In short, yes. It's a misnomer that Luxury Vinyl Planks do not need a moisture barrier. If you are putting this type of flooring over your concrete and the contractor does NOT do a moisture, calcium chloride or RH test on your concrete, then they must put a moisture barrier down.
Typically, moisture barriers are needed when vinyl flooring is installed on top of a concrete subfloor or crawl space. Please refer to the manufacturer guidelines, installation instructions, and warranty information for more details.
Why It Matters: While vinyl flooring is water-resistant, prolonged exposure to water, especially at the seams or edges, can cause the adhesive to weaken or the flooring to lift. Early detection of damage can help you address the problem before it worsens.
Yes, mold can grow under vinyl flooring if moisture becomes trapped underneath the flooring material. Vinyl flooring is not a breathable material, which means that moisture cannot escape through the flooring.
“For minor projects, the absence of a vapor barrier leads to water intrusion, leading to an unstable foundation or a cracked slab.” The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) outlines national standards for underslab vapor barriers.
Don't: Put Vapor Barriers on the Bottom of the Floor Joist in the Crawl Space. Because vapor barriers are good at retaining moisture, putting plastic sheeting on the joists can cause moisture to build up under the floor.
If you live in a mixed climate – hot and humid with several heating months in the winter, you probably need a vapor retarder. Specifically, if you live in climate zones 4C (marine), 5, 6, 7 and 8. Not sure your climate zone? You can check here.
If water or excess moisture is under your vinyl flooring, it is not likely to dry up on its own without leaving damage. In other words, you can't just ignore water under the flooring just because you have waterproof flooring. Excess moisture and water under the flooring can deteriorate and soften vinyl planks.
Plywood and OSB provides a nice and level base for LVP and LVT floors but doesn't offer warmth or cushioning. OSB offers better durability than plywood.
Cons: LVP May Fade in Direct Sunlight
This inconsistency in appearance detracts from the overall visual appeal of the flooring and limits where it can be installed in the home. Furthermore, fixing faded portions of a floor often means replacing those areas, which adds to its overall cost over the long-term.
Does vinyl flooring devalue a home? It's possible. While vinyl plank floors are affordable and versatile, they might not boost your home's resale value like hardwood or tile would.
In general, you can rely on vinyl flooring to last anywhere between 10 and 25 years. A lot of it comes down to how well you look after the flooring, but there are some other factors.
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.
If unprotected, moisture can build up underneath your laminate flooring and cause warping of the planks.
Accidents, abuse or misuse; • Extreme heat or cold; • Scratching, impact or cutting; • Improper workmanship or installation not in accordance with Dezign North America installation instructions; • Improper maintenance; • Improper fabrication; • Freight damage; • Damages by acts of God; • Planks coming apart at the ...
Vinyl will expand when exposed to heat and contract when the ambient temperatures are cooler. The expansion and contraction cause the flooring to shift and buckle. Planks that are closer to windows and exposed to constant fluctuation of heat and cold are more prone to buckling.
LVP and LVT, on the other hand, have a PVC core, which makes them water-resistant but not entirely waterproof. While they can withstand exposure to moisture and spills, excessive water exposure can cause damage over time.
Mold grows quickly under vinyl flooring, as it's a perfect habitat. Prevention mainly involves constant humidity monitoring and ventilation. Almost all mold carries health risks. Call a professional if you discover any mold.
If your flooring is waterproof, you can use a wet Swiffer safely, and can get a deeper clean than you'll get with a dry mop. Make sure that you use pads that feature a neutral household cleanser, rather than any harsh chemicals that could damage the flooring.
Since most furniture will not go under just one plank, it is perfectly safe for bulky furniture and refrigerators to go on vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank flooring will not be damaged or cracked by home appliances' weight due to its strong durability.
Material Matters: Opt for natural fiber rugs like wool, cotton, or polypropylene. These materials are less likely to react with the vinyl and cause damage. Avoid Rubber Backing: Rugs with rubber or latex backing can cause discoloration on vinyl flooring due to a chemical reaction.
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.
Water Vapor Permeability: To limit the possibility of mold and rot, house wraps that offer certain levels of vapor permeability are usually best. Look for products rated at 1 Perm (US rating) or 60 Ng (Canadian rating), as these are benchmark permeability rates for what defines a type II residential vapor barrier.
Vapor barriers are installed along, in, or around walls, ceilings, and floors. Of course this is done to prevent moisture from spreading and potentially causing water damage.