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Under Laminate Insulation: Best Types, Costs & More
- Installing solid floor insulation, including under laminate, can reduce heat loss by up to 15%, contributing to the UK’s 2050 greenhouse gas reduction goals.
- Through the UK government's ECO scheme households can save up to £310 on energy bills.
- Foam underlay, fibreboard underlay, rubber underlay, cork underlay, and polyethene underlay are all worthy options for under laminate insulation, with costs ranging between £1.00 and £12.00 per m², depending on the material chosen.
The insulation market is set to grow steadily as more people look to insulate new homes and upgrade existing ones. This highlights the importance of insulating not just lofts and walls, but also floors, to improve energy efficiency throughout the home.
In this guide, we will explore the best types of under laminate insulation, their associated costs, and other important considerations to help you make the most informed choice for your flooring needs.
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The role of under laminate insulation
When installing laminate flooring, the under laminate insulation layer is crucial in enhancing the overall performance and comfort of the floor. This layer, placed beneath the laminate during installation, serves multiple functions to create an efficient and comfortable home environment.
In the UK, where managing temperature and noise is critical due to the climate, understanding the benefits of insulation under laminate flooring is particularly important.
- Levelling the subfloor: Insulation for laminate flooring helps even out subfloor imperfections, common in older UK homes, preventing instability and creaks. By smoothing these surfaces, underlay insulation protects against future damage and extends the floor's lifespan.
- Provides soundproofing: Insulation underlay for laminate flooring helps reduce noise transfer, creating a quieter living space—especially valuable in multi-storey homes and apartments.
- Improves efficiency efficiency: The primary role of insulation is to improve thermal efficiency. Adding insulation under laminate flooring reduces heat loss, keeping rooms warmer for longer, especially in colder months.
- Lowering heating costs: This can lower heating costs and boost energy efficiency, which is especially valuable in the UK. Choosing quality thermal insulation under laminate flooring keeps floors comfortable, even in cooler climates.
- Protects against moisture:In moisture-prone areas like basements or kitchens, insulation underlay can prevent dampness from seeping through the subfloor, protecting the laminate and extending its lifespan. This is particularly useful in the UK’s variable humidity.
- Provides comfort: Choosing the right laminate underlay adds cushioning for a more comfortable walking surface, especially in high-traffic areas. Thicker underlay improves thermal and sound insulation, providing a softer, more comfortable feel underfoot.
- Increases the durability of your floor: Insulation under laminate reduces wear and tear on the laminate itself by providing additional support and stability. This support helps protect the laminate from pressure-related damage, such as cracks or splits, resulting from heavy furniture or foot traffic. A high-quality underlay distributes weight more evenly, preventing premature deterioration of the flooring.
Under laminate insulation materials
Choosing the right underlay insulation material is crucial for maximising the performance of your laminate flooring. Different types of insulation offer varying levels of thermal efficiency, soundproofing, and durability. The thickness of the underlay also affects its performance in specific environments.
Foam underlay
Foam underlay is a lightweight option for insulation under laminate flooring. It is available in different thicknesses, such as 5mm and 7mm, with the thicker options providing better insulation. Foam is easy to install but may not be the best choice for high-traffic areas due to its potential to compress over time.
- Cost-effective
- Simple and quick to install
- Good flexibility in thickness options
- Compresses over time in high-traffic areas
- Limited durability compared to other materials
Fibreboard underlay
Fibreboard underlay is a denser, more robust option that provides excellent support for uneven subfloors. It offers better soundproofing and thermal efficiency, especially in its 7mm form, making it suitable for homes with higher foot traffic or colder climates. However, the stiffness of the material can make installation more challenging.
- Excellent for levelling uneven subfloors
- Superior soundproofing and thermal efficiency
- Eco-friendly, often made from recycled materials
- More difficult to install due to its stiffness
- Higher cost than foam
Rubber underlay
Rubber underlay is known for its superior soundproofing and moisture resistance, making it ideal for rooms like kitchens or bathrooms. It is available in 5mm and 7mm thicknesses, with thicker options providing extra durability. However, it is more expensive and heavier to install than other materials.
- Excellent soundproofing
- Moisture-resistant
- Long-lasting and durable, especially in high-traffic areas
- Higher cost than other materials
- Heavy and more complex to install
Cork underlay
Cork underlay is a natural, eco-friendly option with excellent thermal insulation and soundproofing. Cork is naturally resistant to mould and mildew, making it an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture, such as basements. Its elastic properties also offer comfort underfoot and help reduce noise transmission. However, it may not be as durable in high-traffic areas and tends to be more expensive than foam or fibreboard.
- Eco-friendly and made from sustainable materials
- Great thermal insulation and soundproofing
- Naturally resistant to mould and mildew
- More expensive than foam or fibreboard
- It may wear down more quickly in high-traffic areas
Polyethylene underlay
Polyethylene underlay is a plastic-based material commonly used for its moisture-resistant properties. It is lightweight, easy to install, and offers decent soundproofing and thermal insulation. This material is particularly useful in areas with high humidity, such as basements or bathrooms, as it creates a vapour barrier that prevents moisture from reaching the laminate flooring. However, it may provide a different level of soundproofing or comfort underfoot than other materials.
- Highly moisture-resistant, ideal for humid environments
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Creates an effective vapour barrier
- Less effective at soundproofing compared to other options
- It may not provide as much comfort underfoot
What is the best insulation for under laminate flooring?
While the best insulation for floors, particularly under laminate flooring, depends on specific needs, rubber underlay is often considered the top choice for overall performance.
It offers excellent soundproofing, thermal insulation, and moisture resistance, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and moisture-prone spaces like kitchens or bathrooms. Although it’s more expensive, its durability and versatility make it a top contender.
If budget or eco-friendliness are priorities, fibreboard or cork underlay are also strong alternatives, offering good insulation and soundproofing.
Under laminate insulation cost
The average cost range for under-laminate insulation materials is approximately £3.20 to £7.00 per m2, making it an affordable home upgrade. The total cost of insulating your laminate floor will depend on the flooring size, insulation materials, and labor costs.
Here's a table of common under laminate insulation materials and their prices for thicknesses of 5mm to 7mm, providing a cost overview for your laminate flooring insulation choices:
| Insulation material | Cost per m² |
|---|---|
| Polyethylene underlay | £1.00 - £2.50 |
| Foam underlay | £1.50 - £4.00 |
| Fibreboard underlay | £2.50 - £6.50 |
| Cork underlay | £5.00 - £10.00 |
| Rubber underlay | £6.00 - £12.00 |
If funding is a concern, you may be eligible for the ECO+ scheme, including households previously excluded from similar initiatives. With an additional £1 billion in funding, 80% of this will be directed towards households with an EPC rating of D or below, broadening the eligibility criteria.
According to the government, this expansion aims to help hundreds of thousands of households with insulation, leading to an estimated annual saving of £310 on energy bills.
For optimal results when installing under laminate insulation, hiring a professional installer is strongly advised. However, finding a reliable installer can be time-consuming. Let GreenMatch UK assist you! Just fill out our quick 30-second form, and we’ll connect you with insulation installers in your area. Click the button below to receive up to 3 free quotes from trusted local professionals!
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What to consider before installing under laminate insulation
When selecting under laminate insulation, evaluating several factors is important to ensure optimal performance in your space. Each of these considerations can significantly affect the choice of material and its effectiveness.
Location and climate
The location of your home plays a crucial role in determining the insulation under laminate flooring. In colder regions, homes need insulation with higher thermal properties to retain heat. Thicker materials like fibreboard or rubber underlay are recommended for their ability to retain warmth and prevent heat loss.
In warmer regions, you may want insulation that includes reflective foil to redirect heat away from the room, helping to keep the space cooler during hotter months. This type of laminate underlay insulation is less about retaining heat and more about reflecting excess warmth.
Type of subfloor
The type of subfloor you have—whether wood or concrete—can affect the insulation choice for under-laminate flooring. When considering insulation for concrete floors, moisture control becomes a priority since concrete is more likely to transmit moisture. In this case, a rubber or polyethene underlay is ideal because it has moisture-resistant properties.
On the other hand, if you have a wooden subfloor, you may prioritise laminate flooring insulation underlay, such as fibreboard or foam underlay, that offers better soundproofing and stability. The choice of material should complement the subfloor to ensure durability and optimal performance.
Moisture control
Moisture control is crucial when choosing insulation for laminate flooring, especially in areas prone to dampness, like basements or bathrooms. Rubber or polyethene is perfect for providing a moisture barrier and preventing damage to your laminate flooring.
Ensuring that your insulation underlay for laminate flooring has sufficient moisture control capabilities will protect your investment and extend the floor's lifespan. Without this protection, laminate can warp or sustain water damage.
Thickness of the insulation
The floor insulation thickness under laminate flooring affects both thermal efficiency and soundproofing. Thicker materials like 7mm foam or rubber offer better insulation for cold climates and high-traffic areas.
In comparison, 3mm or 5mm may work for low-clearance spaces or less demanding insulation needs. Choose based on room requirements.
Acoustic insulation
Noise control is crucial in homes with multiple storeys or shared walls. Rubber and cork underlay, due to their density, provides excellent acoustic insulation, reducing noise transmission between floors—especially important in flats or terraced homes.
Regulations
You should know that any insulation installed, including under laminate floor insulation, must comply with Building Regulations Part L. These regulations ensure that insulated floors meet specific thermal performance standards, helping homes achieve better energy efficiency and reduce overall heat loss. This alignment with Part L makes insulation improvements even more effective in lowering energy costs.
How to install insulation under laminate flooring
We have compiled the key steps below to help you install insulation under laminate flooring, ensuring optimal thermal efficiency and soundproofing.
- Prepare the subfloor: Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Repair any cracks or damage before starting. This step is critical for both wood and concrete subfloors.
- Roll out the underlay: Roll out the insulation underlay for laminate flooring, covering the entire floor. Cut to fit and tape seams where necessary to prevent gaps.
- Install a vapour barrier (if needed): For concrete subfloors, use a vapour barrier to protect against moisture, or choose an underlay that already includes this feature.
- Lay the laminate flooring: Begin installing the laminate, ensuring the boards click together and sit evenly on the underlay. This step ensures the insulation improves thermal and soundproofing benefits.
- Trim excess and finish: Trim any excess underlay at the room edges and secure the flooring with skirting boards or trim for a neat finish.
While a DIY project may seem appealing, hiring a professional is often recommended to ensure proper installation, minimise gaps, and prevent future issues like moisture damage or uneven flooring. A professional can guarantee that all components work together effectively, enhancing the insulation's benefits and longevity.
Benefits of under laminate insulation
As highlighted earlier, under laminate insulation brings key benefits to your home:
- Thermal efficiency: Reduces heat loss, keeping rooms warmer for longer.
- Soundproofing: Minimises noise transmission, improving comfort in multi-storey homes.
- Moisture protection: Prevents damage in areas with high humidity, such as kitchens or bathrooms.
- Comfort underfoot: Adds extra cushioning, making walking more comfortable.
It must be installed properly to fully reap the benefits of laminate flooring insulation. A professional installer can ensure the underlay is fitted correctly, maximising its thermal, sound, and moisture protection efficiency. Improper installation may reduce the effectiveness of your laminate underlay insulation.
Now that you’re aware of the benefits of under laminate insulation, it’s time to improve your home’s comfort and efficiency. Ready to begin? Click the button below to connect with trusted local installers. It’s quick, simple, and customised for you. Get up to 3 free quotes today!
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