Extruded polystyrene foam underlayment. Expanded polystyrene for laminate: varieties, characteristics, pros and cons Cons of an extruded sheet substrate

Of particular importance among the additional material for the final laying of any floor covering is a special substrate. Its immediate tasks are to provide sound absorption and heat of the floor, hide its small irregularities, etc. The market offers a huge range of substrates made from a variety of materials. But a special niche was occupied by polystyrene models.

Polystyrene - in simple terms, polystyrene or one of its types. It is produced in the form of plates of sheets with small-fine pores, the product has a smooth or corrugated surface that is pleasant to the touch. The preparation of polystyrene is carried out by the process of foaming a certain substance, and when using steam of water and volatile oil products, an almost weightless material with a cellular structure is formed. In everyday life, it is called "sheet substrate"

Benefits of polystyrene backing

However, its airiness is ostentatious, since strength, hydro and thermal insulation are ideal. Despite the fact that the composition of the material contains volatile petroleum products, it is absolutely safe for human health.

In addition, such a substrate will stand guard over your flooring and protect it from moisture, fungus or mold. It will endure any load and at the same time will not lose its quality properties, as, in principle, the floor covering itself. The cellular structure and the foil layer almost 100% guarantee the low thermal conductivity of the material.

Its main advantages are:

• very high degree of protection against the formation of fungus, mold;

• the highest level of thermal insulation;

• good degree of protection against noise;

• strength and reliability;

• moisture protection.

However, these products also have some disadvantages. This is a high cost, low depreciation properties and the absence of microventilation.

Types of polystyrene foam substrates

There are numerous types and sizes of this material on the market today. It is sold in sections, which are connected using a foil web. The product is available in several types. There is foamed polyethylene, and there is foamed polystyrene. However, these types should not be confused.

The first belongs to the budget and cheapest segment, respectively, the quality does not differ. Yes, he is not afraid of moisture, mold or fungus, but not very good in sound insulation and strength, i.e. short-lived.

The second option has a solid structure and lasts a long time. It is also not afraid of moisture, fits perfectly, filling small irregularities, has acceptable sound-absorbing and heat-insulating qualities.

In addition to these two types, there is also a foil composite. This substrate will be an excellent and optimal choice for flooring, especially under the "warm floor" system. The foil layer applied to the foamed polystyrene reflects heat rays and increases the efficiency of the "warm floor" system at times. This significantly reduces the cost of electricity and heating.

Another type is an extruded composite. Its distinguishing feature from the previous version is the production technology. It is also distinguished by such advantages as a high degree of sound insulation, ease of installation, excellent resistance to moisture. The material is not afraid of chemical or biological effects, ideally resistant to stress. Despite its synthetic nature, it is absolutely safe for human health.

The ideal thickness of this product is 3 mm, but you can also find substrates with a thickness of 2 mm and 5 mm. The substrate for the laminate is usually chosen with a thickness of 3 mm, and when installing a parquet board, 5 mm is used.

Features of laying the substrate of extruded polystyrene

Video "Laying polystyrene sheet substrate"

Laying this substrate is quite simple, but requires additional preparation. It is necessary to level the subfloor to the maximum. To increase the soundproofing properties of the floor, it is necessary to lay a special film with thermoacoustic properties. And then you should lay the substrate of polystyrene. At the joints, it is fixed with masking tape.

In my work, when laying laminate, I come across various types of materials. As insulation, a sheet substrate made of extruded polystyrene foam is regularly found, which will be discussed in this article.

Polystyrene was invented and patented in France in 1930. Extruded polystyrene foam was first created in the USA in 1941, the product belongs to the petrochemical industry.

Polystyrene is formed by the polymerization of styrene. A viscous mass is passed through the reactor-mixers with benzene with a gradual increase in temperature in stages. Unreacted styrene is removed by vacuum. At the output we get a pure product, stably inert. That is, in a normal, non-aggressive environment, it is safe.

The density of polystyrene is just over 1000 kg/m3. Get it in the form of granules of a cylindrical shape. Polystyrene is used for further processing: plastic disposable tableware with the sign (PS), sandwich panels, decorative baguette, substrate and much more.

Expanded polystyrene - a brief description and composition

Expanded polystyrene is produced by the gasification method. A multiple increase in volume occurs due to the filling of granules with carbon dioxide or natural. The combustibility of expanded polystyrene depends on this.

We obtain material of different density from 40-150 kg/m3. The strength of the composition and vapor and air permeability depend on the specific gravity. I draw your attention to the fact that this is not yet a finished substrate. In further processing, the density of the material will be reduced.

Extruded polystyrene foam - characteristics, composition

Actually, we got to the material from which the insulation is made. Extrusion molding machine under high pressure and high temperatures through a narrow nozzle using a blowing agent delivers polystyrene. There is a gasification of the mass. At the output we get, depending on the type of machine, the finished product. In our case, this is a substrate for a foamed polystyrene laminate.

The density of extruded polystyrene foam is low - about 30-40 kg / m3. With a given specific gravity, the material has a relative hardness, brittleness, high thermal insulation.

Polystyrene sheet for flooring

The substrate can be supplied in the form of rolls and, more compactly, in sheets.

Extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) laminate underlay comes in two types:

• sheet
• rolled

The sheet substrate, in turn, can be divided into a variety:

• individual plates
• harmonic

Between them, the main difference is only in the method of installation. The name of the substrate - accordion speaks for itself.

It is necessary to lay carefully, the connection of the plates is gentle. In the event of a rupture along the seam, the panels must be fastened with adhesive tape. The requirement to fasten the material is due to the lightness of the bedding and its mobility from gusts of air. The accordion substrate in terms of installation speed surpasses the usual sheet counterpart.

The material is supplied in cellophane packages. The size of the plates in width is 500-600 mm, and in length 1000-1200 mm. The color of the lining directly depends on the dye: blue, pink, green, gray - for every taste.

The thickness of the substrate is varied: 2, 3, 5 mm.

Sheet substrate for laminate "Solid" 2 mm

For example, a sheet substrate for a laminate under a warm floor will be taken. About the best insulation for underfloor heating.

The substrate sheet "Solid" has a thickness of 2 mm and a density of about 40 kg/m3. The sheets are perforated to distribute the flows of incoming warm air from the heated floor.

One well-known large retailer, Leroy-Merlin, has different data on the leveling ability of the lining. The description says one thing, the specifications say another. It should be noted that any 2 mm thick insulation has little ability to remove the unevenness of the base. So think about what to believe - you can break your head from research.

The second contradiction from one trading company is the impossibility of using most brands of laminate under water-heated systems. The annotation of the "Solid" substrate indicates that it is suitable for warm water floors.

It may be that laminate flooring manufacturers need to pass the appropriate certification, which costs money and they are not in a hurry to invest it. Or maybe they are afraid of the release of condensate vapors that can spoil the flooring. In any case, it is advantageous for the manufacturer to be less able to provide a warranty, which they do.

Installation of laminate flooring without the use of 200 micron or 0.2 mm film is not covered by the floor warranty..

The electric floor is hidden under a cement screed. Therefore, its use will not harm either the laminate or the insulation, as long as the recommended temperature is maintained, which is 28 degrees Celsius for most laminate floors.

However, Styrofoam is a poor conductor of heat and I'm not sure if perforation in a positive direction will significantly affect the energy savings in your home. Moreover, to maintain the guarantee, there is a need to lay a vapor barrier film.

In this case, under the laminate it is possible to use any substrate, without the use of ventilation holes.

Infrared warm floors, currently the most popular, are laid directly on the substrate. Then, the holes, on the contrary, theoretically will serve as the release of thermal energy into the floor screed. Yes, and the thickness of this “Solid” lining, which is 2 mm, is too thin and the clamps will need to be recessed into the concrete base.

The price of the "Solid" sheet substrate with perforation for underfloor heating is from 60 rubles / m2. Sold in packs of 8.4 m2.

Summary of the substrate "Solid" 2mm with perforation for underfloor heating

It is worth paying attention to the substrate when using warm electric or water floors. However, the low leveling ability and the need to use a vapor barrier film make it difficult to comply with warranty service.

Sheet substrate for laminate "Solid" 3 mm

With a sheet substrate 3 mm thick, it is more comfortable to work. The main point is the greater leveling ability. If the base is uneven under the weight of the laminate and furniture, it is pressed through with time on bumps. In this way, alignment occurs. Shrinkage is facilitated by the ribbing of the surface, which is regularly found on the reverse side of various types of substrates with a thickness of 3 mm.

For example, let's take a Solid 3 mm substrate in the well-known Petrovich store. Packing area of ​​10.5 m2. The length is 10 meters, the width is 1050 mm. Unfolds like an accordion.

The particular thing that interests me about extruded insulation is the density of the material. The characteristics indicate that the density is 45 kg / m3. This is the average.

In one runet summary table, the minimum value for extruded polystyrene is 33 kg / m3, in our case 45 kg / m3, in well-known specialized markets they sell a substrate without specifying the manufacturer with a density of 55 kg / m3, which suggests some thoughts about the likely substitution of characteristics. Since hardly anyone bothers to measure the density of the substrate, and it is quite difficult to do this. The weight of the package is not indicated everywhere, and the presence of ribbing reduces the possibility of measurement to zero.

The accordion substrate does not have ribbing, therefore, using the indicated characteristics, in the Petrovich store, beloved by many builders, we can easily recalculate the density of the material.

Compound: extruded polystyrene foam (XPS).

Dimensions: thickness 3 mm, width 1.05 m, length 10 m.

Density: 45 kg/m³

Color: Orange.

Manufacturer: Russia.

Gross weight: 1.39 kg.

10*1.05=10.5 m2 - area of ​​the substrate

10.5 * 0.003 (3mm thickness converted to meters) \u003d 0.0315 m3 - volume received

45 * 0.0315 \u003d 1.4175 kg - the package must weigh net

1.39 / 0.0315 = 44.12 - the actual density of the lining

As you can see, the difference is just over two percent. This difference is of no importance.

However, EPS insulation vendors argue in favor of this underlay, compared to . Higher material density and longer service life is a good reason.

The foamed substrate, according to various sources, has a density of 20-50 kg/m3. Which in the maximum values ​​is comparable to extrusion. If we focus on the density of comparable materials, then they are almost the same, extruded polystyrene has a slight advantage.

Summary of the substrate "Solid" - accordion 3 mm

The underlay is quite fast in laying compared to conventional sheet insulation, but inferior to foam roll material. I consider this moment important for those who want to lay the laminate on their own for the first time. It is always difficult to do something for the first time and devote too much time to any simple aspect. Roughly speaking, you can lose your patience in flooring without starting to do anything.

The price of "Solid" 3 mm is about 55 rubles per m2. Which is much more expensive than foam underlay, but inferior to more expensive ones: Tuplex, Profitex, cork... For calculation, it should be borne in mind that the sheet substrate for masters is usually not included in the cost of laying flooring, so the total price rises to 75 rubles per square meter, which is comparable to expensive insulation.

Sheet substrate for laminate "Aberhof" (Aberhof) 5 mm

For example, I present a sheet substrate for Aberhof 5 mm laminate. It is already difficult to write anything at all about the material about which almost everything has been said above.

The substrate is made of expanded polystyrene by extrusion. The official website contains modest information about the characteristics. The package consists of 10 sheets with an area of ​​5.25 m2, 1050 mm by 500 mm in size and 5 mm thick.

The 5 mm underlay has higher soundproofing and heat-insulating properties compared to the 3 mm underlay, by an average of 20%.

The density of the plate is 35 kg/m3.

The 5mm liner has high leveling performance up to 3.5mm.

For extruded polystyrene foam, the specific gravity of the Aberhof lining is quite low. Depressing is the lack of information on the site about passing fire certification, compliance with sanitary and hygienic requirements, and a PCT certificate of conformity.

Summary of Aberhof 5 mm substrate

Please note that laminate manufacturers do not provide a guarantee for floor coverings with a used substrate of more than 3 mm thickness.

I see the use of Aberhof 5 mm sheet with a limited budget for leveling the floor level between rooms. Keep in mind that the lining will shrink over time.

The material under test is indispensable when laying laminate or parquet boards in rooms with an uneven base. When there is no time and opportunity to equalize.

Rolled substrate from extruded polystyrene "Solid"

This product is supplied in rolls with an area of ​​16.5 m2. The length of the canvas is 15 meters, the width is 1.1 meters, the thickness is 2 mm.

A density of 50 kg/m3 is considered high.

Combustibility class of the material G4 - highly combustible.

The numbers are not documented on the website. No certificates found.

Summary of the roll substrate "Solid" 2 mm

It is extremely difficult to work with a roll substrate. Easily breaks, rolls back into a roll. You have to press it to the concrete base with improvised means.

Really use 15 square meters. Closer to the base, the lining, when viewed in profile, takes on a spherical shape. To be able to lay it is necessary to cut into pieces. It all looks extremely unprofessional.

The price of a rolled substrate made of extruded polystyrene 2 mm is about 35-40 rubles / m2.

I express my deep conviction. It is better not to buy this insulation.

Pros and cons of extruded polystyrene foam backing sheet

We consider sheet insulation for comparison, since it is more widespread than roll insulation.

Advantages of sheet extruded substrate

• Higher density and probable life of the material compared to foam bedding.
• Relatively low price from 35 rubles / m2.
• Insulation is not subject to rotting and mold formation.
• Compact storage.

Cons of sheet extruded substrate

• High flammability of the material.
• More significant laying time in comparison with the roll "Pleneks".
• The curved shape of the sheets is regularly encountered.
• Fragility of the material.
• The lining is "not indifferent" to a poorly prepared base. Small stones tear the "body" of extrusion.
• To comply with the warranty, the requirement of laminate manufacturers to lay a vapor barrier foam.

When arranging a floor covering, not only a high-quality finishing material plays an important role, but also the whole pie, starting from the base. An important role is played by the substrate, which compensates for the load when walking, reduces the "voicing" of the coating and protects it from moisture. Expanded polystyrene under the laminate is used quite often and this is due to its unique performance properties.

Expanded polystyrene has several varieties, depending on the method of its manufacture.

Table 1. Varieties of expanded polystyrene

Name	Description
	Expanded polystyrene with the PSB (EPS) marking is used for wall insulation. Its variety marked PSB - C is less flammable.
	Material marked XPS has high compressive strength.
	The material marked PS-1, PS-4 has a high density.

Characteristics of extruded polystyrene foam

More often under a laminate the substrates made of this material are used. The peculiarity of its structure lies in evenly spaced closed cells, which ensures the moisture resistance of the material. The production of the substrate takes place using an extrusion molding machine, where polystyrene, together with a blowing agent, is fed through a narrow nozzle under high pressure and high temperatures. The result is a low density material (30-40 kg/m³).

The material does not rot and does not absorb moisture. When wet, water does not penetrate further than the open side combs on the cut. It is distinguished from analogues by its high strength and thermal insulation properties. Substrates from this material are produced in rolls and in the form of sheets, 1000 x 500 x 3 mm in size.

Table 2. Characteristics of expanded polystyrene

Advantages and disadvantages of the material

Of the advantages of polystyrene foam substrates, the following are noted:

1. High strength and durability of the material allow you to create a high-quality floor covering that will maintain integrity and aesthetic appeal for many years.
2. The porous structure guarantees high thermal insulation properties of such a substrate.
3. The embossed surface provides natural air circulation between the substrate and the base, while moisture and condensate do not penetrate further than the substrate.
4. The thickness of the substrate allows you to hide minor irregularities in the base.
5. The material is not afraid of low temperatures, so it can be used in unheated rooms.
6. Laminate is a rather resonant coating, and the substrate with a porous structure in the form of sealed cells filled with air perfectly absorbs noise.
7. The material is light in weight and convenient in size, which facilitates its transportation and installation.
8. The cellular structure and homogeneous composition make this material resistant to ammonia, alcohol, propane, salts and alkalis.
9. Expanded polystyrene does not change its physical properties even under heavy loads.
10. The material is not subject to decay, it is environmentally friendly and safe for humans and the environment.

Among the shortcomings, a small thickness of the substrate is noted, due to which it has a low leveling ability. Therefore, the base must be leveled with special compounds or plates. Otherwise, if the difference exceeds 1 cm, after a while, a creak will appear when walking on the laminate.

Another disadvantage is that the material is not sold in parts. If the room is small, you still have to buy the entire package.

Types of substrates

Expanded polystyrene is used to make several types of materials that can be used as a substrate for a laminate. They differ in thickness and performance characteristics. Expanded polystyrene plates are often equipped with end milled grooves that ensure a snug fit of the elements to each other.

Note! Due to the low water absorption coefficient, the extruded polystyrene foam substrate can be safely used in the premises of the first floor, without focusing on the depth of groundwater.

To ensure thermal insulation of laminate flooring, it is sufficient to use a 3 mm underlay. It is produced in the form of sheets of 20 pieces per pack. Convenient is the substrate, folded into an accordion. Between such sheets, a minimum number of joints is formed due to the fact that the material, when unfolded, fits the entire length of the room.

Polystyrene sheet for flooring

As noted earlier, the EPS substrate can be rolled or in the form of sheets. The second variety is available in the form of separate plates or accordions. They differ only in the way they are laid.

When laying the sheets with an accordion, proceed carefully so as not to damage the connection of the sheets. If this happens, then the gap is sealed with ordinary tape. Also, with the help of adhesive tape, separate sheets are fastened together so that they do not scatter. The advantage of the accordion is that its installation is much faster.

With a sheet length of 1000 - 1200 mm and a width of 500 - 600 mm, the thickness of the product can vary from 2 to 5 mm. Several types of sheet substrates can be distinguished.

"Solid" 2 mm thick

This variety can be used in the underfloor heating system. The density of the "Solid" sheet substrate with a thickness of 2 mm is 40 kg / m³. So that the substrate is not an obstacle to the heat flow coming from the coolant, it has a perforation.

Note! Since the leveling ability of a material with such a thickness is minimal, and the laminate must be laid on a flat base, it is necessary to carefully consider the preparatory stage.

When installing a coolant (pipes with water or an electric cable) in a screed, during the operation of a warm floor, make sure that its temperature does not exceed 28 degrees. When creating a vapor barrier layer, the substrate may not have perforations.

If an infrared warm floor is being installed, when the heating elements are laid directly on the substrate, a material without perforation should be chosen to eliminate heat loss.

The cost of this type of polystyrene foam substrates starts from 60 r / m². The package contains material to cover an area of ​​8.4 m².

Expanded polystyrene substrate "Solid" with a thickness of 2 mm is recommended to be purchased for electric or water heated floors.

"Solid" 3 mm thick

The 3 mm thick substrate is more comfortable to work with and has a better leveling effect. The ribbed surface on the back of the sheet contributes to the shrinkage of the material under stress.

A variety of polystyrene foam substrate in the form of an accordion has a length of 10 meters and is designed for an area of ​​10.5 m². Its average density is 45 kg/m³. There are no ribs on the back side. Compared to foam underlays, which are also often used when laying laminate, this option has a greater density and durability.

As previously noted, the material in the form of an accordion fits faster than sheet counterparts. The cost of the material starts from 55 rubles per m² and exceeds the price of a foamed roll analogue.

"Aberhof" (Aberhof) 5 mm

The Aberhof 5mm sheet underlay is sold in packs of 10 sheets for a 5.25 m² flat surface. The size of one sheet is 1050 x 500 x 5 mm. This variety is characterized by higher sound and thermal insulation properties (higher than that of a three-millimeter one by about 2%). The sheet density is 35 kg/m³. The advantage of the material lies in its high leveling capacity (3.5 mm).

When using such a substrate on an uneven floor, it must be taken into account that it shrinks over time. However, this type of underlay is best suited for laying laminate and hardwood flooring on uneven ground.

Pros and cons

Extruded polystyrene foam sheet substrate has the following positive properties:

1. High density and long service life when compared with a foamed counterpart.
2. Relatively low cost, which starts from 20 rubles per 1 m².
3. The material does not rot or mold.
4. Available in a convenient format and packaging, which facilitates the process of transportation and installation.

Of the shortcomings note:

1. combustibility of the material.
2. In a pack, defective curved sheets may come across.
3. Due to the fragility of the sheets, the laying of the sheets must be done carefully.
4. You need a perfectly even and clean base without small pebbles that can violate the integrity of the sheet.
5. The need to use a vapor barrier film.

Table 3. Average cost of material

Delivery of goods in Moscow and the Moscow region is carried out by our own trucks at a pre-agreed time and depends on the weight and category of your goods.

The cost of delivery of goods weighing more than 1500 kg, please check with the manager.

* Free delivery of goods of the category "Light" is carried out when ordering from 1000 rubles.

We deliver orders from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00. On the day of delivery, the driver will contact you 1.5 hours before arrival. If delivery at other hours is convenient for you, please check with the manager. Delivery after 18:00 is charged separately. Each additional hour after 18:00 + 400 rubles to the cost of delivery.

Pickup of goods is available by prior arrangement, after confirmation of receipt of the order at the pickup warehouse.

Please note that upon receipt of goods by legal entities, a power of attorney is required, for individuals - an identity document.

DELIVERY TO THE REGIONS OF RUSSIA

Delivery to the regions of Russia (with the exception of Moscow and the Moscow region):

Delivery of orders to the regions is carried out through transport companies. We deliver and ship your order to the carrier. You can independently calculate the cost of shipping an order to your region; for this, almost every transport company has an online calculator on the official website. You need to enter certain values ​​(weight and volume, number of pieces), points of departure and destination!

Upon receipt of the order, you will need to pay the cost of transport services. The cost of delivery to the warehouse of the transport company is calculated according to local delivery rates.

Below are the websites of the most popular and reliable transport companies:

#	Transport companies
1	Business Line
2	PEC
3	ZhelDorExpedition
4	ZheldorAlliance
5	BaikalService
6	WHALE

Also, delivery can be carried out by any other transport company of your choice.

If for some reason you want us to send your order to another transport company, just tell us its coordinates, and we will send the goods as quickly as possible.

Delivery to the regions of the Russian Federation is made only after the full prepayment of the cost of the purchased goods (receipt of funds to the account of the store).

Overview of the best of the most popular

In order to recommend the best substrates to you, we took into account the opinions of representatives of manufacturers of the most popular laminate brands, analyzed the reviews of craftsmen and users on specialized Internet resources and construction forums, and the technical characteristics of materials.

Selection criteria

The selection was made by us on the basis of the parameters below, which we offer you to be guided by when choosing.

Noise absorption

By this is meant the absorption of "shock" (reflected and transmitted) noise. The reflected noise you hear when you walk on the floor, the passing one is the one that is heard by your neighbors below. Let's make it clear right away: NO backing will save YOU from the noise of your neighbors under you, it is YOU who save them from the roar of your heels.

Relation to moisture

Substrates from different groups react differently to moisture. Please note that an indispensable condition for the guarantee for laminate from manufacturers is the presence of a waterproofing film with a thickness of 200 microns.

thermal insulation

This indicator is important if the floors are located above basements, unheated garages, walkways.

Density, thickness

For laminate, the ideal is the most solid base. In this case, the wear of the locks will be minimal. The softer and thicker the substrate, the faster the coating will become unusable. If the thickness is more than the optimal (!) 3 mm, then there is a high probability of the appearance of cracks due to the wear of the locks.

Reaction to uneven ground floor

The denser the material (and cork has the highest density), the worse its leveling ability and the more carefully the base should be leveled. The curvature of a large radius you will not align with anything!

Lifetime

Under an expensive laminate with a lifespan of 15 years or more, it is not economically feasible to lay a cheap polyethylene substrate, which will wear out in a couple of years.

Suitable for use with underfloor heating

This characteristic is relevant for those who plan to lay laminate on underfloor heating.

Ease of installation

Some types of roll substrates (from cork, in particular) “strive” to curl up when laying. In this case, it is better to take sheet material.

The best manufacturers (brands) of substrates

Well-known laminate manufacturers strongly recommend using branded substrates for their products. Otherwise, they reserve the right to refuse to consider the claim, if any. However, all of them favor cork substrates from Portugal and VTM brand extruded polystyrene. Excellent reviews about Parkolag and Isoplin from both installers and buyers. Quick Step NPE substrates have proven themselves in operation. But the domestic analogue will provide you with "bubbles" and "waves" after laying. We also do not recommend extruded polystyrene of Russian and Chinese brands: in the product description, their characteristics are overestimated.

OUR RANKING OF THE BEST SUBSTRATES

Place	Name	average price	Nomination	Description	Our rating
The best natural substrates
1.	Premium Cork (Cork), Portugal	90 rubles/m2 (2 mm) 145 rubles/m2 (3mm)	Natural cork The highest density The lowest thermal conductivity	Material "technical cork" from compressed cork tree bark. It has a high resistance to deformation, good noise and vibration absorption, excellent thermal insulation qualities. Fits exclusively on a thick film. Sold in rolls and sheets. Not recommended for heated floors.	9 out of 10
2.	PARCOLAG (Parkolag)	95 rubles/m2 (3mm)	Bituminous Cork Top Features	Ventilated lining. It is a kraft paper impregnated with natural bitumen with natural cork dressing (granules 2-3 mm in size). It is characterized by high noise absorption, excellent noise and moisture insulation. Roll material.	9 out of 10
3.	Isoplaat (Isoplat)	55 rubles/m2	Better thermal insulation, acoustics, leveling	Conifer resin-based fibreboard for sound insulation. Levels uneven subfloor up to 4 mm. It is characterized by high thermal insulation, natural ventilation, vapor permeability. Effective damping of "impact" noise, sound dispersion, moisture resistance.	9 out of 10
Best Extruded Polystyrene Underlays
1.	VTM, IsoPolin (Isopolin)	55 rubles/m2	Best value for money	Material - polystyrene film. This rigid XPS underlay sits in the middle between cork and polyethylene in terms of installation complexity and cost. Excellent sound insulation, minimal moisture absorption. Excellent thermal insulation properties that remain in high humidity.	10 out of 10
The best polyethylene substrates
1.	Tuplex (Tuplex)	99 rubles/m2	Most technological	An ultra-modern composite material consisting of polystyrene foam granules between two layers of polyethylene of different thicknesses. It has excellent moisture and noise insulation properties. The membrane construction of the lower layer of Tuplex allows you to ventilate the space under the laminate: moisture seeps in and then is removed under the baseboards.	9 out of 10
2.	Isolon PPE	35 rubles/m2	The cheapest underlay	Heat-resistant finely porous substrate made of foamed "cross-linked" PPE. Outperforms NPE in all respects.	8 out of 10
3.	Foil Izolon PPE	56 rubles/m2	foil	Insulating substrate Izolon PPE with a foil layer 14 microns thick applied on one side.	7 out of 10

The best natural substrates

Let us immediately clarify that the natural origin of the substrate in this case does not give any advantages in terms of ecology, since a laminate will be placed on top of it, which, as you know, is an artificial material.

Cork underlayment Premium Cork (Cork)
Rating 9 out of 10

Photo: vopros-remont.ru

Average price in Russia: 90 rub./m2, thickness 2 mm (145 rub./m2 - 3 mm thick)

Advantages: One of the best substrates made in Portugal, Spain. Very high density means that both the laminate itself and the locks of the laminate are resistant to deformation under loads. Due to the high damping properties, the floor will not “play” over time. Due to its very low thermal conductivity, it is a good floor insulation above unheated rooms. Since it dampens noise well, it will be an excellent solution for children's playrooms. Can be used with high-end laminate without requiring replacement, 25 years. Unlike the Chinese counterpart, it does not crumble, is good in installation and operation, and does not harm the laminate.

Flaws: High price. Noisy on poorly leveled ground. It is best to apply on wooden floor, plywood, chipboard. Absorbs moisture, therefore requires concrete waterproofing and is not recommended for wet rooms and kitchens.

Typical Reviews
“It is necessary to carefully remove the base under the cork! I encountered this…”
“... it's hard to lay. When the roll ends, the cork tends to pull back strongly, and there are fears that it, crumpled, will fall under the laminate.

Parkolag (Parkolag)
Rating 9 out of 10

Photo: strmnt.ru

Average price in Russia: 95 rub./m2, thickness 3 mm

Advantages: High noise absorption, wear resistance, very high moisture insulation make this ventilated underlay one of the best. Cork powder, which retains its elasticity, contributes to the long service life of the laminate, and bitumen prevents the penetration of moisture from the concrete screed. The presence of air exchange prevents the formation of condensate, fungus, mold. Maintains linear dimensions under very significant pressure and changes in temperature and humidity conditions. A reliable underlay that will be an excellent solution for expensive laminate brands and will serve without causing problems for many years.

Flaws: Cannot be used under underfloor heating.

Reviews:
“Compared to technical cork, as a mixed version, it is more versatile, moreover, more wear-resistant. Wins in terms of a barrier to excess moisture.
“As a substrate, I always liked Pargolag, about which I heard a lot of tales, such as bitumen stinks not like a child, etc. All this is nonsense.”
“I bought a parking lot for laminate flooring. Excellent! And there is no smell, and teeeee…”

Isoplat (Isoplaat startfloor barlinek)
Rating 9 out of 10

Photo: bug.ua

Average price in Russia: 55 rub./m2 (thickness 5 mm)

Advantages: An ideal substrate for underfloor heating due to its absolute safety when heated. Due to the porous structure, it has good noise and sound-absorbing, acoustic and heat-insulating properties, and heat resistance. The special structure of the bottom layer allows free air circulation, providing ventilation properties. In addition, thanks to antiseptic impregnation, it is protected from fungus and mold. In terms of elasticity, thermal conductivity, resistance to compression, sound absorption, durability and naturalness, it is similar to cork. As for thermal insulation, due to the thickness of Isoplat, it is 3 times higher and comparable to soft insulation.
Flaws: Plates of smaller thickness are not produced.
Reviews:
“I have a 5 mm isoplaat under 33 laminate. Elastic, warm to the touch, dampens noise well. With two small children, the neighbors downstairs simply don’t hear us (their opinion).”

Best Extruded Styrofoam Underlays

VTM, IsoPolin (Isopolin)
Rating 10 out of 10

Photo: skill-spb.ru

Average price in Russia: 55 rub./m2 (thickness 3 mm)

Advantages: A stable base for laminate flooring, making even diagonal laying of laminate comfortable. Due to the closed moisture-proof pores, it is an ideal waterproofing. Optimally selected density is expressed in a sufficiently high resistance to external pressure and at the same time the absence of strong rigidity. The latter quality compensates for floor irregularities up to 3 mm and enhances sound insulation: the impact sound absorption index approaches cork. Technical characteristics are similar to Isoplat plates. Mechanical pressure does not have a destructive effect on the structure, so VTM and IsoPolin substrates do not lose their high heat and sound insulating properties over time. Service life more than 10 years.

Flaws: Not suitable for areas with high traffic and load (ballrooms, fitness clubs, etc.). Not suitable for underfloor heating.

Reviews:
“In terms of laying properties and resistance to sagging, XPS underlay and Isoplat are almost identical.”
“As a builder, I can say that it is pleasant and easy to work with him, many customers require just such a substrate.”
“In the Olympic Village… there is a huge demand for this substrate among understanding people.”

The best polyethylene substrates

Tuplex (Tuplex)
Rating 9 out of 10

Photo: ekopol.kiev.ua

Average price in Russia: 99 rub./m2 (thickness 3 mm)

Advantages: Tuplex underlay adapts to the shape of the base, smoothing out small imperfections. Superbly absorbs impact noise, drowning out the sound of heels. This quality allows us to recommend Tuplex for both residential and office use. Thanks to its low compression (14 times less than polyethylene foam), it retains its shape well and prevents the laminate from sagging. The unique structure of the material allows moisture to be removed naturally, but this advantage is reduced to zero in the presence of a waterproofing film. Suitable for underfloor heating.

Flaws: The heating efficiency from underfloor heating is lower compared to traditional heat-conducting substrates due to the dispersion of part of the air.

Reviews:
“The best… I've worked with is Tuplex. Very easy to fit."
“I heard complaints about it. Key takeaway: Styrofoam balls deform over time… Maybe that’s not the case, but it’s worth thinking about.”
“... I tried for compression - it is not restored. Although the annotation says otherwise.

Isolon PPE
Rating 8 out of 10

Photo: www.web4market.biz

Average price in Russia: 35 rub./m2 (2 mm)

Advantages: Good heat and noise absorbing parameters of “cross-linked” polyethylene with closed pores, its environmental friendliness, resilience and elasticity, increased moisture resistance and hydrophobicity, inertness to “chemistry”, bacteria and relative cheapness make the Izolon PPE substrate (not to be confused with Izolon NPE!) preferred for use in residential and public buildings. These qualities can be maintained by Izolon PPE for a long time under any operating conditions. Does not deform under load, does not burn and does not emit toxic substances. Over time, it does not collapse, does not lose stability and strength, unlike gas-filled polyethylenes Isolon NPE, Penofol, Poliizol, etc. The service life under normal conditions is more than 25 years. The best solution for underfloor heating.

Flaws: Despite the good thermal insulation performance, you should not count on the thermal insulation of the floor with a material thickness of 2-4 mm.

Reviews:
“If you take Izolon, then the PPE is white with very dense small bubbles, but not our NPE!”
“Compared to cork, Izolon has much worse compression and recovery.”

Foil Izolon PPE
Rating 6 out of 10

Photo: www.dom-laminata.ru

Average price in Russia: 56 rubles/m2

Advantages: In addition to the advantages of Izolon PPE, the foil layer, which is a reflective thermal insulation, enhances the heat, vapor barrier properties, reduces heat loss by 97%. Important: the effectiveness of foil thermal insulation is higher, the higher the temperature difference between the subfloor and the room. For the first floor with a concrete floor, foil Izolon PPE is useful, for an apartment on the fourth floor there will be no gain in temperature. But as a heater, it goes well with an infrared warm floor.

Reviews:
“In order for the foil to give a tangible effect in heat reflection, the temperature should be. around 60°C. Therefore, the foil on the foam ... a good marketing ploy ... ".
"...living in a plastic bag requires constant ventilation."

What is the best underlay to buy?

To the same group of materials, even professionals often have a diametrically opposed attitude, and most often poorly reasoned. Our rating of the best substrates does not give an unequivocal answer to this question - the choice is yours. Study the characteristics of the material and choose the one that best suits the tasks, the degree of evenness of the base and your financial capabilities. At the same time, keep in mind that thicker does not mean better, the thickness of the substrate should not exceed 3-4 mm, unless a larger one is allowed by the laminate manufacturer.