What Kind of Underlayment Should I Use for a Tile Floor?

Underlayment is the type of product that is placed beneath a flooring system to resolve one or more issues. One example of the solution tile underlayment provides is to add rigidity to the system. It can also provide important soundproofing, prevent cracks in the subfloor from migrating to the installed tiles, and prevent moisture from entering through the subfloor and damaging the finished floor. At Tile This, we are your source for a range of tile underlayment membrane solutions to give your floor a proper tile base.

When choosing an underlayment for your tiles, there are multiple factors to consider. First, is the proposed underlayment sufficiently flat? Second, do you need to resolve any flat spots or areas that require leveling? In addition, does the floor need to be sloped for drainage purposes?

The Best Tile Underlayment Membrane

Each situation will dictate the type of tile underlayment that is best for the job. Whether the main issue is preventing the development of cracks in the tile surface, preventing moisture, producing a flat surface, sound proofing, or something else, a tile underlayment solution is available for your tile floor installation.

Choosing an Underlayment Option

Some of the tile underlayment options available to solve different tile installation problems include:

• Sheet: This involves Fiberock, Durock, or another 3×5 cement board which helps prevent deflection of the floor, giving it the necessary rigidity for a tile installation.
• Uncoupling membrane: This membrane isolates or uncouples the tile from the substrate, allowing each entity to move independently from each other and preventing cracking in the stone, porcelain, or ceramic tile above the substrate.
• Liquid applied membrane: A trowel or roller is used to apply liquid membrane and provides crack prevention. Drying time before walking on it is about 4 to 6 hours. Drying time before tile installation is about 8 to 12 hours.
• Peel and stick membrane: Help prevent cracks. Tile may be installed immediately after the application of this membrane. It is necessary to use a primer with this membrane, preferably the primer supplied by the manufacturer.

To learn more about the tile underlayment membrane options we offer at Tile This, call us today at 952.882.0436 or complete our contact form.