7 Reasons To Install Gypcrete Under Your House
Gypcrete provides a range of advantages when installed beneath finished flooring materials like tile and carpet. The gypsum-based concrete is made of a mixture of gypsum, sand, and water, creating a lightweight yet sturdy underlayment. Here are seven reasons to install it under the flooring in your home:
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1. Enhanced Soundproofing
Gypcrete improves indoor sound quality by absorbing and reducing noise transfer between floors. Its dense composition acts as an effective soundproof barrier, reducing the sounds of footsteps and other movements from upper levels. When combined with additional underlayment products, such as sound mats, gypcrete can effectively reduce noise from HVAC systems, plumbing systems, and dropped objects. This noise-reducing underlayment creates a quieter environment, enhancing both comfort and privacy by blocking disruptive sounds.
2. Improved Fire Resistance
The gypsum contained in gypcrete gives the underlayment material fire-resistant properties. When exposed to high temperatures, gypsum releases steam, which helps slow and contain the spread of flames during a fire. This protective layer installed beneath your flooring may help safeguard your home, valuables, and loved ones.
3. Enhanced Durability and Stability
Installing Gypcrete as an underlayment creates a stable and long-lasting floor system. Its dense, non-shifting structure provides solid support and even load distribution, which may help prevent common issues like warping or shifting in surface floor coverings. By minimizing substrate movement, Gypcrete reduces imperfections, promoting a smooth, durable foundation for your finished flooring.
4. Uniform Heat Transfer
Gypcrete promotes even heat distribution, making it beneficial for homes with radiant floor heating systems. When installed as a subfloor material, gypcrete encases the radiant heating tubes or electric heating elements, allowing the heat to disperse uniformly across the floor surface. This uniformity prevents hot spots and helps maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature throughout your space.
5. Increased Sustainability
Some gypcrete products fit within the sustainability standards outlined in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines. These guidelines were established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and aim to create high-performance, green buildings. Certain gypcrete products are low-emitting materials and help with construction waste management, which contributes to sustainable building practices.
6. Improved Surface Leveling
Gypsum concrete creates a flat, even base that is ideal for many types of floor coverings. The material is self-leveling, allowing it to fill in any low spots or imperfections in the subfloor. This level surface is key for installing flooring materials like tile or laminate, as it can help prevent issues such as cracking, warping, or uneven wear.
7. Enhanced Installation and Drying Time
When completed by trained professionals, gypcrete installation can be relatively quick. Over 25,000 square feet can be installed in one day. Gypcrete also dries fast, allowing contractors to walk on it sooner to complete other projects. This feature makes it a convenient choice for home remodels or new builds following a tight timeline.
Elevate Your Home With Gypcrete Installation
Gypcrete delivers multifaceted benefits, including soundproofing, fireproofing, and uniform leveling beneath floor coverings. Installing this innovative underlayment will allow you to gain these advantages throughout your home, enhancing comfort and safety. Contact a gypcrete supplier and installer today to learn more about their underlayment products and services.