The importance of moisture-resistant laminate underlay

Laminate flooring can be a game-changer to the look and feel of any room, adding an element of elegance and clean aesthetics that’s tough to match.

Considering this flooring can be quite an investment, it’s important to match it with a suitable laminate underlay that’s up to the task of maintaining the constant foot traffic. 

However, one problem many homeowners forget to consider when opting for new laminate flooring is moisture build-up, which can cause significant issues and shorten the lifespan of any flooring placed atop it.

Luckily, at Carpet Underlay Shop, we’re home to plenty of options for moisture-resistant laminate underlay – all designed to offer excellent moisture protection and ensure you can enjoy your new laminate floors for years to come.

So, let’s take a closer look at how water-resistant underlay can boost the quality of your laminate flooring project in the long term.

 

Why does moisture occur under laminate flooring?

Moisture can build up under laminate flooring for two main reasons:

 

1. Condensation

Moisture is created when water droplets form as a result of contrasting temperatures on surfaces in close proximity. 

This is most common on windows and some walls in winter, with the low temperatures outdoors reacting to the warmer temperatures indoors, causing condensation.

However, the small air pockets between laminate flooring and the subfloor also leave room for moisture to form, due to the coldness of the subfloor meeting the insulating properties of laminate, and the warmth of the room above. This is especially common in concrete subfloors in basements but can occur in almost any room.

 

2. Subfloor moisture

Sometimes, the subfloor may have a particularly high moisture content. This is usually because it was installed incorrectly (e.g. without a vapour barrier), or didn’t have a chance to dry out properly when the property was originally built. Or it could simply be due to dampness in the ground underneath.

It’s pretty easy to check for such moisture before installing the laminate, either using a moisture meter or simply by placing a sheet of polythene on top of the subfloor and checking for discolouration and condensation 24 hours later.

If a high level of moisture is detected, this could potentially seep up from below and infiltrate your new laminate flooring.

 

To combat the above, it’s important to arm your laminate flooring with a strong, reliable layer of underlay that features damp-proof qualities that can stop moisture dead in its tracks.

 

 

What are the side effects of moisture on laminate?

• Warping and cracking

As most laminate flooring is made of compressed wood (along with other binding materials) most of it is susceptible to damage caused by excess water in the same way other wood-based products are.

Because wood is not waterproof, it tends to absorb nearby water sources, meaning your laminate could absorb any moisture that builds up between the laminate and the subfloor.

This doesn’t sound like a major issue at first glance. But if the wood is particularly thin – like laminate flooring – it becomes far easier for the water to cause the wood to shift shape to accommodate the water molecules, leading to warping and cracking.

The same could be true for water that is absorbed as a result of spills, leaks and flooding, which is why it’s important to clean up such messes as early as possible.

Once laminate flooring has warped, it can be incredibly difficult to fix, or impossible to fix if the damage is too severe. As a result, homeowners would need to replace their laminate, which can be very expensive.

However, by applying a layer of moisture-resistant underlay, homeowners can rest easy knowing their laminate is protected against hidden moisture build-up at all times.

 

• Discolouration

Many people choose laminate flooring over carpets because of the clean and aesthetically pleasing appearance it offers.

Sadly, all the effort that laminate flooring manufacturers put into the designs of their flooring can quickly be ruined due to moisture build-up.

The natural-looking wood patterns and colours can give way to discolouration as moisture is absorbed upward through the laminate planks, creating an uneven and unpleasant appearance, to say the least.

This leads homeowners to either replace their laminate entirely (a costly job, as we discussed earlier) or dry and repaint their laminate once the moisture issue has been solved. But neither is a welcome scenario.

But by applying the right laminate underlay that protects against the build-up of dampness, homeowners can avoid the need to repaint or replace their laminate, saving a mountain of time, effort and cash.

 

• Planks loosening

Beyond aesthetic issues, moisture forming beneath laminate flooring can quickly become a serious injury concern, too.

The warping we mentioned earlier can raise and shift laminate planks out of position, instantly creating a trip hazard for anyone walking by.

Not only that, but anyone tripping over laminate flooring that’s already compromised could damage it even further.

Utilising a damp-proof laminate flooring underlay will eliminate this possibility, though, and will encourage the planks to stay firmly in position once they're applied.

The extra layer will also encourage the planks not to shift thanks to the added support and stability, filling the small gap between the subfloor and the planks themselves. The less movement, the less likely they are to fall out of place.

 

• Health hazards

Along with being absorbed into the wood planks, moisture can also lead to the formation of mould and mildew on the underside of laminate flooring.

Mould and mildew can often be removed with a quick application of bleach or a special spray made specifically for this purpose.

However, when it’s on the underside of laminate flooring, completely out of view, it can be extremely difficult if not impossible to spot without taking the flooring up completely. In this case, you’ll often notice the odour before spotting the mould itself.

Not only do these mould spores contribute to the breaking down of laminate flooring fibres, but they’re also a serious health hazard, contaminating the nearby air, which could lead to breathing issues if consistently inhaled. This is why the government has taken the removal of mould in rented and council accommodation so seriously in recent years.

But with a moisture-resistant underlay for laminate flooring, you’ll be drastically cutting the chances of mould and mildew forming below the surface, prolonging the life of your laminate and helping create a happy, healthy home environment.

 

Explore the best laminate underlay for your needs

If moisture is a concern in your latest flooring project, be sure to make the perfect choice for laminate floor underlay with Carpet Underlay Shop.

We have a huge range of underlay options that feature damp-proofing qualities, helping you avoid all the pitfalls listed above in your living rooms, bathrooms, and other areas. However, our no. 1 recommendation for most projects is Royale 7mm Professional Sonic Gold Underlay – currently available for £7.98 per m².

 

 

Made from a unique foam formula with a thick gold backing, this features an in-built damp-proof membrane – which creates an effective barrier against any moisture in the subfloor and reduces the risk of unnecessary water damage.

It will also make a highly notable difference to the overall performance of your chosen laminate, improving its look and feel, and ensuring it lasts for 15-20 years or more.

Take a look and, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Or if you need a hand choosing the right underlay for you, our in-house experts are always happy to help. Simply call us on 0203 887 0994 or drop us a message at sales@carpet-underlay-shop.co.uk and one of our friendly team will respond as soon as possible.

 

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