Question from Leah
Is there any type of floor underlayment for wood or cork floors that is low or non-toxic? I have looked at cork underlayment, but it is expensive. Did you use any type of underlayment with your wood floors Debra? Thanks!
Have you had any experience with SOUND SOLUTIONS floor underlayment? We are considering this to go under new hardwood flooring. The packaging does not offer too much information but does say it is safe and is also a vapor barrier. We are concerned about what to put down first and feel that the traditional tar paper leaves a lot to be desired.
Having suffered from environmental illness, we appreciate the work you do frequently refer to your original book even though many things in there are outdated. THANKS!
Debra’s Answer
For those who are not familiar with “underlayment,” it is a material placed under flooring, primarily for sound control and to act as a thermal insulation barrier. I haven’t used it under any of the wood floors I have laid.
Readers, any suggestions?
Here is some info from Advanced Foil Systems:
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)
We here at AFS understand the need for a product to help those who suffer from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). Aluma-Foil is a product designed to block out fumes and vapors from off gassing building materials and other such products. Made to meet today’s rigorous performance standards, Aluma-Foil is a toxic barrier/vapor retarder that may help bring peace of mind to you and your family. We understand that living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is unpleasant, so let Aluma-Foil help make life a little better.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Aluma-Foil is made of two layers of a 100% pure aluminum, laminated with a non-toxic adhesive, to both sides of a heavyweight , natural kraft paper. Aluma-Foil is a very durable product and yet about the same thickness as the cover of a phone book. Because Aluma-Foil is a vapor retarder, it should be installed like any other vapor retarder ( consult manufacturer or contractor for further details) and all seams and penetrations should be taped ( we recommend Polyken 337 foil tape)
These are just some of the uses for Aluma-Foil
Walls
Floors
Ceiling
Multi-Purpose barrier
Shelf Linings
Underlayment for tile floors
Underlayment for wood floors
Crawl space lining
On top of carpet (Limited product lifespan)
Outbuildings (Storage sheds, Barns, etc.)
Recreational Vehicles
http://www.afs-foil.com/pages/Chemsens.htm
As a follow up, I had great success using external Hardie Backer as an underlayment topped with one or two layers of plastic sheeting, then acoustic underlayment from Loewes with a layer of foam in it. On top, I used Calibamboo brand cork, I think the style I used was called “dusk”. It seemed to smell the cleanest out of all of their samples that I tried. I’m highly chemically sensitive, but this combination was just the answer to my prayers. I could not be happier! Normally all of the samples of flooring that I took home over two years made me feel so sick that I had to throw them in the outside garbage immediately. Once the calibamboo was down, I actually laid down on the floor to inhale it deeply as if it was holy because I was so relieved and grateful to have found it. Also, not only did it smell delicious, but helped me breathe much easier. I have no financial ties to any of the companies I mentioned. Just wanted to help out fellow C sensitives.
Hi Debra: What did you use under your floors? Or if they were engineered, can you please tell me which ones are the lowest in emissions today? Thanks so much! Angie
COMMENT FROM DEBRA:
I didn’t use anything under my floors. They were already laid when I bought the house. They are solid oak from 1940.
Hi Debra: What did you use under your floors? Or if they were engineered, can you please tell me which ones are the lowest in emissions today? Thanks so much! Angie
COMMENT FROM DEBRA:
I didn’t use anything under my floors. They were already laid when I bought the house. They are solid oak from 1940.