When installing a wood, or laminate floor system, it is important not to overlook the floor insulation

Floor insulation is probably the easiest part of installing a wood or laminate floor, but choosing the right insulation is important, because once it is down, there is no turning back. The decision hinges on wether your subfloor is wood or concrete, and if the floor is being installed on a first or second floor, also if it is an apartment, condo or house.

If the floor is being installed on a wood subfloor, then you are going to need an insulation that does not react with moisture, because it is easy to get a mold problem with a wooden subfloor. If the subfloor is concrete, then a softer insulation, for back support, will be preferred. Whatever the subfloor, moisture protection is paramount, because with concrete, moisture can come up from below.

Sound insulation is possibly the greatest concern, when installing a wood or laminate floor on an upper floor. The last thing you want is your lower level guests tracking the movements of the upper level guests, because every step is amplified through the ceiling. The right insulation will keep this embarrassing event from happening to you.

If you are installing flooring in an apartment or other building shared with other families, sound insulation may be required by law to be of a certain sound proof rating. It would be very bad to install a floor to boost the value of your rental property, only to have to remove and replace the entire floor. You can also research the law on this subject before renting an apartment, and ask the landlord if the upper floors are well insulated for sound as required by law.

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