Laminate flooring, underlay for concrete floor?

Question

Does the underlay have to have a damp proof membrane if it's going on a concrete floor?

Answer 1

Absolutely,
If not just for peace of mind but for warranty purposes.
All manufactures specify to use on all applications on, above, or below grade. Secondly I would look into a sound deadening pad that is dpm. What little more you spend on a good sound dampening underlay will give loads back to you on a concrete floor application. Most will run in the $60-$80 for 100' rolls. Well worth it. Good luck

Answer 2

Best Underlay For Laminate

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Laminate flooring, underlay for concrete floor?
Does the underlay have to have a damp proof membrane if it's going on a concrete floor?

Answer 4

Yes

Surprisingly concrete will soak up everything like a sponge. I would definitely get a damp proof membrane underlay if laying the floor on concrete.

Answer 5

Damp Proof Underlay

Answer 6

Yes it would be sensible to have a damp proof membrane on a concrete or screed floor.Damp can come through a concrete layer.Then your underlay,either in rolls or in fibre squares.Make sure it is all level before the laminate goes down.

Answer 7

Yes. You need to do a moisture reading the concrete salb and see if your concrete holds too much moisture. In some situations, laminate should not be used. Because, if you lay the laminate and it warps and they come out to test the concrete for you claim later and discover the moisture content was too high, you will be out of pocket. You will need to atleast lay 6 mil plastic or the warrantied product. The you can then lay the cushion seperate. . . or just buy the product together, which will cost you more, but save you some time in laying it.

Answer 8

Yes, although your floor probably has one under the screed they can fail, also its just a good idea to do because to seperates your floor from the cold concrete floor which moisture can condense on and cause damp.

Most manufactuers now advise a dpm underlay on all ground floors regardless of construction

Try Timbermate Excel Silver Underlay

http://www.hardwoodfloorstore.co.uk/Kahrs/kahrs_underlay_offer.htm

Answer 9

As some have suggested, it could be good to use one anyway. Especially if you are unsure of a DPM coating under your concrete.

Maybe check with the manufacturer of your laminate - whether they will require you to have DPM in place for any possible wannanty claim, which is most likely when it would really matter. (It seems to be a common requirement for any such claims)

I did some online shopping around and bought some far better than the standard unlerlay with DPM included and it cost me less than any of the cheapest thinnest foam underlay rolls I've seen in the shops.

Answer 10

Use the foam underlay between the concrete and the laminate floor.

When laying the underlay, tape the edges of the underlay together. It will stop it moving when you place the laminate floor pieces.