Table of Contents
Do you need to put a subfloor in a basement?
Subfloors are not always necessary but they are beneficial wherever they can be installed. They only come into play when you want to expand downward and make your basement a warm, livable space. If you don’t plan to use the space, there is no need for a subfloor or floor covering.
Can I put a subfloor over concrete?
How to Install a Glued Subfloor Over Concrete. As with a floated subfloor, NWFA recommends a vapor retarder for glue-down subfloors when installing ¾” wood flooring over concrete. After installing a vapor retarder (if necessary), cut your plywood panels into 2’x8′ or 4’x4′ sections.
What should I put under my basement floor?
Wood panels, such as plywood or oriented strand board, are common subfloor choices. However, because wood is a naturally porous substance that will absorb moisture, when used as a basement subfloor, these materials are often installed on mini-joists known as “sleepers,” which allow it to sit above a concrete pad.
Do I need a vapor barrier in my basement floor?
If you have a concrete floor that’s in continuous contact with a source of moisture, you’re going to have problems. This is why a vapor barrier under concrete is essential. Vapor barriers are a way to keep moisture from getting into the concrete. Note: A vapor barrier is not the same as an underlayment.
Should I put a vapor barrier on my basement floor?
To find out if you need a vapor barrier between your basement concrete slab and floor covering consult with local contractors and check local and provincial/state building codes. As a rule of thumb, if there is any hint of moisture in your basement then installing a vapor barrier below grade is recommended.
Do I need a vapor barrier between concrete and wood flooring?
Do I need a vapor barrier for hardwood floors?” The answer is YES! Moisture can destroy hardwood flooring. It causes cupping, warping, and even mildew if not treated. You must install a moisture barrier to protect your flooring from water wicking up from below.
What underlayment should I use on concrete?
With a concrete subfloor, you will need an underlayment that acts as a vapor barrier in order to prevent moisture from penetrating through to your laminate installation. The normal choice is a thin foam pad material made of polyethylene or polypropylene, which rolls out in sheets.
What kind of plywood do you use for subfloor over concrete?
When installing subflooring over concrete, for installation of wood flooring, it is necessary to use thicker subflooring, so that it can be nailed into. A minimum of 5/8” thick plywood is recommended, with 3/4” thick plywood being considered ideal.
What is underneath a subfloor?
Underlayment The underlayment material is installed below the floor covering and placed on top of a sub-floor. Under the visible covering, there is a layer made of soft or foam-like materials with a thickness of between 1/4- or 1/2-inch. Some common choices include; foam, hardboard, cork, plywood, and cement board.
How do I make my basement floor warmer?
How to Warm up a Cold Basement Address any water issues. Before you do any work in your basement, you need to make sure you’ve noted — and corrected — any water issues. Install TWO sump pumps. Choose inorganic materials. Capitalize on radiant heat. Use decorative concrete to your advantage. Put up radiant panel heaters.
Can you lay OSB on concrete floor?
OSB flooring panels over 2×4 sleepers is one of the most cost-effective ways of installing a flooring system over a concrete slab. Sleepers can be installed so that they are level, thus overcoming flaws in the concrete slab and providing a straight, even surface on which to place the flooring system.
How do I keep moisture out of my basement floor?
How to Fix the Basement Concrete Floor Moisture Problem Repair Settlement Cracks on the Floor. Use Dryer Ventilation. Run Dehumidifier Regularly to Reduce Moisture. Reduce Condensation. Fix the Problem of Ineffective Grading. Add Gutters Where They’re Missing. Add a Sub-surface Drainage System.
What type of flooring is best for a damp basement?
What basement flooring options and materials are the best? The best type of flooring for basements is vinyl. Vinyl flooring can come in the form of vinyl plank and vinyl tile, giving it the ability to look nearly identical to hardwood and stone products with the added benefit of being waterproof.
Should a basement floor be insulated?
If a basement is being used for storage or as living space, it needs to be kept dry to avoid mold and dust mites. The most important strategies for keeping basements dry are those of groundwater and rainwater control. Basements should be insulated on their perimeters—they should not be insulated between floors.
Where does vapor barrier go in basement?
Vapor barriers should be located on the exterior of basement assemblies allowing inward drying to the basement space where moisture can be removed by ventilation or dehumidification.
What is the difference between a vapor barrier and a moisture barrier?
Moisture barriers function to help in preventing water from entering inside of the wall cavity. On the other hand, vapor barriers basically prevent water vapor from the interior of the house to filter through the wall and condense on the warm side of the insulation.
