What underlay for vinyl panels?

What is an underlay for vinyl panels and why is it important?

Underlays for vinyl panels are a very important element that cannot be overlooked when installing a new floor. The choice of the right underlay will significantly impact not only the appearance but also the durability and comfort of using the floor.

Many people wonder about the necessity of using an additional layer between the screed and the panel surface, so we will try to explain why you cannot skip the underlay when installing vinyl panels.

Types of underlays for vinyl panels

There are different types of underlays tailored to specific types of vinyl panels, differing in the material from which they are made.

You can choose from the following types of flooring underlays:

• extruded polystyrene underlays - these are underlays made from a lightweight and elastic material that provides excellent acoustic and thermal insulation;
• aluminium foil underlay for vinyl panels - most commonly used with underfloor heating, valued for its thermal insulation properties;
• permeable membrane underlays - it allows moisture to evaporate, working excellently in rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom;
• underlays made from natural materials - such as corrugated cardboard, cork, or wood fibres, they are less durable and resistant compared to other vinyl panel underlays.

The choice of a specific type of underlay also depends on the way the panels are laid - different underlays are chosen for floating floor systems and others for glued panels. On Mexen.pl you can order vinyl panels that use a simple mounting system - Uniclick. This solution allows for quick and precise connection of boards.

What underlay for vinyl panels on underfloor heating?

Underfloor heating is a solution that is gaining popularity, especially in rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms.

For vinyl panels laid on underfloor heating, we use an underlay with low thermal resistance which conducts heat. A good choice would be an underlay made from cork or polyethylene foam.

With underfloor heating, not only the type of underlay matters but also its thickness. The most commonly recommended solution is polystyrene underlays, which conduct almost all heat and also have other properties - including moisture resistance.

Underlay for vinyl panels - what is it for?

The underlay for panels is an additional layer that performs several important functions such as:

• noise reduction - floor panels can be 'loud', if you don't want the sound of every step to echo throughout the house, it's necessary to invest in a properly chosen underlay that ensures acoustic insulation;
• proper thermal insulation - a good underlay, being an additional layer of the floor, allows potential heat loss in a given room to be reduced;
• protection against moisture - some types of underlays have additional properties preventing moisture from penetrating from the substrate, this is particularly important in rooms that are exposed to water, i.e., in the kitchen and bathroom;
• reducing floor unevenness - using an underlay for vinyl panels allows for levelling the floor.

What is the best thickness of underlay for vinyl panels?

Specialists recommend that the underlay should be between 1 to 3 millimetres thick.

The matter of how thick the underlay for vinyl panels will be laid depends on the type of panels and whether an underfloor heating system is used or not.

For underlay on underfloor heating, it should be as thin and permeable as possible.

In any other situation, the underlay for panels provides thermal insulation, where the type of substrate should be taken into account. If the panels are laid on a wooden floor or ceramic tiles, the underlay can be slightly thinner.

When the underlay is laid directly on a cement screed, it is worth considering choosing a thicker version that will insulate the panels well from the substrate.

What floor underlays for vinyl panels should be avoided?

The underlay for vinyl panels must be both durable and stable as well as flexible enough to adapt to the unevenness of the floor and load - we mean both dynamic and static load.

There are a number of different types of underlays on the market for vinyl panels - before purchasing, attention must be paid not only to the price but also to their properties. There are indeed underlays that should be avoided.

Which underlay for vinyl panels would perform the least well? These include:

• low-density polyurethane foam underlays;
• non-woven fabric or felt underlays which are not resistant to abrasion, which can lead to easy damage to the panels.

Avoid underlays that are too soft and delicate, and thus not very resistant to mechanical damage, as they will not fulfil their functions.

What underlay for vinyl panels? Summary

A good underlay for a vinyl floor should evenly distribute loads, protecting the panels from damage. Additionally, it should provide both acoustic and thermal insulation.

In the case of panels laid on underfloor heating, the underlay must allow for a free flow of heat. On a cold floor, it should provide insulation from the substrate to ensure the floor surface has a pleasant temperature.

When considering which underlay for vinyl panels to choose, aspects such as:

• the type of substrate on which the new floor will be laid;
• the type of room;
• the desired acoustic effect;
• whether the vinyl floor will be laid on underfloor heating.

Are you renovating a house or flat? Check out the flooring coverings on Mexen.pl available in several interesting shades to choose from.