What is the purpose of latex when using powdered underlayments?
Whether added as a liquid or in powdered form, latex adds resiliency to the underlayment so it does not break up with a limited amount of deflection. Latex also improves the bond of the powdered underlayment to the substrate and increases flexural strength of the powdered underlayment over wood and metal substrates. The use of a latex primer on a porous substrate improves the bond of the mixed underlayment or adhesive, but does not add any additional properties to the powdered underlayment.
