I'm installing laminate flooring and am planning on using my existing carpet padding (it's really thin). I'm installing the flooring on a concrete foundation. How important is it for me to use an underlayment/vapor barrier such as Visqueen? What are the consequences, both short and long-term if I choose not to use a vapor barrier?
2006-11-24 07:50:25 · 2 answers · asked by cardinalfanusa 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
visqueen is plastic sheeting
you can pick that up for $5 a roll from walmart.
you can also use felt paper rolls, the kind used for roofing but not tarred.
moisture will be the big culprit. It may smell musty and damp.
if your going to spend money on flooring then spend a little extra and get the right stuff or pay more when you have to replace everything later on.
2006-11-24 08:34:07 · answer #1 · answered by buddhaboy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most Definatley!
A vapor barrier of 15-pound felt paper should be placed between the sub-floor and the hardwood flooring, A moisture barrier is also needed under a floating floor, such as laminate or a floating engineered floor, and it's recommended to install a 6 mil Poly sheeting. When gluing down to concrete a vapor barrier is almost always need and the Bostiks MVP used in conjunction with Bostiks best Adhesives.
2006-11-24 08:30:22 · answer #2 · answered by mi_ked 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋