Is additional underlay needed on wood floor if the laminate already has underlay attached to it?
Question:I'm installing laminate floors in my living area. The floor is currently carpeted, but will be removed of course prior to installing laminate. Its a level floor with wood as subfloor.
Answers:
As Mark said...screw the floor first. I always do this for my customers. Squeeks or not. It makes the floor more solid and also alliminates any future squeeks. I use 1 3/4 inch deck screws beside each nail. You'll also need to hammer down any nails that are popped up or any that pop up after screwing. Do the screwing first then the nail pops. WIth the laminate already having foam attached, you will not need to add more. If you are doing stairs, peel off the foam from the back of the laminate before installing. The laminate you're using must be of high quality. That's the only stuff I see this on.
Good luck and take your time. Do not rush!
The answer should be no, but you might want to ask whoever you're buying the laminate flooring from. When I installed Pergo, I had to put down an underlayment, but if yours has it already attached, I don't think you would have to.
Before installing the laminate floor, walk over the now clean subfloor, if you're not very large, find a large friend, give them a couple beers to make them happy and have them walk around. listen for any squeeks. When you find some, screw them down.not nail. Nails pop up, screws hold. Once that is done, the determination on whether you need underlay depends on where it is going. For a second floor room above a living room, i would use a sound deadening underlay to soften the noise below. If the room is over a garage or basement, don't bother.
Yes, most of the laminate only has a moisture barrier pad under it. You will need new subfloor because if any of the wood is uneven this will cause your laminate not to be propertly installed. Wood has a tendency to expand and contract and with new subfloor this will keep the laminate down and in place. I work at a flooring company and we always tell the customer, when installing anything but carpet to get new subfloor. Also some companies will void the warranties if you do not have new subfloor.
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