When most people have leftover laminate underlayment, they usually never think about reusing it and just throw it away. What if an old laminate underlayment is still useable even after so many years?
Laminate underlayment is reusable when they don’t have any major damage such as rip, tear, or humidity. You can also reuse laminate underlayment when the thickness is still in the desirable range and when it can cover the whole area for the new flooring.
We all know that laminate flooring needs underlayment, which is a great way to protect your flooring and increase the soundproofing in your home. However, this always comes at a great cost. Reusing laminate underlayment can help you save money on your flooring project. But, how would you know if yours is still usable?
Let’s find out, shall we?
How long does laminate underlay last?
Surprisingly, high-quality laminate underlayment (just as many other types of underlayment) lasts up to 25 years. However, its lifespan may vary, depending on how much foot traffic it has experienced and other factors such as:
- The thickness:
Thicker underlayment lasts longer than thin ones because it takes more time to flatter down, even with a lot of foot traffic. - Its materials:
Synthetic underlays are usually less likely to break down over time than natural ones. This is because they don’t contain any chemicals or minerals that will eventually dissolve away. - Exposer to heat and moisture:
If the underlayment is exposed to heat or moisture regularly, it will dramatically affect its lifespan. Therefore, before you decide on installing underlayment, consider the area’s humidity and temperature. - Correct installation:
If the previous installation was not done correctly, this might have affected its durability in the long run. To give an example, was it facing the correct direction? Or was the right type of tape used for joining the underlayment?
Can you reuse laminate underlayment?
You can use the old underlayment for your new flooring. If it is compatible and in good condition, with no major rips or tears (or water damage), then this will work just fine.
It should also be able to cover the whole area for the new flooring. If not, you’ll end up with partly new underlayment, which might lead to an uneven floor due to the fact that the old one has to flatten after so many years.
So, should I reuse old underlayment?
If the condition is good enough and it’s compatible with the flooring, yes, you should. However, before doing so, you should check if the manufacturer allows you to reuse it and if it does, make sure you follow the specific instructions for your product.
Many manufacturers would specifically stipulate not to reuse old laminate underlayment.
How can you reuse laminate underlayment?
Removing old laminate underlayment is not that difficult. However, if you wish to reuse it, there are some things.
Checking if the old one is still usable:
Before you start doing anything, the first thing you should do is to check if there is any major damage. These things include rips and tears and damage from humidity or water leakage. Some of these damages can be repaired by cutting them out and replacing them with a new one.
Checking thickness:
Second, measure the thickness of the old underlayment and make sure that the new flooring you’re installing has a compatible thickness.
Remove old adhesive:
When reusing old underlayment, make sure that the old adhesive is completely removed before attaching the new floor.
Cleaning the old underlayment:
Finally, be sure to clean the old underlayment before using it again.
Remove it before attaching the new flooring.
Conclusion
Laminate underlayment is an important part of your flooring installation, and it’s worth taking the time to find out how long it will last in your specific situation. In fact, reusing laminate flooring can be combined with old underlayment if it’s still in good condition but always check with the manufacturer before making a decision. If you decide to reuse laminate underlayment, follow the specific instructions for your product.