Waterproof Vinyl Plank flooring in basement. Underlayment or none?

7 years ago

So im wanting to install 100% waterproof Smartcore Ultra vinyl plank on my slab floor in my basement. In the description it says that it already has a attached underlayment on them. So should I still buy a moisture barrier underlayment still? https://www.lowes.com/pd/SMARTCORE-Ultra-8-Piece-5-91-in-x-48-03-in-Blue-Ridge-Pine-Locking-Luxury-Commercial-Residential-Vinyl-Plank/1000196679

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Comments (2)

SJ McCarthy
7 years ago
You MUST HAVE a vapour barrier installed over the concrete. All floating floors have this requirement. Vinyl is NOT to be used as protection from moisture migration UP!

You can purchase 6mil vapour barrier + moisture resistant tape (aka Red Duct Tape) for the seams. Should cost about $0.12/sf for the space.

And NO....you CANNOT use another "underpad" under that vinyl. You can ONLY USE polypropylene plastic sheeting. Vinyl does NOT like padding underneath. You must work with something thin WITHOUT padding or cushion.

Go cheap and cheerful. The 6mil vapour barrier (as above) is considered "Best Practices" in the flooring industry. No need to reinvent the wheel.
Kelby Williams thanked SJ McCarthy
PRO
G & S Floor Service
7 years ago
Tyvec tape is super sticky.
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