This issue causes a lot of controversy. Some convincingly argue that it is necessary in any case, others argue that it is a waste of time and money. To understand this question, it is necessary to answer a number of others.
Firstly, but why is it needed at all, what does it provide?
Secondly, in what condition is the floor on which linoleum is supposed to be laid?
Third What material is the base made of?
Fourth, what type of product was purchased? After all, the conditions of its installation and installation technology largely depend on this.
Fifthly, place of work. For example, the number of floors, the specifics of the structure (residential, administrative), as well as the purpose of a particular room.
The meaning of using a substrate
Additional floor leveling
Surfaces have various defects, but sometimes it is not possible to smooth out minor roughnesses. The reasons may be different - lack of skills or time, reluctance to spend money on purchasing necessary materials and so on. And here the question arises - which is more profitable? Buy the cheapest, household (but thin linoleum), for which you will still have to install a substrate, or buy thicker material (semi-commercial or commercial type).
Such products are more expensive, but in most cases you won’t have to lay anything underneath them. The linoleum itself, in view large thickness and elasticity, will level the floor.
Sound insulation, reduction of heat loss in the room, prevention of dampness
If the floor is being installed from scratch, then its high-quality finishing (installation) involves laying appropriate materials to ensure the “protection” of the room. However, this is not always done or only partly. Therefore, in such cases, the substrate under the linoleum performs the function of the corresponding layer (or several at the same time).
Increased coating strength
You need to focus on the base material and the degree of its preparation for laying the “finish” coating. For example, was the installation of plywood sheets done, additional screeding, and so on. Here, too, much is determined by the thickness of the linoleum.
Let us note the features of the varieties of products used, and we will focus on the most pronounced properties, since many of them are basically similar.
Types of substrates for linoleum
Linen
Refer to natural types products, since the basis of these materials is flax. Available in 2 varieties - pure linen or weave of threads from different materials(besides flax there is also jute and wool).
pros
- Providing high-quality natural ventilation (clean flax), which prevents the development of rot.
- Strength (combined version).
Jute
Plant based base.
pros
- During the production process, it is treated with fire retardants and antiseptics, which sharply reduces the risk of rot occurring under the linoleum.
- High strength.
Minuses
- This linoleum substrate absorbs liquids well, but then recovers (after drying). Some consider this a disadvantage, others consider it an advantage - the issue is debatable. At the very least, a room with such a substrate may constantly feel damp.
Cork
If not fake, then natural product, the raw material for which is the bark of the cork tree. When crushed, the material is pressed to produce thin sheets.
pros
- Dramatically reduces heat loss and dampens sounds well.
- Does not emit harmful substances.
- There is virtually no shrinkage.
- Floors with this type of underlay are warmer.
Minuses
- High price.
- Insufficient elasticity. Under significant mechanical loads it deforms (compresses). If the linoleum is laid thin, there will also be prints on it (for example, from the legs of furniture pieces).
Polymer
Mostly it is foamed polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
pros
- Low cost.
- Does not allow water to pass through.
Minuses
- It is easily deformed, which affects the quality of the coating, so its service life is short.
- The base material does not “breathe”.
conclusions
- The decision on the advisability of installing a substrate under linoleum is made depending on local conditions. Therefore, there cannot be a clear answer to the question – is it needed or not?
- The method of installing floors involves carrying out a whole range of measures, including the arrangement of layers of hydro- and sound insulation and insulation. You need to calculate what is more profitable (without compromising quality) - to finish the surface according to the “full program” or to neglect a number of operations and spend money on the appropriate substrate? Will it be able to completely replace any layers?
- According to consumers, the worst option is substrates based on isolon and penofisol. Such products quickly wrinkle and crumple, so you have to constantly level the coating. Summarizing all the reviews, we can say that it is better not to lay polymer substrates under linoleum.
- If you intend to replace the previously laid linoleum with a new one, then you should not dismantle it. The old coating itself is already a good substrate.
And in conclusion, it should be noted that it is necessary to take into account all the recommendations of the linoleum manufacturer regarding the installation method of the material.
Substrate- it's such construction material, which is usually used when laying laminate flooring in a house or apartment, parquet board and linoleum. This building material will provide you with:
- protection against moisture and mold,
- heat and sound insulation,
- eliminates all floor unevenness.
note that linoleum made on a jute, fabric and polyvinyl chloride basis will to some extent replace a warm floor and therefore does not need a substrate. The thickness of this type of linoleum reaches five millimeters and it is for this reason that it has a fairly long service life.
Usually as a basis for this look flooring use plywood. In addition, linoleum can also be laid on ceramic tiles.
If you want to lay such a floor covering on a concrete floor, then it will serve as an excellent substrate, but everything will depend on the quality of such a base. In the case where the concrete floor is uneven, it can be leveled using a screed or relatively new technology"self-leveling floor" However, there are some cases when the use of a substrate is mandatory:
- The linoleum you have chosen without a base,
- The underlay will perfectly eliminate all the unevenness of the floor. If you want to lay linoleum on a concrete floor that has bumps and other irregularities, then the presence of a backing is simply necessary, since otherwise you will not be able to secure it tightly to the floor,
- The underlay is an excellent insulation material for your floor.
Which is better?
So, you have decided to lay the underlayment under the linoleum. All you have to do is choose suitable option of this building material. Which substrate for linoleum to choose?
- Cork backing. This material is made in large rolls and is an agglomerate of cork lumps. As a rule, this type of underlay is used for floor coverings such as linoleum and ceramic tile. If you use a cork backing under linoleum, you will get the impression of unusually easy walking. But, keep in mind that this substrate “sags” under a very heavy load.
- Jute backing. This backing is made from natural fiber– jute, which is an environmentally friendly material. This material is produced by punching it with a special needle, after which the substrate is rolled under very high temperature and process by special means. This treatment provides the jute substrate with protection from rot and mold, and it also becomes resistant to burning.
- Linen backing consists entirely of natural linen. It is made using double punching with a needle, after which the substrate is treated with fire retardants and other compounds that resist the appearance of fungus.
- "Combined substrate" produced by combining jute, flax and wool. The main advantage of this building material is high density(about 500-700 g/m2 with a thickness of 3mm).
note that some builders recommend using a polymer porous substrate, which includes isolon and penofisol.
It has been proven that such a substrate will not bring you anything good, since such a material very quickly loses its shape, does not have heat-insulating properties at all, causes some discomfort when walking and does not give objects (furniture) the desired stability.
Cork
To date cork backing is considered the best base, which is laid under linoleum. This substrate is characterized by an interesting cellular structure and excellent performance properties. I would like to note that each of the cells is filled with air bubbles, which ensure uniform distribution of gravity over the entire floor covering.
If we consider customer reviews about cork backing for linoleum, you can see that almost all of them claim that this type the substrate is wonderful soundproofing material, which does not allow any sounds from the lower floors to pass through at all. But residents of private houses say that the cork underlay perfectly retains heat, and they can walk barefoot on the floor even in severe frosts.
Also interesting to know that cork material, unlike fiberboard, is resistant to high levels of humidity in the building. This property allows you not to worry about possible deformation of the substrate; in addition, such a building material provides protection to linoleum.
Price cork backing for linoleum from 95 to 200 rubles per square meter, here everything will depend on the manufacturer.
Jute
But the jute backing is made of natural jute fabric. This material does not rot, is not afraid of mold and does not burn. The jute backing is perfect for warmth. insulating material for the floor. Experts recommend use such building material in rooms where a concrete screed was laid on the ground or in those rooms under which there is an unheated basement.
I would like to note that the jute substrate is safe, environmentally friendly and maintains a favorable microclimate in the room. But when choosing this material, pay attention to its density - it should be the highest.
Planning renovation work and counting required quantity materials, owners of houses and apartments often think about whether a substrate is needed for linoleum.
Before making a decision, you need to find out about the materials from which it is made, its functions and installation features.
Let us immediately note that the option of laying linoleum without a backing is possible, but it has its drawbacks. The choice is, of course, yours. And so that it is conscious, we will consider the main points and factors that will help you avoid common mistakes and accept correct solution. Let's get started!
general characteristics
Floor leveling and sound insulation are the functions of the underlay
Before deciding whether you need to put a backing under the linoleum, let's figure out what it is. It is an insulating material that is used to cover the base before laying the floor covering. In other words, the backing prevents the linoleum from coming into contact with the floor. It performs the following functions:
- Camouflage. If the floor has a lot of unevenness, this can significantly affect the quality of installation and appearance floor covering. To prevent the appearance of various depressions, cracks or bumps, lining materials are used. In addition, by separating linoleum from the floor, they protect it from mechanical damage, which significantly affects the service life.
- Soundproof. A high-quality substrate does a good job of muffling sounds. Residents will definitely like this feature. apartment buildings, in which the noise coming from neighboring apartments is clearly audible.
- Thermal insulation. If you are the owner of an apartment located on the ground floor, the question of whether you need a backing for linoleum resolves itself. It will not only improve the quality of laying the flooring, but will also somewhat insulate the floor, preventing cold air from below from penetrating into the room. The same applies to cases where linoleum is laid in houses built on the ground.
As you can see, there are more than enough reasons to use a backing. Naturally, this will entail increased costs, but you will receive a high-quality, even coating that will protect you from extraneous noise and the penetration of cold air into the apartment.
Varieties
On modern market a wide range of materials is available. In order to do right choice, you should read distinctive characteristics each of them, study the advantages and disadvantages. This is what we will do. The following types of substrates are distinguished:
- Jute.
- Cork.
- Linen.
Jute backings are made from special plant fibers. Jute threads – natural material, which contains a fire retardant. This substance protects the material from rotting and fire.
If you have doubts about whether it is necessary to put a backing under linoleum in rooms with high humidity, we note that a jute backing will protect the coating from negative impact external environment, as it has the property of removing moisture.
Cork. They contain crushed tree bark. Lovers environmentally pure materials They will certainly appreciate the fact that no synthetic substances are used in production; such a substrate is completely safe for human health. As for heat and sound insulation, there are not many analogues that could compete with cork substrates. But it should also be said about the disadvantages of this material. It has a fairly high cost and is also unstable to mechanical stress. For example, furniture that is too heavy can lead to deformation and sagging of the coating. Before deciding whether you need to lay a cork backing under the linoleum, you should carefully weigh all the pros and cons.
Linen backing - nai the best option among natural materials
Linen. Linen fibers are used in production. To increase resistance to operation in conditions high humidity and to protect against insects, the material is treated with fire retardants. This way the substrate will last much longer, and you won’t have to worry about its safety.
The advantages of this type include its natural breathability. Thanks to this property prevents the occurrence of mold and fungi.
So, is it necessary to put underlayment under linoleum? The answer is yes. But which material is right for you should be decided taking into account the characteristics of the room in which it will be used.
Adding the latter allows you to increase wear resistance and thermal insulation characteristics. Note that the foam substrate should be discarded, as it quickly loses its shape, deteriorates and does not perform its intended functions.
Base requirements
Attention! Naturally, whatever material you choose, it is very important role plays a role in the quality of the floor surface on which it will be laid.
There are several basic requirements for the subfloor. It must be durable, absolutely dry, very hard, even (only smooth changes of 2-7 mm are allowed). You should also ensure that there are no greasy or oil stains on the surface and old paint, as this will significantly deteriorate the quality of installation. Here we should also consider the situation when the material is laid on an old coating.
People doing renovations often have a question about whether a laminate underlay is needed when laying it on linoleum. There are several nuances here. Of course, you can do without it, because linoleum performs the function of lining material, but if it has been used long time and has damage on its surface, you cannot do without a substrate.
Important! Better to spend a little more money, insure yourself to be sure of excellent result, than to save money and replace the worn-out coating after a few years.
What kind of base can be used for laying linoleum? A concrete floor is considered the best, as it meets all the basic requirements. If your house or apartment has wooden floor, then first you should carefully inspect it and assess the general condition of the coating. If there are uneven areas and cracks, special plywood is installed on the floor. Here the question often arises about whether a backing is needed for linoleum on plywood. The answer is no, since in this case the plywood serves as the very same substrate. Ceramic tiles can also be used as a base. Even if cracks and chips appear, it will be one of better basics. It is enough to apply the leveling compound, let it dry and clean the surface with sandpaper.
Let's sum it up
When deciding whether a substrate is needed for linoleum, many important factors should be taken into account: base material, level of load on the surface, operating conditions.
They are the ones who are decisive. Laying a backing can significantly increase the wear resistance of linoleum and prevent it from sagging and deformation. This way you can slightly insulate the floor, which, of course, will significantly increase your comfort. Enjoy the shopping!
Everyone knows that for laying a floor covering such as laminate, which is a rather thin, porous, warm material. Despite the popularity of laminated flooring, many people choose linoleum for their apartments as a less demanding and economical material.
Few people know that even under linoleum, a substrate is necessary. For what? We'll find out a little later. Disputes still flare up on this issue, as before, in Soviet time, linoleum was simply laid out on concrete.
In this article we will also find out what types of linoleum underlay are available, which one is better to lay under a wooden or concrete floor, and in what cases there is no need for this addition.
Purpose of the substrate
Experts who recommend using underlayment note three of its functions: masking floor unevenness, insulating it, and sound insulation. If your floor was done poorly during the roughing stage of the work, or if you completely skipped this difficult stage, the floor surface may be uneven. And even if you took care of its alignment, no one is immune from a small flaw.
It is distinguished by its softness, so all the unevenness of the floor will definitely come out after laying it. It is worse if tears or abrasions occur at the site of the tubercles. Linoleum underlay allows you to better hide all these errors and extend the life of your flooring.
As for insulation, it’s clear: thin material laid on a concrete floor will not retain heat. Especially if your apartment is located or if you are the owner of a private house with a basement. In this case, the substrate will accumulate heat and protect your health.
Considering the excellent audibility of modern panel houses, such an advantage as sound insulation in the floor will only be a good plus. The substrate will absorb noise coming from below.
Types of substrates
In order for you to be able to correctly decide which one is best among all the varieties of linoleum substrates, you need to know that there are several of them, and each has a number of pros and cons. Among the most suitable for modern apartments and house types of material, experts note the following:
- From jute;
- Linen covering;
- Combined material, it includes jute and flax, as well as wool;
- Foamed variety made from penoizol or isolon.
To choose exactly the material that best suits your floor, you need to note for yourself the operating conditions of the future floor, your material capabilities, and then rely solely on your preferences.
Jute backing
The jute type consists of the jute fiber itself. Its main advantages are that this material is resistant to rotting, burning, and mold.
In Russia, this type of substrate is not very popular due to its high cost. However, if cheapness is not the main condition for your choice, please note that jute backing for linoleum is perfect option for those who dream of good thermal insulation of their floor. This is especially true for owners of private houses, where the concrete screed is often laid either directly on the ground or on the roof of an unheated basement.
In addition to the above advantages, we can note the environmental friendliness and safety of the material.
Having opted for the jute option, make sure that it is very dense, since a soft substrate under soft linoleum is a risk of dents forming on the floor.
Cork type of substrates for linoleum
As the name suggests, it consists of crushed cork. This option is one of the most popular, thanks, especially in terms of sound insulation and thermal conductivity.
Cork underlayment is sold in rolls, which makes the installation process much easier (just put the roll at one end of the room and push it towards the other).
Another reason for the popularity of this material is its cellular structure. Each cell seems to contain a small air bubble. Due to this, the load on the coating is distributed evenly.
If you are looking for the best lining material and have settled on choosing a cork backing, then it is worth finding out the performance characteristics that manufacturers highlight:
- Soundproofing;
- High thermal conductivity, thanks to which you can safely walk on the floor barefoot even in winter;
- Moisture resistance;
- Good resistance to the spread of mold and other harmful microorganisms;
- Protecting linoleum from various kinds damage.
Despite all the advantages, this material also has a couple of disadvantages. This is primarily its softness. If we stand with our feet on a cork base, we will feel how pleasantly springy it is. But for furniture, this is not the best option, since there is a risk of linoleum deformation under the weight of sofas, cabinets and other bulky items.
The second disadvantage for some buyers will be the rather high cost.
Linen backing
Linen is a one hundred percent environmentally friendly material. As for the technology for making a substrate from this plant, flax is punched with special needles and then treated with fire retardants. Thanks to the second point, you don’t have to worry about small pests getting under the floor.
Combined backing made from a mixture of linen, jute and wool
If you ask experts which substrate for linoleum is better, they will immediately answer you - the one made from a mixture natural materials. This product is characterized by strength, moderate rigidity, and density. This will allow you to forget about what a cold floor is forever.
During production, the universal combined substrate is treated with antifungal drugs, as well as fire retardants, eliminating the risk of insects.
Foamed modification of the substrate made of penoizol or isolon
As for this type of substrate, many experts and even linoleum manufacturers do not recommend choosing a foam modification. The fact is that when laying flooring on penoizol or isolon, it will not be possible to achieve perfect evenness, so there is a high risk of dents forming, which will soon turn into tears.
If you doubt this, you can conduct a home experiment yourself. Place any sheet of paper on the table or floor and press the end of a sharp object onto it. The maximum that can happen is that a microscopic hole will appear on the sheet. If you put something soft under the sheet and do the same, the sharp object will immediately punch a hole. The same can happen with linoleum laid on a soft surface of a foam backing.
In what cases is a linoleum underlay required?
There are not very many reasons for placing a substrate under linoleum, however, for someone during the repair process they can become decisive.
- Cold floor. The underlay will provide good protection for your feet from the cold concrete underneath the thin flooring. This is especially true for those who have children who like to crawl on the floor. The warmest “clothing” for any gender is a backing made from a mixture of jute, linen and wool.
- Uneven floor. Small imperfections in the floor, dents can easily be hidden under the lining.
- Baseless linoleum. If you have chosen a coating that consists only of a base layer, then you can’t do without an insulating backing.
When can you do without a substrate?
If the above three reasons are not your case, then you can safely lay linoleum without a backing. There may be two options here: if your linoleum will be laid on the previous covering, or if you purchased a floor covering based on foam or jute.
In the first case, before directly laying the new covering, you should definitely check the old floor for chips, holes, cracks and other defects that may “pop up” after the work is completed.
In the event that you choose a floor covering with a lining consisting of several parts: glass fiber, PVC impregnation, fabric material, cellular PVC, polyester or jute, then a backing is not necessary for linoleum.
For our country, the most suitable base is foamed polyvinyl chloride. This material has the same coefficient thermal expansion, like the surface of the floor, therefore, if it is heated, the floor covering does not deform.
What requirements for the subfloor should be taken into account, expert opinion video
To summarize, we can say that if you purchase multilayer linoleum, the base of which is jute, fabric or PVC, then there is no need for a backing. But a baseless one, laid without heat-insulating linings, will not give you a high-quality result. And here it doesn’t matter which substrate for linoleum is better. It is important to protect the apartment from drafts and keep the floor free from unevenness.
If the need to use a substrate under the laminate is beyond doubt, then there are different opinions regarding linoleum on this matter. Let's figure out in what cases it is advisable to use an additional layer and when it is not. This article will discuss the types, advantages and disadvantages of insulating material for different substrates, as well as the nuances of laying linoleum with a backing with your own hands.
What it is?
The backing is a layer of insulating material that separates finishing coat from the subfloor - logs and/or boards, plywood, concrete base. The material differs in structure, which determines its nature of origin, in the form of release in the form of rolls or plates with different thicknesses of 2-12 mm and capabilities. When choosing a substrate for linoleum, it is important to consider the type of coating itself, in particular, the type of its base layer.
Modern linoleum is baseless with a uniform structure, the scope of which is utilitarian premises, commercial and public buildings and the main one - its types are used mainly in houses and apartments. Among the main coatings, there are models based on foamed PVC, fabric, nonwoven fabric– printed/felt felt, TZI with a combined base layer.
The most effective coatings are considered to be varieties of multilayer linoleum with a composite base layer. These are models on a duplicated base: felt + polyvinyl chloride foam and high-strength products with a calendered base, characterized by a single structure of a base layer made of polymer raw materials, pressed with a decorative abrasive coating.
In some cases, the use of a linoleum underlay is completely justified, while in others, an additional layer can become a source of discomfort when walking. To understand whether insulating material is right for you, let’s first understand its main functions.
What is it for?
If you use a substrate, then in different situations an additional layer:
- Acts as a shock absorber of dynamic pressures. When the rough base cannot boast of a perfectly flat surface without small flaws, insulating material must be placed to hide them.
- Compensates for minor imperfections in the subfloor with minor differences of up to 2 mm/m2, preventing premature wear of the surface covering due to additional loads created by surface tension due to bends and fractures.
- It insulates moisture, which is important for apartments located on the first floors. The reason for cold floors is unheated damp basement below.
- Absorbs sounds and helps retain heat. The comfort of using linoleum is largely influenced by the noiselessness of the floor covering in combination with its heat-insulating ability.
The disadvantage of using the underlay is that it creates a certain softness of the floor. Despite the fact that for some people moving on such a floor is comfortable, while others are against it, installing heavy furniture on a soft floor covering is always fraught with danger. negative consequences. Bulky storage systems can stand up unevenly, which will cause the structures to warp, and pieces of furniture with legs under pressure will deform the linoleum, leaving strong dents.
When laying linoleum, you should avoid using extruded polystyrene foam. This material in the form of panels with a thickness of 10 to 20 mm is ideal as a substrate for laminate flooring. But not for this soft covering like linoleum. If you put panels under it, the floors will turn out to be unsteady, providing an unpleasant sensation when walking. The use of MDF panels eliminates this problem.
When buying high-quality basic linoleum, the meaning of additional use substrates.
Since most often the preparation of a wooden base, as well as concrete screed involves the use of cut-off waterproofing. So, taking into account the pros and cons of the substrate, the need for its use is always determined by specific circumstances.
Kinds
The classification of substrates is rather arbitrary, so the main criterion by which they are divided into types is the material of manufacture. It can be natural, synthetic, combined type. Regardless of this, all materials have approximately the same low thermal conductivity, with a slight difference in its performance from 10 to 15%.
From jute
Jute backing is made using coarse textile fabric, which is made from plant fibers. Under general concept Jute is worth understanding as an annual spinning plant.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly.
- It has high elasticity and rigidity.
- Provides good sound and heat insulation.
- It is resistant to fire, the development of mold and mildew, as the fabric is treated with fire retardants and antiseptic compounds.
- It is easy to install and effectively masks defects in the subfloor.
- Durable.
Minus: expensive.
Made from linen
The advantage of using linen backing is good natural ventilation under the front covering and concrete base, due to the excellent “breathing” properties of flax. This guarantees the absence of problems with fungus, mold and pathogens, the triggering factors for the development of which are accumulations of moisture in combination with stagnant air.
Other advantages:
- Ecological cleanliness.
- Contains impregnation that prevents fire.
- It is a good heat and sound insulator.
Minuses:
- Insufficiently resistant to deformation.
- It has medium hardness and strength.
From the traffic jam
To make it, crushed cork bark is used. Cork is an intermediate derivative of wood, which explains the content of lignin and the waste product of the honey bee - wax, due to the presence of cerin. It is these components that give the cork its hardness and resistance to moisture, and its elasticity is due to the unique content of many natural ingredients.
Pros:
- High sound and heat insulating properties.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Good leveling ability.
- Resistant to the formation of rot, mold and mildew.
Minuses:
- Excessive softness, and this is almost always undesirable when working with linoleum.
- There are restrictions on flooring in high humidity conditions.
- High susceptibility to deformation under pressure from heavy furnishings.
- The need for strict adherence to installation technology.
- High price.
The moisture resistance of cork does not mean that the material is absolutely invulnerable to moisture. The substrate has a porous structure. The principle of operation of flax and jute is similar to the operation of mineral wool insulation, while for cork it is similar to polystyrene foam.
From pine needles
Relatively the new kind insulating material. It is made from wood processing residues coniferous trees and is distinguished by high soundproofing characteristics coupled with excellent heat retention properties. Coniferous substrate It has a specific smell, of which no trace remains after a while.
From combined materials
The production of combined type substrates involves the use of flax, jute, wool fibers in different combinations: linen + jute, linen + jute + felt, cork chips+ bitumen/rubber as a binding component.
Weak sides:
- There are no moisture-proof properties at all.
- Low ventilation capacity of the material due to its high density.
Strengths:
- High wear resistance characteristics.
- Naturalness.
- Zero susceptibility to deforming influences.
- Advantageous combination high noise insulation performance and low thermal conductivity.
Foam based
Compared to all analogues existing on the market, this option of insulating material for linoleum is considered the most inexpensive. The feasibility of using a polypropylene backing is determined by the trafficability of the premises; taking this factor into account, the service life of the material can vary from 5 to 10 years.
Pros:
- Very simple installation, which boils down to laying strips with a slight overlap on each other and fixing them with adhesive tape.
- Possibility of hassle-free replacement of old material with new one.
Among the relative disadvantages, one should note excessive softness due to the small thickness of the substrate. On the one hand, this prevents damage to the linoleum by heavy furniture, but on the other hand, walking on it may be uncomfortable. The sensations in this case are similar to those experienced when moving on a lint-free carpet.
Made from foil material
This is a type of foam backing. The composition of the material is isolon/polystyrene in combination with aluminum foil, which serves as a heat reflector. The area of application of foil material is the organization of underfloor heating systems. Pros: strength and moisture resistance.
From fiberboard/OSB
Creating a substrate from these sheet materials due to the need to level wooden base or a concrete base as part of preparations for laying linoleum, when it is impossible to do a traditional wet screed.
Plus:
Possibility of quickly eliminating base irregularities to save time.
Minuses:
- Low sound and heat insulation characteristics.
- Careful sealing of the joints between the sheets is required. Otherwise, unsealed seams can cause cracking of the floor covering, especially when using economical linoleum options. For this reason, when laying on a wooden surface, a layer of rolled backing is formed.
So, laying a budget baseless household covering implies the mandatory use of a lining. When laying insulated linoleum with a foamed base layer, as well as models with fabric base the urgent need for a substrate disappears. Multilayer types of linoleum with textile base have their own backing made of some material.
Which is better?
When choosing a substrate, they take into account the purpose of the room in which they plan to lay linoleum and the types of flooring. The substrate that best fits under the base of the existing linoleum and directly on the floor material is selected.
- Linen/jute substrates should be considered exclusively for warm rooms. In addition, they are good to use when a new coating is laid on old linoleum.
- Low room traffic is a reason for using synthetic substrates.
- Most universal look the substrate is made of cork. It is compatible with any base and all types of linoleum.
- Natural substrates cannot be used in rooms with high humidity and temperature conditions. In this case, impregnations will not help, so you cannot do without organizing waterproofing. For this purpose, thick polyethylene film is used.
It is important to take into account that linoleum models differ in wear resistance class, therefore:
- Laying commercial flooring involves the formation of an additional layer of flax, and under the heated floor - of foil material.
- When laying semi-commercial linoleum, a denser underlay of a combined type or made of jute is needed.
- For an apartment where less wear-resistant household types of linoleum are used, jute/cork substrates are desirable.
Many craftsmen insist on using a backing, regardless of the type of linoleum - basic or baseless. Because in addition to the functions of sound insulation, thermal insulation and leveling of small irregularities in the floor, the additional layer eliminates direct contact of the coating with the base.
Base requirements
Concrete bases, even when the screed is fully matured, it retains residual moisture inside. The change in moisture emission is influenced by the combination external factors– this is the humidity and temperature conditions And Atmosphere pressure. Flooring with a special base will be affected by this destructive influence, and the use of a substrate will reduce it to the possible minimum.
On plywood, fiberboard, OSB, you can use the most common rolled backing. Suitable materials for laminate are made from pine needles, cork, parcolag - this is kraft cardboard + bitumen + cork chips, isoplat, duplex.
How can you lay it?
You can lay the insulating material yourself. When laying soft flooring, it is important to choose the correct thickness of the additional layer. Try to ensure that the thickness of the backing does not exceed the thickness of the front covering, although ideally they should be the same thickness.
A smooth surface of the subfloor is a guarantee that the substrate will successfully cope with the tasks assigned to it, one of which is to increase the service life of the coating. The best way preparing a concrete floor - a self-leveling screed, and a wooden floor - laying sheet material.
How to prepare the substrate?
Before laying the rolled material, it is unrolled and left to rest for a day under conditions room temperature. If this is neglected, the substrate can change size even in a fixed state, which will provoke the formation of waves on the coating.
Which side should I put it on?
When forming a layer of foil material, its reflective side should be on top. Penoizol is placed with the smooth side up and the corrugated side towards the floor.
How to line it?
Connecting individual fragments of insulating material involves two methods of fixation: they can be glued to special compounds or secure with double-sided tape. Laying technology roll material, sheet or in the form of panels has its own nuances, although in any case the laying of the panels is done end-to-end on a primed base. Adhesive tape is glued at the junctions of adjacent sheets/cuts and along the edges.