Underlayment provides the necessary stability and support for the floor to float and helps with noise reduction and cushioning. The underlayment that we used also provides moisture protection (which is important on a concrete subfloor) and offers constant air movement to help inhibit mold and bacteria growth.
It is very advisable to install a vapour barrier between concrete and foam underlayment. That way the moisture of concrete won`t damage laminate flooring. Vapour barrier is also another temperature barrier which keeps cold air from concrete to influence laminate flooring.
Therefore, because concrete is porous, it's a good idea to install a vapor barrier over your concrete subfloor before installing your flooring. This way you can stop the vapor drive of water upward to your floors, protecting them from any damage (source).
You need a dry, clean and flat surface before you can install finished flooring in a room built on a concrete slab. One of the simplest options is a sleeper-based subfloor. The result is a subfloor that protects finished flooring from cold and damp concrete-based floors.
If you are installing your vinyl plank flooring over a concrete subfloor, you may want to use an underlayment for three reasons. First, it will give you some added cushion to help make the floor softer to walk on. Second, you may want an extra vapor barrier above the subfloor to reduce any risk of moisture.
Once the floor is smooth and level, apply a concrete primer to the entire surface. This will help the vinyl planks adhere to the concrete. Allow the primer to dry completely before installing the vinyl planks.
Felt and cork are the two best underlayment materials for providing sound insulation.
As you don't have to install underlay for Vinyl Flooring or LVT, this can go directly onto the concrete subfloor. However, allow 24 hours for your flooring to acclimatise by leaving it out of its packaging. When it's ready, unroll your vinyl flooring and cut to size after measuring your room.
Begin installation by laying a plastic vapour barrier (minimum 6 mm thick) or any other manufacturer-recommended barrier on the concrete subfloor to prevent moisture from reaching the laminate flooring. Use vinyl tape to secure the barrier and keep it from coming out.
Sealed Floors are Durable
So, if you want to ensure your concrete floors look and stay great for longer, sealing them is definitely a wise choice.
Moisture Shield
Furthermore, if you are installing vinyl planks directly over a concrete floor, a waterproof underlayment is essential.
Consider Flooring Manufacturers Recommendations
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.
First, the gap is cleaned of any debris. Then, if the gap is large enough, a backer rod is added to support the caulk. If the gap is smaller, a backer rod is unnecessary and can be filled only using a polymer caulk.
Polyvinyl, Polyethylene and Steel are among the most common materials for Concrete Expansion Joints. While common, customers also consider Cellulose, Rubber and Polyolefin as options.
If you have sidewalks or driveways of a certain age you have these--wood expansion joints! These are important as they allow the concrete to expand and contract without cracking. Unfortunately, time and the elements take their toll on them. Eventually they rot and break and should be replaced.
No matter which underlayment you choose, if you are installing on a moisture prone subfloor or concrete subfloor, you really need a moisture barrier underlayment. Protect your laminate flooring from moisture for years to come by installing moisture barrier underlayment.
Laminate flooring can be installed over basically any flat and level surface, including wood subfloors, hardwoods, tile, concrete and more. It is not recommended to install laminate flooring over a soft surface, like carpet, because it doesn't provide enough support for the flooring.
Best underlay for laminate flooring is foam or cork. Best underlay for laminate flooring is foam because it is simple to install, it is a good sound barrier, and is very cost effective. Some best foams have attached additional layer which functions as the best moisture barrier.
If you're installing laminate flooring over a subfloor, like concrete, you may want to install an underlay with a vapor barrier for added protection against moisture. Make sure you choose an underlay that works with an attached pad. Our top choice is Sentinel Protect Plus Underlayment.
Click vinyl flooring uses planks or tiles that can be snapped together in place with a click-lock system that holds them together. They are usually laid without glue. Glued down or floating LVT both work well with concrete subfloors.
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.
Adequately sealing the space between the concrete and wood must include an application of a quality sill plate sealer, like TERM® Sill Plate Barrier, and a quality fluid-applied flashing for the interior and exterior joints, like Polyguard Blue Barrier Gap Filler.
It's best to always have a barrier, a thin plastic foam sheet called “sill seal”, between concrete and wood.