Wood fiber underlayment FAQ

approximately 60%, and that of the wood fiberboard is 85-88%. Wood fibers in these boards
are arranged so that the heat flows in the structure not along, but across the fibers. This leads
to an increased heat transfer resistance of such boards. These properties allow wood
fiberboards to be highly efficient thermal-insulating materials with interconnected open pores.
Their heat conductivity coefficient (in an absolutely dry state) is 0.039-0.050 W/m*K.
6. Why do even thin wood-fiber boards exhibit soundproofing properties?
The excellent soundproofing properties of wood fiberboards are provided by many air pores,
both in the boards themselves and in the wood fibers. The air in the pores is considered one of
the best sound and thermal-insulating materials because it conducts poorly both heat and
sound.
Due to their high porosity, soft wood fiberboards are highly efficient soundproof materials. A
combination of soundproof and sound-reflective materials is usually used to ensure good
sound-proofing of the premises.
7. Are synthetic adhesives or other artificial binders used in manufacturing the
underlayment?
No. “Lignin” acts as an adhesive (binder) for the boards. Being one of the main wood
components, it is already in the wood pulp fed to the production line. It sticks together single
fibers in already formed boards in the manufacturing process at high temperatures. After
additional treatment, dried boards are cut as required.
Naturally glued wood fibers form a kind of a reinforcing frame providing board strength and
preventing them from shrinkage. Unlike mineral fiberboards, soft wood fiberboards are not
subject to degradation which ensures their high durability.
8. Can the underlayment material be allergic?
Generally, natural wood does not cause allergic reactions. The final product is essentially “pure”
fibers glued together by lignin after being subjected to soaking and high-temperature
processing. In rare occasions boards can rub against each other during transport causing a small
amount of wood dust to form. Like any other powdery substance, it can cause coughing,
sneezing, or tearing when in contact with mucous membrane of the nose or eyes. The wood
fibers are not perfectly smooth. They have micronotches, chips, etc., and can cause a feeling of
discomfort when contacting the skin. Therefore, we recommend putting on a light medical
mask or a respirator when opening a package of fiberboards and vacuum excess wood dust.
9. LVT manufacturers say there is no need for underlayment for their materials. Why do
you recommend it for LVT nonetheless?
Because it is dense and sturdy! The wood fiber underlayment is unique because it combines
high compression strength, good heat and sound insulation properties, and the environmental
friendliness inherent in natural materials. Such an underlayment perfectly protects the LVT
joints from permanent deformation and quick failure common when using “soft”
underlayment, such as thin foam padding. Wet leveling of subfloors, instead of leveling them
with an underlayment, is always associated with additional material, time, and labor costs
subfloors installed by the builder are rarely even.