Subfloor preparation for click vinyl

Table of contents

1. Introduction
2. Unsuitable substrates for click vinyl
3. Subfloor preparation
4. Necessity of a vapor barrier
5. Impact sound insulation as underlay

1. Introduction

Choosing the right substrate is crucial for the successful installation of click vinyl. This guide provides comprehensive advice on preparation and floor types to avoid.

2. Unsuitable substrates for click vinyl

Avoid these floor coverings:

• Loose-laid floor coverings: These include materials not firmly anchored, such as loose carpets or other textile floor coverings.
• Textile and foam-backed coverings: Materials such as PVC sheet goods with textile or foam backing are also unsuitable.
• Elastic floor types: Elastomer and rubber floors should be avoided.
• Floating floors: Laminate, linoleum, parquet, and vinyl floors that are not firmly connected to the substrate are unsuitable.

3. Preparation of the substrate

Steps for substrate preparation:

• Check flatness: Use a straightedge to ensure the floor is level. Significant unevenness requires leveling work.
• Choose leveling compounds: Determine the appropriate leveling compound for your specific floor type.
• Moisture control: Measure the residual moisture of the screed and dry the substrate if necessary or use a vapor barrier.

4. Necessity of a vapor barrier

A vapor barrier is required if the substrate consists of moisture-sensitive materials (mineral substrate) or has a high residual moisture content. 

5. Impact sound insulation as underlay

Integrated impact sound insulation:

• Already integrated: All our click vinyl floors are already equipped with integrated impact sound insulation.
• Additional insulation prohibited: The use of additional impact sound insulation is not permitted with our products and may lead to installation problems.

By using click vinyl with integrated impact sound insulation, you not only benefit from improved walking comfort but also from optimized sound reduction without the need for an additional underlay. This simplifies installation and ensures compliance with our warranty conditions.