Yes, and that’s one of the questions we hear most often about luxury vinyl plank. Most homes in Florida don’t have a basement because the concrete is slab-on-grade, meaning no basement floors are required. LVP is the most common type of concrete slab in the U.S., but it’s not the only one.
For example, you can use concrete that has been treated to make it more resistant to water and mold. You can also use a mixture of cement and cementitious materials, such as gypsum, to create a more durable slab. And, of course, if you’re building a new home or remodeling an existing home, it makes sense to use the best slab available.
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What type of underlayment do you use for vinyl planks on concrete?
It’s a good idea to pick an option that provides heat insulation and humidity regulation when choosing an underlayment for vinyl plank flooring. Wood subfloors do an excellent job of regulating temperatures, but they don’t absorb sound, so a felt underlayment is a better choice for soundproofing.
If you’re looking for a floor that can be installed quickly and easily, a vinyl floor is the way to go. It’s lightweight, easy to install, and will last for years.
Do you need a vapor barrier for vinyl plank flooring on concrete?
You’ll typically need a vapor barrier if you’re installing flooring over concrete. In high-humidity areas, it will be more difficult for the water to penetrate the material in a basement or crawl space. Vapor barrier materials are designed to prevent moisture from penetrating the surface of the floor. The most common types of vapor barriers are polyurethane foam (PUF), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP).
All of these materials can be found in a variety of thicknesses, from 1/8″ to 1-1/2″ thick, depending on the type of material being used. In general, the thicker a material is the more effective it is at keeping moisture out. For example, if a floor is being installed over a concrete slab, it may be necessary to use a thicker material to protect the slab from moisture.
This is because the concrete will not be able to absorb as much moisture as it would if it were installed on a softer, more porous surface.
Do you need to seal a concrete floor before laying vinyl flooring?
A concrete floor should be sealed to protect against moisture, but the sealer can interfere with the tile adhering to the floor. It is possible to make your concrete floor suitable for use in your home with just a little extra work.
What is the best flooring to put on a concrete floor?
The materials float, so you can hide flaws at the same time, which is why homeowners choose laminate flooring. Laminate floors are also more durable than concrete, which is why they’re often used in new construction. They’re also easier to maintain, since they don’t need to be replaced every few years.
Does all vinyl plank need underlayment?
In short, vinyl flooring itself can be completely self sustainable and does not require an underlayment to function properly. If the vinyl flooring type is not suitable for a particular application, then underlayments may be suggested. For example, if you are installing vinyl floors in a commercial building, you may want to consider using a non-vinyl floor.
What underlayment should I use on concrete?
If you have a concrete subfloor, you will need an underlayment that acts as a vapor barrier in order to keep water out of your installation. The normal choice is a thin foam pad material made of polyethylene or polypropylene, which rolls off easily and is easy to clean.
However, if you want to go with a more durable material, such as polyurethane foam, then you’ll need to invest in a moisture barrier. You can choose to add a layer of moisture-absorbing material to the floor, or you can use a spray-on product that can be applied directly onto the surface.
If you choose the latter option, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to apply the product.
