Karelia underlayment is a new-generation underlay for hardwood flooring. Our underlayment is made out of two layers of solid polyethene with flexible polystyrene granules between the layers.
This structure makes Karelia underlaymnt clean, durable and lightweight material that is easy to handle and install, even in confined spaces. The Karelia underlament also provides a highly effective double moisture barrier against subfloor humidity, obviating in most cases the need for a separate moisture barrier.
- Levels out subfloor
Flexible construction helps smooth out any minor irregularities of the subfloor and provides an ideal base for hardwood flooring. - Ventilation
Karelia underlayment is granular composition which creates space between the floorboards and the subfloor, allowing for efficient ventilation. - Moisture barrier
The two-ply polyethene film of Karelia underlayment makes it a highly effective double moisture barrier. In most cases there is no need for a separate moisture barrier. A test report is available form the manufacturer. - Sound insulation
Karelia underlayment combined with any commonly used intermediate floor construction meets the requirements pertaining to impact sound insulation in intermediate floors. Because of its high flexibility and resilience, its sound insulation properties will never wear out. A test report is available from the manufacturer. - Easy Installation
Laying the hardwood flooring is one of the final phases of interior decoration. At this point the room is usually full of recently finished surfaces which must be protected against dirt and dents. Karelia underlayment is a clean, durable lightweight material that is easy to handle and install, even in confined spaces.
Installation
Before installation, make sure that the subfloor is clean, dry and level. The relative humidity of concrete floors must be under 85 %. Check that the floor surface is level for example with a long ruler or a straight floorboard: - max 1/8" deviation allowed over a length over a 7 ft span. Where necessary level out the subfloor, using a good quality levelling compound.
Prior to installation remove any dirt and dust from the subfloor. Roll out a strip of the underlay on top of the subfloor, leaving a narrow gap (appr. 1/4") between the underlay and the wall.
Karelia underlayment is installed onto the subfloor according to the roll's unfolding direction, face-down. Karelia underlayment can easily be cut with for example a stanley knife. Be careful that you don't damage the materials underneath, such as under floor heating systems.
The parallel strips are joined together with the plastic overlap, by turning the plastic onto the previous strip (by width of the overlap, about 8"). The successive strips can also be taped together if so wished, but it is not obligatory. Taping helps keeping the underlayment in place during hardwood floor installation. Make sure that each row of the underlayment are tightly adjoined and the plastic overlap firmly on top of the seam. When moving on top of the underlayment, avoid puncturing and denting of the Karelia underlayment.