Does Lifeproof Flooring Need Underlayment?
Although Lifeproof flooring can be installed without an underlayment, you won’t be able to achieve optimal acoustic performance and moisture protection unless you use a premium underlayment. Flooring underlayment is a layer placed underneath flooring to enhance flooring performance and longevity. Premium underlayment makes Lifeproof floors quiet and comfortable while improving acoustics and supporting the floor’s locking system.
FloorMuffler® Encore underlayment is the perfect solution for Lifeproof floors, providing high performance and peace of mind for your flooring investment. FloorMuffler® Encore can be used with Lifeproof flooring that has a pre-attached pad.
Specifics of Lifeproof Vinyl Flooring
Lifeproof vinyl flooring is a durable and beautiful option for homes, apartments and retail spaces that need a high-performing floor. The material is designed to withstand stains, spills and scratches to last through daily life. Lifeproof flooring looks like authentic hardwood, porcelain or tile with fewer maintenance needs, lower cost and greater longevity. Lifeproof vinyl flooring is mixed with other materials to make the floor durable and water-resistant.
Advantages of Using FloorMuffler® Encore With Lifeproof Vinyl Flooring
FloorMuffler® Encore is a superior underlayment solution for Lifeproof vinyl flooring. Our high-performance underlayment can be used over concrete and plywood subfloors. Encore underlayment provides the following qualities for Lifeproof flooring:
- Moisture protection: Encore underlayment creates a moisture barrier to prevent moisture from damaging Lifeproof vinyl planks and keep mildew and mold from growing. The pads attached to the back of most vinyl floors provide minimal moisture protection since there will be a gap where the two planks meet. The attached pad cannot stop moisture from passing through the seam where two planks meet.
- Sound absorption: Sound suppression and reduction in flooring is important for any home, especially those with homeowners associations or condo associations. Encore underlayment helps reduce noise from the floor and block sounds from traveling to the room below. The pads attached to most vinyl floorings don’t provide the acoustic performance that is required by homeowners associations and building codes in multi-family buildings.
- Insulation: Underlayment for flooring has a high insulating value to keep your floors comfortable in any season.
- Subfloor flaw correction: Some subfloors have small cracks or minor inconsistencies in leveling. FloorMuffler® Encore can help even out minor subfloor imperfections, providing a smooth and more level surface for Lifeproof flooring planks.
- Wear resistance: Underlayment supports the floor’s locking system, providing long term protection for Lifeproof flooring.
- Comfort: FloorMuffler® Encore helps create a comfortable walking surfaces when used with Lifeproof flooring.
Maintain Your Floor’s Warranty With Proper Installation
Most Lifeproof floor planks come with a warranty to protect your investment. While warranty terms vary, they commonly include limited lifetime coverage for certain problems as long as you have the floor installed, covering issues such as:
- Factory defects
- Water damage
- Fading
- Stains
- Damage to the image layer
FloorMuffler® Encore underlayment helps you preserve your warranty terms. Installations with Lifeproof vinyl plank flooring are covered under FloorMuffler® Encore’s warranty. Lifeproof installation instructions allow you to use of an additional underlayment as long as the underlayment warrants it.
Enhance Your Lifeproof Vinyl Flooring With Encore Underlayment
An underlayment can be used with Lifeproof flooring as long as the underlayment manufacturer warrants it. Use FloorMuffler® Encore with your Lifeproof flooring for optimal performance, comfort and longevity. Our underlayment blocks moisture and sound while protecting your flooring and correcting subfloor imperfections.
Lifeproof is one of The Home Depot’s top brands of luxury vinyl flooring. You can purchase Lifeproof flooring and FloorMuffler® Encore underlayment in-store or on their website.