Parquet Underlays
The Importance of Underlay for Floating Installation of Parquet
For floating installation, every parquet requires a proper underlay with the following key functions:
- Moisture Protection: On concrete subfloors, underlay with a moisture barrier prevents excessive moisture from reaching the parquet. For SPC and LVT vinyl flooring, a moisture barrier is not necessary.
- Levelling Minor Unevenness: The underlay can correct minor unevenness in the subfloor, but major irregularities need to be levelled beforehand.
- Noise Reduction: The underlay reduces footstep and impact noise, improving room acoustics.
- Compression Resistance: For thin and small-format floor coverings, it is essential to use high-compression-resistant underlay to avoid floor sagging and damage to click connections.
- Thermal Resistance: For underfloor heating, dense and heavy underlays are preferred, with thermal resistance not exceeding 0.01 m² × K/W.
During installation, ensure that the underlay edges do not overlap. If using a moisture barrier, tape the joints and optionally extend the barrier 1 cm up the wall to protect the floor covering from damp concrete.