Our 1930s basement had a moisture problem which lead to mold remediation/gutting a few years ago. Im doing the Reno now, and planned to put down laminate. My team wrote me: “Unfortunately, the initial reading was 96 and the second reading was 99 and the maximum for this product (and all LVT) is 85.

We have a couple of options to resolve the issue. The easiest and most cost effective option is to install a 6 mil. poly moisture barrier which is basically a big plastic sheet that creates an additional moisture barrier between the concrete and the LVT. This is very common practice and doesn't really impact the price of the project. As a disclaimer, there are some who think that in very wet areas and humid climates, the moisture could cause problems in a basement if it has no place to evaporate and seeps to the edges of the floor near the walls. The flooring company has not been made aware of any of their clients having this problem.

The second option is a full moisture mitigation which is much more extensive (and expensive). It involves grinding the surface of the concrete and adding an epoxy to create a seal so that moisture stays below the surface of the concrete. This option will add $4550 to the project cost”.

The neighborhoods for miles around me have creeks and springs, although there aren’t any in my immediate vicinity that I’m aware. I live in Baltimore, which can be quite humid, and we have to run 2 dehumidifiers in the warm months. The basement isn’t huge (not sure if the square feet) but is spaced out.

My concern is that if we put the moisture barrier sheet, mold might grow underneath. The new drywall and trim is up, and I don’t want mold or a musty basement again. Please give me your advice; I thank you!!