Underlay removal for laminate flooring

I’m planning to have laminate flooring fitted in my living room as a replacement of a carpet. Would it be okay to keep the current underlay ahead of the laminate flooring installation? Or should I have a new underlay installed instead?

Asked by Monika Lydia on 22nd Dec 2020
Expert Trade Answers
"No. The carpet underlay isn't good to fit laminate over, you will need underlay for laminate, if you will fit the laminate with underlay for carpet the clicks from the laminate will broke when you will step on them"
Answered on 1st Jan 2021 - Member since Sep 2019 - report
"No the the underlay will have to be removed and replaced with laminate underlay as the carpet underlay will give it too much bounce and will snap the click in area around your laminate and there for the guarantee of your laminate will be void"
Answered on 22nd Dec 2020 - Member since Jul 2020 - report
"No this underlay wouldn’t be sufficient for laminate flooring. I would suggest a 5mm underlay for wood if you wanted something a bit thicker."
Answered on 22nd Dec 2020 - Member since Oct 2020 - report
"You will need new underlay which is purposely designed for laminate carpet underlay is too think and soft"
Answered on 5th Jan 2021 - Member since Dec 2020 - report
"If you reuse your thick carpet padding, your floor will be too bouncy and it may damage the locking system. Pay special attention to your warranty when installing underlayment. Not following their directions can cause your warranty to be void.

It’s best to use the underlay designed for laminate."
Answered on 22nd Dec 2020 - Member since Dec 2020 - report
"I have been working in this field for a long time, and I think it would be great to change underlay as well, especially since it doesn't cost much."
Answered on 22nd Dec 2020 - Member since Jun 2020 - report
"Depend how it is, if it in an good condition, and it combines with the rest of flooring in the house because it must be on the same level, otherwise yuo will have to change or replace.
Thank you."
Answered on 22nd Dec 2020 - Member since May 2020 - report
"Do NOT use the carpet underlay for laminate flooring!

Remove all grippers too!

You need to see the condition of the sub floor; it is wise to smooth out any undulations. What can seem tiny can have a huge effect on floating floors.

You also need to know if the house has any damp proofing. If not, then it would be wise to install a liquid DPM or a sheet before the underlay (obviously much cheaper).

Subject to your budget, do not use the foam, thin rubbish underlays often sold with laminate.

Purchased either duralay (or its equivalent) or fibreboards. It's worth the investment."
Answered on 22nd Dec 2020 - Member since Oct 2017 - report
"Hi Dear,

Yes it it ok, if you like to keep it. but if it it very thin may be floor will be bit hard rather than flexible.

Thanks"
Answered on 22nd Dec 2020 - Member since Jul 2020 - report
"Hi Monika the carpet. Underlay it’s not good for a laminate floor I recommend to change for a underlay witch is use for laminate floor if you use the old one the floor don’t gone last long and between the boards you can have gaps and the feel when you be walking on it it will be like sponge because the thickness of carpet underlay is double and is soft than laminate floor underlay
Best regards
Andrew"
Answered on 23rd Dec 2020 - Member since Mar 2020 - report
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