Just stumbled across an article yesterday talking about how different flooring underlayments have surprisingly varied lifespans. Like, some foam ones barely last 10 years before they start breaking down, while cork or rubber can apparently hold up for decades. Kinda made me rethink my recent flooring choices, you know? Curious if anyone else saw this or has personal experience with their underlayment aging faster (or slower) than expected...
Yeah, I've definitely noticed foam underlayments breaking down quicker than expected, especially in high-traffic areas or spots exposed to moisture. Cork and rubber do seem to hold up better over time, at least from what I've seen managing properties. If you're worried about your current setup, maybe check a small corner or edge of the flooring every couple years—just gently lift it up and see if the underlayment feels crumbly or brittle. Catching it early can save you headaches later on...
"maybe check a small corner or edge of the flooring every couple years—just gently lift it up and see if the underlayment feels crumbly or brittle."
Good advice there. I learned this the hard way when we redid our kitchen floor a few years back. The foam underlayment was basically dust after about 6-7 years, especially near the sink and dishwasher. Switched to cork after that, and it's been solid ever since. Definitely worth spending a bit more upfront if you're dealing with moisture-prone areas...
Yeah, cork's a solid choice, especially around water. I've had decent luck with higher-quality foam underlayments too, but cheap stuff just doesn't hold up. Learned that lesson after pulling up crumbly bits from my laundry room floor... not fun.
Good points about cork and foam underlayments. A few things I've noticed from experience:
- Cork definitely holds up well, especially if moisture's a concern. Had cork under engineered hardwood in a basement for about 15 years now—still solid, no noticeable breakdown.
- Foam varies a lot depending on quality and thickness. Cheap foam underlayments degrade fast, especially under heavy foot traffic or furniture. Pulled some up after just 7 years and it was crumbly and flattened.
- Rubber underlayment is another durable option, particularly recycled rubber mats. Installed some under tile flooring in a kitchen renovation about 12 years ago—still feels firm and stable, no signs of deterioration yet.
- One thing to consider is environmental factors: humidity, temperature swings, and moisture exposure can drastically shorten lifespan, even for higher-quality materials.
Overall, investing a bit more upfront in quality underlayment usually pays off in longevity and comfort. Learned that the hard way myself after replacing cheap foam twice in less than 20 years...
