Thinking about using Durafoam under your new vinyl floor? While budget-friendly, it’s not the right choice for vinyl, especially planks. This guide explains why, busts common myths, and helps you choose the right underlayment for a beautiful, long-lasting floor.
Why Durafoam Doesn’t Work with Vinyl
Durafoam, suitable for carpet padding, isn’t designed for vinyl flooring, especially click-lock planks. Its compressibility, while comfortable underfoot, becomes a problem under vinyl. Vinyl, particularly click-lock, needs a firm foundation. Durafoam compresses, compromising the locking mechanisms. This can lead to gaps, buckling, and an unstable floor. Curious about breaker requirements for subpanels? Find out if the NEC requires breakers on each end of a subpanel feeder.
MP Global, Durafoam’s manufacturer, acknowledges this and recommends SoundStep LV, designed for vinyl. Ignoring this advice may void your warranty, potentially leading to costly floor replacement.
Choosing the Right Underlayment for Your Vinyl Floor
Choosing the right underlayment is critical for your vinyl floor’s success. Soft foam underlayments, like Durafoam, compress unevenly under vinyl planks, causing buckling and separation. This can void warranties and necessitate costly repairs or replacements. Also, if you’re planning your landscaping, discover the answer to the question: does centipede grass take over bahai?
The ideal underlayment depends on several factors: your subfloor, vinyl type (plank or sheet), and priorities (moisture resistance, soundproofing). MP Global recommending SoundStep LV suggests they recognize Durafoam’s unsuitability for vinyl planks. SoundStep LV, a polyethylene foam, provides the necessary support and cushioning.
Other options include cork (excellent sound reduction, but not moisture-resistant), felt (decent sound control and insulation, but not a moisture barrier), and specialized vinyl underlayments offering various features.
Consider your subfloor. Concrete requires a moisture barrier. Wood subfloors may have other needs depending on their condition and the vinyl type. For sheet vinyl, plywood is often recommended for a smooth surface.
| Underlayment Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Foam (e.g., SoundStep LV) | Cushioning, thermal insulation, sound dampening | Not all types are suitable for vinyl plank |
| Felt | Sound control, insulation | Not a moisture barrier |
| Cork | Excellent sound reduction, natural material | Not a moisture barrier, can be expensive |
| Specialized Vinyl | Combines multiple features | Can be more expensive |
Even the best underlayment needs proper installation. Ensure a clean, level subfloor and tape the seams for a smooth, continuous moisture barrier.
The Best Underlayment for Vinyl Sheet Flooring
Vinyl sheet flooring often comes with attached padding, including a moisture barrier (except for cork-backed vinyl, which requires a separate moisture barrier). If your vinyl doesn’t have padding, it can be installed directly onto a smooth, level, clean subfloor.
Cement board offers excellent moisture resistance, ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. Foam underlayment adds cushioning, insulation, and sound dampening. For superior soundproofing, specialized underlayment exists. Avoid Durafoam with vinyl plank flooring; it’s incompatible and could void warranties. MP Global recommends SoundStep LV.
Here’s a summary of underlayment options:
| Underlayment | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Foam | Cushioning, insulation, sound dampening | Can compress with click-lock systems |
| Felt | Sound control, insulation | Not moisture-resistant |
| Cork | Excellent sound reduction, natural | Not moisture-resistant, can be expensive |
Consider your priorities (moisture resistance, soundproofing, insulation) and choose an underlayment compatible with your vinyl’s thickness. Proper installation is essential; start with a clean, level subfloor and tape the underlayment seams.
Can You Use Foam Underlayment for Vinyl?
While some foams work well, others, like Durafoam, are unsuitable for vinyl plank flooring. MP Global recommends SoundStep LV instead. Using the wrong foam can lead to buckling, gaps, and voided warranties. Soft foams compress under weight, destabilizing click-lock systems.
For concrete subfloors, a vapor barrier is essential. Alternatives to standard foam include felt, cork, and specialized vinyl underlayments.
| Underlayment Type | Advantages | Disadvantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foam (like SoundStep LV) | Cushioning, insulation, sound dampening | Not all are vinyl-compatible | Check manufacturer recommendations |
| Felt | Sound control, insulation | Not moisture-resistant | Avoid in damp areas |
| Cork | Sound reduction, natural, sustainable | Not moisture-resistant, cost | Best for dry areas |
Even with attached padding, a separate underlayment might be needed for thinner vinyl or enhanced soundproofing/insulation. Proper installation is key: a clean, level subfloor and taped underlayment seams. Ongoing research constantly evolves our understanding of flooring. While some foams are currently unsuitable for vinyl planks, future innovations may change this. Consult flooring professionals and stay updated.
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