Concrete subfloors are noted for their strength and durability. They are permeable, though, and are sensitive to moisture damage. Linoleum, carpet, wood, tile, stone, or marble are all suitable alternatives for concrete floors.
Concrete can be painted almost any color, resurfaced in a wide range of styles and finishes, or polished for a smooth, lustrous appearance. Concrete flooring is also durable, easy to clean, and maintain. If your subfloor is concrete, search for an underlayment that will act as a moisture barrier between the laminate and the subfloor.
We’ve included the best underlayment for laminate flooring on concrete in this article, along with their numerous features, which you can learn about by reading through each item.
Best Underlayment for Laminate Flooring on Concrete
The top underlayment’s for concrete floors are listed below.
- Roberts Felt Cushion Roll Laminate Flooring Underlayment
The ideal underlayment for a concrete or timber subfloor is Roberts 70-193A. Extreme moisture resistance and sound absorption characteristics distinguish the product. A 3 mm thick insulating layer in the Roberts super felt premium underlayment absorbs noise rather than deflecting it. It inhibits sound transmission in this manner.
If you are concerned about the environment, you’ll appreciate the fact that the felt underlayment is composed of recycled fibers. During the production process, tremendous heat is used to compress the fibers. The laminate flooring is protected from moisture from the subfloor by the film overlay. A 1-3/4-inch sticky strip is included on each roll, with 3 inches of overlap to connect numerous rolls. In addition, the layer can keep floors warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Pros
- Tested as a good sound absorber.
- Environmentally friendly raw materials.
- Maintains uniformity throughout the length.
- Installation is very simple.
Cons
- Absence of gridlines.
- FLOORLOT Laminate Flooring Vapor Barrier Underlayment
The Floorlot product helps to reduce foot traffic noise. It lowers household noise and eliminates the hollow sound associated with floating flooring. Each roll spans 200 square feet and contains a thick 3mm foam that absorbs sound naturally. An extra thickness is also included in the layer.
04mm PE moisture barrier plastic film eliminates the need for additional films. Its tape and overlap method creates a tight barrier, preventing moisture from escaping the concrete slab. The 3mm cushioned layer helps to smooth out slight subfloor faults and irregularities, giving the laminates a more comfortable feel. It comes with an adhesive strip for quick seam sealing and simple installation.
Pros
- Easy to install.
- Adhesive strips are included.
- Has a perfect value for money.
- Vapor barrier is included.
Cons
- It rips easily.
- AMERIQUE Premium Thick Super Quiet Floor Underlayment
If you want a quality underlayment for laminate floors but don’t want to spend a lot of money, AMERIQUE extremely silent floor underlayment is a good choice.
If you are allergic to dust, we are pleased to inform you that the product is non-allergenic. Mold and moisture are also kept at bay thanks to the antibacterial elements and vapor barrier. The 3mm closed foam technology reduces noise, and the anti-crush technology ensures high performance and extended life. Underwood, Bamboo, and concrete floors are all compatible with the foam layer.
Pros
- Non-allergenic.
- It is affordable and long-lasting.
- Adhesive strips and tape are included.
Cons
- Starts to rust after a while.
- Quietwalk plus
QuietWalk Plus has a specific connected vapor barrier that allows glue or nail down applications, making it more adaptable. QuietWalk Plus is the universal underlayment for all installation applications, with the same performance features of decreasing undesired movement sound, improved moisture protection, and correct compression to support tongue and groove. This underlayment is suitable for use on both wood and concrete subfloors.
Pros
- It works on a wide range of floating floor types.
- Superior noise suppression.
- Protection against moisture.
- Resistant to compression.
Cons
- When cutting, the knife dulls quickly.
- SOUNDBUFFER Flooring Underlayment, 200 sq. ft, Blue
SoundBuffer is CRI (Carpet and Rug Institute) approved and is rated for use under a variety of overlaying flooring types in both home and commercial settings. SoundBuffer surpasses the standard for high-rise flooring installations with its exceptional acoustical ratings. Sound Buffers unique density and compression set properties serve to reduce imprints and indentations that are common on concrete floors.
Pros
- Permits fasteners to pass through them.
- Allows glue down adhesives to attach.
- It has a great acoustical performance.
- Resistance to compression.
Cons
- Rips easily.
Types of Underlayment for Laminate
When it comes to floor coverings such as tiles, laminate, wood, or resinous coatings, it may appear that the floor covering is more significant than the subfloor. In fact, there are so many distinct floor covering options that there must be a variety of underlayment options as well.
The underlayment is important to the success of any flooring installation. Because the underlayment is the foundation upon which the entire installation is built, it is more likely to succeed when it is solid.
There are numerous varieties of underlayment from which to pick. Foam, cork, and plywood are the most popular. Many underlayment products combine all three elements. The fundamental function of an underlayment is to absorb sound or the faint echo created by walking on the floor.
An underlayment protects the floors from moisture that could cause buckling or damage. Moisture insulation is a feature of the best laminate underlayment’s. If your flooring is concrete or a slab, you will make sure your underlayment has a damp-proof membrane.
This will protect your floors from dampness even more. If your subfloor is made of wood, you won’t want a damp proof membrane because wood needs air to avoid mold. Always check your moisture levels before installing laminate flooring underlayment.
How to Prepare a Concrete Subfloor
It is necessary to have a clean, dry, and flat concrete subfloor when installing laminate. This will not only ensure that your new flooring looks its best, but it will also ensure that it lasts longer.
Subfloor Cleaning
It’s best to try to clear up any old paint, adhesive, or wax left over from prior flooring, especially if your new floor is being fitted with adhesive.
This can be done with a scraper, followed by a heavy-duty sander or concrete grinder. If you don’t have one, you may borrow one from most tool rental stores, which are easy to find.
Level your subfloor
It’s important to have a flat concrete subfloor for a great finish. Otherwise, any flaws in your new flooring will be obvious.
A long level and tape measure are the best tools for this. Every 10 feet, the floor should be uniform to within a quarter inch. Even out any high places with a heavy-duty sander or a concrete grinder. Before doing anything further, use a floor leveling product to fill in any low spots and let it dry completely.
Dry
Before laying any type of flooring, make sure your concrete is dry. This is particularly important for laminate and wood, as moisture is highly damaging.
If the subfloor is new, it should be left for at least 30 days before installing new flooring. To assess the moisture levels, use a moisture test kit. You’ll need to lower the room’s humidity and wetness if they’re not within the laminate or wood manufacturer’s standards.
Structurally Sound
It is, of course, vital to maintain that your subfloor is physically solid and suitable for its intended use. If you’re moving into a new home or haven’t updated your floor in a long time, you may not be aware of the subfloor’s condition. Before you begin laying your new floor, inspect it for cracks and crumbling.
Concern Areas for Concrete Slabs
Understanding your concrete subfloor will help you choose a durable and appropriate underlayment. In order to choose an underlayment for concrete slabs, you must first consider some of the most typical issues that concrete floors offer.
Moisture Substrate
Moisture is the first factor to consider. Concrete, despite its appearance, is a permeable material that can retain and expel moisture. Due to high humidity or ground moisture, water may seep into your concrete slab. This is particularly true if your basement floods or leaks frequently during heavy rain. When moisture is absorbed by a concrete slab, it can be retained for a surprising amount of time. Installing the improper type of flooring over wet concrete can lead to warping and wear over time.
Fortunately, a wide range of flooring materials are water-resistant enough for use over a concrete slab. You can set your flooring up for success by combining resilient flooring types with additional protection strategies such as waterproofing membranes or barriers.
How to Prevent Concrete Floor Moisture Issues
- Allow time for the concrete slab to dry
While speeding up the concrete slab’s drying process may boost productivity, allowing it to dry naturally may prevent moisture issues. Give the concrete slab the time it needs, and if necessary, reassess the project plan and timetable. Controlling the environment may help to speed up the natural drying process.
- Select the appropriate vapor retarder
It’s important to remember to use the correct vapor retarder. Make sure you stick to the perm grades that are appropriate for the location. Another issue to consider is the vapor retarder installation. The installation should be done on top of a fill layer. Before pouring the concrete, inspect the vapor retarder for any rips and repair them.
- Use damping agents
Damping agents may also aid in the prevention of moisture problems in slabs. This will form a water-resistant coating on top of the concrete slab, preventing moisture from entering. For an existing concrete floor, this procedure includes cleaning the top and applying a damping agent. Depending on the amount of moisture in the concrete, additional layers may be required.
- Install proper underlay
Installing a good underlay between the concrete slab and the flooring would provide additional protection if wood flooring is being used. The best option could be a laminate underlayment that has been tested to ensure it will not absorb any additional moisture.
Flatness
Some flooring styles may exaggerate unevenness if your concrete slab isn’t entirely flat. Even minor grade differences can be magnified following flooring installation. Check to determine if your concrete slab is level to aid with your flooring choices. If you see any uneven patches, consider a more forgiving flooring option such as carpet or vinyl.
FAQS
Is it possible to lay an underlay on a concrete floor?
With laminate floors, you should apply a thin underlay regardless of the subfloor. Concrete, on the other hand, must have a moisture barrier. It’s because concrete subfloors exude moisture that, if incorporated through the laminate boards, can be quite harmful.
Is a Concrete Floor Right for You?
If you have an established slab foundation and a home style that complements the glossy shimmer of honed concrete, a concrete floor can be an excellent alternative. Concrete floors are popular because of their low cost, especially when considering their extended durability. It’s possible that you’ll never need to replace your flooring. Be prepared, though, for a naturally cold and very hard floor.
Can You Put Laminate Flooring Directly on Concrete?
It is possible to lay laminate flooring directly on top of concrete, although it is not advised. Because concrete is porous, it absorbs moisture and causes vapor damage to your laminate boards. Instead, we recommend putting underlayment between the concrete flooring and the laminate planks to act as a vapor barrier.
Conclusion on Best Underlayment For Laminate Flooring On Concrete
Among all flooring options, a concrete floor is the most cost-effective. In comparison to other common flooring materials, a new slab of concrete is less expensive. Concrete sub-floors are not suited for all underlays. We have compiled a list of our preferred concrete floor underlays.
Most crucially, each of these concrete underlays comes with a built-in vapor barrier to safeguard your wood or laminate flooring. It’s still necessary to check that your sub-moisture floor’s levels are within the manufacturer’s guidelines and that there are no damp issues.
