Backing for interlocking PVC tiles. What kind of underlay to lay under vinyl and quartz vinyl laminate?

Polyvinyl chloride floor tiles are an innovative finishing material that is of high quality and relatively inexpensive. But no matter how durable and high-quality vinyl tiles are, the base for its installation must be solid and level. The lifespan of the tile depends on the base coating, and if you do not pay enough attention to this, even the most durable tile can become deformed in a short period of time, especially in a heavily used room.

Backing for PVC tiles – a necessity or an extra detail?

If the surface on which you plan to lay the tiles is smooth and hard, without dents or cracks, then installation can be carried out without a backing. Diagnosis of the surface condition should be as objective as possible, since subsequent rework will lead to a large waste of time and money.

If the floor is not level enough, with visible and tangible defects, it is necessary to create a substrate for laying tiles. The substrate can be made in several ways, depending on:

  • space possibilities;
  • budget size;
  • availability of free time;
  • class and type of PVC tiles.
  • Variations of substrates

    1. If the floor has a perfectly flat surface, but it is not rigid and hard enough, a subfloor must be created from a primer mixture. The advantage of using a primer is that it ensures reliable adhesion of the tiles to the base, creating a special rough layer. Using a primer reduces the chance of tiles peeling off several times, especially with frequent and sudden temperature changes.

      Using a primer, it is also easy to hide cables and cords of a heated floor system.

    2. Floor screed is recommended for uneven surfaces. The entire screed process is divided into two stages: installing a reinforced metal mesh to increase the rigidity of the base, as well as performing the screed using a “dry” or “wet” method. Most often, a dry mixture of expanded clay is used, since it is particularly durable and has a relatively inexpensive cost. When diluting the mixture, you must carefully observe the proportions indicated on the packaging by the manufacturer of the material.

      The optimal thickness of such a substrate should be at least 10 cm. This should be taken into account in the presence of floors without thresholds at the doors or in rooms with small space, as well as in the presence of built-in furniture “under the ceiling”. It is not recommended to level with OSB sheets under self-adhesive material, due to unnecessary roughness of the base, which will lead to a weak connection.

    3. The most common type of underlay is the use of plywood sheets, which can be installed on floors made of any material, including old plank floors. The optimal thickness of plywood for such purposes is at least 0.5 cm, and the brackets for fastening it must be at least 2.5 cm in order to securely install the panels
    4. Many manufacturers of polyvinyl chloride tiles with interlocking joints recommend creating a backing for them from:
      1. traffic jams;
      2. pine needles;
      3. polypropylene;
      4. combined substrate.

      These types of underlays will help hide minor unevenness and provide additional shock absorption.


      The result of creating a substrate should be an absolutely solid base so that in the future the tile does not deform or sag.

      Installation of polyvinyl chloride tiles requires an even and as solid base as possible, therefore, in order for the properties of the tile and its external aesthetic appearance to remain the same for a long time, it’s worth working hard to create a special substrate.

    With a mechanical click-lock, it can be done independently without the involvement of specialists. The floor covering is easy to install without special skills, installation does not require the use of adhesives, a backing for PVC tiles is not required - these are just some of the features of laying this material. In addition, there is no need to use additional materials, tools, and installation takes little time.

    Floor surface requirements

    PVC tiles can be laid both on the subfloor and on the existing floor covering. Under PVC tiles, a height difference of +/-2 mm is allowed for every 2 meters. If the subfloor or old base has unevenness beyond the permissible limit, then leveling the surface will be required. In this case, there is no need to use a substrate or level the subfloor to perfect condition. The main requirement, in addition to a flat surface, is a hard floor surface. Installation is possible on:
    - wooden floors,
    - concrete screed,
    - Self-leveling floors,
    - ceramic, porcelain tiles,
    - linoleum.

    If it is necessary to provide additional sound insulation and protection from moisture in basements, appropriate layers (heat, moisture and sound insulation) are used.

    Laying PVC tiles with a click-lock: installation stages

    When laying tiles with a mechanical lock, you will need a laser or regular tape measure, a pencil with a ruler, scissors, a special rubber tile hammer and a plate through which the tiles will be tapped.

    Laying the first row

    Laying begins from the corner of the room. The first plank is placed at a distance of 3 to 5 mm from the wall. This is necessary to ensure a thermal gap. The second tile is applied at an angle of 45 degrees to the first, after which it snaps into place (light pressure at an angle and lowering the plank to the floor surface).

    After clicking the click-lock, the tiles are tapped with a special hammer. To do this, a tamping plate is placed on the second plank, after which 1-3 light blows with a hammer are performed over the entire surface of the tile - there should be no gaps left, but deformation of the lock is, of course, unacceptable.


    Laying the second row

    The second row is laid offset. The optimal offset level is 1/3 the length of the first tile of the first row. To do this, 1/3 or 2/3 of the tile is cut off with scissors, after which the second row of planks is installed.

    The second tile of the second row is first fixed in relation to the first tile of the second row, i.e. the transverse lock is snapped, and after that the fixation is carried out with the tile of the first row (longitudinal lock). Accordingly, it is necessary to tamp the bar in the same sequence in which the click-lock is latched.

    All subsequent rows are laid in a similar sequence.

    One of these coatings is vinyl laminate; it appeared relatively recently, but quickly gained fame and popularity.

    Manufacturers praise this material, and if you listen only to them, it turns out that it has extremely positive qualities. To understand this, let's take a closer look at what PVC laminate is, what advantages it has, and does it have any disadvantages?

    Vinyl laminate - flooring made from polyvinyl chloride, you can purchase this material in the form of tiles, panels or in rolls. If we talk about the parameters of the panels, they usually have dimensions of 191x1316, 324x655 mm, and tiles have dimensions of 300x150, 300x300, 200x200, 490x490 mm.

    A special feature of this flooring is his small thickness, usually it does not exceed 5 mm. This allows vinyl laminate flooring to be laid on a solid old base, and the height of the room is reduced slightly.

    The specified floor covering consists of the following layers:

    • adhesive layer, if there are locking connections, it may be missing;
    • The heat-insulating substrate is also not available in all models of this coating;
    • polyvinyl chloride base;
    • fiberglass serves to ensure the flexibility of the coating and protect it from tearing;
    • fiber optic layer;
    • the printed image allows you to create various shades and structures;
    • a layer of transparent PVC protects the material from damage;
    • polyurethane layer;
    • treatment ultraviolet rays increases the light resistance of the coating.

    Advantages and disadvantages

    Thanks to the availability large quantity advantages, vinyl laminate flooring successfully competes with many traditional coatings. Among its advantages it is worth noting the following:

    • Availability large selection colors and patterns, which allows you to imitate any materials;
    • ease of cleaning and maintenance;
    • vinyl laminate is waterproof, so it can be used in the bathroom, kitchen or similar areas;
    • it is comfortable to walk on, it is warm and soft;
    • low cost;
    • high strength;
    • good maintainability;
    • ease of installation.
    Despite the fact that manufacturers indicate only positive characteristics vinyl laminate, like any other material, it has a number of disadvantages:
    • presence in it chemical substances, can cause irritation of the mucous membranes and respiratory diseases, usually this occurs during the first time after installation of such a coating;
    • this material is not biodegradable, therefore, after its service life expires, it pollutes the environment;
    • non-renewable natural resources are used to produce vinyl laminate;
    • the surface of the subfloor must be smooth and free of debris, since the presence of solid particles leads to damage to the vinyl coating;
    • marks from heels or rubber mats may cause chemical reaction, as a result of which the material discolors;
    • it is not possible to restore such a floor; if damaged, it must be replaced;
    • coverage over time Low quality may turn yellow;
    • When burned, it releases toxic substances.

    Kinds

    There is a classification of this material according to its intended use:

    • household pvc laminate for flooring in rooms with low traffic, intended for covering, for example, bedrooms or living rooms;
    • commercial use, has a thicker coating layer, so it can be used in rooms with medium and high traffic;
    • special coating used for installation in gyms and shopping centers, as it can withstand heavy loads and has high wear resistance.

    The most popular and famous is vinyl laminate Contesse, which is a worthy competitor to traditional flooring materials. It can be used in apartments or houses, as well as in schools, shops, and offices.

    The bottom layer of this coating consists of wear-resistant polyvinyl chloride, and the top layer is reinforced with fiberglass and covered with a protective layer of polyurethane and aluminum oxide. This structure makes Contesse vinyl laminate durable, its service life is about 10-15 years, and in residential areas it can last 25-30 years.

    In addition, flooring can be divided into several types:

    Self-adhesive

    It can be made both in the form of panels and in the form of tiles of various sizes; a layer of adhesive is applied to its back side, which is protected by film. It is convenient to install it yourself; the only condition is that the surface is smooth and clean.

    Castle

    In this case, vinyl laminate is produced with a locking connection and adhesive tape, the panels are connected using locks, they are not attached to the floor, and an applied adhesive tape is used to seal the seams. This type is perfect for underfloor heating systems.

    Roll material

    This type of vinyl laminate is the most difficult to install, all due to the need to use special glue, which is expensive. It is made in the form of strips rolled into a roll.

    Quartz vinyl laminate

    A special feature is that it has a three-layer structure. Between the protective bottom layer and the top layer, which is responsible for the appearance of the coating, there is an intermediate layer consisting of quartz chips. This structure makes this material very durable, and it belongs to class 43, but the cost of this coating will be high.

    Installation process

    Before laying vinyl laminate, it is necessary to properly prepare the surface; the base can be of different types:

    • cement-sand screed;
    • plywood or chipboard;
    • installation can be carried out on an old coating, but in this case the linoleum under the laminate must be firmly attached to the base, the tiles must not have a relief, and the seams must be filled with putty.

    Before installation, the entire surface must be thoroughly removed from debris and dust. The material must lie in the room for 2 days to adapt to its conditions. The temperature in the room should not be less than 15°C.

    The first panel is cut by 1/3 to create an offset; wedges are installed around the perimeter of the room, which are removed after laying the laminate.

    When laying self-adhesive vinyl laminate flooring, no underlay is used; if it has a click joint, then the underlay must be installed.

    On the panel located from the wall, cut off the adhesive tape, after which the second panel is brought in and carefully glued. After laying the row, the joints of the panels must be rolled well with a special roller.

    If the element lies unevenly or misaligned, you can correct or replace it within 10 minutes, but do not damage the smart tape.

    If the vinyl laminate has a click joint, then it is laid on a substrate, its strips are connected to each other with tape, and then the panels are installed with a Click lock, as usual.

    To lay roll material, you need to use a special glue, the cost of which is high and installation is quite difficult, so beginners should not choose this installation method.

    Which is better, laminate or PVC tiles?

    It is impossible to answer unequivocally the question of what is better, regular or PVC; it all depends on the desires of the owner and the conditions in which the floor covering will be used.

    If we talk about PVC laminate, then its advantage over the usual one will be in its small thickness, so the height of the room decreases slightly, it is excellent for laying on warm floors and can be used in rooms with high humidity.

    In both cases, it is necessary to properly prepare the surface so that it is smooth and free of dust and dirt. Please note that PVC laminate can cause allergies, especially immediately after installation, so It is not advisable to use it in a children's room.

    Do you need a backing?

    If self-adhesive vinyl laminate is being installed, no underlay is required. In the case of using a coating with interlocking joints, you can use a backing that will help hide small irregularities and act as additional shock absorption. The backing for vinyl laminate can be either cork or pine, polypropylene or a combination.

    Which glue to choose

    To lay vinyl laminate flooring, you need to use a special glue that will ensure a strong and durable connection.

    • Water-dispersed adhesive is odorless, safe for humans and provides a reliable connection.
    • Click Guard adhesive is a cross between an adhesive and a sealant, so the panels are not only securely held together, but also protected from moisture.
    • Moment glue is used to connect the ends of panels; it dries very quickly and allows you to connect the planks end to end.

    The worst glue experts believe that it is created on the basis of artificial resins and contains acetone.

    The most the best option It is considered a universal adhesive for laminate flooring.

    Summarizing

    Vinyl laminate flooring requires an almost perfectly level base, so you'll have to work hard at it. It is best to level the floor using a self-leveling screed or sheets of plywood. It is not recommended to level with OSB sheets under self-adhesive material, since due to the roughness of the base, the connection may not be very strong.

    Useful video

    Step-by-step instructions for installing vinyl laminate flooring yourself

    In contact with

    What is FineFloor Quartz Vinyl Tiles made of?
    If you pick up a tile, you will feel that it is a dense and rather heavy material, but at the same time flexible and elastic. These qualities ensure the composition of the tile: a third of its mass consists of crushed river sand and shell rock, which are firmly bonded to the other main ingredient of the tile - vinyl (PVC)

    The starting materials for vinyl production are two familiar components: table salt and ethylene. And if everything is clear with salt, then ethylene is a less clear word. But you are probably as familiar with it as you are with salt. Ethylene is used to produce vinegar and alcoholic beverages, and when mixed with oxygen it is used in medicine as an anesthesia. But most often you meet it in golden autumn. Being a phytohormone of all plants, it regulates the timing of fruit ripening and leaf fall. The riot of foliage colors in September-November is his work. This is a natural substance.

    Vinyl products are absolutely inert to environment, hypoallergenic and do not have any impact on human and animal health, which is confirmed by hygienic certificates of Rospotrebnadzor and 80 years of experience widest application this material. Today it is used to produce:

    1. Pipes for drinking water supply systems.
    2. Containers for storing donor blood and plasma.
    3. Bottles for storing mineral water.
    4. Food (packaging) film.
    5. Containers for sandwiches.
    6. And many other useful things that have become an integral part of our life and everyday life.

    What is the operating temperature range for the tiles?

    Quartz-vinyl tiles Fine Floor can withstand temperature changes without active physical impact from -30 to +60, and during operation from -15 to +40. That is, the material can be left in country house and don't worry that much Cold winter will destroy the floor, but low temperatures the material becomes less flexible. Roughly speaking, if you bend a cooled tile at a temperature of -30, it will break. Conversely, at high temperatures the material becomes more flexible and soft. That is, with active physical influence in conditions high temperature the floor covering may be deformed, BUT this will not affect the properties of the tile - it remains moisture resistant, environmentally friendly and will not change its color. Fine Floor quartz vinyl tiles can change their size by no more than 0.05% according to the EN434 standard.

    What is a chamfer and why is it needed?

    A chamfer is a bevel around the perimeter of the tile, emphasizing each individual element of the floor. It is needed for the beauty of the installed floor covering.

    Do Fine Floor tiles dry out over time?

    FineFloor quartz-vinyl tiles retain their geometric dimensions throughout their entire service life.

    Are Fine Floor tiles environmentally friendly?

    Fine Floor quartz-vinyl tiles have a certificate confirming the environmental friendliness and safety of the material, as well as recommending the use of tiles in medical and children's institutions. Information about tiles and certificates are located on the website. The tiles have the ECO sign, i.e. is environmentally friendly.

    Does liquid seep into the joints between tiles?

    Interlocking quartz-vinyl tiles, when installed, create a waterproof layer due to the interlocking design. In the case of installing adhesive quartz-vinyl tiles Fine Floor, liquid has no opportunity to penetrate into the joints thanks to the water-based glue, which, when dried, turns into a rubber-like mass that lies in a thin layer on the entire surface of the floor, which in itself is a good waterproofing.

    What is the thickness of the tiles?

    Fine Floor quartz-vinyl tiles have a thickness of 2.5 to 4.5 mm depending on the article. For more details, see the characteristics table.

    How much do Fine Floor tiles weigh?

    1 m2 of class 34 adhesive tiles weighs 5 kg, class 43 adhesive tiles - 4 kg, class 43 interlocking tiles - 7.7 kg

    Do Fine Floor tiles change color over time in high traffic areas?

    FineFloor quartz-vinyl slab does not absorb dirt and therefore will not change color.

    Can the edges of FineFloor tiles peel off after prolonged use?

    No, this in itself is impossible.

    How and what does FIneFloor quartz-vinyl tile smell like?

    FineFloor tiles do not have a pronounced odor.

    Where are FineFloor quartz vinyl tiles made?

    Basic production capacity are located in Belgium. The manufacturer of the product is IVC N.V. The address of the manufacturer can be found from the certificate.

    PREPARATION OF THE BASE BEFORE LAYING

    What are the error tolerances for the base under Fine Floor tiles?

    Only smooth, smooth differences in the base of no more than 5 mm by 2 m are permissible. All other base defects can affect the quality of installation and appearance finished floor.

    Can Fine Floor tiles be laid on a fiberboard base?

    No, such a base is not suitable for laying quartz-vinyl tiles due to the fact that fiberboard is exposed to moisture, which can deform this coating, which will ultimately affect the finishing floor covering.

    Can Fine Floor tiles be installed on cork floors?

    No, you cannot lay tiles on a cork floor, since it is soft and does not provide the necessary requirement - HARDNESS, for the base for laying Fine Floor tiles.

    Do I need to use an underlay for Fine Floor quartz vinyl tiles?

    No, you do not need to use a tile backer.

    Can Fine Floor Quartz Vinyl Tiles be installed on a plank floor?

    1. The boards must be secured to the beams with self-tapping screws.
    2. Sheet materials should be laid on top of the boards (4/2 plywood no less than 10 mm, OSB-3 no less than 9 mm) with a gap of 2-3 mm between the sheets.
    3. Sheet materials must be secured with screws recessed into the material (at least 10 screws/m2)
    4. All joints of sheets and recesses of self-tapping screws must be filled with non-shrink putty.
    5. The entire surface of your base must be sanded after the putty has dried. After this, you can begin laying quartz-vinyl tiles on the floor using glue.
    6. If you are considering quartz-vinyl tiles from the “Ideal Laminate” series as a floor covering, then points No. 4 and 5 can be excluded.

    Can FineFloor Quartz Vinyl Tiles be installed over ceramic tiles?

    You cannot simply glue FineFloor quartz-vinyl tiles onto ceramic floor tiles right away. This is due to the fact that the tiles are laid in compliance with thermal joints, which are a groove along the perimeter of the tile. When laying PVC tiles on top of tiles it is possible to:

    1. the joints of the tiles get into these grooves, so they will not stick and will bulge in the future,
    2. when applying glue to the surface in these pits, it will remain much more than the required amount and it will not gain sufficient adhesive ability, while applied to flat part tile glue will begin to dry - subsequently the glue will protrude to the surface for a long time after the load on the seam,
    3. after laying quartz vinyl tiles on an unprepared surface, all the shortcomings of this surface will appear - the silhouettes of all tiles will be visible due to the subsidence of the PVC tiles into the grooves of thermal joints. It should be noted here that very rarely do developers who lay large volumes of tiles create a surface that is a flat horizon. Differences in such installation can reach several centimeters in height, which is unacceptable for our tiles. The floor surface must be level, durable and smooth.

    4. If your tiles are laid level (checked by a rule, a long level or any long, level object - if you put it on the floor - there should be no gaps under it and it should touch the floor along its entire length), you are sure that all the tiles are glued firmly and will not fall off from prolonged loads after some time, you do not expect large temperature changes in the bathroom, then you can cover all the seams on the tiles with special compounds (Thomsit 726) and then start gluing the FineFloor tiles. But this is done only in very extreme cases and no one guarantees a decent result.

    Can FineFloor Quartz Vinyl Tiles be installed over Linoleum?

    It is impossible to lay quartz-vinyl tiles on household, free-standing linoleum, but on commercial ones, which are firmly glued to the base, you can, after first eliminating surface defects, if any.
    Please keep in mind the remaining substrate and installation requirements specified in the installation instructions included with each package of Fine Floor tiles.

    Is it true that the base for quartz-vinyl tiles must be perfectly level?

    Not certainly in that way. The base must be level, smooth and durable. Moreover, if one angle is higher than the other in the plane, this will not have any effect.

    Do I need to prime plywood before installing FineFloor tiles?

    No, you do not need to prime the surface of the plywood.

    LAYING

    Is it possible to lay PVC Fine Floor tiles on laminate?

    FineFloor quartz-vinyl tiles, which are mounted with adhesive, cannot be laid on laminate flooring due to the fact that it is a free-standing base.
    FineFloor quartz-vinyl tiles from the “Ideal Laminate” series can be laid on the laminate, provided that it does not have swelling or damage, loose tiles, or large deflections in the area.

    Is it possible to disassemble the Ideal Laminate and re-install it in another room?

    Yes, the material can be reassembled.

    Is it possible to lay quartz-vinyl tiles with a locking joint in one sheet for the entire apartment without thresholds?

    Yes, you can, and this is the preferred option.

    Is it possible to lay Fine Floor tiles in a washroom in a bathhouse?

    Yes, you can.

    Is it possible to lay tiles on a wooden floor?

    Yes, it is possible if the wooden floor is properly leveled with sheet materials.

    When laying parallel to the walls, add to the area of ​​the room
    - for interlocking tiles +10%, - for adhesive tiles +7% When laying at an angle - for interlocking tiles +15%, - for adhesive tiles +10%

    Will liquid seep through the seams between the tiles?

    No, it won’t, tile adhesive is an additional waterproofing agent.

    Is it possible to lay Fine Floor tiles on an open balcony/terrace/veranda/loggia?

    Yes, you can lay Fine Floor tiles on an open balcony/terrace/veranda/loggia.
    Laying quartz-vinyl tiles on an unheated balcony using glue is possible only in the warm season, when the temperature is above 18C. Interlocking tiles can be installed at lower temperatures, but this must be done very carefully, because the material becomes tanned from the cold, which can cause the locks around the perimeter to break.

    Is it possible to glue tiles with liquid nails?

    Liquid nails should absolutely not be used. They create thickness on the base, and adjacent tiles do not lie on the same level - mini drops and hooks are obtained.

    How long after laying Fine Floor tiles on the adhesive can furniture be placed?

    In 48 hours

    How to lay FineFloor tiles on plywood, gypsum fiber board, OSB, chipboard?

    Laying sheet materials on floors is done with a 1-3mm seam between the sheets, so that there are no squeaks in the future. It is necessary to recess all the heads of the screws in the plywood and fill them and all the joints of the plywood with wood putty. Wait for the putty to dry. Sand the resulting unevenness to a smooth, even surface. After this, dust the surface with a vacuum cleaner or sweep thoroughly. The thickness of plywood must be at least 10mm, OSB - at least 12mm, chipboard - 16mm.

    What adhesive can be used to install FIneFloor quartz-vinyl tiles?

    Adhesives for quartz-vinyl tiles FineFloor are divided into 2 types: for absorbent substrates (Thomsit UK400, Kesto Plus) and for non-absorbent substrates = Universal (Thomsit K198, Kesto 2Plus, Bostik KU320, Forbo 522). It is better to use universal glue, because... it is suitable for any base.

    Is it possible to decorate the walls of a room with FineFloor quartz-vinyl tiles?

    Walls can also be covered with quartz-vinyl tiles FineFloor, the only difference from the floor is that in this case you need to use contact adhesive (Universal Adhesive Moment-1), which is applied to both surfaces to be glued with a brush (the wall and the back side of the tile) and when After drying (5-10 minutes) they press against each other.
    Very often, walls in bathrooms and restrooms are decorated with our tiles, as well as kitchen walls, interior niches in restaurants, cafes and clothing stores, vandal-proof sections of walls in kindergartens, schools, medical institutions, and the basement of walls in corridors. The most important thing is that the floors and walls are strong, even and smooth, without pits and bumps (the pits are puttied and the bumps are knocked down, after which the surface must be sanded)

    FINE FLOOR IN COMBINATION WITH WARM FLOOR SYSTEM

    Is it possible to lay tiles on an IR heated floor (infrared heated floor)?

    Vinyl laminate is a material designed for flooring. It is usually used in kitchens, bathrooms, and bathrooms. It is not affected by moisture or aggressive environments. A room with such flooring becomes cozy and comfortable, and the PVC finish lasts a long time.

    But to ensure durability during installation, certain conditions must be met. The main one is the installation of a substrate for the laminate.

    Why do you need a substrate?

    It is necessary to install the underlayment because vinyl laminate is a material that is flexible and thin. Because of this, if the floor is uneven, even minor, it can be easily damaged.

    When the substrate is arranged, the irregularities disappear. The PVC laminate adheres tightly to the base over the entire area. Due to this, the pressure, which is provided by the weight acting on the lamellas, is distributed evenly. The coating is not damaged.

    When choosing an underlay material, it is necessary to take into account that it should protect the laminate from the influence of the base layer from which the floor is made. It could be concrete, fiberboard.

    Should be considered existing humidity, temperature, as well as the condition of the surface itself - the presence/absence of unevenness and differences in height.

    Types of underlays for vinyl laminate

    Cork

    A good effect is ensured by a cork backing. It is made by pressing crushed cork oak bark. With its help, a high degree of sound insulation is ensured.

    In addition, it retains heat well. The downside is that it cannot be used where there is high humidity.

    It is also undesirable to use cork in rooms located above bathrooms and toilets. The same can be said about cases where a screed was applied to the floor surface relatively recently.

    But in panel houses, cork underlay for vinyl laminate is applicable almost without restrictions.

    The main condition for installation is that the base base should not have any unevenness. Otherwise, the laminate will deform.

    Polyethylene

    The next optimal type of substrate for PVC laminate is polyethylene (isolon). The material is characterized by low cost.

    Foamed isolon has a thickness of 2-3 millimeters. Under the pressure of the fiberboard covering, it contracts, thereby compensating for unevenness on the floor. This backing reliably protects against moisture, ensuring the safety of the laminate.

    Expanded polystyrene

    Another, no less positive way to ensure protection vinyl laminate– polystyrene foam backing. It can be used where heavy loads are possible on the floor.

    Difficulties may arise during installation. The fact is that polystyrene foam is hard. It doesn't level the surface well. This means that the floor should be thoroughly leveled before starting work.

    But the material also has good positive qualities. Laid in one layer, it provides reliable protection against dampness and has high degree thermal insulation.

    Tuplex

    Tuplex underlay perfectly compensates for uneven floors. It also retains heat well and provides sound insulation. It is characterized by low toxicity and durability. Being elastic, Tuplex can be easily installed in places where access is difficult.

    Coniferous

    This is an environmentally friendly, natural material that provides the maximum degree of thermal insulation. If the room is dry and the floor is concrete, then a coniferous underlay is one of the best options.

    The coniferous underlay guarantees good sound insulation and compensates for minor unevenness in the floor. When installing an electric heated floor, it ensures uniform heating.

    Substrate for quartz vinyl laminate

    When installing self-adhesive or adhesive quartz vinyl tiles, you can do without a backing. But, when it is necessary to provide good sound or thermal insulation, Xtrafloor™ Flex PRO is usually laid.

    Due to the presence of glue on its surface, the floor can be used immediately after completion of the work. At the same time, the thickness of the substrate ensures leveling of the surface with unevenness of up to two millimeters.

    When laying interlocking quartz vinyl tiles, the installation is quite quick. If necessary, use Xtrafloor Base or Xtrafloor Flex Pro.

    Due to its high thermal conductivity, the first one – Base – can be used to install underfloor heating systems. It provides good sound insulation. It also does a good job of leveling floors that have minor unevenness.