Roofing Felt Under Laminate Flooring: A Complete Guide

Hey there, flooring fanatics! Ever wondered about using roofing felt under laminate flooring? It's a question that pops up pretty often, and for good reason. The idea behind using roofing felt is to add an extra layer of protection and comfort to your flooring installation. In this comprehensive guide, we're diving deep into the world of roofing felt, exploring its pros and cons when used beneath laminate flooring. We'll cover everything from moisture barriers and sound dampening to the practicalities of installation and whether it's the right choice for your next flooring project. So, grab a coffee (or your beverage of choice), and let's get started. We'll break down the nitty-gritty details to help you make an informed decision and achieve flooring success!

Understanding Roofing Felt and Its Purpose

Roofing felt, also known as asphalt felt or tar paper, is a material primarily designed for use in roofing applications. It's essentially a sheet of fiber material (often cellulose) saturated with asphalt. This combination provides several key properties, most notably: water resistance. The main purpose of roofing felt on a roof is to act as a secondary barrier against water intrusion. It protects the roof deck from rain, snow, and other elements, preventing leaks and extending the life of your roofing system. So, when it comes to flooring, the concept of using roofing felt is to leverage these same properties. The primary aim is to create a barrier against moisture from below, which can be particularly important in areas prone to dampness or where the subfloor isn't perfectly sealed.

However, it's essential to recognize that roofing felt isn't typically manufactured or tested for flooring applications. Its intended use is vastly different, and the performance characteristics, such as compression resistance and durability, might not be perfectly suited for the demands of a flooring system. While the idea of extra protection is attractive, it's crucial to understand the limitations and potential drawbacks of using a material outside its intended purpose. Many flooring installers recommend specifically engineered underlayments designed for flooring use, which offer a more optimized solution for moisture, sound, and comfort. We'll explore these alternatives later. The original intent of roofing felt is to serve as a moisture barrier, but it doesn't automatically mean that it's the best option or even a suitable one for use under your laminate. We'll explore these aspects in detail.

The Pros and Cons of Using Roofing Felt Under Laminate

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. Should you use roofing felt under laminate flooring? Like most things in life, there's no simple yes or no answer. It’s all about weighing the pros and cons. First, let's explore some potential advantages. Roofing felt can act as a moisture barrier. This is perhaps its most significant perceived benefit. If your subfloor is concrete or in an area with potential moisture issues, the asphalt-infused felt can help to prevent moisture from wicking up into your laminate flooring. This can help prevent warping, cupping, and other moisture-related damage that can shorten the life of your floor. Roofing felt can provide a small degree of sound dampening. The thickness of the felt can absorb some sound, reducing noise transmission between floors. It's not a significant soundproofing measure, but it can make a slight difference. And finally, roofing felt is generally inexpensive. Compared to some specialized underlayments, it can be a budget-friendly option, especially if you already have some on hand or can get it cheaply.

Now, let's address the downsides, because they're important. Roofing felt has poor compression resistance. It can compress over time under the weight of furniture and foot traffic. This compression can cause the laminate flooring to lose its stability, resulting in unevenness, and potentially damaging the locking mechanisms of the laminate planks. Roofing felt is not designed for flooring. Unlike underlayments specifically engineered for flooring, roofing felt isn't optimized for the stresses and strains of daily use. It may tear or degrade faster than a dedicated flooring underlayment. Furthermore, while it can act as a moisture barrier, the effectiveness of roofing felt is often debated. It might not be as effective as a proper underlayment designed with moisture protection in mind. And finally, roofing felt can be messy to install. Cutting it can be a challenge, and it might not lay perfectly flat, making installation of the laminate flooring more difficult.

Comparing Roofing Felt to Flooring Underlayments

Okay, let's talk about the competition. If you're considering roofing felt under laminate flooring, it's crucial to understand how it stacks up against specifically designed flooring underlayments. Flooring underlayments are engineered materials designed with the specific needs of flooring installations in mind. They come in various types, each offering different benefits. One of the most common types is foam underlayment. These are typically made of polyethylene or polyurethane foam and are very popular due to their affordability and ease of installation. They provide good sound dampening, moisture protection, and some cushioning for comfort underfoot. There are also rubber underlayments, often made from recycled rubber. These offer excellent sound absorption and are a great choice if noise reduction is a top priority. They are also relatively durable and provide good support. Then you have cork underlayments, a natural and eco-friendly option known for its excellent sound insulation and thermal properties. Cork can also provide a comfortable feel underfoot. Finally, some underlayments are designed with a built-in moisture barrier, further protecting your flooring from moisture damage.

Compared to roofing felt, flooring underlayments offer several advantages. First, they are specifically designed for flooring applications, which means they are engineered to withstand the rigors of foot traffic and furniture weight. They generally have better compression resistance than roofing felt. Flooring underlayments also often provide superior sound dampening. Some underlayments are designed to meet specific sound ratings, making them ideal for apartments or multi-story homes. Another advantage is the ease of installation. Flooring underlayments come in rolls or sheets and are usually easy to cut and install. Many have features like self-adhesive strips to make the process even simpler. In addition, many underlayments come with built-in moisture barriers. This means you get excellent moisture protection without the potential downsides of using roofing felt. Overall, while roofing felt might seem like a budget-friendly option at first glance, flooring underlayments often provide better performance, durability, and ease of installation. They are a worthwhile investment to ensure the longevity and performance of your laminate flooring.

Installing Roofing Felt Under Laminate: A Step-by-Step Guide (If You Choose To)

Alright, if you're still determined to use roofing felt under laminate flooring, let's go over how to install it. Important disclaimer: Before you start, always check your laminate flooring manufacturer's instructions, as they may have specific recommendations or warnings. Also, this method assumes you’ve already prepped your subfloor, making sure it’s clean, dry, and level.

First, you'll need to gather your materials. You'll need roofing felt, a utility knife or sharp scissors, a measuring tape, and possibly a staple gun or construction adhesive (check the felt's instructions). Make sure you have enough felt to cover the entire subfloor area where you'll be installing the laminate. Now, start by rolling out the roofing felt. Begin at one edge of the room and unroll the felt, ensuring it lies flat on the subfloor. Overlap the edges of each strip of felt by a few inches, usually around 4-6 inches, to create a continuous barrier. This overlap is crucial for moisture protection. Use a utility knife or sharp scissors to cut the felt to fit around obstacles like pipes, doorways, and other fixed objects. Try to make clean cuts to minimize gaps.

Next, secure the felt. You can use staples, construction adhesive, or both. If using staples, space them every few inches along the seams and edges to hold the felt in place. If using adhesive, follow the manufacturer's instructions for application. After the felt is secured, inspect the entire surface. Make sure there are no gaps, wrinkles, or areas where the felt is not lying flat. Any imperfections can affect the performance of your laminate flooring. Finally, install your laminate flooring. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the laminate, and be careful not to damage the felt during installation. Remember that this method may not be ideal, and there are likely better options. However, these steps will help you if you choose to proceed.

Alternative Solutions and Best Practices for Flooring Installation

Alright, let's talk about better solutions. If you're looking for the best results, consider these alternatives to using roofing felt under laminate flooring. First and foremost, use a dedicated flooring underlayment. As we discussed, these are engineered specifically for flooring and offer superior performance in terms of moisture protection, sound dampening, and comfort. Make sure to choose an underlayment that is compatible with your laminate flooring. Some laminates have specific underlayment requirements. For moisture protection, consider a vapor barrier. If your subfloor is prone to moisture issues, a separate vapor barrier installed over the subfloor, before the underlayment, can provide an extra layer of protection. This is especially important in basements or areas with high humidity. Level your subfloor. A level subfloor is crucial for any flooring installation. Unevenness can cause problems like squeaking, uneven wear, and damage to the flooring. Use self-leveling compound or other methods to ensure a flat, even surface. Proper ventilation is also key. Ensure your subfloor area has adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. This is especially important in crawl spaces and basements. Also, always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Each flooring product has its own installation guidelines. Always follow these instructions to ensure a successful installation. Seal the perimeter. Seal the edges of the flooring with a sealant to prevent moisture from seeping under the planks. This is especially important in bathrooms and kitchens. Finally, consider professional installation. If you're not confident in your DIY skills, hiring a professional flooring installer can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. They have the experience and expertise to ensure a high-quality installation.

FAQs About Roofing Felt Under Laminate Flooring

Here are some common questions about using roofing felt under laminate flooring:

• Is roofing felt a good moisture barrier? While it can offer some moisture protection, it's not as effective as a dedicated underlayment with a built-in moisture barrier.
• Does roofing felt provide good sound dampening? It offers minimal sound dampening compared to specialized flooring underlayments.
• Can I use any type of roofing felt? It's best to use asphalt-saturated felt, but always check the manufacturer's recommendations for your laminate flooring.
• Is roofing felt easy to install? It can be messy and challenging to cut and install perfectly. Flooring underlayments are generally easier to work with.
• Will roofing felt void my laminate flooring warranty? Check your flooring manufacturer's warranty. Some warranties might be void if you don't use a recommended underlayment.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Flooring Project

So, there you have it, folks! Using roofing felt under laminate flooring can seem like a budget-friendly option, it's essential to understand its limitations. While it can offer some moisture protection, it might not be the best choice. Dedicated flooring underlayments are engineered to provide superior performance, durability, and ease of installation. They offer better sound dampening, moisture resistance, and compression resistance. When making your decision, consider your specific needs, the condition of your subfloor, and the recommendations of your laminate flooring manufacturer. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that gives you a long-lasting, beautiful, and functional floor that you'll enjoy for years to come. Happy flooring!