Vapor Barrier Concrete Floors

Install a plastic vapor barrier.

Vapor barrier concrete floors.

Where plastic sheets must be joined overlap the sheets by several inches and use strong vinyl tape to secure them. Vapor barriers have been associated with certain concrete slab on grade problems including curling and cracking. Acoustical underlayment w vapor barrier for luxury vinyl flooring 54 pack model qwlv100 2 430 00. If your concrete passes the moisture test then plastic sheeting at least 6 mils thick will prevent moisture from getting into your laminate flooring.

All three companies vapor barriers meet or exceeds all requirements of astm e 1745 09 class a b c. Very hot and humid climates may benefit from an exterior vapor barrier that keeps outside humidity from penetrating into walls. But they have also proven to be beneficial in reducing failures of moisture sensitive flooring materials adhesives and coatings caused by excessive emission of moisture vapor from concrete slabs. Ft 24 hours in 82 days with a vapor barrier compared to 144 days when exposed to vapor from below.

Below grade walls and floor slabs transmit ground moisture through concrete walls or slabs. Without the proper moisture barrier vinyl flooring acts as a moisture barrier causing it to buckle bubble and lift. Aci 302 1 which is an american concrete institute standard for slab construction was modified in the early 2000 s to reflect the change in the placement of the vapor barrier directly below the concrete if a low permeable membrane flooring was to be installed. When installing certain types of flooring such as sheet vinyl the moisture content of the concrete can be a problem.

Check these three companies out for yourself and make your own decision as to which one is the best concrete floor vapor barrier for your project. How to install vapor barrier on concrete floor under laminate flooring. A vapor barrier should be used for all concrete floors and slabs that are going to receive an impermeable floor finish like epoxy laminate linoleum and wood or if the concrete floor will be used for any purpose where the passage of water vapor through the floor may create problems. Before rolling out the underlayment be sure to sweep vacuum and remove all debris on the substructure.

Aci 302 2r 06 guide for concrete floors that receive moisture sensitive flooring materials estimates that concrete with a w c of 0 5 will dry to an mver of 3 pounds 1000 sq.