A floating floor (laminate or locking hardwood) shouldn’t be installed over a wood subfloor that’s adhered to a concrete slab.
Can you install laminate over plywood subfloor?
Laminate floors can be installed directly over concrete, plywood, OSB, parquet, vinyl and tile. The underlayment must be applied to the original flooring surface first, and then the floating floor can be installed.
Can you lay laminate directly on the subfloor?
Laminate flooring cannot ever be installed on a subfloor made of carpet or padding. Wood and concrete are the idea subfloors. In some instances, you might be able to install your flooring over an existing floor, but it is important to check prior to installation if it is a suitable material.
Do I need underlayment for laminate flooring on plywood?
So do we recommend an underlayment for laminate flooring on plywood? Yes, underlayment provides compression, sound absorption and insulation value. The moisture protection isn’t really a concern unless it is above a crawl space.
What happens if you install laminate flooring without underlayment?
Without underlayment to add a layer between these damp subfloors and the surface flooring, your laminate can quickly become wet, warped, and mildewy, harming its overall integrity. Moisture over time can also break down floor adhesive which causes the floor to start warping.
Do you need vapor barrier on plywood subfloor?
Manufacturers Require a Vapor Barrier
Your plywood subfloor may look dry, but after you install the flooring, moisture can migrate up through the subfloor and penetrate the flooring, and the results are usually disastrous.
How do you prepare plywood for laminate flooring?
Preparing for a Laminate Flooring Installation
- Level within 3/16 inch for every 10 feet. Grout lines must be filled in if using tile as a subfloor. …
- Flat.
- Cleaned. All dust and debris should be swept.
- Structurally sound. Clear of any nails, loose screws that squeak or are damaged, or any parts that were damaged by moisture.
- Dry.
How do I prepare a subfloor for laminate flooring?
Thoroughly vacuum the existing floor, and use a long floor leveler and tape measure to ensure the subfloor is level within 3/16 inch for every 10 feet. You’ll need to know how to level a floor: Just sand any high spots and fill the low spots with leveling compound.
How flat does subfloor need to be for laminate?
3/16”
Most manufacturers recommend that the floor be flat to within 3/16” in a 10 ft. radius. These measurements are consistent with most other types of floor coverings. On floating floors, vertical movement needs to be kept to a minimum.
Can you use plywood for underlayment?
Plywood Suited for Underlayment
Recommendations aside, plywood is one of the most versatile underlayments because it will give you that nice, smooth surface needed for a flawless vinyl or carpet installation, and it works under most other products too.
What can I use instead of underlayment?
If your laminate flooring comes with attached foam underlayment, or if you bought standard foam underlayment, you can use a vapor block film to prevent moisture and protect your flooring investment.
Is underlayment necessary?
Underlayment is not optional. If your laminate planks don’t have it already attached, we recommend that you buy rolls of underlayment on which to install your laminate floor.
Do you need moisture barrier under laminate flooring?
No matter which underlayment you choose, if you are installing on a moisture prone subfloor or concrete subfloor, you really need a moisture barrier underlayment. Protect your laminate flooring from moisture for years to come by installing moisture barrier underlayment.
Is vapor barrier necessary?
A vapour barrier is an important component in building construction. Its purpose is to help prevent water vapour from reaching building walls, ceilings, attics, crawlspaces or roofs, where it can condense and cause building materials to rot or grow mould.
How do I protect my subfloor from moisture?
What steps should you take to prevent subfloor moisture?
- Take proper measurements before, during, and after installation of the moisture level. …
- Add a flooring underlayment with a vapor retarder barrier, also known as a moisture barrier. …
- Make sure that your contractors don’t penetrate the vapor barrier.
Does a vapor barrier prevent mold?
By installing a crawl space vapor barrier system, you will greatly reduce the moisture levels, preventing mold and foul odors from growing and forming.
Is Tyvek a vapor barrier?
Is DuPont™ Tyvek® a vapor barrier? No, DuPont™ Tyvek® is not a vapor barrier. It is made with unique material science to keep air and bulk water out while allowing moisture vapor inside walls to escape.
Can you use plastic sheeting as a vapor barrier?
Reinforced polyethylene plastic sheeting (poly) comes in a variety of thicknesses and strengths. A 6 mil thick poly is commonly used as a vapor barrier and offers short-term savings to the homeowner.
Where do you put vapor barrier?
Vapor barriers are usually best installed on the side of the wall that experiences the hotter temperature and moister conditions: the inner surface in colder climates and the outer surface in hot, humid climates. In existing spaces, oil-based paints or vapor-barrier latex paints offer an effective moisture barrier.
What is the difference between a vapor barrier and a moisture barrier?
Moisture barriers function to help in preventing water from entering inside of the wall cavity. On the other hand, vapor barriers basically prevent water vapor from the interior of the house to filter through the wall and condense on the warm side of the insulation.
What is blue Tuck tape used for?
This tape has been specifically designed to seal, seam PE Vapor Barrier. The 219-08 is the only CCMC evaluated method to seal, seam polyethylene vapour barrier film. High shear adhesive provides aggressive contact.
