new subfloor

ctkeebler

Well I am finally putting down the new sub floor in my basement here in Connecticut.

After the advice I got here this is the plan:

6mm of ploy over the concrete floor. Then 1/2 inch XPS rigid foam board with 3/4 plywood (probably tongue and grove) on top. Then either power actuated nails or tapcons through the plywood and foam into the concrete floor.

Im not sure if nails are advisable but, but they would be easier than drilling all those holes and screwing in the screws.

Any last minute advice, hints, or tips appreciated. Thanks

Tom

ctkeebler

I was just reading some more posts here about vapor barrier. The vapor barrier should be on the warm side of the insulation was the advice.

Does this mean that in my plan I should put the XPS directly on the concrete and then the poly between the XPS and plywood?

Thanks for the help

Tom

ctkeebler

any thoughts or opinions before I begin?

Thanks

Creteexpert

What is the sub-floor for? Is it because the concrete is in bad shape or do you want a softer floor for living space?

Is the concrete floor damp at any time during the year? Laying poly over a concrete floor will create moisture between the poly and concrete, then screwing holes down through it will render it useless. A better solution to control moisture would be a penetrating sealer. RadonSeal sells one that controls moisture and radon mitigation.

6 mil poly in contact with concrete will break down over time and become brittle. If you decide to go the "poly" route you need a product like Stego wrap. It is a true vapor barrier. But you can't puncture it with nails or tapcon screws you will be wasting your money.

http://www.everything-about-concrete.com

kwikfishron

I’d be attaching PT runners to the concrete floor and dealing with any leveling of the floor from drain’s or whatever and sheet the wood.

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jogr

You're going to get very tired of putting in tapcons. Sounds like a nightmare to me. What's going over the subfloor?

ctkeebler

yes the thought of the tapcons is scary. Going to put carpet.

ctkeebler

beside the nightmare of all the tapcons what are the thoughts about the plan of the ploy, then XPS then plywood?


thanks

Tom