Do you need a moisture barrier under vinyl plank flooring?

Existing Flooring

Meaning, if you're going to install vinyl plank flooring over tile, vinyl flooring, and even hardwood. As with the plywood floor, there's no need to worry about a moisture barrier; the underlayment should provide cushioning and sound-deadening benefits.

Do you need a moisture barrier under vinyl plank?

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.

Does vinyl need vapor barrier?

You'll typically need a vapor barrier if you're installing flooring over concrete. Therefore, in high-humidity areas, moisture will move to a relatively low-humidity area, even through concrete.

What happens if you don't put underlayment under vinyl plank flooring?

Vinyl planks require hard, thin underlay because the product itself is softer. Putting a soft product under vinyl plank will result in an unstable floor that is much more inclined to being damaged and even punctured or torn over time.

Do I need underlayment to install vinyl plank flooring?

If you're laying the LVP over an existing cushion-backed vinyl floor or a below-grade tile floor, then you won't need to use an underlayment. However, you'll want to use one in every other application including covering existing hardwood floors, vinyl flooring that isn't cushioned, and concrete floors.

Floor Moisture Barrier - When Do I Need It?

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.

Is underlayment the same as moisture barrier?

Standard – This basic underlayment is typically a 1/8-inch thick foam. It is not a moisture barrier, just a slight cushion. Foam is the most affordable type of underlayment, and it's easy to install. Foam underlayment provides some sound insulation too.

How do you prepare a floor for vinyl plank flooring?

What are the problems with vinyl plank flooring?

Problems include crumpling at the edges, as the adhesive has loosened, or, as in case of LVT, problems with abatement chemicals which can react adversely with these flooring materials. If you are installing click-lock vinyl planks, uneven substrate can lead to lifting of the flooring's edges and joints.

How do you prevent mold on vinyl plank flooring?

Consider a Moisture Barrier

One of the main ways to prevent your vinyl plank flooring from growing any mold is by considering a moisture barrier.

Do you need underlayment and vapor barrier?

Very often, particularly in a below-grade installation on a concrete basement floor, a vapor barrier is recommended in addition to the underlayment. That vapor barrier would go between the subfloor and the underlayment.

Does Lifeproof flooring need a vapor barrier?

Vapor Barrier (6 mil polyfilm) – Not Required

While this still might not protect you from flooding, it will protect you from chemicals/mold reaching your floor and causing havoc. Conclusion: We recommend to at-least install a 6-mil vapor barrier underneath.

What underlayment to use for moisture barrier?

ECF is the ONLY underlayment with a built-in 6 mil moisture/vapor barrier. This Class 1 vapor barrier offers the highest level of moisture protection available. In particular, ECF is the ideal underlayment for use on concrete subfloors, including basement applications.

Can vinyl planks be installed over concrete?

Yes, and that's one of the questions we hear most often is about luxury vinyl plank (LVP). Most homes in Florida don't have basements so, rather than an actual concrete subfloor, the concrete is a slab-on-grade, meaning no basement floors and no walls.

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.

Do you need underlayment for vinyl plank flooring on concrete?

The key to installing luxury vinyl over concrete is to ensure the floor is level and clean. Underlayment isn't a necessity, but you might consider it to add noise reducing qualities or additional softness to the product. If the concrete is uneven, you will have to level it out.

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.

Where should vapor barrier be placed?

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.

How important is a moisture barrier under house?

A vapor barrier is important for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the air in your crawl space enters your home. Your home is made of porous materials, such as wood, concrete and fiberglass insulation. Also, in part, the air in your HVAC unit circulates air from your crawl space into your home.

Why is my vinyl plank floor buckling?

Sunlight & Heat

One of the major causes of buckling in vinyl plank flooring is expansion and contraction of the material. As the material becomes warmer, it can expand slightly, causing the floor to buckle. In the colder weather, the opposite is true and the floor can contract, leaving gaps between two of the tiles.

Do I need a vapor barrier over my subfloor?

Vapor Barrier Blocks All Moisture Issues

It just depends on how much moisture it emits. Concrete is porous in nature and will soak up any moisture that is in the ground and show up on the top of your concrete. So we recommend vapor barrier for all flooring installation that have a concrete subfloor.

Can mold grow under luxury vinyl plank flooring?

Although vinyl floors are resistant to moisture, mold and mildew can grow if there is standing water around the edges, grooves or under the floor. If you notice standing water, it is important to fix the cause of the standing water before trying to repair or clean your floors.

Can mold grow under floating floor?

Mold will grow in temperatures as low as 50°F and as low as 45% relative humidity. Beneath your floating floor, then, is a perfect environment for mold to grow, as all the things it needs to grow and flourish exist there.