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Q: Do you need a vapor barrier when installing laminate flooring over hardwood?
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Wood laminate floor over hardwood floor?

Yes, you can install a laminate floor system over existing hardwood floors. Just be sure that the existing hardwood is pretty smooth or the hump in the floor will transfer through. You must use a vapor barrier over your existing hardwood to reduce sound as well as moister transfere between two floor systems. Be sure to let your new floor acclimate to your room temp. for at least 48 hrs. this is especially important if you are installing floor in the winter.


Is there a material used under hardwood floors?

You should always use an underlayment for hardwood floors. Use either Red Rosin paper or 15lb Fortifiber hardwood underlayment. Fortifiber is recommended, heavy duty and better quality vapor barrier.


Define what is a physical barrier and what properties of epithelium make it a good physical barrier?

a physical barrier is something that stops u from emigrating 4 example large bodies of water etc.


Why is a barrier island a poor location for a house?

A barrier island is a poor place for a house simply because there is nothing else between it and the power of the ocean. This includes wind, waves, and flooding. A barrier island is called a "barrier island" simply because it acts as a barrier to the mainland behind it, as in the case of Assoteague being a barrier to Chincoteague in Virginia and the Outer Banks islands in North Carolina protecting the natural coastline.


Should I install a vapor barrier in high humidity?

A vapor barrier is an impenetrable layer that keeps water from seeping through from the ground. It is always advisable to use a vapor barrier regardless of humidity.

Related questions

Do I need a moisture barrier if it is above grade hardwood flooring?

Yes, as the barrier will help prevent water from getting to the floor and causing damage. Install the barrier between the subfloor and hardwood flooring.


Can laminate flooring be installed over existing laminate flooring without a plastic or felt barrier?

You can, but you will probably have squeeks after you are done from the two floors rubbing against each other.


What is vapor barrier under laminate flooring?

Vapor barrier under flooring is a 20 lbs felt paper or red Rosin paper both types Can be naught at Lowe's or home depot


Can you use hardwood or laminate on a concrete slab?

you should use laminate but make sure you also put down a vapor barrier first you could also use hardwood but it would have to be glued instead of nailed tooooo much trouble


What are the advantages of Pergo flooring?

There are a couple of advantages of Pergo flooring. First of all, please understand that Pergo (a registered trademark) is a laminate, not an engineered wood or a hardwood. A lot of the Pergo line, although not ALL of it, is manufactured with the foam underlayment already on the bottom of each plank. With Laminate flooring, you need to have a 6 mil polyethelene moisture barrier, as well as a foam underlayment. The laminate floor is installed using the "floating" method. Just because Pergo has the foam underlayment attached to the planks, doesn't mean that you don't need the moisture barrier. If installed on concrete, it's best to test the moisture content of the concrete prior to installing the Pergo, as well as any other type of flooring. Especially, if installing below grade. Laminate flooring does not do well in moist areas, so be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Another advantage to Pergo is it's price. You can obtain a "wood" look with this product, although you won't be fooling anyone. It will not hold up as well as engineered or hardwood, but it's considerably much cheaper. The key word there is "cheaper". In all meanings of the word. With all due respect, and no disrespect intended to the manufacturer and owners of Pergo or any other laminate floor. It is not, however, the cheapest and/or least expensive of laminate floors on the market. If this hasn't answered your question, please redefine your question so that I may try and provide the particular answere you're looking for. Advantages of Pergo over...?


Wood laminate floor over hardwood floor?

Yes, you can install a laminate floor system over existing hardwood floors. Just be sure that the existing hardwood is pretty smooth or the hump in the floor will transfer through. You must use a vapor barrier over your existing hardwood to reduce sound as well as moister transfere between two floor systems. Be sure to let your new floor acclimate to your room temp. for at least 48 hrs. this is especially important if you are installing floor in the winter.


Is the thickness of laminate flooring really important if you are on a cement sub floor?

The thickness is mainly for refinishing. Thicker wood can be refinished more times than thinner. If you are laying on a cement slab, you want to use a vapor barrier. Some flooring products have a barrier preinstalled on the undersideof the flooring.


Can you install a real wood floor on top of a concrete floor?

You can. You start by applying moisture barrier to the concrete--flooring stores have it--then gluing the hardwood to the concrete.


Do you need to lay down felt paper or any kind of under lay when installing new hard wood over old hardwood?

This is a point is debated among those who install flooring. Bruce Hardwood Flooring, the leading hardwood seller in America states felt paper or red rosin in unnecessary for installation of a nail or staple down floor. There are those who believe it acts as a vapor barrier. The issue with that thought is, if you need a vapor barrier over your wood subfloor, you shouldn't be installing wood anyway. Some believe it will reduce the squeaks in the floor. This would be a hard thing to say for sure. If this is a concern, you may want to. One thing that red rosin does do for sure is make flooring easier to install. You can more easily slide boards together and across the floor. The paper reduces the friction against the subfloor.


What is the difference between linolium and laminate flooring?

Linoleum is a continuous sheet, a sort of a vinyl with a bit of give to it.Laminate is a series of slats joined together, sort of like formica with a masonite backer.There's a lot more seams for liquids to leak into in laminate then linoleum.The working lives are about the same for each, but as most laminates are floating systems and linoleum is glued down, the laminate will be cheaper to replace when the time comes.


Installing Laminate Floors?

Installing laminate floors is a popular DIY project because laminate flooring is relatively easy to work with and doesn't require the same level of skill as hardwood flooring installation. Here are the general steps to guide you through the process of installing laminate floors: Materials and Tools You'll Need: Laminate flooring planks Underlayment (if not pre-attached to the planks) Spacers Saw (circular saw or jigsaw) Measuring tape Utility knife Flooring installation kit (includes tapping block and pull bar) Hammer Pencil Safety goggles Knee pads Step 1: Prepare the Subfloor Ensure that the subfloor is clean, dry, level, and structurally sound. If needed, repair any damaged areas and remove any existing flooring or carpeting. Install a moisture barrier or underlayment if required by the manufacturer's instructions. Step 2: Acclimate the Laminate Flooring Allow the laminate flooring to acclimate to the room's humidity and temperature for the recommended time (typically 48 hours) before installation. This helps prevent warping or buckling. Step 3: Plan the Layout Plan the layout of the laminate flooring, considering the direction of the planks, doorways, and any obstacles in the room. Laminate flooring should be installed perpendicular to the longest wall to create a visually appealing appearance. Step 4: Install the Underlayment If your laminate flooring does not have an attached underlayment, roll out the underlayment material according to the manufacturer's instructions. Overlap seams and tape them to prevent moisture infiltration. Step 5: Start Installation Begin installation in the left-hand corner of the room, working from left to right. Place spacers along the walls to maintain an expansion gap of about 1/4 inch. Step 6: Install the First Row Lay the first row of laminate planks with the tongue side facing the wall. Use a tapping block and hammer to lock the planks together. Be sure to stagger the joints between planks, and cut the last plank as needed to fit. Step 7: Continue Installation Continue installing subsequent rows, interlocking the planks by angling the tongue into the groove and tapping them together. Use the pull bar to help close gaps along the long edges of the planks. Step 8: Cut Planks Measure and cut planks to fit around doorways, corners, and any other obstacles. Use a saw (circular saw or jigsaw) for straight or curved cuts. Step 9: Complete the Installation Continue installing planks across the room until you reach the final row. Be sure to maintain the expansion gap along the walls. The last row may need to be cut lengthwise to fit. Step 10: Install Baseboards and Transition Strips Install baseboards or quarter-round molding to cover the expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. Additionally, install transition strips at doorways and between different flooring types. Step 11: Finish and Clean Carefully remove spacers, and inspect the floor for any visible gaps. Clean the floor to remove any debris, and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for any final steps, such as adding transition strips or applying moldings. Laminate flooring installation is generally straightforward for DIYers, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's specific instructions for your flooring product. If you encounter any challenges or are unsure about any aspect of the installation, consider consulting with a professional installer or seeking guidance from the flooring manufacturer. Proper installation ensures the longevity and appearance of your laminate floors.


Why is rosin paper used under hardwood flooring?

Rosin paper is used under hardwood flooring to provide a vapor barrier. ---- Many manufactures today say that rosin paper is your choice. It does make installation easier because the boards move around the floor smoother, but offers little more.