There are many factors to take into account when deciding to replace your flooring. Given that it feels and looks like hardwood, luxury vinyl plank flooring is a wise choice. It is strong, simple to install, and water-resistant. It will endure for a very long time no matter what you throw at it. If you’re considering installation, you might have some inquiries. Do you require an underlayment, to name one question in particular?

Although it is not required, a moisture barrier can be installed beneath the vinyl. Without any glue drips, the subfloor ought to be level.

Let’s take a look. In some circumstances, it might be necessary, but not in others. To get all your questions answered, come see us today and talk to a flooring consultant.

What is Underlayment?

Starting at the beginning might be useful to determine whether you need an underlayment. The subfloor, the joists, the underlayment, and the flooring material are the various components that make up a floor. Naturally, joists are a part of the framework of your house. Over the joists, the subfloor, which is typically made of plywood, is located.

The thin material that covers your subfloor, called underlayment, would come next. The very top layer is the finished flooring material. Underlayment can reduce sound, act as a moisture barrier, and soften the feel of the flooring, among other things. Underlayment provides additional support for the new flooring while hiding minor flaws in your subfloor. It can go far in extending the life of your luxury vinyl plank flooring.

Is a Moisture Barrier Necessary for Vinyl Plank Flooring?

It is incorrect to say that Luxury Vinyl Planks do not require a moisture barrier, in short. A moisture barrier must be installed if the contractor installing this type of flooring over concrete does not test the concrete for moisture, calcium chloride, or relative humidity.

I am not aware of a single manufacturer who will provide a warranty for your flooring due to moisture problems caused by the concrete. However, that is not the issue at hand. The wood subfloor upstairs is fine. The concrete I’m referring to is.

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Without a monolithic membrane that controls moisture, an RH rating of at least 95%, or at the very least, installing a 6 mil plastic, I won’t install a single piece of LVP over concrete.

You run a big risk if another contractor tries to install your LVP without first talking to them about moisture. Before this kind of flooring is installed, all concrete should either be tested or mitigated, as it has a rating for moisture vapor emission.

Do I Need An Underlayment?

You may already be aware that luxury vinyl plank flooring can be put down directly over an existing floor. Here is where you decide if you require underlayment or not. There is no need for an underlayment when installing luxury vinyl plank flooring over tile or vinyl flooring that already exists.

This is due to the possibility that other vinyl will have a cushion backing, whereas tile can create the necessary level without the need for another layer. If the underlayment for your luxury vinyl plank flooring is already attached to it, you might not need one at all. Underlayment is necessary if you want to install other flooring types, such as hardwood or concrete.

What Kind of Underlayment is Necessary?

What you will be installing luxury vinyl plank flooring over determines the type of underlayment you need.

• Concrete Subfloor: Given how hard concrete is, it makes sense that you’d want an underlayment with extra cushion to keep the flooring more comfortable underfoot. For greater comfort, you might also want one with additional moisture protection and insulation features.
• Plywood Subfloor: Plywood doesn’t require an additional moisture barrier, but you still want one to provide more comfort and dampen noise.
• Existing Floors: When installing over plywood, tile, vinyl, or hardwood, the goal is the same: the underlayment should offer comfort and sound absorption.

Do You Need An Underlayment under Vinyl Plank Flooring on Existing Floor

It is possible to install luxury vinyl plank over already-installed floors like tile and linoleum. In this situation, you won’t need to worry about a moisture barrier because your current floors should take care of that. When installing vinyl, keep in mind how crucial an even subfloor is.

Make sure to fill in any grout lines and potential unevenness if you’re installing over tile. Before making the attempt to install over your current flooring, it should be in good condition.

If you are confident your existing floors are very even, and the manufacturer’s instructions don’t demand an underlayment, you don’t need an underlayment. However, an underlayment can add additional cushion and sound absorption while ensuring the level of your old subfloor.

Conclusion

Even though vinyl planks typically have a thinner construction than laminate, they have a click-and-lock system similar to laminate. Typically, vinyl planks measure between 2 and 8 millimeters. The general rule of thumb is any vinyl 4mm and over can have a vinyl “specific” underlayment.

Underlayments would create too much cushion, causing more dents and wear and tear, so vinyl floors that are less than 4mm thick should be installed directly over the subfloor. For more information on the types of underlayment that can be used, it’s important to read the manufacturer’s instructions.

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