Additionally, if you're installing a floating floor (where the planks or tiles are not glued down), a separate underlayment with a built-in vapor barrier may be beneficial for added protection. At Havens Hardwood Floors, Inc., we always prioritize the long-term durability and performance of your flooring.
However, vinyl will not normally be harmed by moisture so a vapour barrier is not technically required, although, for the cost of it, I would suggest using one, or, even better, a sheet insulation which will provide you with an R-5 matt below the flooring.
When laminate flooring is continuously exposed to moisture rising from below, it swells and suffers irreparable damage. A vapour barrier is an effective way to protect your floor.
The answer will vary depending on the material used for the floor and the way that the boards are constructed, but, as a general rule, both Laminate and Engineered Timber floating floors do need some form of underlay to have optimal functionality and longevity.
If water gets under laminate flooring, it can cause the planks to swell, warp, or lift. In severe cases, the flooring may need to be replaced to prevent further damage.
Under laminate flooring, mold typically grows due to excess moisture or dampness, which can occur due to water leaks, high humidity, or poor floor installation.
Mold and Mildew Growth:
Moisture trapped beneath the flooring provides an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew.
What are the problems with floating floors? Floating floors can be susceptible to moisture and humidity, which can cause warping or buckling. They also tend to be more prone to gaps between planks due to their lack of attachment.
If unprotected, moisture can build up underneath your laminate flooring and cause warping of the planks.
The best performing underlay for all floating floor installations in terms of acoustic noise reduction is the 3mm Acoustic Rubber Underlay, but that's not to say the 3mm silver foam underlay is still an everyday affordable option that will do the job!
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.
Plywood: Yes.
Plywood is most-often used as a subfloor in construction. As with all subfloors, it must meet laminate installation specifications.
Both are designed to keep moisture out of your home and can be made from various materials. But there are a few key differences, the most apparent being that moisture barriers are better at keeping out liquids, and vapor barriers are better at keeping out water in its gaseous state.
Instead of taking measures to install a vapor barrier, some DIYers elect to install their laminate floors without protection. This measure can prove costly, as moisture damage can quickly warp and possibly ruin a wide variety of materials.
Mold Growth: Mold can thrive under vinyl plank flooring due to moisture. Health Risks: Exposure to mold can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and more serious health conditions. Vinyl Plank Flooring: While durable and versatile, can be a breeding ground for mold if not properly maintained.
Conclusion: We recommend to at-least install a 6-mil vapor barrier underneath.
Luxury vinyl plank manufacturers mention only vapor barrier in their installations. They recommend this due to not allowing (concrete subfloor) getting moisture or alkalinity to your flooring choice. This will eliminate any potential for claims or damages to the manufacturers flooring.
When you walk on tile, you are pushing it down into the adhesive, and if the tile is not conformed, you are pushing it into contact with the adhesive which causes the clicking/crackling sound. To fix this, you can usually heat the area for at least a day, and then roll the tile using a 100-pound roller.
If the vinyl flooring product you choose doesn't have an attached underlayment, you can almost always install directly over the subfloor without one.
On average, laminate flooring can last 15 to 25 years with proper care and maintenance. However, some higher-quality laminate floors can last even longer, potentially up to 30 years.
On the downside, however, floating floors are prone to faster wear than its counterpart. Floating floors generally incorporate thinner materials that cannot be sanded — often leading to a shorter lifespan.
A floating floor can have a slight bounce or give underfoot, but it should not feel excessively bouncy or unstable.
To dry out vinyl surfaces, you can use fans, a heater, towels, or a mop. If the water gets under the flooring coming from an area below the floors (like a pipe leak), then you need to fix that first. Then you should follow up with a shop vac and/or dehumidifier to eliminate excess moisture.
Use fans, dehumidifiers, or even a wet-dry vacuum to dry water under laminate flooring and the subfloor. Ensure proper ventilation to accelerate the drying process. You can also use towels to absorb excess moisture.