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DRICORE® Subfloor

5

Moisture protection and comfort for concrete floors.

DRICORE Subfloor adds air gap technology, insulation, comfort, and resists mold, mildew and small water leaks.

DRICORE® Smartwall®

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An all-in-one system for finishing basement walls.

DRICORE® Subfloor R+

5

Double the insulation for added warmth and comfort.

DRICORE Subfloor R+ adds air gap technology, insulation, comfort, and resists mold, mildew and small water leaks.

DRICORE X-TERIOR ci™

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Exterior sheathing with continuous insulation.

DRICORE® Insul-Armor®

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Maximum insulation for ultimate floor comfort.

DRICORE® Insul-Armor® adds air gap technology, insulation, comfort, and resists mold, mildew and small water leaks.

DRICORE® PRO Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Kit

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Professional reinforcement for concrete surfaces.

DRICORE® Certiguard™

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Premium underlayment with moisture protection.

DRICORE Subfloor R+ adds air gap technology, insulation, comfort, and resists mold, mildew and small water leaks.

DRICORE® PRO Crack Injection Kit

5

Easy, professional crack repair for concrete surfaces.

DRICORE DuraDri™

5

Moisture-managing underlay for mattresses.

DRICORE Subfloor R+ adds air gap technology, insulation, comfort, and resists mold, mildew and small water leaks.

DRICORE® PRO Epoxies and Polyurethane

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Reliable solutions for sealing and reinforcing cracks.

Ask The Experts

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Bryan Baeumler and Danielle Bryk answer your questions!

Endorsements

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See why experts and professionals trust DRICORE products

Beyond Basements

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Think DRICORE® Subfloors are only made for basement renovations? Think again!

Subfloors or Rolled Underlayments: Which Option is Right for You?

Should you choose Subfloors or Underlayments for your next basement renovation?

Are you looking to install new flooring in your home or basement? If so, you may be wondering about the best way to prepare your floor for the finished flooring. When laying flooring on concrete, you need to create an air gap between the concrete and the finished floor. The porous nature of concrete will continually absorb and release moisture. If this moisture is trapped, it could lead to mold and mildew growth. Concrete is also cold and hard, making it uncomfortable to walk on. Different types of products on the market address these issues, with two popular options being DRICORE’s subfloors or rolled underlayments.

 

All-in-One Subfloors

A subfloor panel is a complete system that is made of either high-density plastic or foam on the bottom and oriented strand board (OSB) on the top. These have  a tongue and groove design so panels easily interlock together. Subfloors provide insulation, making finished floors feel up to 19°F/10°C warmer. They also protect finished floors from moisture damage by lifting your finished floors off the damp concrete foundation. Additionally, the panels are designed to self-level with simple levelling shims to create a flat, level surface for your new flooring. Panels come in convenient 2’x2’ sizes that are easy to carry and can be installed with all types of flooring.

 

Rolled Underlayments

Rolled underlayments, on the other hand, are a thin plastic sheet, commonly designed with small dimples. It provides basic moisture protection, but doesn’t offer the same level of insulation as an all-in-one subfloor system like DRICORE. Rolled underlayments are typically less expensive than a subfloor but require additional steps during installations. These include adding a layer of plywood sheets if you want to create a solid foundation when installing softer flooring. A significant difference between both options is the need to properly level your concrete foundation before installing the underlayment.

 

Something is better than nothing at all

While there are differences between a subfloor and rolled underlayments, it’s important to remember that either solution is better than doing nothing at all. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive solution that provides the highest level of insulation and moisture protection, a subfloor system is a great DIY option. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with basic protection against moisture, then rolled underlayments is the way to go. By taking the time to select the right foundation for your finished floor, you’ll be able to enjoy your new flooring for years to come with subfloors or underlayments as your foundation.