<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nInstalling your vinyl underlayment is a fairly straightforward process. This step-by-step tutorial from Lowe’s shows you how to install it in order to add extra insulation and soundproofing to your vinyl floor installation project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this example, they used multi-purpose asphalt felt paper with adhesive backing for their installation over a concrete subfloor and LVT for installation over a plywood subfloor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tools & Materials:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Utility knife with sharp blade<\/li>
- Hammer<\/li>
- Circular saw<\/li>
- Tape measure<\/li>
- Drill<\/li>
- Ladder<\/li>
- Air compressor (if using an airnailer)<\/li>
- Flooring nailer (optional)<\/li>
- Flooring adhesive<\/li>
- Rubber mallet<\/li>
- Tongue-and-groove pliers<\/li>
- Utility knife<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Get the measurements of your room and mark your subflooring where you want to start installing it. You don’t have to cover the entire room, but rather just the areas that are visible when you walk in.<\/li>
- Cut out pieces of felt using a utility knife.<\/li>
- Place the adhesive strip on top of the felt and press firmly in place. Make sure that the entire strip is smooth and flat against the surface. This will ensure a secure installation without any potential for movement or slippage.<\/li>
- Use a hammer to tap down each side of the underlayment to adhere it completely to the subflooring.<\/li>
- Extend your measurements around the entire perimeter of the room for overlapping folds (so that you can tuck them underneath).<\/li>
- Use tongue-and-grove pliers to press down on the overlapped portion and ensure that it is secured well in place; then continue tucking it underneath the subflooring.<\/li>
- Continue this process for all pieces of underlayment until you’ve completely covered your subflooring in coverage.<\/li>
- Nail down the underlayment with adhesive and\/or a flooring nailer. If you opt to use a hammer and nails, do so sparingly as it can cause the underlayment to bulge.<\/li>
- Trim any excess pieces off of your underlayment with a utility knife.<\/li>
- After completing the installation, cover any seams or gaps that are visible with trim molding or another decorative element of choice.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Reasons To Install Underlayment For Vinyl Flooring<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere are many reasons that people choose to install underlayment for vinyl flooring. Here is a list of the most common uses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Cold Blocking<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen installing vinyl flooring in a room that is cold, adding underlayment can help to minimize the cold that enters the room from the floor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this case, it will help to block the cold from making its way into the home by creating a barrier between the floor and the subfloor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Underlayment, too, can make a significant difference. Underlayment may also serve as insulation and keep the heat in during the winter by keeping the chill-out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s easy to convert a chilly basement into a pleasant living area simply by installing underlayment directly over concrete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Hide Imperfections<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn order to cover up imperfections underneath the vinyl flooring, many homeowners opt for installing underlayment first. This will serve as a barrier between the floor and any bumps or dips that may be present underneath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s easier to install underlayment than it is to get the subfloor totally perfect; you’ll be done in no time. Additionally, if you’re installing vinyl flooring over an uneven surface (such as a concrete basement floor), the underlayment will help to provide a smooth and level surface that can be walked on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once this step has been taken, you can easily go ahead and install the vinyl flooring over the top. But note that there are some situations in which it is unnecessary to use underlayment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, if you’re going to be installing over a concrete floor that has been finished with a coat of paint or another type of sealant, underlayment is usually not necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Moisture Resistant<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMoisture can be a problem in some homes, especially if you’re installing vinyl flooring in the kitchen or bathroom. While moisture may not cause the flooring to degrade or become damaged, it will help to speed up that process if left on for too long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Installing underlayment is beneficial because it helps to prevent moisture from seeping through the floor and into the subfloor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In some cases, underlayment can also serve as a vapor barrier if it is installed over a concrete surface that has been painted or sealed with another type of sealant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this case, installing underlayment will help to keep any moisture from seeping up from below and creating a potentially dangerous problem for your flooring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Decreasing Sound<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn order to decrease the amount of noise that can pass from one room to another, many homeowners choose to install underlayment underneath their vinyl flooring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this way, they are able to stop sound from resonating throughout the rest of their house. Installing underlayment will help to absorb any vibration that is being generated by foot traffic, which will also help to reduce noise pollution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re installing vinyl flooring in a particularly noisy area of the house (such as the living room), it may be beneficial for you to consider installing underlayment underneath your new flooring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is especially true if there are high traffic areas that generate enough sound to bother other members of the household. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, if you live with pets or children who are particularly rambunctious, installing underlayment underneath your vinyl flooring may be a good decision for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n