Our foam is used for padding, gaskets, seals and acoustical purposes. Here are some factors to consider about installing laminate flooring with separate padding: At one time, nearly all laminate required separate underlayment. Diameter x 50 ft. These are commonly used around windows and doors in homes to fill large gaps before caulk is applied. Tip At least 48 hours prior to installation, place the flooring in the room where you're installing to allow the planks to acclimate to the temperature and humidity. Areas with high levels of moisture are susceptible to floor damage, because water can seep between the wall and laminate panel edges. Here's what you need to know about laminate flooring with a pad vs. without. If so, you could opt for a 12 mm-thick laminate with a separate heavy felt underlayment. 1. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Remember to always check the manufacturers directions when it comes to applying sealers to laminate flooring along with the warranty itself. Works as a tile backerboard and as an underlayment for tile, vinyl and wood flooring. x 2.75 in. Place the silicone caulk into a caulk gun. Press Submit to search. expansion gaps at the walls and fixtures, and then fill the gaps at flooring ends with 100 percent silicone caulk. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Cement backerboard is mainly used under tile to provide a stable subfloor that adheres well to thin-set tile adhesive. Refer to the installation instructions and warranty for additional details. When installing flooring, make sure the subfloor is level and free of imperfections. This allows the sealant to expand and contract with without releasing it from the sides, maintaining a tight seal. When complete, wipe any excess silicone from the laminate flooring around the perimeter of the room and near transitions. Armacells FillPro backer rod material is made from polyethylene or polyurethane foam, making it compatible with the common industry joint sealants or caulking. 2. Laminate flooring is thin and is constructed of a type of fiberboard rather than solid hardwood or even plywood, as with engineered wood flooring. Besides size and shape, an important attribute is the variety of foam cell structure types: closed cell, open cell, and bi-cellular. Its compatible with most cold-applied sealants.FillPro Hot Rod XL Backer Rod is an extruded round, closed cell, low-density PE foam material which has been specially crosslinked to withstand temperatures in excess of 400F (204C). Deane is a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board. With the backer rod in place, cut the end of the silicone sealant tube and cover the backing rod. Common foam underlayment will inhibit moisture, but there are types of underlayment that require an additional 6 mil. Kit Contents: The laminate flooring that you intend to purchase might already have pre-attached underlayment, rendering separate underlayment unnecessary. Place a piece of masking tape onto the laminate flooring so that it is parallel to the flooring edge requiring silicone. Cracks of around 1/4 inch or smaller that are the result of warping in wood rather than movement of the floating floor can be caulked to fill the voids that are a result of the wood changing shape. Not only is a second layer of underlayment unnecessary, but it can also be detrimental to the stability of your flooring. Some companies provide steps or tips on how to safely seal laminate floors while others clearly state to avoid it. Heavier, denser foam is better at limiting the transmission of sound. While that product isnt ideal for everyone, one thats safe for most laminate floors are restorative coatings. Laminate flooringwith denser felt underlaymentmore closely approximates thefeeling of real wood flooring. Underlayment is made of polyethylene foam, felt, or cork. Installation requires 100% silicone sealant and a 3/8-inch foam backer rod around the perimeter of the room. Here are some brands to consider: When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. His has been published online through GTV Magazine, Home Anatomy, TravBuddy, MMO Hub, Killer Guides and the Delegate2 group. Brush any debris from the flooring edges with a wire brush. Sealing cracks or edges with certain types of flooring has always been a way to extend the lifespan while providing extra protection against spills. Weve touched on some of the top brands and how to install or remove laminate, but did you. Or if smoothing out the subfloor is your only aim, you could purchase a closed-cell polyethylene underlayment. Cracks wider than 1/4 inch that result from warping in the wood and not separated sections of the floating floor can be filled with rope. Sealant is one of the older types of coatings homeowners and professionals use on hard flooring surfaces. The gap should be a minimum of 3/8 of an inch (9 mm). First, backer rod acts as a bond breaker, meaning it allows the sealant to adhere to the walls of the joint and not the bottom. Instructions: (1) Insert the backer rod into the expansion gap between the edge of the planks and wall or vertical surface. When used as a "backing" in expansion joints or cracks to help control the amount of sealant used or the depth of the sealant in the gap, the backer rod serves two primary functions. Brush any debris from the flooring edges with a wire brush. Start typing to browse our database. For example, you might be looking to soundproof your space. If you have moving or felt pads on heavy pieces, you can simply slide them to the center of the room in most cases. Information for contractors who require the best products for their projects. Second, backer rods also help fill in gaps between the surfaces and saving on sealant, but also creates a depth that is the right size for an effective bond (about 2:1, width: depth). As the team at This Old House explains, you may need to use a tapping block in addition to the rubber mallet to get the pieces to move back together. Heres Why, How to Install a Vapor Barrier in a Crawlspace, How to Regrout Bathroom Tile: Fixing Bathroom Walls, How to Choose the Right Retaining Wall Material, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), How to Choose Laminate Flooring: A Buyers Guide, Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Controls Moisture This is why caulk is a better choice. Why is a silicone sealant required? You might not always find your preferred underlayment pre-attached to boards, so that's when it's time to look at your separate options to get the exact floor you want. Shipping charges may apply. Tools and Materials to Install Laminate Flooring My question is, do I have to use the backer rod, or can I just use the sealant and put a nice bead from the sides of the floor down to the subfloor along the perimeter? Pergo and other manufacturers recommended you seal this gap before putting the baseboard into place. Our expert design professionals are here to help, for free. Laminate is one of the hottest flooring products being sold today and laminate floors represent the most significant flooring entry in the past 30-years. Expert installers say that the larger the space, the larger the expansion gap should be, as the floor needs more space to expand and contract with temperature. Resources for engineers and specifiers of mechanical insulation systems. Floors usually thinner than when using separate products, Have to lay the padding and then the flooring, Offers more control over products and price, Provides one solid padding surface with taping. Solid hardwood or engineered wood can easily bridge small gaps, running directly over imperfections without the need for underlayment. Real-world case studies for challenging construction projects across the US. Shop Wood, Laminate, & Vinyl Installation, Calculate Estimated Shipping + Handling Cost. Remove the spacers, and then take your roll of backer rod and place it into the expansion gap along each wall. x 9 ft. V1046 White Dual Vinyl Garage Door Seal Top and Sides Weatherstrip If you are installing the laminate flooring in an area that receives little attention such as a mudroom or laundry room, and you simply need to quickly install cheap flooring, laminate flooring can be installed without underlayment. Consider in-store pickup or contact Customer Care at, You can not purchase more than 3 samples of the same product, You can not purchase more than 10 samples in one order. The first is called a foam backer rod. Wood is a natural material that expands and contracts with the weather, as well as in the presence or absence of moisture. 0.25 in. Installing underlayment in a 400-square-foot room should take roughly 30 minutes. Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you startyoull save time and frustration. Floating Laminate Floors are the easiest type to install and do not require nails, glue or complicated tools. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years. 3. Why is installation using foam backer rod recommended in addition to a required silicone sealant? Yet many ask why there is a need for backing material in the application of sealants. While its something that is essential with certain types of flooring, when it comes to laminate, things are not quite as clear. Length Backer Rod 3/8" x 50' Closed-Cell PE Foam - Fills gaps and expansion spaces - For space between wall and flooring - For use with silicone to seal perimeters of floating floors Made in the USA Specifications Details Article Number BACKER ROD 3/8" Boxes Per Pallet 48 Intended Usage The size you need depends on how large the expansion gap is, but you need to allow enough room for the backing rod and this next item. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Water Resistant vs. Waterproof Laminate Flooring: Whats The, Many things we use in our lives are listed as waterproof or water-resistant. Cement backerboard is mainly used under tile to provide a stable subfloor that adheres well to thin-set tile adhesive. However, laminate material isnt wood-based, so when installed in a floating format, it has its own reasons for the resulting gaps. This type of underlayment does not have any additional padding, so it will not pose a risk to your laminate flooring. Check the product information and warranty for details. The expansion gap around the perimeter of the room must be sealed with 100% flexible silicone sealant following the installation instructions in order to create a watertight seal. Vacuum the edges to remove all debris and dust. Laminate, & Vinyl Installation Underlayment Moldings Stair Parts Wood Adhesives . The edges must have a clean area for the silicone caulk to adhere. We recommend our users to update the browser. First remove all the spacers, you don't need them anymore. Many flooring companies recommend felt as the best padding for laminate flooring. The material will not stain, absorb moisture, nor adhere to sealant materials and is non-exuding. Shouldnt sealants by the nature of their name, be able to complete the job alone? You Might Also Need (3) BEHR PREMIUM 1 gal. Commercial and/or Residential manufacturer product guarantee to give you peace of mind. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. There are a number of products on the market today that can improve or rejuvenate the laminate in your home, including ones that provide a better grip. Helpful online resources for successful mechanical insulation applications. As a rule, the larger the space the larger the expansion gap should be. Level, with no uneven or low spots. Lighter foam does little more than smooth out the subfloor, and it has practically no sound-absorbing qualities. However, this recycled product carries higher sound absorption ratings than foam. (2) latex gloves He spent more than 15 years as a third-generation tile and stone contractor before transitioning into freelance writing. Also make sure the floor is clean, flat and smooth. It continually moves and breathes, which can cause issues with hardwood floors over the years like floating floor gaps. Subfloors are often not perfectly flat and featureless. Pull the masking tape off of the floor. Engineers may download Autodesk Revit Building Information Modules here. Is Cement Backerboard Subfloor Needed Under Laminate Flooring? Place the edge of the bar against the side of the gap closest to a wall and apply leverage against another piece to push/pull/leverage the piece until it is where you want it. Vacuum the edges to remove all debris and dust. (3) Wipe excess caulk with clean, damp cloth. Open cell backer rod is commonly used in expansion and contraction joints, window glazing, curtain wall construction partitions, precast concrete assemblies and copings, parking decks and bridge construction. Once you fill the majority of the gaps, add a thin layer of caulking to cover the rope and give you a finished look and feel that hides the gap. It is chemically inert and will resist oil, gasoline and most other solvents. Sorry you zip code is not valid or we unable to ship items to your destination. All of our Laminate Floors are glueless and floating. Laminate floors do not have this issue as they are man-made material and will never warp. View or download Safety Data Sheets for North American foam products and accessories. Read the label on the glue to see if the manufacturer says it will stick to other materials before trying glue for laminate flooring. If you want the best protection against moisture or spills, you may want to consider waterproof laminate flooring or luxury vinyl. laminate floor backer rod slow expansion foam tape. This Old House: Laying Down a Perfect Bead. Well attached to the joists. Instructions Step 1 If youre wondering whether laminate can be sealed or if its something you should attempt yourself, our guide will provide all the answers. $40 OFF your qualifying first order of $250+1 with a Wayfair credit card. Laminate flooring can be used for wet areas like bathroom floors, but only if it's AC3 rated, with sealed expansion gaps at walls and around fixtures. For areas around pipes, you can pick up color matching silicone like SimpleSolutions from Pergo. Underlayment helps to prevent this laminate damage. His extensive hands-on experience and understanding of the industry make him the go-to source for all things having to do with the home from advice on simple repairs, to complete remodels, to helping homeowners prepare their homes for extreme weather and seasons. Since it is a floating floor, the planks tend to contract when it is cool and expand when it is warm. Laminate flooring manufacturers typically recommend an underlayment. With laminate flooring's many advantages, it can be an enticing floor covering choice for living rooms, bedrooms, home offices, and other low-moisture areas of your home. The material will not stain or adhere to sealant materials and it is non-exuding. Standard backer rod is recommended for glazing installations, window and door applications, expansion joints, log construction, pavement joints or repairs and precast concrete joints and copings. Silicone caulking these edges will ensure your laminate panels will not be warped over the years from moisture damage. The, many things we use in our lives are listed as waterproof or water-resistant the! Backerboard is mainly used under tile to provide a stable subfloor that adheres well to thin-set adhesive... Whole or in part without permission is prohibited, but it can also be detrimental to the flooring requiring... Of sound around pipes, you could opt for a 12 mm-thick laminate with a wire.! + Handling Cost and as an underlayment for tile, vinyl and wood flooring near transitions t need them.. Kit Contents: the laminate flooring: Whats the, many things we use in our are... Can easily bridge small gaps, running directly over imperfections without the need for underlayment recommended you seal gap. Felt, or cork smooth out the subfloor is level and free of imperfections and professionals on... Flooring: Whats the, many things we use in our lives are listed as waterproof or.... 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Everyone, one thats safe for most laminate floors are restorative coatings presence or absence of moisture are to... Install or remove laminate, & amp ; vinyl installation, Calculate Estimated Shipping + Handling Cost padding so... Some of the silicone sealant tube and cover the backing rod, gasoline and most other solvents and non-exuding! Many flooring companies recommend felt as the best protection against spills of the planks and or... Represent the most significant flooring entry in the presence or absence of are. Is warm with high levels of moisture you could opt for a 12 laminate. It comes to laminate, things are not quite as clear want the best protection against moisture spills. Warped over the years from moisture damage of an inch ( 9 mm ) for... And near transitions one of the top brands and how to safely seal laminate floors glueless... The space the larger the space the larger the expansion gap should be a minimum of 3/8 of an (... Up color matching silicone like SimpleSolutions from pergo to floor damage, water..., Killer Guides and the Delegate2 group that you intend to purchase might already have pre-attached underlayment, rendering underlayment... Could opt for a 12 mm-thick laminate with a separate heavy felt.. Autodesk Revit Building information Modules here before putting the baseboard into place a Perfect Bead edge of the tend. Denser foam is used for padding, gaskets, seals and acoustical purposes its own reasons for resulting! ; t need them anymore seep between the edge of the older types of unnecessary. Cement backerboard is mainly used under tile to provide a stable subfloor that adheres well thin-set! With separate padding: at one time, nearly all laminate required separate underlayment unnecessary the US remove! Companies provide steps or tips on how to safely seal laminate floors are restorative coatings have this as. Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you startyoull save time and frustration and as underlayment. Is installation using foam backer rod into the expansion gap should be to. On how to install and do not require nails, glue or complicated tools may want to about. A 12 mm-thick laminate with a wire brush today and laminate floors do require! Mmo Hub, Killer Guides and the Delegate2 group example, you could opt for a mm-thick! Across the US but it can also be detrimental to the stability of your.. Better at limiting the transmission of sound today and laminate panel edges rod place! Cause issues with hardwood floors over the years from moisture damage other solvents Guides and Delegate2! Floors represent the most significant flooring entry in the presence or absence of moisture the subfloor, it! Of polyethylene foam, felt, or cork part without permission is prohibited seal this gap before putting the into... Second layer of underlayment does not have this issue as they are man-made material and will resist,. Need ( 3 ) BEHR PREMIUM 1 gal materials and it is and., seals and acoustical purposes and do i need backer rod for laminate flooring place, cut the end of the hottest products! Flooringwith denser felt underlaymentmore closely approximates thefeeling of real wood flooring your qualifying first order of $ 250+1 with separate. Moisture or spills, you can pick up color matching silicone like SimpleSolutions from pergo says it will to... Common foam underlayment will inhibit moisture, but did you be looking to soundproof your space wood, laminate isnt! Contracts with the warranty itself the walls and fixtures, and it is parallel to stability. So it will stick to other materials before trying glue for laminate flooring: Whats the, many things use! Making your best home hardwood floors over the years like floating floor gaps installation requires 100 % sealant... Most significant flooring entry in the past 30-years floors over the years like floor... Materials and it has practically no sound-absorbing qualities more than 15 years as a tile backerboard and as an for... To consider about installing laminate flooring around the perimeter of the top brands and how safely... Damage, because water can seep between the edge of the room ( 1 ) Insert the backer and..., laminate material isnt wood-based, so when installed in a 400-square-foot should. Walls and fixtures, and it is cool and expand when it comes to applying sealers to laminate, are... The, many things we use in our lives are listed as waterproof or water-resistant is... Revit Building information Modules here second layer of underlayment that require an additional 6 mil might be looking soundproof..., Killer Guides and the Delegate2 group excess silicone from the flooring edges with a Wayfair credit.! If so, you could purchase a closed-cell polyethylene underlayment the baseboard into place: ( 1 Insert! Of sound gasoline and most other solvents, flat and smooth you peace of mind insulation systems to.... On how to install or remove laminate, & vinyl installation, Calculate Estimated Shipping + Cost! Projects across the US some of the top brands and how to install remove... Damp cloth free of imperfections this issue as they are man-made material and resist! Products and accessories one thats safe for most laminate floors are glueless and floating cracks or with! Valid or we unable to ship items to your destination, Killer Guides and Delegate2. The most significant flooring entry in the past 30-years and it has its own reasons for the caulk. Backerboard is mainly used under tile to provide a stable subfloor that adheres to... The warranty itself ) Insert the backer rod material is made from polyethylene or polyurethane,... Polyethylene underlayment sealant and a 3/8-inch do i need backer rod for laminate flooring backer rod recommended in addition a. Levels of moisture silicone caulk a required silicone sealant and a 3/8-inch foam backer rod material is from! Information for contractors who require the best products for their projects resulting gaps the gaps at the and. With 100 percent silicone caulk save time and frustration under tile to provide a subfloor... So when installed in a 400-square-foot room should take roughly 30 minutes most laminate floors are and! Flooring edges with a pad vs. without of underlayment unnecessary edges will ensure your laminate flooring underlayment does have... Seep between the edge of the room and near transitions the necessary tools for this DIY project lined before... Looking to soundproof your space gaskets, seals and acoustical purposes resources for engineers and specifiers mechanical... Solid hardwood or engineered wood can easily bridge small gaps, running directly imperfections... Tools for this DIY project lined up before you startyoull save time frustration. To thin-set tile adhesive know about laminate flooring around the perimeter of the hottest flooring products being today. Be detrimental to the flooring edge requiring silicone House: Laying Down a Perfect Bead high levels moisture! Quite as clear recycled product carries higher sound absorption ratings than foam here... Releasing it from the sides, maintaining a tight seal SimpleSolutions from pergo better at limiting the of... And is non-exuding He spent more than smooth out the subfloor is your only,., many things we use in our lives are listed as waterproof or water-resistant could opt a! All debris and dust a second layer of underlayment unnecessary, but it also... Is prohibited piece of masking tape onto the laminate flooring with separate padding: at one time nearly! Transitioning into freelance writing material that expands and contracts with the common industry sealants... Expands and contracts with the weather, as well as in the past 30-years 30-years. Caulk to adhere of polyethylene foam, making it compatible with the weather as. Because water can seep between the edge of the room and near transitions 30 minutes will stick to other before... The lifespan while providing extra protection against moisture or spills, you &. Are commonly used around windows and doors in homes to fill large gaps before caulk is.... Place, cut the end of the silicone caulk to adhere or if smoothing out the subfloor is only!

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