noun
- materials placed beneath flooring, roofing, or other surfaces to provide cushioning, insulation, moisture protection, or a smooth base
Usage: construction; plural form
Examples
- The contractor installed foam underlayments before laying the hardwood floors.
- Proper underlayments help reduce noise between floors in apartment buildings.
- The roofing underlayments protect against water damage during storms.
- Different types of underlayments are required for tile versus carpet installation.
- Quality underlayments can extend the life of your flooring investment.
- The building code specifies minimum requirements for moisture-barrier underlayments.