Integrated flooring underlay: what are the benefits?

Integrated underlay is factory-attached to the underside of a flooring panel. It simplifies preparation and avoids laying a separate underlay when this is the installation system specified by the manufacturer.

Main benefits

• More straightforward installation: the panel and underlay arrive as one component.
• Acoustic comfort: underlay can reduce walking noise; compare the figures for the particular product.
• Matched layers: factory attachment makes it easier to use the underlay intended for that panel.

What should you check before installation?

Underlay does not replace subfloor levelling. The base must be sufficiently level, dry, clean and stable. Do not add a second soft layer beneath a panel with integrated underlay unless the instructions for that system expressly permit it.

With underfloor heating, check product compatibility and the combined thermal resistance of all layers. Comfort underfoot, sound insulation and thermal insulation are different properties and should be assessed separately.