Stop the Squeak! Subfloor Installation for Quiet Floors.

The floor in a house is actually several layers of materials, each layer having a specific function in the system as a whole. The underlayment, which is the layer that goes between the actual flooring and the subfloor, is a key component.

Underlayment is a general term. There are actually many different types depending on the situation and the kind of floor going on top. The most common materials are foam, rubber, cork or felt.

Here are several benefits for using underlayment as part of the flooring:

• Increases support for the floor: Adding an underlayment makes the entire floor more stable.
  
  
• Increases the longevity of the floor: Adding more support and protecting the floor from friction will allow it to last longer and perform better.
  
  
• Makes the flooring quieter: The underlayment muffles the sounds of footsteps and acts as an extra sound barrier.
  
  
• Helps to repel moisture: This will help for parts of the country that deal with water often, or in below-ground levels of buildings.
  
  
• Prevents movement of the layers: When the temperature changes, underlayment will keep the flooring system together.
  
  
• Makes the floor softer: Especially when installing carpet, this gives an extra layer of cushioning.

As you can see, there are many options when it comes to underlayment. When selecting the right one for the job, think about the specific benefits you want the underlayment to provide and how it will be used. What type of surface are you applying it to and what type of flooring are you installing on top?

Of course, the underlayment is only part of the entire system. For the best results, each layer needs to be installed properly using quality tools and techniques. The underlayment needs to be kept pristine with no dents, bumps, edges or fasteners that might be able to show through to the flooring layer above. Also make sure to only install underlayment to a dry subfloor, because moisture in the subflooring could cause issues if kept trapped.

BECK's SCRAIL® SubLoc® PRO is a system designed especially for creating a squeak free floor. In addition to the threading, the fasteners used in this system have a patented Diamond Coating for vastly improved holding power. Easily driven in by most air-driven tools available on the market, these fasteners offer the same unique advantage as all of the other SCRAIL® fasteners in that they can be just as easily removed and reused if adjustments are necessary.

Using the best quality fasteners and tools, like SCRAIL® SubLoc® PRO and pneumatic tools from BECK America, in combination with the right amendments, like underlayment, will ensure your flooring is seen and not heard. Watch the video SCRAIL® SubLoc® PRO Guide to learn more.