Yes, you can use screws on SurePly® Premium Underlayment. This product is especially intended for use in vinyl flooring installations. It is a 4’ x 8’, 7.2mm-thick structural plywood panel that is composed of an enhanced Douglas Fir wood core with a high quality, yet water-resistant, polymer coating.
The panel is specially designed to provide superior fastener retention and resistance to puncture. To ensure the Sureply® Premium Underlayment is properly fastened during your installation, use 8 galvanized ring-shank, Type 17 screw and 6d common nails.
They should be installed at least 12” into the joists or substructure. This will keep the panel firmly in place, providing superior stability and sturdiness throughout the lifespan of your vinyl flooring.
What is SurePly?
SurePly is a premium, code compliant plywood underlayment designed to make flooring installation easier and faster. It is designed to be used under solid hardwood, engineered wood, laminate, vinyl, and tile flooring.
SurePly is made of a high-grade plywood that is pre-finished and water-resistant, making it ideal for installation in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas of the home that may be exposed to moisture.
It is also lightweight and easy to install, so it can be used quickly and easily over a variety of subfloor types.
The product is designed to be highly durable and stable, so it can stand up to the wear and tear of your everyday foot traffic. It also has a low profile, so it won’t interfere with your flooring installation and make it harder to do.
As an added bonus, SurePly also comes with a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty, so you can rest assured that your investment is protected. It is also easily maintained, as its pre-finished surface makes it resistant to warping, shifting, and cupping.
How do you fasten SurePly?
SurePly is a fast and easy to install plywood panel that can be used for many different types of projects. It is made with a unique tongue and groove design along with a moisture barrier which helps prevent warping, mold and mildew.
To fasten SurePly, you will need special finishing nails, a hammer and some screws. Start by nailing the SurePly panels together at the tongue and groove joints at each seam. Then, screw them together at the edges of the boards.
This helps to ensure a tight fit for the joints. You can also use special screws with washers for extra security. Be sure to predrill the screws to keep the board from splitting. After the SurePly has been fastened, you can then finish the product, such as applying a coat of paint or staining the wood.
Should underlayment be screwed to joists?
Yes, underlayment should be screwed to the joists. It is a necessary part of the process when laying down a new floor. In particular, underlayment needs to be attached securely to the joists with deck screws or staples in order to provide a level subsurface for your new floor and also to provide additional sound dampening.
Additionally, it provides a buffer between the floor and the joists, which helps to prevent moisture or water damage. It can also make the floor more stable and even out irregularities or weaknesses in the joists.
Ensuring the underlayment is securely fastened to the joists is imperative and can help prevent potential future problems.
Can I use two layers of underlayment?
Yes, you can use two layers of underlayment. If you plan to install new flooring over an existing subfloor, it is recommended to use an extra layer of underlayment to ensure the flooring will last. An additional layer of underlayment adds an extra layer of insulation and provides a softer, more cushioned feeling underfoot.
When two layers of underlayment are used, it is important to remember to stagger the seams of both layers so that the joints of the top layer do not line up with the joints in the bottom layer. Additionally, make sure to choose an underlayment type that is compatible with your chosen flooring and compatible with the type of subfloor you are installing it on.
Should I screw down underlayment?
Yes, you should screw down the underlayment when installing flooring. An underlayment is a thin layer of material that is installed between the subfloor and the finish flooring, and it serves two main purposes.
The first is to provide a flat and even surface on which to install flooring such as vinyl, laminate, or hardwood. The second is to provide a cushion between the two surfaces that can help dampen sound, provide insulation, and absorb moisture.
Underlayment should be securely fastened with screws or nails to the subfloor for added stability, which will also help prevent cracking or shifting of the finished flooring. Most manufacturers recommend using a minimum of 2 screws per 12-14 inches of underlayment, so check the specific requirements of your flooring for more accuracy.
Installing the underlayment correctly is essential for a long-lasting and attractive floor, so make sure to do it properly.
How do you secure underlayment?
Underlayment is an important part of the flooring installation process as it provides a smooth, flat surface before the top surface flooring is installed. Securing the underlayment properly is necessary to ensure a successful installation.
For carpet, staples may be used at least 2 to 6 inches apart. For other types of flooring, an adhesive is usually recommended as it provides a stronger and more secure bond. For example, for wood or laminate flooring, a pressure-sensitive adhesive should be used to secure the underlayment.
This adhesive should be applied in a thick, continuous bead along the edges of the underlayment and filled in with a hand trowel.
When installing vinyl or stone tile flooring, a modified-polymer adhesive should be used as it provides a greater level of flexibility and control. When working with tile, the adhesive should be applied to the underlayment and then smoothed with a notched trowel.
For floating floor systems, no adhesive is necessary. However, a baseboard may be necessary to provide a secure and complete bond around the perimeter of the room.
Securing the underlayment properly is important for a successful installation. Whatever type of substrate and adhesive chosen, the manufacturer’s instructions should be followed closely to ensure a secure bond.
It is also important to make sure the underlayment is dry and free from defects before the flooring is installed.
What type of wood is used for underlayment?
Underlayment is typically made from either OSB (oriented strand board) or plywood. OSB is becoming much more common in recent years due to its affordability and performance. OSB is manufactured by taking small strands of wood, compressing them together in hot resin, and finishing them into an engineered sheet material.
Plywood is made in a similar process, using slightly larger pieces of wood, and is slightly more expensive. Plywood underlayment is often preferred in areas where the subfloor is going to be exposed in the finished room, such as in bathrooms.
Both OSB and plywood underlayment can be installed as a single layer over a firm and level subfloor, or multiple layers can be used in areas that require more stability or sound absorption.
What is underlayment grade plywood?
Underlayment grade plywood is a type of plywood that has been specifically designed for use as an underlayment when installed over a subfloor. It is typically made of a lower-grade softwood that is pressed and glued together in layers, or “plies,” to create a strong and durable paneling material.
The face and back panels of underlayment grade plywood often feature a smooth sanded finish, while the core plies are typically rough and unfinished. Underlayment grade plywood is made to be thinner and lighter than other types of wood paneling, making it ideal for use as an underlayer over subfloors.
It is sometimes installed to create a smooth, even surface prior to the application of flooring such as vinyl, marble, or linoleum. Underlayment grade plywood can also be used as a layer of sheathing on walls and ceilings in construction projects, and it is often used in furniture and cabinetry applications.
Due to its affordability, underlayment grade plywood is a popular choice for many DIY woodworking projects.
Is underlayment the same as Luan?
No, underlayment and Luan are not the same. Underlayment is a thin layer that acts as a base layer between the subfloor and a new finished floor. It is usually made of plywood, particle board, medium density fiberboard, or cork.
It provides a stable foundation for the new flooring and fasteners, prevents moisture problems, reduces sound and creaking, and helps with installation. Luan, by contrast, is a thin hardwood plywood panel made of mahogany or on rare occasions basswood.
It is often used in cabinetry and woodworking, as well as flooring underlayment. It is less expensive than solid wood and is lighter in weight. Luan is not suitable for use as a subfloor because it does not provide the stability, strength or moisture resistance that is necessary for a subfloor.
Does underlayment need to be glued down?
Yes, underlayment should generally be glued down. Installing underlayment correctly is an essential step to creating a smooth, level installation surface before laying down your flooring. Proper installation includes the use of adhesive between the subfloor and the underlayment to ensure that the underlayment will not move over time.
This will also help to prevent squeaks and improve performance in certain situations. It is particularly important to use adhesive when installing underlayment over wood subfloors. When installing over concrete, you may choose not to use adhesive, but glue down is still recommended for best results.
Generally, you’ll want to use an acrylic-fortified adhesive for the best performance and to ensure a worry-free installation.
How many screws do I need for underlayment?
The number of screws you need for underlayment is dependent on various factors, such as the size of the panel, the thickness of the region of the underlayment, and the type of subfloor you are using.
Generally, using 2.5 inch (6d) screws will work for most installations. If you are installing 1/4 inch thick underlayment onto a plywood subfloor, you will need about 6 screws per 4×8 panel, spaced at 8 inches apart.
If you are installing a laminate flooring over a concrete subfloor, you may need to use longer screws and you should space them around 12 inches apart. Additionally, you’ll want to use a waterproof sealant to ensure that your screws are securely fastened to the surface, and that moisture won’t get in.