Rubber Underlayment For Vinyl Flooring

Rubber underlayment is a layer of material that is installed beneath vinyl flooring to provide cushioning, sound insulation, and moisture protection. It is made from recycled rubber and is available in a variety of thicknesses and densities. Rubber underlayment can be used with any type of vinyl flooring, including luxury vinyl tile (LVT), vinyl plank flooring (VPL), and vinyl sheet flooring.

### Benefits of Rubber Underlayment

There are many benefits to using rubber underlayment with vinyl flooring, including:

Cushioning:

Rubber underlayment provides cushioning underfoot, making vinyl flooring more comfortable to walk and stand on. This is especially beneficial in areas with hard floors, such as kitchens and bathrooms. *

Sound insulation:

Rubber underlayment helps to reduce sound transmission, making vinyl flooring quieter to walk on and reducing noise from other rooms. *

Moisture protection:

Rubber underlayment is waterproof and can help to protect vinyl flooring from moisture damage. This is especially important in areas that are prone to moisture, such as basements and bathrooms. *

Increased durability:

Rubber underlayment can help to extend the life of vinyl flooring by protecting it from wear and tear. It can also help to prevent the flooring from cracking or buckling. ### Choosing Rubber Underlayment

When choosing rubber underlayment, there are a few things to consider, including:

Thickness:

The thickness of the underlayment will determine how much cushioning and sound insulation it provides. Thicker underlayment is more expensive, but it offers more benefits. *

Density:

The density of the underlayment will determine how durable it is. Denser underlayment is more expensive, but it will last longer. *

Type of flooring:

The type of vinyl flooring you are installing will determine the type of underlayment you need. Some types of flooring require a specific type of underlayment. ### Installing Rubber Underlayment

Installing rubber underlayment is a relatively easy process. It can be done by do-it-yourselfers or by professional flooring installers. The following steps will guide you through the process:

Prepare the subfloor.

The subfloor must be clean, dry, and level before you install the underlayment. Any imperfections in the subfloor can cause the underlayment to buckle or tear. 2.

Roll out the underlayment.

Roll out the underlayment over the subfloor, making sure that the edges are aligned. 3.

Tape the seams.

Tape the seams of the underlayment together with duct tape or masking tape. This will help to keep the underlayment in place and prevent it from shifting. 4.

Install the vinyl flooring.

Install the vinyl flooring over the underlayment according to the manufacturer's instructions. ### Conclusion

Rubber underlayment is a valuable addition to any vinyl flooring installation. It provides cushioning, sound insulation, moisture protection, and increased durability. When choosing rubber underlayment, be sure to consider the thickness, density, and type of flooring you are installing. By following the installation instructions carefully, you can ensure that your rubber underlayment will provide years of trouble-free service.