Laminate Underlay — Tape?

paperclap

Hi all,

When laying our new laminate, we will be using foil-backed underlay – QuickStep’s Thermolevel underlay.

On the longer edges, it has a built-in tape. However on the shorter edges, there is no tape.

Any recommendations on a suitable tape, which will seal the damp proof membrane?

Are aluminium and vapour tapes the same?

Polythene jointing tape?
https://www.toolstation.com/polythene-jointing-tape/p50509

Aluminium foil tape?
https://www.toolstation.com/aluminium-foil-tape/p53122

While we’re on the subject of tape. In addition to taping the underlay segments, I’ve also seen some people tape between where the underlay and wall meet… to further create a full vapour barrier presumably. Is this best practice?

Thanks!

grumbler

You don't need and don't want aluminium for damp-proofing. IMO polythene is fine. So is wide cellotape.

tacpot12

I would not use wide cellotape. Cellotape degrades when in contact with moisture. Either the polythene or aluminimum tapes from Toolstation should be fine. I would use aluminimum myself if the insulation is foil backed. 

paperclap

Thanks both!

Think I’m going to opt for aluminium, as seems the most suitable.

Is there a standard size used? 50mm, 75mm or 100mm? Seems most aluminium tapes (for underlay) are 50mm.