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Roofing felt can be used as an underlayment for laminate flooring to provide a moisture barrier and cushioning. Here’s how to use it:
1. Prepare the subfloor: Clean and level the subfloor before installing the roofing felt. Remove any debris or protrusions.
2. Cut the roofing felt: Measure and cut the roofing felt to fit the dimensions of the room. Overlap the edges by a few inches.
3. Install the roofing felt: Lay the roofing felt on the subfloor, starting from one corner of the room. Secure it with staples or nails, leaving a small gap between the sheets for expansion.
4. Trim excess felt: Trim any excess felt using a utility knife, ensuring a neat and flush fit.
5. Install laminate flooring: Once the roofing felt is in place, you can proceed with installing the laminate flooring according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Using roofing felt as underlayment helps to prevent moisture from seeping into the laminate flooring and provides added insulation and soundproofing.
Modern laminate flooring systems are typically sold as glueless, “floating” floors, meaning the boards interlock like puzzle pieces and rest unattached to the building. The floor trim around the perimeter holds everything in place. Although floating floors can be installed over any hard floor surface, it is recommended to install an underlayment between the laminate flooring and the subfloor. While laminate underlayment can be purchased, old roofing felt can be used just as effectively.
Step 1
Using a hammer and pry bar, remove the floor trim, being careful not to damage it. Set it aside.
Step 2
Clean the floor by sweeping and mopping it thoroughly. Allow it to dry completely.
Step 3
Roll out a course of roofing felt along the wall where the flooring courses will begin. To cut the felt, place a level across its width against the perpendicular wall and use a utility knife to slice along the level. Flip the felt piece over so that it lies flat.
Step 4
Roll out the next course of felt in the same manner, cutting it and flipping it over. Place it so that the long edge of the new course aligns with the long edge of the previous course without overlapping.
Step 5
Attach the two courses of felt together with a long strip of duct tape, but do not tape them to the floor.
Step 6
Add more courses of felt paper in the same way until the entire floor is covered. Cut the last course lengthwise as needed to make it fit.
Step 7
Install the floating floor directly over the felt paper, starting at the same wall and fitting the planks together end-to-end and side-by-side. Leave a 3/8 inch gap between the floor edges and the wall on all sides. Use a miter saw to cut the end boards as needed and use a table saw to length-cut the final course of flooring if necessary.
Step 8
Replace the floor trim using a trim nailer to cover up the gaps around the floor’s edges.
FAQ
1. What is roofing felt and why is it used for underlayment on laminate flooring?
Roofing felt is a type of heavy-duty paper or felt material that is used as a protective barrier between the subfloor and the laminate flooring. It helps to prevent moisture from seeping through the subfloor and damaging the laminate flooring. Additionally, roofing felt provides a cushioning effect, reducing noise and providing a more comfortable walking surface.
2. How is roofing felt installed as underlayment for laminate flooring?
To install roofing felt as underlayment for laminate flooring, first, ensure that the subfloor is clean and dry. Roll out the roofing felt over the entire subfloor, overlapping the edges by a few inches. Secure the felt to the subfloor using a staple gun or adhesive. Trim any excess felt along the edges. Once the roofing felt is properly installed, you can proceed with laying the laminate flooring on top.
3. Can roofing felt be used on any type of subfloor?
Roofing felt can be used on various types of subfloors, including wood, plywood, concrete, and even existing vinyl or tile flooring. However, it is important to ensure that the subfloor is in good condition and properly prepared before installing the roofing felt. Any existing moisture or damage should be addressed before proceeding with the underlayment installation.
4. Is roofing felt waterproof?
While roofing felt provides some level of moisture protection, it is not completely waterproof. It is designed to resist water penetration and protect the laminate flooring from minor spills or moisture that may occur during installation or regular use. However, if there are significant water issues, such as flooding or excessive moisture, additional waterproofing measures should be taken.
5. How does roofing felt affect the overall performance of laminate flooring?
Roofing felt plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance of laminate flooring. It acts as a moisture barrier, preventing moisture from seeping into the laminate flooring and causing swelling or warping. Additionally, the cushioning effect of the roofing felt helps to reduce noise transmission and provides a more comfortable surface for walking.
6. Can roofing felt be used with other types of flooring?
Yes, roofing felt can also be used as underlayment for other types of flooring, such as hardwood, engineered wood, or vinyl plank flooring. The installation process is similar to using it with laminate flooring. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and ensure compatibility with the specific type of flooring being installed.
7. Is roofing felt necessary for laminate flooring installation?
While not always necessary, using roofing felt as underlayment for laminate flooring is highly recommended. It provides an extra layer of protection against moisture and helps to prolong the lifespan of the laminate flooring. Additionally, roofing felt can improve the overall comfort and performance of the flooring by reducing noise and providing a cushioned surface.