Since concrete is extremely hard it can feel uncomfortable to walk on the floors if it lacks padding.
Moisture barrier for laminate flooring over concrete.
When installing on concrete we recommend using underlayment with a moisture barrier.
For floating floors manufacturers often recommend installing a moisture barrier between the subfloor and the floating floor to prevent moisture intrusion.
Where plastic sheets must be joined overlap the sheets by several inches and use strong vinyl tape to secure them.
Use vinyl tape to secure the barrier and keep it from coming out.
Concrete slabs are notorious for allowing moisture to come up through them.
If you are worried about mold mildew we implement anti microbial chemical to eliminate that worry while meeting zero voc s.
If your concrete passes the moisture test then plastic sheeting at least 6 mils thick will prevent moisture from getting into your laminate flooring.
Here are the basics of why you need a moisture barrier under your laminate floors.
There is a certain amount of moisture that can make its way through concrete when the ground is saturated.
Install a plastic vapor barrier.
The difficulty of course is that if the moisture barrier is compromised in any way moisture from the slab beneath can still damage the flooring or finish.
You ll typically need a vapor barrier if you re installing flooring over concrete.
We recommend blue vapor 3 in 1 flooring underlayment which will provide cushioning sound dampening and moisture.
Tape the seams using a polyethylene tape.
Moisture protection our recycled fibers allows over concrete to breathe managing vapors from becoming bulk moisture.
After a heavy rain concrete will soak up some of the moisture.
After ensuring that the floor is level install the moisture barrier sheeting of polyethylene film overlapping the edges by 8 inches.
Remove baseboards and molding.
Moisture protection mp global products quietwalk driwick technology allows moisture to wick away from underneath while protecting your floor.
Before installing laminate flooring over concrete prepare the surface properly.
Concrete substrate must be tested in accordance with the flooring manufacturers instructions.
Some laminate flooring comes with a foam backing.
Thermal insulation helps break the coldness from concrete flooring.
Compression resistance helps support the floor from high traffic areas and feel more comfort underfoot.
This vapor barrier which is actually a vapor retarder helps to keep moisture vapor from entering into the laminate floor.
Many manufacturers state in their warranty that a moisture barrier must be used on concrete so not installing it could void your warranty.
If you want to build comfortable floors add a layer of laminate padding on top of the vapour barrier.
Therefore because concrete is porous it s a good idea to install a vapor barrier over your concrete subfloor before installing your flooring.
Begin installation by laying a plastic vapour barrier minimum 6 mm thick or any other manufacturer recommended barrier on the concrete subfloor to prevent moisture from reaching the laminate flooring.