If you have moisture issues with your subfloor, you'll still need a vapor barrier. Sound: If installed on an uneven surface without an underlayment, laminate floors can create a hollow, empty sound.
Vapor barriers and laminate flooring underlayment
If your installation is over concrete, we recommend a 6-mil-poly vapor barrier – even if the underlayment you are installing already has a vapor barrier attached.
Most flooring manufacturers require the installation of a 6 mil vapor barrier to protect flooring products against moisture. 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.
Without underlayment to add a layer between these damp subfloors and the surface flooring, your laminate can quickly become wet, warped, and mildewy, harming its overall integrity. Moisture over time can also break down floor adhesive which causes the floor to start warping.
If you are installing your laminate flooring with the pre-attached underlayment over a cement subfloor, you will want to use a vapor barrier.
In the end, it's your decision if moisture protection and getting higher sound absorption is your goal. If not, then pre-attached underlayment will do it's job but at the minimum.
Pre-attached: Some vinyl plank flooring has a layer of underlayment already attached. In this case, the only type of extra underlayment required is a moisture barrier, if installing in wet areas or over concrete.
While the top layers of the laminate usually ism water can seep between the seams or if the source of the water is coming from within a wall, or enough water is in the room to reach the walls, the water can get underneath the water proof surface. The water will damage laminate flooring by soaking into the layers.
Aside from discoloration in the flooring installation, damage from water can cause planks to become loose. Over time, warping and buckling is an issue as well, due to excess moisture.
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.
Moisture barriers are usually installed on the warm side of the wall. In warm climates the vapor barrier is placed on the exterior, while in colder climates the vapor barrier is placed on the interior, to prevent water and vapor from entering the wall cavity.
Without a barrier, cold air meeting warm heat-generated air inside a house would create condensation in the walls, leading to mold growth and other problems. Interior walls that may need vapor barriers are those surrounding humid areas, such as bathrooms, where moisture can seep through the walls and cause damage.
Improper installation: If the laminate flooring is not installed correctly, it can create gaps or spaces that allow moisture to seep in and promote mold growth. High humidity: High humidity levels can promote mold growth, particularly in areas where ventilation is poor.
Traditional laminate flooring is not advisable for kitchens, as even water resistant laminate flooring will not withstand leaks from below the floor. Whilst it is safer to go for waterproof flooring, water resistant laminate should withstand surface spills without a problem.
Waterproof laminate flooring with its thicker wear layer can last about 25 to 30 years before getting damaged. It'd be hard to find a flooring material with a larger upside than laminate. Other factors such as quality, maintenance and brand also play a long way in the flooring durability.
The simple answer to this question is yes. Laminate flooring can work really well in bathrooms, you just need to ensure you're installing the right type of laminate. Ideally, you should use water-resistant laminate flooring in your bathroom to help prevent problems with water damage.
Waterproof floors are more durable and can withstand not only liquid spills, but bigger accidents, like floods. Water-resistant flooring is designed to only hold up to small spills that are dealt with quickly.
You should sweep and mop them regularly. Use a specialty mop to clean them without excess liquid. Though laminate floors are water resistant, if they are soaked in water, they can be damaged. The best way to clean laminate floors is to use products especially made for them.
Buckling or Warping
Laminate flooring is affected by water in a number of ways. High moisture content in the air can sometimes lead to buckling or warping. Excessive water on the surface of the floor can also lead to buckling or warping. For this reason, it is important never to wet mop a laminate floor.
Glue down vinyl plank flooring will not need an underlayment. You will install these planks by gluing them directly on top of the subfloor. It is very important to have a debris free and level subfloor for a glue down vinyl flooring installation!
Vapour barriers are materials used for damp proofing. The best approach is to lay a sheet (also called a membrane) of PE plastic 0.2mm thick beneath laminate flooring. Sheets are available in different sizes. A single sheet measuring four by four metres is large enough to cover most rooms.