Do You Need Moisture Barrier Under Laminate Vinyl Flooring

Installing new flooring is a costly enterprise so you want to get it right the first time around.

Do you need moisture barrier under laminate vinyl flooring. Perfect for under laminate flooring with pre attached pad or luxury vinyl plank flooring where you don t need the extra padding. In order to properly install laminate on concrete a moisture barrier should be used underneath. This 2 in 1 underlayment will allow your laminate flooring to float while correcting any minor subfloor imperfections and will protect your floors from moisture. If you ve chosen to go the vinyl path you re probably wondering about the best underlayment for vinyl plank flooring.

Most lvp flooring is water resistant some types are even waterproof and it s also very durable able to resist dents dings scratches and stains. Cement is a porous material and can absorb and emit moisture. If moisture from your subfloor concrete or wood get to the fiber board material your flooring will absorb the moisture and start to bow or warp. Just ensure any underlayment you add is thin so it doesn t impact the locking process of the vinyl planks.

For vinyl flooring installations over wood subfloors you will not need to worry about a moisture barrier but you may want an underlayment for added cushion or sound reduction. It may also be a requirement in certain hoa or apartment complexes to have a sound barrier with your flooring. Here are the basics of why you need a moisture barrier under your laminate floors. When you put in new hardwood or laminate flooring it is important to first install a moisture barrier which will protect the new floor from water damage caused by condensation or leaks on the.

If you re installing it over concrete and you have a question about moisture issues consider adding a vapor barrier underlayment first that will product against water problems. It s extremely beautiful flooring that mimics natural hardwood and sometimes even stone. A concrete floor seems like the perfect base for a vinyl floor installation. A concrete floor with a too high moisture content can wreak havoc on a vinyl floor.

Underlayment with a built in vapor barrier provides the protection you need from moisture. For installation of vinyl flooring you need a smooth even surface for the underside of the flooring to achieve the best contact for adhesion. If you ve chosen luxury vinyl plank flooring as a replacement for your current flooring you ve made a very smart choice. Many people wonder why they have to install a moisture barrier under the laminate and if it s really necessary.