance of selecting the right underlay for hard floorcoverings
When it comes to installing hard flooring in a home or business, selecting the right underlay can make all the difference. Whether you’re laying down hardwood or laminate, the right underlay can enhance the performance and durability of your flooring, while delivering energy efficiency for years to come. Underlay is the unsung hero of our flooring world.
Noise reduction is a critical factor when it comes to selecting the right underlay. Hard floors tend to amplify sound, making spaces feel noisy and echoey. Whether you have a busy household or an office space, managing noise levels is essential for creating a nice environment. By installing a high-performance underlay, you can significantly reduce the amount of noise transmitted through the floor – be sure to choose an underlay which is specifically engineered to help absorb sound, preventing it from travelling to rooms below. This is especially beneficial in multi-storey buildings or apartments, where sound proofing is a top priority. Select an underlay such as 3mm Acoustic Silver from Royale – the silver foil backed PE foam underlay is designed for wood and laminate, suitable for domestic and contract installations and offers 22dB sound proofing.
Many people don’t realise how much the right underlay can impact the overall energy efficiency of a home or office. Hard floors are known to retain cold – if you select an underlay with high TOG values, you can enjoy better thermal insulation that helps retain warmth. As a result, your home stays warmer in winter, reducing your reliance on heating and potentially lowering energy bills. In the long run, this investment in quality underlay can contribute to greater energy efficiency and a more sustainable living or office environment. This is even more important to consider if your hard flooring is used in combination with underfloor heating. Underfloor heating systems are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners and businesses alike, offering a more efficient and comfortable way to heat a space. However, when installing underfloor heating with hard floors, it’s essential to choose the right underlay to ensure the system performs optimally. The wrong underlay can hinder the efficiency of the heating system, while the right one enhances its performance. Look for an underlay such as ThermoPro X, from Royale – it’s designed specifically for use with underfloor heating systems and has been engineered with advanced thermal conductivity properties, allowing heat to travel efficiently from the underfloor heating system into the room, without unnecessary resistance. This means your space heats up faster, your system works more efficiently, and you can enjoy a more consistent and comfortable temperature throughout your home or office, without compromising on sound proofing.
Let’s not forget you want your hard flooring to last. One of the key roles of an underlay is to protect your hard flooring from wear and tear. Floors are subject to daily foot traffic, furniture movement, and potential moisture exposure. A good underlay offers an additional layer of protection against these factors, helping to preserve the integrity of your flooring. By investing in a high-quality underlay, you can ensure your hard flooring looks great and performs well for years to come.
In conclusion, choosing the best underlay for hard flooring is essential for achieving the best results in terms of durability, sound insulation, energy efficiency, and floor protection. It’s also important to remember that much like when installing carpet underlays, securing the joins of your hard floor underlay is crucial for ensuring a stable and long-lasting installation. Using a bonding tape such as Barrier Pro X Tape from Royale to secure the underlay joins is necessary to prevent any shifting or movement of the underlay over time, ensuring a smooth and secure surface for your flooring. If you’re on the lookout for hard floor underlays or advice on the most suitable product for your project, get in touch with us to discuss the options – making the best choice for your application starts with the foundations – in this case, your underlay.
www.wilsons.co.uk
Ruth Hardaker is UK sales manager at Wilsons Underlays
