When laying the flooring, it is necessary to use the substrate. It performs several functions at once, ensuring high -quality flooring. Firstly, it helps to make the surface more even, which is very important when laying a parquet board and laminate, for which a perfectly flat surface is an important condition. Secondly, the substrate prevents the formation of humidity under the floor. If you do not use it, then the material made of wood can be deformed under the influence of moisture.
The substrate also performs the functions of the heat insulator, t. e. helps to retain the heat indoors. Thanks to this, the floors of laminate, parquet and linoleum are not as cold as, for example, floors made of ceramic tiles, for which it is recommended to additionally use heating technologies.
The substrate can be made of several types of material, the most popular of which is polyethylene foam. Its advantages are that it does not have a large weight, moisture resistant, universal, not exposed to fungi and mold, while it costs inexpensively. Of the minuses of this material, low strength can be called, due to which polyethylene foam can easily break.
The cork substrate is more durable than from polyethylene foam, less susceptible to mechanical damage, but it is afraid of moisture, so it is not recommended to be used in rooms with high humidity. A little more expensive, but at the same time it will be better in quality to a polystyrene substrate. With its help, you can create a perfectly flat surface. In addition, she copes much better with the function of thermal insulation and noise absorption. Fiberglass is often used, especially when laying a laminate on a base of wood or concrete. Its main advantages are excellent soundproofing characteristics, it is laid without any intermediate materials, and is not deformed.
Each of the listed species has its own advantages and disadvantages, based on which the choice should be made in favor of a particular material. In addition, you need to consider in which rooms a substrate will be used and under which floor covering (laminate, parquet board, linoleum, etc. D.). If you cannot determine what type of substrate and which manufacturer should choose from, then it is better to contact a professional who will help you make the right choice.
