This column was instigated by a question from a commercial flooring contractor who was being questioned by his customer as to the use of underlayment versus a self leveling material to facilitate the installation of new carpet tile in insets. The installation proposal stated that underlayment was included but the customer specifically disagreed with being charged additionally for the higher self leveling that was required for the success of the installation. They felt underlayment and self leveling materials were both underlayments and they were already paying for it. While both materials do go under flooring there is a very distinct difference.
Underlayment is a separate material such as plywood, OSB, Luan, Cement board or other sheet good material placed over the existing wood or concrete subfloor to provide a new base or to build up an existing one. It is not a material that would be used in an installation where the substrate needed to be “floated” to a level surface to accommodate the successful installation of a flooring material on top of it. Self Leveling materials are typically cementitious products that will flow onto the surface of existing concrete, wood, terrazzo, metal or ceramic to provide a smooth, even surface over which to install new floor covering.
Underlayment is typically used in a residential environment when, for example, a new wood or laminate floor is installed to both help level the substrate and raise it to finish even with another surface. Self leveling materials are flowed onto substrate commonly in commercial installations to provide a level surface or a smooth transition, which underlayments may not provide. Self leveling materials are not underlayment and underlayment is not self leveling material. The cost of the two is different and should be stated as separate items in a quote or proposal.
The interpretation by the “uninitiated” end user that they were paying for underlayment was, to them, the same as self leveling material and they questioned why they had to pay extra for it. Not knowing the difference can certainly be understood but a simple explanation and seeing what both products are should, hopefully answer the question. Better yet is to include in a proposal the fact that an underlayment or a self leveling material would have to be used, that they are distinctly different, explain what they are and state there is a separate charge for each. This is nothing new but in the trade we understand the difference. Someone not in the trade does not understand the difference and you should always assume they don’t know. This will prevent contestable issues, arguments and frustration. Don’t think because you know that the customer or end user knows. Now if you’re working in the commercial arena with a general contractor, architect or specifier you could assume that they know the difference between an underlayment and a self leveler but again, it would be in your best interest to be specific. Don’t give anyone a reason to argue that you didn’t do what you said you would or didn’t include something that you need to add on now. Listing what has to be done and then not having to do it is easy and delights customers as long as you’ve done a good job and they’re satisfied. Trying to add underlayment or self leveler when you get into the job and having to argue about it if it wasn’t mentioned makes you look less than trustworthy to the customer.
The real issue here is that you have to assume and take into consideration all that may have to be done to successfully complete an installation and at least make mention of it and the cost when pricing the job. Whether you do or don’t have to do some part of it makes no difference because it’s been listed in the job. You could simply state that, “if we have to use a self leveling agent this is what the cost is per square foot, etc.” Just put everything in writing and you won’t have to be bothered with stuff like this. And if you need help of any kind let us know.
Author: Lewis G. Migliore
LGM and Associates – The Floorcovering Experts