Choosing the right mil thickness for vinyl flooring underlayment is essential for moisture control, comfort, and long-term stability. In American homes, a vapor barrier often uses a 6 mil polyethylene film, while premium acoustical underlayments add layers that improve sound reduction and foot traffic feel. This guide highlights five trusted options and compares their mil ratings, coverage, and installation types to help you pick the best underlayment or vinyl flooring product for your space.
| Product | Mil / Thickness | Primary Use | Approx. Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROBERTS 70-115 Moisture Barricade Underlayment Film | 6 mil | Vapor barrier for vinyl, laminate, SPC, engineered wood | 120 sq ft roll |
| Quiet Walk Acoustical Underlayment | 4 mm+ (combines moisture barrier with acoustics) | Floating, glue-down, and nail-down LVP/LVT/SPC/WPC | 360 sq ft |
| ROBERTS 70-116 Moisture Barricade | 6 mil | Vapor barrier for vinyl, laminate, SPC, engineered wood | 300 sq ft roll |
| ROBERTS 70-198 Silicone Moisture Barrier Underlayment | 6 mil | Moisture barrier for solid/engineered wood, laminate, LVP | 200 sq ft |
| RestorePontoon 80 Mil Vinyl Flooring | 80 mil | Vinyl flooring with embossed slip-resistant surface | 8’6″ x 25′ (≈213 sq ft) |
ROBERTS 70-115 Moisture Barricade Underlayment Film
Roberts 70-115 is a dedicated moisture barrier underlayment designed for vinyl, laminate, SPC, and engineered wood installations. The film uses a durable 6 mil thickness, meeting or exceeding NWFA moisture requirements for concrete or wood subfloors. It unfolds to cover a 10 x 12 foot area per roll, making it a practical option for small to medium rooms or as a component in larger floor projects. The material is lightweight yet robust, intended to minimize moisture transfer while staying easy to handle during installation.
- Vapor barrier suitable for vinyl, laminate, SPC, and engineered wood.
- 6 mil thickness offers strong moisture protection.
- Roll unfolds to a 10′ x 12′ area for straightforward installation.
Quiet Walk Acoustical Underlayment
Quiet Walk combines a moisture barrier with acoustical benefits, making it a versatile choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices. It is designed for floating, glue-down, and nail-down installations and supports a wide range of flooring products including LVP, LVT, SPC, WPC, and multi-layer floors that are 4 mm thick or more. The underlayment features recycled fibers to absorb impact sound, helping reduce noise transmission between rooms. A compression-resistant structure maintains durable performance under heavy furniture and foot traffic, contributing to long-term stability.
- Compatible with floating, glue-down, and nail-down installations.
- Designed for LVP, LVT, SPC, WPC, and rigid-core floors (4 mm+).
- High-performance recycled fibers for improved sound and impact reduction.
- Compression-resistant for long-term stability under load.
ROBERTS 70-116 Moisture Barricade
ROBERTS 70-116 is another 6 mil moisture barrier underlayment designed for vinyl, laminate, SPC, and engineered wood installations. It is noted as ideal for use with laminate flooring that may have pre-attached underlayment and for floating resilient products like SPC over concrete slabs. The 6 mil polyethylene film provides reliable moisture protection and is compliant with NWFA recommendations for concrete subfloors, ensuring compatibility with a range of subfloor types commonly found in American homes.
- Vapor barrier for vinyl, laminate, SPC, and engineered wood.
- 6 mil thickness meets NWFA moisture containment guidelines.
- Suitable for use over concrete slabs and with laminate underlayment.
ROBERTS 70-198 Silicone Moisture Barrier Underlayment
ROBERTS 70-198 offers a silicone-infused moisture barrier designed for solid and engineered wood floors, laminate, and LVP installations. The 6 mil polyethylene film provides barrier protection while the silicone barrier layer helps reduce vapor transmission without trapping moisture beneath the floor. It is lab-tested and approved for use with radiant heat systems, making it a suitable choice for homes with heated subfloors. This product supports staple and nail-down installation methods and is positioned for long-term stability under typical American residential traffic.
- For solid and engineered wood, laminate, and LVP installations.
- 6 mil polyethylene film with silicone moisture barrier.
- Lab-tested and approved for radiant heat systems.
RestorePontoon 80 Mil Vinyl Flooring
RestorePontoon Vinyl Flooring offers a thick 80 mil construction with an embossed slip-resistant surface, designed to meet or exceed Department of Commerce requirements. This product is a full vinyl flooring option rather than an underlayment, providing a high level of durability and resilience for spaces that demand strong wear resistance and long-term performance. While thickness is a hallmark, installation compatibility should be considered with subfloor type and adhesive or floating installation methods used in the project.
- 80 mil thickness for enhanced durability.
- Embossed slip-resistant texture for safety and realism.
- Exceeds Department of Commerce requirements.
Buying Guide
Key considerations for vinyl flooring underlayment and mil choices
When selecting a product for vinyl flooring, the mil thickness and material composition influence moisture protection, sound, and long-term stability. For moisture control on concrete subfloors, 6 mil films provide a proven barrier, while thicker vinyl options (such as 80 mil) offer additional durability when used as flooring rather than an underlayment. For floating installations, acoustical underlayments with vapor barriers (often around 4 mm) help reduce impact noise and improve comfort underfoot. Always verify compatibility with your subfloor type and installation method.
Installation types and subfloor compatibility
Consider whether your project uses a floating, glue-down, or nail-down installation. Vapor barriers are particularly important for concrete slabs prone to moisture migration, while solid hardwood or engineered wood installations may benefit from silicone or layered moisture barriers. Radiant heat compatibility is another factor; some moisture barriers are lab-tested for radiant systems, ensuring safe performance under heated floors.
Coverage, ease of use, and long-term performance
Roll size and coverage determine how many rolls you’ll need for a room. Lighter underlayment films are easier to handle, but higher mil products may offer greater protection for moisture-prone spaces. Acoustic underlayments add noise reduction but may require careful alignment and seam sealing. For long-term performance, look for products with compression resistance and stable, durable materials that maintain shape under furniture and foot traffic.
Durability versus cost
Balancing cost with durability is key. Thicker vinyl floors themselves (like 80 mil options) provide durability but should be matched with proper subfloor preparation and compatible underlayments if needed. For moisture control in moisture-prone areas, prioritize known barrier products with NWFA-compliant specifications and positive lab or field results. In many homes, a 6 mil vapor barrier combined with a quality acoustical underlayment offers a solid, cost-effective solution.