Fully understand the floor underlayment
While the choice of your floating floor will be guided by taste, your choice of underlay is driven by necessity. Answering a few questions will help you select the best underlay.
First, where will your floor be installed? An underlay in the basement will need insulating properties. On the main or second floor, you can use almost any type of underlay. The second question you must answer is: Does your building have an FIIC (Field Insulation Impact Class) acoustic standard? If so, you’ll need a rubber-type underlay (made of recycled rubber) or a Comfort underlay (made of synthetic fibres). But in every situation, the most important question is, what are you looking for? The best price, the best quality or the best quality for your money? Plancher Sélect offers a choice of underlays, but you’ll have to answer this last question for yourself!
POLYETHYLENE TYPE MEMBRANE: POLYETHYLENE FOAM
Confort Blue
Available in a variety of colours (but most often blue, pink, green, white, black or grey), this membrane has the same anti-mould and anti-allergenic properties. Its biggest advantage is very low price.
POLYETHYLENE WITH ALUMINIUM HEAT REFLECTOR (VAPOUR BARRIER)
Confort Alu
This membrane has the same properties, but has a built-in vapour barrier.
2-IN-1 Advantage
SOLUSON-MAX 2.2 M.
Soluson Max W-525
The Soluson-Max W-525 underlay provides excellent sound absorption for laminate and engineered-wood floors. This membrane is made of 100% non-recycled rubber and also features an integrated vapour barrier that provides protection against mould and mildew. The Soluson-Max underlay is an excellent alternative to rubber underlays, as it is much lighter and easier to handle.
3-IN-1 UNDERLAY 3 MM ANTIMICROBIAL NEOPRENE TYPE
Soluson Alu
This underlay is the best quality/price ratio on the market. It offers great soundproofing (FIIC 63 db) and has a built-in vapour barrier. It’s water resistant because it is built with 100% waterproof cells and has a retention memory superior to other products on the market. It’s the #1 choice for any conscientious installer or homeowner.
SOUNDPROOFING UNDERLAY: MADE OF RECYCLED TIRES
Soluson 3.5
These underlay are the ultimate subfloor for floating floors. They are at once an underlay, a thermal barrier and an acoustic insulator. The acoustic insulation performance varies between FIIC 58 and 63. Thickness varies between 3 mm and 10 mm. Obviously, a thicker underlay performs better. Installing these underlays is mostly a favour to your downstairs neighbours. The only drawback? The price, which is high, sometimes more expensive than the floor itself!
