Does underlay really retain heat?
“We all know that cold air enters homes through windows, doors and walls, but it also rises through the floor. The right underlay can act as a barrier, stopping cold air in its tracks and preventing warm air from escaping. It is the ideal insulator if you have draughty areas like floorboards, or if you are fitting new flooring that has a cold surface. If you live in a period property where draught and heat loss is especially prevalent, underlay can provide an additional layer of thermal insulation.
“Much like duvets, underlay and carpets come with a tog rating. Starting from 0 for lower insulation qualities, a higher tog rating indicates better heat retention properties. If you are looking for maximum heat retention, consider combining a high tog rating underlay with a dense pile carpet. If you have underfloor heating, you should generally avoid exceeding a combined tog rating of 2.5, but it is wise to contact your heating manufacturer to find out the maximum compatible rating. If you do have underfloor heating, make sure you choose a compatible underlay such as
EvoCore 360 Underlay, which is also moisture resistant.
“Aside from the heat retention benefits, underlay can also reduce noise and prevent unwanted sounds from travelling through your home. This is especially important when considering laminate and hard flooring, which can be very noisy without the right foundations. Filling the void beneath your new floor with cushioned underlay dampens echoes and improves the overall performance of laminate flooring. If you live in an apartment and want to minimise noise travel, or if you are fitting new flooring in the upstairs of your house, a good-quality underlay can bring an extra layer of soundproofing.
“The right underlay can improve the air quality of your home, filtering out harmful dust particles and providing anti-allergenic properties to help purify the air in your home. Choosing an eco-friendly underlay like the
Breathe Natural 10mm Underlay, has the added benefit of being 100% biodegradable. Underlay conceals dirt and dust, trapping it beneath the surface, so remember to replace it each time you change your flooring.”
