Is it possible to lay linoleum on a substrate? Substrate for linoleum

The ever-expanding flooring market is at a certain stage of its development, associated with the steady popularity of linoleum. Consumers who make a choice in its favor justify this by the undeniable advantages of this flooring, including ease of installation, long service life, aesthetically attractive appearance and environmental safety. The affordable price of linoleum, which tops the list of its advantages, cannot go unnoticed. The construction school, like the market, also does not stand still, popularizing new and emerging trends. One of these trends has been the use of shock-absorbing damping materials between the floor covering and the floor surface, which is relevant in the process of repairing floors. And if homeowners who have chosen laminate are clearly sure of the need to use a backing, then craftsmen who have given preference to linoleum are often not sure of a positive answer to the question: “Do I need a backing for linoleum?” Experienced specialists also do not give a definite answer to this question, but to a completely legitimate statement from consumers: “If it is not necessary, why is it produced in such a wide range?” They just shrug their hands thoughtfully. To understand this issue, it is necessary to consider the main types of linoleum substrates, as well as the functions that they perform, after which each master will make the right choice for himself.

What is a substrate: the main functions of a linoleum substrate

The underlay is a shock-absorbing damping building material that performs insulating functions and eliminates the possibility of the floor covering, including linoleum, coming into contact with the floor surface. Thanks to this, it is a highly functional material, the purpose of which is to:

Compensation of floor unevenness and leveling of the base. The importance of this function is due to the fact that linoleum is often laid on a concrete base, which is not always characterized by a perfectly flat surface. Even minor depressions, cracks and bumps only accelerate the wear of the PVC coating. Using a substrate that compensates for all defects, you will extend the service life of the popular floor covering;
Thermal insulation functions. This functionality of the substrate becomes especially relevant if, under the base of the floor, there is an unheated, for example, basement, cooling the floor surface, and also if the structure of the linoleum you purchased does not provide for the presence of an insulating layer. A substrate characterized by high thermal insulation performance can completely replace the missing thermal insulation layer. The use of underlayment as insulation is popular when arranging floors in a children's room;
The substrate is an effective sound insulator. This property will be especially relevant for residents apartment buildings, forced to listen to sounds coming from the lower floors. Substrate placed under flooring, will not only muffle the sounds coming from below, but also make the room more comfortable.

When is it necessary to use a linoleum underlay?

Taking into account the above functions of the linoleum underlay, we list the main situations when it will not be possible to do without its use.

Cold floor- one of the first reasons the presence of which determines the need to use a substrate. The linoleum underlay will prevent the penetration of cold from the unheated rooms below. In this case, experts recommend using jute or a combined backing consisting of a mixture of jute, flax and wool. It is these varieties that are characterized by maximum thermal insulation functions;
Uneven floor - common reason using a substrate, since few people can boast of perfectly flat floors. The substrate compensates for minor unevenness and cracks concrete screed, increasing the service life of the floor covering;
Using baseless linoleum, another reason to remember the need for a substrate. There are varieties of linoleum made without the use of a base. Alone, they are not able to provide a perfectly flat and warm floor surface, and therefore are supplemented with a substrate.

In all other situations, you can refuse to use the underlay, including in the case of laying linoleum on an old floor covering and laying more modern linoleum made on a jute or foam base.

Substrate for linoleum: main varieties

There are several types of linoleum underlay, which can be purchased at any hardware store. Let's consider brief characteristics the most common materials used as a substrate for linoleum.

Cork backing for linoleum represents heat and sound insulating material, made from cork oak bark chips, compressed under pressure and high temperatures into a single sheet. Fully natural material, has not only heat and sound insulation functions, but also a bactericidal effect, characteristic of it due to the residues of essential oils produced during the life of the tree. The characteristics of cork substrate as the most popular material among the varieties listed below will be discussed in more detail below;

Jute backing for linoleum- another type of thermal insulation material made from natural raw materials. For its production, natural jute fibers are used, pre-impregnated with an antiseptic and fire retardant, which improves its fire-fighting properties and prevents rotting. Jute backing is a non-woven fabric made by punching fibers interlocked during the rolling process under high temperatures (up to 1500 degrees). Due to the fact that jute fibers are a material plant origin, jute substrates are characterized by a unique ability to absorb moisture, restoring their original consumer characteristics after drying;

Linen backing Made entirely from natural linen. Its production technology is in many ways similar to the previous material. Thanks to the use of linen underlay, you will maintain effective ventilation between the floor covering and the floor surface, which will be the best preventive measure to combat high humidity and mold. The production cycle of linen backing at the final stage includes the procedure for treating the linen with antiseptics, which subsequently prevent the development of rot and insects;

Combined substrate, containing jute, linen and wool fibers in equal proportions, it is a reliable insulating layer with a high density (500-700 g/sq. m with a thickness of 2-3 mm). It is the best choice if you are looking for a substrate that has the greatest wear resistance and high thermal insulation characteristics;

Wood fiber or pine substrate is know-how in the construction market. It is made from compressed wood waste coniferous species and is characterized by high heat and sound insulation properties. The only drawback, which can be judged by the reviews of some consumers, is the unpleasant odor that disappears soon after use of the floor equipped with a coniferous substrate;

Foamed backing for linoleum, is characterized by the greatest popularity, which is due to its price, which is one of the lowest compared to other types of substrates. Izolon and penoizol, which have high thermal insulation characteristics, are used as foam materials for the substrate. However, experts do not recommend giving preference to this type of underlay, since if it is used, the floors become excessively soft and elastic, which contributes to the premature loss of the original appearance of the coating. Over time, the foam underlay wrinkles and forms uneven surfaces that protrude onto the surface of the flooring.

More information about cork backing: types, technical characteristics

As mentioned earlier, for the manufacture of cork substrates, pressure-pressed granules are used, which are obtained from the bark of the cork oak tree.

There are several types of cork substrate:

Classic cork backing, in the production of which only natural ingredients are used, including binders. Distinctive feature classic substrate is the absence of synthetic resins in its composition, which characterizes it as one of the most hypoallergenic materials that does not emit any harmful substances. In addition, it is an antistatic and fireproof material;
Rubber-cork backing, in which rubber acts as a binder. It is advisable to use rubber-cork backing in rooms with high humidity, as well as in apartments located on the ground floor of the building. In addition, a rubber-cork underlay is chosen when linoleum is laid on a concrete screed that has not completely dried. This is due to its increased sound and vibration insulation characteristics compared to the classic substrate;
Bitumen-cork substrate, for the production of which kraft paper is used, impregnated with bitumen, covered with compressed cork chips on top. This coating is characterized by high waterproofing properties, but due to the fact that during the combustion process bitumen releases acrid smoke, bitumen-cork underlay is prohibited from being used for installing flooring in residential premises.

Technical characteristics of cork substrate:

The density of the material is 200-250 kg / cubic meter. meter;
The average tensile strength of the material is 2 kg/sq. cm;
Thermal conductivity index - 0.043 W/mK;
The moisture content of the material does not exceed 7%;
Depreciation characteristics - under the influence of pressure 7 kg/sq. cm compression ratio no more than 10%;
Sound absorption level - no less than 16 dB;
Dimensional deviation: for width - no more than 0.5 mm, for thickness - no more than 0.2 mm;
Fire safety - the material is not prone to fire, fire resistance level is C-209.

Important! Cork backing for linoleum, the price of which depends on the thickness of the material, is made in the form of rolls and sheet panels, which differ not only in size, but also in price. If the thickness of the rolled cork backing does not exceed 2-4 mm, then for sheet panels this figure can be 4-10 mm.

Advantages of cork substrate:

Long service life and high wear resistance of the cork substrate (the wear life of the material can exceed 170-200 years). In this regard, if you plan to replace the linoleum after some time, the cork backing is so wear-resistant that it does not need to be replaced;
Due to its porous structure, the cork substrate is characterized by low weight and high insulating characteristics;
Simplicity of cutting and ease of installation;
Prevents the growth of mold and other harmful microorganisms;
Preserves the original performance characteristics of the floor covering, preventing its premature wear;
Possibility of using cork backing as independent material for finishing ceilings and walls.

Disadvantages of cork substrate:

Tendency to deformation under prolonged mechanical influence;
Due to low thermal conductivity, it is prohibited to use classic cork underlay on a floor equipped with water heating. For these purposes, there is a special cork backing with foil coating;

Due to the fact that cork backing is a material made from organic raw materials, it is not recommended for use in rooms with high humidity without additional waterproofing. For these purposes, there is a special rubber-cork backing made from cork granulate modified with rubber.

Laying cork backing: preparatory activities

Due to the fact that the underlay must be laid on a clean base, experts recommend vacuuming the floor surface before installing it. In addition, it is necessary to pre-level the floor, since permissible differences in its level should not exceed 40% of the thickness of the substrate.

If you are installing flooring on wooden floor, experts recommend covering it with chipboard sheets. Make sure it's durable wooden base, and if there is no doubt, the cork underlay can be laid directly on a wooden base without installing an additional waterproofing layer.

However, experts believe that it is best to lay linoleum on a concrete base, after it has been completed preliminary preparation. For alignment concrete base use special leveling mixtures.

Important! Before you begin installing the flooring, check the floor surface for moisture. To do this, spread cellophane on the concrete base and secure it around the edges with tape. After 12 hours, check its condition: if there are no dew drops on its surface, the concrete base is completely ready for laying the floor covering.

To ensure the most effective installation of the cork underlay, a few days before installing the flooring, bring it into the room where it will be installed. This is necessary so that it acquires temperature and humidity environment the room in which it will lie, which contributes to its more even installation. During the process of laying the coating, monitor the microclimatic parameters of the room in which it will be done. The air temperature must be at least +18 degrees with a relative humidity of at least 60%.

Installing Cork Underlayment: Step-by-Step Guide

Let's take a closer look at the procedure for laying the cork backing:

The first stage involves the installation of waterproofing. To do this, polyethylene with a thickness of no more than 0.2 mm is spread on the floor, leaving a small allowance on the walls to form something resembling a pallet. The edges of the plastic film are secured to the wall with tape.

Despite the fact that most construction literature recommends installing a waterproofing layer on a concrete base, and linoleum manufacturers also adhere to this point of view, laying waterproofing only makes sense if you live on the ground floor and there is an unheated room below you, for example a basement. The need for this measure in this case is due to the possibility of condensation forming on your side of the floor. In all other cases, there is no need to lay a waterproofing layer.

If using a roll backing, roll the roll from one wall to another and cut it end to end, according to your measurements, or pre-cut the roll into strips of the width you need. To connect parallel strips of backing, use waterproof construction tape;

If you purchased the substrate in the form of panels, lay it in a “brick order”, which is necessary so that the joints of the panels do not overlap each other. As with the rolled backing, seal the joints between the panels with waterproof construction tape.

Important! In the process of laying the substrate, move along it carefully, and in the process of laying linoleum, lay it with equal care, which will prevent damage to the cork substrate construction tools or shoes.

Laying linoleum on a cork backing is no different from laying it on a concrete or wooden base without a backing.

Despite the fact that cork substrate belongs to a higher price category, in comparison with other types of substrates, it is characterized by a lot of undeniable advantages that cannot go unnoticed by craftsmen who decide to repair the floor covering.

May 28, 2016
Specialization: master of internal and exterior decoration(plaster, putty, tiles, drywall, lining, laminate and so on). In addition, plumbing, heating, electrical, conventional cladding and balcony extensions. That is, renovations in an apartment or house were done on a turnkey basis with all necessary types works

Before you go to the store for flooring, it would not hurt you to figure out whether an underlay is needed for linoleum and, if so, is this so in your case? After all, using such an additional layer, you can not only waste money, but also make the floor uncomfortable for walking. So let me tell you what these substrates can be like in general, and in what cases they are applicable, and I also invite you to watch the video in this article.

Cork backing for linoleum and laminate - installation

Substrates for face covering

What not to do

The floor always remains the floor, and this is a solid base on which you can walk, jump and place furniture, even heavy ones, on it, therefore, whether you need to lay a backing under the linoleum depends on several indicators, which we will discuss a little lower. But would you like the floor to be soft?

It may be pleasant to walk on it, although this is not for everyone, but putting furniture there will be extremely inconvenient, however, let's find out what not to do:

extruded polystyrene foam It is an excellent insulation and waterproofer, and it also perfectly absorbs sounds, therefore, it is very convenient to use for laminate. But linoleum itself is soft coating, and if you put extrusion panels 10-20 mm thick under it, then when walking you will not feel entirely comfortable - the floor will be unsteady, which will not happen if there are MDF panels under your feet;
besides, on such a basis you cannot bet heavy furniture , that is, you will put it up, but the legs will push through the coating and, moreover, it will stand unevenly - for cabinets this is a particularly big disadvantage;
Never use any type of synthetic underlay if it oozes when purchased. strong smell! Don’t believe the seller if he says that it’s because the material is new, and then it will go away - such things don’t go away - it’s a manufacturing defect and you’ll get problems for yourself with your own money! The seller can be trusted only if he presents a certificate of product quality;
and one more small nuance - if you purchase linoleum with a backing, then why do you need additional underlay? In 99% of cases, such a coating or concrete screed, having previously laid a cut-off waterproofing;
but such bedding should not be neglected if there are unevenness on the rough foundation, and you are not going to level it out. The fact is that laying linoleum on an uneven rough base leads to its premature wear, since additional surface tension is created, but the substrate compensates for these differences and, naturally, partially corrects the situation.

Underlayment is the insulating material that is laid under a soft or hard surface covering of the floor, but whether such an addition should be laid depends on the circumstances
Floors constructed in this way are classified as “floating”.

Jute

Jute is a coarse natural textile fabric made from fibers of the same plant. In fact, the word jute itself means any of annual plants, used for yarn, but in Russia, it is most often flax.

In this case, the fabric is treated with fire retardants and antiseptics, which, naturally, significantly increases its resistance to fire and almost completely eliminates the possibility of colonies of microorganisms settling even when exposed to moisture (by the way, the threads do not swell when exposed to moisture).

I have come across the opinion that jute and linen fabric of this kind are different from each other.
But this is a misconception, since jute can be from different but homogeneous plants; the fabric is simply made rough.

Cork

You can also use a substrate made from crushed cork tree bark, which does not have any synthetic additives, with the exception of impregnations such as fire retardants and antiseptics. This is excellent sound and thermal insulation, but in this case, she has significant drawback- it is thick and soft, which is almost always unacceptable for linoleum, and besides, it has a high price.

In this case, this material can be put on a par with extruded polystyrene panels, but I mentioned it as one of the possible, although undesirable.

For the sake of awareness, I would like to note that such substrates can be rubberized (polyurethane is used) and bitumen, which increases their moisture resistance.

Composite

Another option is a composite material, for example, such as in the photo above, although many other companies also produce it. TUPLEX consists of two layers of polyethylene, between which there is granulated polystyrene - this is excellent noise, hydro- and thermal insulation.

But in the question of which substrate to choose for linoleum, you can reject it, not only because of the high cost, but also because of its elasticity, which is not entirely acceptable for linoleum.

In my opinion, if you are looking for something to put under linoleum, then your best bet is to use 2mm thick polyethylene foam. This is very soft material, but due to the fact that its thickness is very small, you can place heavy furniture on such a floor without any problems, but at the same time, when walking you will not feel hardness - it will create the feeling of a lint-free carpet.

There is, of course, a foil version of such a substrate, but aluminium foil here it serves as a heat reflector, and this option is usually used for underfloor heating systems.

In addition, foamed polyethylene can be called the most inexpensive substrate of all existing analogues, but it will be quite sufficient for at least 5-10 years (depending on the traffic of the room). This material has the simplest installation - the strips are laid overlapping and connected with tape so that the edges do not puff up during installation of the front covering.

And it’s also very easy to replace foamed polyethylene with a new one - to do this, you only have to remove the baseboards with your own hands and lift the linoleum, and then lay everything back.

What not to believe

You can ask the so-called “experts”, who, as a rule, are always among friends (although they themselves do nothing), which substrate is better for linoleum and hear in response that it is more advisable to use sheet material. But this is not true - the panels are in no way better than rolled products, and besides, it is more convenient to install the substrate in rolls.

In addition, there is a myth that roll or sheet backing cancels the differences on the draft basis, but this is also not true. This one can only cover minor defects and differences no more than 2 mm/m2. If the relief on the base is more expressive, then it will be repeated through the substrate.

And finally, they may advise you to install the underlay, according to the principle “the more you lay, the better it will be.” But this makes no sense, especially since semi-commercial and commercial linoleums are produced with a backing as the bottom layer of material, so the instructions do not recommend the use of additional flooring. The exception here is waterproofing for concrete screeds or self-leveling floors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to say that underlayment for linoleum on screed is not always used - this is done to insulate the floor, therefore, such a need remains only on the lower floor, although this is not always the case. Perhaps you have more questions - then write them in posts.

May 28, 2016

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How many people, so many opinions! This statement perfectly describes the attitude of builders and repairmen towards such an unnecessary thing, as it may seem at first glance, like a substrate for linoleum. The debate does not subside, and passions become increasingly heated and no one can give an exact answer whether a substrate is needed or not? Let's debunk all the myths right now, completely and irrevocably.

What is a substrate

The underlay is an insulating material that prevents the floor covering (in our case, linoleum) from coming into contact with the subfloor.

This building material is designed to perform three functions at once:

Compensation for unevenness. Very often, linoleum is laid on top of a concrete screed, which does not always have a perfectly flat surface. Lumps, depressions, cracks - all this can cause rapid wear of the new PVC coating. The substrate is designed to compensate for all flaws, thereby increasing the service life of linoleum.
Insulation. If there is an unheated basement room under the base of the floor or the purchased linoleum does not have a special insulating layer, then the substrate may well act as a heat insulator.
Soundproofing layer. The substrate perfectly absorbs sounds coming from the lower floors. This quality is especially important for older apartment buildings or hotels, where even the sound of water pouring from a tap can be heard on three floors at once.

jute backing

Consists of natural jute fiber that is resistant to rotting, burning and mold. The cost of such “natural” pleasure is also quite high, so this type substrates are not very popular in Russia.

linen backing

This is 100% environmentally friendly material made from linen. But the best backing is a backing made from a mixture of flax, wool and jute. It is durable, moderately rigid and very dense, which allows you to forget about the cold floor forever. In addition, this material is treated with antifungal drugs and antiprenes, so you don’t have to worry that in a couple of years a whole colony of unexpected guests will appear under your linoleum.

Backing made from a mixture of jute, wool and linen

foam backing

This is the most popular type of substrate in Russia, because its price, compared to other types, is microscopically small. In addition, penoizol or isolon (foam material for the substrate) has excellent thermal insulation properties. But experts do not recommend using a foam backing under linoleum and laminate, since in this case the floor will become excessively elastic and soft, which will cause a rapid loss of the appearance of the floor covering. Over time, such a substrate will certainly wrinkle and will stick out unsightly on the floor surface.

Penoizol is a material that is extremely unsuitable for laying linoleum on it

The owners of this apartment probably already regretted laying brand new linoleum on a foam backing

In what cases is a linoleum underlay required?

In fact, there are few such cases, but they still exist.

Cold floor

A cold floor is the first reason why you simply must lay a base when laying linoleum. As mentioned above, the underlay will protect the floor from the cold coming from the basement; it will become a kind of barrier to an insidious and evil draft. Don’t skimp on your own health and the health of your loved ones - buy a high-quality jute backing or a backing made from a mixture of jute, flax and wool - such warm “clothes” for the floor will appeal not only to him, but also to your feet.

Uneven floor

Probably not a single owner of his own home in Russia can boast of a perfectly flat floor. Of course, with a certain amount of skill and experience, you can make the screed almost flawless, but still... Small, barely noticeable depressions or bumps will still be there and there’s no getting around it. The underlay is designed to hide these imperfections, eliminate them and allow the linoleum to lie as if it were lying not on cold concrete, but on a warm Californian beach.

Baseless linoleum

There are types of linoleum that are produced without a base, that is, such a coating consists of only one layer. Baseless linoleum, unfortunately, cannot provide the floor with heat alone, so it is necessary to lay a substrate under it.

When can you do without a substrate?

In order to avoid unnecessary demagoguery, we note that all other cases (except for the two described above) involve laying linoleum without a backing. Such cases include laying linoleum on old flooring and laying linoleum on a foam or jute base.

In the first option, before carrying out work on linoleum flooring, you should carefully check the old coating for flaws, chips, cracks and other defects that could cause rapid wear of the new linoleum.

In the second case, everything is extremely simple: multilayer household linoleum already has a base that can compete quite well with the substrate. This coating consists of several layers: fiberglass impregnated with PVC paste and a backing made of fabric, jute, foamed PVC or polyester. The most optimal base for Russian reality is foamed polyvinyl chloride. It has exactly the same coefficient of thermal expansion as upper layer floor, which means that if heated, the linoleum will not undergo deformation.

Jute-based linoleum is an excellent alternative to the substrate

The method of applying the linoleum base to fiberglass is also of great importance. At chemically After application, the substrate will become soft and springy, which will cause dents from heavy furniture to appear on the surface of the coating. The mechanical method completely eliminates such incidents, and therefore is the most suitable.

Let's summarize: linoleum based on jute, PVC and fabric will do an excellent job alone, it does not need any substrates. But baseless linoleum must be laid on special heat-insulating pads. The underlay will also be needed in cases where the floor in the apartment is a conductor of cold and drafts or there are slight irregularities on it.

Linoleum is rightfully considered the leader among floor coverings. The versatility of the material has been confirmed by the practice of using it for decades. The price and ease of installation are attractive. At the same time, a dilemma often arises regarding the need to lay on the base special material. What is a linoleum underlay, what is its structure and when is its use necessary? This article will help you understand these issues.

Do you need a backing for linoleum: functional features and structure of the material

Linoleum underlay is an additional building material that acts as a layer between the floor and linoleum. There has long been a debate among builders as to whether it is necessary to use an underlayment. Some are confident that it is desirable, and in some cases even necessary, while others are of the opinion that laying additional material is a waste of time and money.

In fact, both sides are right: in some cases it is impossible to do without a substrate, and in others it will be an unnecessary element. If a question arises about the need to use it, you must first familiarize yourself with the wide list of functions that the substrate performs:

Reliable sound insulation. This feature is important in multi-storey buildings, as it prevents the penetration of noise from rooms located below.
Additional thermal insulation. This function relevant for apartments with cold floors, for example, those located on the ground floor and above non-residential premises that are not heated. It is the substrate that can become an excellent insulation material.
Leveling the surface. The additional layer prevents close contact of the main flooring material with the floor, levels out pits, cracks and bumps, which helps level the base and extend the service life of the linoleum. After all, the presence of flaws on the floor entails rapid deterioration of the material.

Used in the production of substrates various technologies and raw materials, in particular natural and synthetic. The variety, advantages and disadvantages of its main types are described below. The name and structure of the natural substrate correspond to the material that was used as the basis for its manufacture:

jute;
cork;
linen;
wood fiber;
combined.

Helpful advice! Now on the market building materials a wide range of multilayer linoleum with a special layer of different sound and thermal insulation materials. Their use eliminates the need to lay additional material under linoleum.

Jute, linen or cork backing for linoleum: comparative characteristics

Jute. The basis of such a substrate is natural vegetable fiber from jute. In order to prevent rotting and fire, a special fire retardant is added to the raw material. This base is capable of absorbing and removing moisture. At the same time, the material itself does not get wet. Its main disadvantage is its high cost.

Cork. The raw material is crushed cork tree bark. This substrate is characterized by environmental friendliness (100%), because the use of synthetic substances is excluded in its composition. This excellent insulation under linoleum and soundproofing layer. Along with the listed advantages, there are also disadvantages. The main one is the high price. In addition, the material has a low degree of rigidity, which leads to the coating being pressed under the influence of furniture and subsequently to its deformation.

Linen. The production technology involves double piercing of flax fibers with needles. Treatment with special means prevents the proliferation of bacteria and insects. The main advantage of the material is the provision of free ventilation between the floor and the coating. Air circulation prevents increased humidity and the spread of harmful bacteria and fungi.

Mixed and synthetic substrates: which is better for linoleum

Wood fiber. The main material is coniferous trees. A fairly new type of substrate with high sound and heat insulation qualities. The disadvantage is the same as that of the cork base - the tendency to sag. Besides, pine resin, which protects wood from moisture and pests, has a strong, not very pleasant odor. This inconvenience “disappears” over time.

Combined substrate. Made by mixing linen, jute and wool fibers. Even the most thin material 2 mm has a high density - up to 700 g/m². This quality significantly increases the insulating properties. At the same time, such a substrate, like all natural ones, tends to sag, although to a lesser extent. It is believed that this is the most practical base for any type of flooring.

Foamed. Belongs to the category of synthetic, its basis is porous polymer material. It has good noise and heat insulation qualities, as well as a relatively low cost. However, experts do not recommend using it under linoleum. Such a substrate is heavily dented and soon loses its shape, all of which negatively affects the condition of the base coating. This material is better suited for laminate.

Helpful advice! The best option, providing insulation and dryness of the floor, is an option from a combination of flax, jute and wool fibers. This is a universal substrate that has high degree wear resistance and insulation.

In what cases is a linoleum underlay necessary, and when is it overkill?

There are a number of significant arguments in favor of linoleum underlay. In particular, its use is mandatory in the following cases:

a cold floor is the main precondition for laying an additional base before laying linoleum. The high degree of thermal insulation of the material serves as a protective barrier against the cold that comes from the basement or lower floors where the non-residential premises. Therefore, experts do not recommend saving on the comfort and health of loved ones by neglecting the layer between the floor and linoleum. Worth purchasing good substrate, preferably from natural raw materials;

uneven floor surface. Making a perfectly even screed is only possible to an experienced master, therefore, to avoid unevenness, it is better to use a substrate that will hide all imperfections;
single-layer linoleum. A coating without a base, although it costs much less, will not be able to provide the necessary thermal insulation; in such cases, a special base is required - a substrate.

You can do without an additional layer in a number of cases listed below:

linoleum is laid on the old covering. In such a situation, the base should be as smooth as possible, without flaws, otherwise old material better to dismantle;
multilayer linoleum with a foam or jute base, which in its properties is in no way inferior to the substrate, greatly simplifies the installation process. The multilayer material consists of fiberglass, a layer impregnated with PVC paste with a fabric backing, jute, foamed polyvinyl chloride and polyester;

despite the fact that Tarkett commercial homogeneous linoleum is single-layer, it creates reliable insulation. This option is the most the best choice linoleum in the hallway. Photos show different types such material.

Installation of linoleum on different bases: types and requirements

Before you start laying linoleum, with or without a backing, you need to study technical features basics and prepare it carefully. Linoleum itself is a fairly flexible and elastic material, so you need to take care to fulfill a number of requirements in relation to the base:

the surface must be strong and smooth. Only smooth differences from 2 to 7 mm are allowed, so a preliminary leveling procedure by pouring the floor may be necessary;
hardness of the floor base;
the base must be perfectly dry and clean. If necessary, the surface is cleaned from old paint, get rid of grease and oil stains.

Helpful advice! When deciding on the advisability of using a substrate, it is necessary to take into account exactly where you plan to lay the linoleum. You can do without it in the corridor. Here you can use single-layer commercial linoleum, the thickness of one layer of which will create the necessary insulation.

Fulfilling the requirements for preparing the base helps to extend the service life of linoleum. As for the base itself, it is divided, depending on the material, into the following types:

concrete;
wooden floor;
old coating;
tile;
plywood base covering concrete or wood flooring (sheet materials such as plywood, fiberboard or OSB boards, can be both the basis for the floor and serve as a substrate for the floor covering).

Each type of base requires special preparation and method of installation of linoleum and the substrate under it.

Wood-based materials instead of a substrate: plywood on the floor under linoleum

Typically, linoleum plywood is used as a substrate on a concrete base. On wooden floors this technology is used even more often. Other wood-based materials are also used - fiberboard and OSB boards. Their main advantage is providing a perfectly flat surface. In addition, they guarantee the necessary rigidity of the base. The presence of plywood under linoleum does not exclude the possibility of laying an additional layer of any soft substrate, which will provide an additional heat and sound insulation effect.

Fiberboard is the thinnest and most affordable material. Its thickness is up to 2 mm. For this reason, fiberboard is not suitable for laying on very curved floors, since the substrate quickly deforms, as a result of which the defects are reflected on the linoleum.

OSB is an order of magnitude stronger and thicker (from 6 to 12 mm) than the previous material, therefore it is more suitable for a base under linoleum. Such slabs will help level the floor, but before use you need to clearly determine the required level. At the same time, the material quickly wears out under the influence of loads, and part of the slab peels off over time, which leads to the formation of defects.

Based on the characteristics of the coating materials described above, plywood is the optimal material for a solid base. Its layered structure does not allow bending, which contributes to excellent floor leveling. The only downside to plywood is that it costs an order of magnitude more than other alternative solid substrates.

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All wood-based materials have a common drawback: they are vulnerable to moisture, so they should not be laid in the kitchen or bathroom. Influenced by humidity wood boards begin to rot, changing shape and volume. All this negatively affects the main coating. Fibreboard can, like paper, become wet when exposed to moisture. Particle boards are susceptible to damage by insects and are prone to fire. But with proper pre-treatment, all these negative aspects can be leveled out.

Helpful advice! In order to level the surface, it is better to take plywood with a thickness of at least 10 mm. On level screed sheets 6 mm thick are suitable.

Base for linoleum: underlay for concrete floor

A concrete base is ideal for laying linoleum, provided it is first leveled. To do this, use special mixtures, make screeds or use the floating floor method. On concrete floors, underlayment is most often used. The installation procedure provides for a certain sequence of work:

base preparation includes cleaning and leveling the surface. After completing the concrete screed, the floor must dry completely. This may take up to 30 days;
elimination of defects. After pouring the floor, small defects sometimes form. The tubercles can be knocked down or cut off, and the holes must be filled with a self-leveling mixture;
waterproofing. After final drying, the surface is covered with a waterproofing layer. A simple polyethylene film covering the floor as a single sheet is suitable for this. It is imperative to provide an overlap of 3-4 cm on the walls;
installation of the leveling layer involves laying plywood or other wood-based materials. Sheets of plywood are laid with a margin of 5 mm from the wall. Subsequently, the gap and seams between the plates are filled with sealant. Fix the material with small dowel nails (5 mm) at a distance of 60 mm from each other. The fastening material should not protrude, and dents should be covered with putty;

roll backing flooring. The material is rolled out and laid end to end, without overlaps. The seams are taped with gray reinforced tape.

What type of underlay should be used for linoleum on a wooden floor?

Wooden floors are very popular due to their environmental friendliness, practicality and thermal insulation characteristics. But such a floor wears out over time, and there is a need to update it. Faced with such a problem, owners wonder whether it is possible to lay linoleum on a wooden floor. It turns out that laying PVC material is the optimal solution for updating a floor with a wooden base. In this case, there is no need to dismantle the floorboards.

The question naturally arises as to whether it is necessary to buy a backing for linoleum. The answer should be sought in each specific case, taking into account the quality of the wooden base and the purpose for which it is planned to use this layer.

In particular, the underlay will help improve thermal insulation. Even in the coldest season, such a floor will retain heat as much as possible. It is not necessary to lay the underlay if you plan to install warm linoleum on a plywood base.

It is also advisable to use an additional base before laying linoleum on a wooden floor that creaks excessively. In addition, it will help level out unevenness and small depressions on the surface.

Helpful advice! The easiest way is to purchase linoleum with a backing. Its price is much higher, but it saves the money needed to purchase the substrate, plus it saves time, and you won’t need to waste effort on installation. The ideal option is semi-commercial linoleum. The characteristics of such a coating include good insulation and compensation for unevenness.

If the thickness of semi-commercial linoleum turns out to be insufficient, then an additional substrate can be used. How to properly lay linoleum and underlay on a wooden floor will be discussed below.

How to lay linoleum on a wooden floor: leveling the surface

Wood flooring is a common base. As a rule, even at ideal plank floor there are cracks, nail bumps and other defects. Therefore, it is best to install plywood with a thickness of 7 mm or more on such a base. When asked whether it is possible to lay linoleum on a wooden floor, experts give a positive answer, provided that the surface is first leveled.

Before leveling a wooden floor under linoleum, you need to prepare the floorboards. Irregularities and cracks should be covered with special putty. This will ensure the floor is sealed and well insulated.

If the floor is new and smooth, then you can do without the plywood layer, and before laying linoleum on a wooden floor, you need to carefully secure the boards, level the base with a plane or sander, drown the nail heads into the wood as much as possible and fill the holes. Using putty, seams between floorboards and other defects are removed. If the boards form a wavy surface, then the floor will have to be re-laid in places or completely dismantled. The coating must be clean; small debris and dust in cracks should be removed with a vacuum cleaner.

How to lay linoleum on a wooden floor: laying the underlay

After leveling the surface and clearing debris, the process of installing the substrate consists of the following steps:

Laying the insulating layer. As in the case of a concrete floor, before laying linoleum on a wooden floor, it is advisable to lay a regular plastic film. It will protect the wood from moisture and create the necessary insulation.
Underlayment flooring. The rolled material is laid in strips without overlaps - end-to-end, then they are connected with sealant or special tape.

After this, you can begin laying linoleum on a wooden floor. If plywood is used as a substrate, then the process is more labor-intensive, it involves the following sequence of work:

surface primer. Before laying linoleum on a wooden floor, the surface is cleaned of old paint and a primer is applied to it;
Installation of plywood is carried out after the primer has completely dried. The plywood is laid with some offset. The distance from the sheet to the wall must be at least 5 mm;
plywood fastening. For fastening to a wooden base, it is best to use self-tapping screws, which are easy to use and can provide reliable fixation;

elimination of defects. The burrs are removed from the edges of the plywood sheets using a plane, and the depressions in the places where the screws are screwed in are covered with putty.

Helpful advice! If you plan to use linoleum glue on a wooden floor, you should remove the old layers of paint and varnish.

How to properly lay linoleum on a wooden floor

There are many tips and recommendations online on how to properly lay linoleum on a wooden floor. Summarizing them, we can come to the conclusion that the direct installation of linoleum itself is a simple process, preceded by a more painstaking preparatory work. The material itself spreads easily. In order for the linoleum to take the required shape, you should let it lie unrolled for a couple of days. The time depends on the flexibility of the material, which is affected specific gravity 1 m² linoleum. It is usually more difficult to install natural types of coating.

It is recommended to use commercial linoleum as floor finishing in high-traffic areas. GOST characteristics of such a floor covering indicate a high degree of strength and durability, superior to laminate. The quality of the flooring is evidenced by a special quality certificate from the manufacturer.

More flexible types The material is quite easy to attach. It is enough to carefully level the coating and then lubricate the edges special glue. The final fixation will be provided by the installation of skirting boards. If there is uncertainty in actions and fear of spoiling expensive material, then it is recommended to entrust the work to professionals.

Thus, it is not necessary to always use a linoleum underlay, but sometimes you simply cannot do without it. As an additional material, it contributes to the qualitative improvement of the floor. The main thing is to decide on the set of functions required from the substrate and select correct option. Laying the material is quite simple. As a result, it will give additional heat and sound insulation properties to the main coating. On concrete floor will protect from the cold, and on wood – from damage and creaking floorboards.

When choosing flooring for their home, people most often choose linoleum. This is explained by the fact that the material has long established itself as strong, wear-resistant and durable. In addition, it is accessible, lightweight and easy to install. However, before you start laying the covering on the floor, you need to determine in advance whether a backing is needed under the linoleum and what it is?

Despite the fact that many experts assure that it is mandatory to lay a substrate under the final coating, let's find out whether it is really necessary and in what cases is the presence of this material not at all necessary.

First, before laying linoleum, make sure that the floor surface is in good condition. If the floor is smooth, there are no visible flaws, bumps, depressions, etc., then over time the linoleum you have laid () will not tear or become covered with cracks.
Secondly, a lot depends on the composition, quality and thickness of the linoleum itself. Laying a substrate may not be necessary if the coating consists of several layers that can independently protect the surface from damage.

Let's look at what household linoleum consists of, and whether a gasket is needed under it:

1 layer - fiberglass;
2nd layer - polyvinyl chloride with a printed pattern and a protective layer;
3rd layer - glued gasket made of fabric, jute or other material.

When linoleum consists of several layers that can provide both strength and thermal insulation of the flooring, additional substrates will not be needed. If the linoleum is without a base (less than 5 mm), then a gasket may still be needed to extend its durability.

What should be the base for laying linoleum?

Here are the main requirements that need to be taken into account:

The composition of the base should be either concrete, cement-sand, wood, ceramic (tiles).
The base must be solid and durable.
Do not allow moisture to enter the surface, which must be completely dry before installation.
As smooth as possible, without sudden changes.
As clean as possible, free of oil, paint and other contaminants.

Is it necessary to glue linoleum to the surface?

This must be done, otherwise the covering may shift under the influence of constant load and traffic, which will lead to the appearance of “wrinkles” and damage to the flooring. If you are gluing new linoleum onto an old one, you must first degrease the old surface.

Isolon backing

It will also serve as a good base for coating ceramic tile, which also needs to be cleaned and sanded first sandpaper, align the seams.

Thus, if the base of the floor for installation of linoleum is in in good condition, then a special gasket is not needed.

Why do you need a backing at all and is it necessary to glue linoleum to additional material?

The underlayment is designed to correct minor unevenness, especially if the floor is on a concrete base. Such a substrate will help the finishing coat to lay down just perfectly. Of course, if the potholes and unevenness in the base are significant, then a substrate is simply not enough; a thorough repair will be required.

The gasket will also help to additionally insulate the floor if the linoleum itself does not have such an insulating layer, and there is some kind of unheated room under the floor surface, for example a basement.

If you live in apartment building, then an additional layer under linoleum will allow you to achieve additional noise and sound insulation.

Read more: What types of thermostats are there for heated floors?

Which gasket is better to choose?

There are several options. Let's look at them.

Cork. This material has several advantages. Firstly, it is easy to install, since the material is sold in rolls. The flooring itself with such a backing will be soft and pleasant to walk on. However, there is a significant disadvantage to such flooring - under the influence of a heavy blow, marks will certainly appear on the coating. Therefore, when choosing cork material, give preference to more rigid versions of this flooring.
Jute. The material consists entirely of natural fibers. During manufacturing, the material is pierced with needles and calcined high temperatures. This allows the jute to become resistant to damage by mold, mildew, etc.
Linen backing. Its production technology is similar to the previous one (except for the composition of the material).
Universal composite material. The composition of this coating includes a combination of natural fibers such as flax, jute, and wool. This combination allows the material to be the most durable, dense and resistant to external influences.
Polymer. This type of substrate is completely unsuitable for laying linoleum, and is more often used for other finishing coatings (laminate, ceramics). The disadvantages of the material are that it does not provide either thermal insulation or air circulation through the coating (the floor “does not breathe”).
Fiberglass with a layer of jute, fabric and polyvinyl chloride. This gasket helps create durable, airtight floors without affecting the ventilation of the flooring.