do I need a vapor barrier?

rb_in_va

I have vinyl peel and stick tile over a slab. Do I need to lay down a vapor barrier before I put down laminate flooring? The laminate already has a foam backing on it.

AtlanticWBConst.

Pretty much all Laminate flooring installations instruct the use of a 4-6 mil vapor barrier or some other kind of appropriate vapor barrier, when laying the flooring product over a concrete surface.

Vinyl peel and stick will not make up an appropriate vapor barrier, as it does not serve a means of a 'continuous' separation type material between the concrete surface and a laminate floor product.

I would advise you to install a poly type vapor barrier. Tape any seams that arise during the installation process.

By the description that you have given of the flooring material you want to use, I would guess that it might be a 'Dupont' brand flooring. Whether it is or isn't you can can also review more information at this link:

http://www.diychatroom.com/newreply....wreply&p=38202

Note the instruction line on the link which states: 'If installing over concrete or a concerte floor covered by tile, you must lay down a 6 mil plastic sheet vapor barrier.....'

__________________
- Build Well -

rb_in_va

I have vapor barrier, but it is in 10'X10' sheets and it's giving me problems. I just decided to cut the sheets into smaller strips to make it easier to work with.

Floorwizard

but you will need to overlap to make a proper barrier..

rb_in_va

Overlapping is not a problem. Working with 11'X11' sheets of plastic in a 9' wide space with lots of nooks is! I guess I should have mentioned that.

Floorwizard

HA!

Would have been a good idea

rb_in_va

Just sent my son to stay with grandma and grandpa so I can work on the floor. It's moving right along now! I've got all the tricky nooks done. The nooks couldn't be on the right side of the room now could they?

Floorwizard

oh....of course not.....