Replacing laminate cheap underlay with foil backed underlay

fox1977

Hi there,

We have just taken all of our laminate flooring up in the hallway and living room as we are getting our boiler moved.

The laminate was not laid by us. It had (cheap) foam underlay directly ontop of the floorboards. Obviously it is a bit drafty after having lifted the boards and was wondering if there is anything I can put down instead of the foam to make the rooms warmer.

I have previously bought cloud9 underlay from tradprice and I have just spotted the sliver underlay on their site for £9 a roll (cannot quite afford the top of the range stuff):

http://tradepriced.co.uk/laminate_underlay.html

Anyone any experience of using similar stuff? Do people think it is worth the effort of putting this down instead putting the old foam stuff back down?

Thanks

Dave_Buchan

I can personally vouch for the duralay timbermate and since having this installed I've noticed a significant difference in room temperatures and heat up times within my kitchen. Any product that has a foil backing should generally improve any heat loss issues as it is a great reflector of infrared heat.

As the old expression goes "You get what you pay for!" so maybe you may have to ask yourself;

do you want a new floor that looks great?

or

do you want a new floor that looks great but also drives down the cost of your utility bills?

Your could also try sealing the joints within the floorboards (If any have been previously broken due to lifting) as this will cut down on unwanted air infiltration

Hope this helps

Cheers,

Dave

Frank_E

Seal between the floorboards with PVA.
Seal between the skirting board and the floorboards.
Is this a ground floor room? You could also take advantage of CERT subsidused insulation and insulate under the floor between the floorboards.
This would also attenuate underfloor sound reflections.

fox1977

Just took the plunge on the sliver underlay and some tape. Worth the investment if it makes the house a little warmer and saves on the heating bill!

Will let you how it goes. Hope to lay the stuff next week before putting the old laminate back down (for time being).