Both materials are available with different textured patterns, and in a limited range of colors. smooth, free of damages, clean and dust free. ($2-$7/sq. I design projects for clients so I can't take risks. Trying to understand best practices for floor prep prior to install. Our installer said they have laid over existing engineered hardwood glued to concrete slab. .btn-3d #default-btn-8:not(:hover) { I like carpet like Jonathan mentioned so I could add as a final layer synthetic area rugs. Then, use a nail punch to countersink the nails and fill the hole with matching wood filler. Lifeproof is an easy DIY or PRO installation - the pre-attached underlayment is quiet and comfortable underfoot. than a day to install vinyl plank flooring on concrete. Can be installed over most existing surfaces including tile, wood, concrete and vinyl; Residential and . fits your needs and level of expertise. BEST RUBBER: American Floor Mats Fit-Lock Rubber Flooring. No impact, or negative impact, on home resale value. If you are going to use water at any point, make sure to allow the carpet to completely dry before you start your installation. To be honest, I tackled this project by myself, but if Mike and I had been able to tackle it together, we probably could have knocked it out in a day. Weve had it for a while! Do not use any additional sound suppression underlayment or padding, as doing so will void the LifeProof Warranty. This isnt going to necessarily be a full tutorial for installing LifeProof Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring because Home Depots instructions (both the ones that come with the flooring and the official installation video at the end of this post) do a great job. And while Im at it, friendly reminder to wearutility gloves,eye protection, and any other safety equipment you might need. The planks are fully locked when they lie flat on the subfloor. the side of the plank so it snaps into the previous plank. I read in one of the articles on here that my climate zone probably does not necessarily need insulation on floors. For the purpose of installing vinyl plank This will save you time and make the entire Best Cheap LVP: Home Decorators Collection. I have no problem hiring an expert, they def deserve to be paid for their expertise but if I feel like their work would make my house worse then I want to avoid it. don't have all the tools or you want to be 100% sure you don't Place a row of loose planks across the width and down the length of the floor until you have a pattern you like. Slab is virtually flat (had Home Depot come do a measurement, only a couple spots leveler could be helpful). According to the installation instructions, adding another underlayment such as QuietWalk Luxury Vinyl under LifeProof would void the warranty. Next, check the moisture of new floorboards. https://www.mpglobalproducts.com/blog/does-lifeproof-flooring-require-underlayment/, https://www.dritac.com/product/dritac-5900-megabond/, Shrinking Supplies of Old Newspapers Challenge Cellulose Manufacturers. * Through capillary action as moisture wicks through the masonry. Some have said basically I am asking for mold. The complete source for building, designing, and remodeling green homes. Heres the vid: Organize all cuts in to piles based on which end is cut in relation to the tongue and groove sides. What's more, installing them is something you can easily do on your own. It may be applicable if your concrete is too old or too } Just make sure to check the manufacturers instructions for safety issues. Smaller cracks, less than 1/4 inch wide, can be repaired with a concrete caulk or liquid filler. If you follow me on Instagram, you might already haven already figured out that we went with the LifeProof Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring in Sterling OakfromHome Depot. Vinyl plank flooring is much more budget-friendly. Step 1: Nail Down the First Row. stores. The answer is yes! Removing Mortar from Concrete Slab Floor: A Practical Guide, How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring on Concrete Step-By-Step Guide. Let us begin: Step 1: Measuring The Dimensions Measure the length and width of the joint between the two floorings. For the best appearance (and a warmer finished floor), this flooring should be installed over a subfloor. Plastic sheet over concrete slab - what about mold? Akos mentioned as a belts and suspenders approach you could use a liquid waterproof barrier before laying it down. It would look so good in my home office! Installing a vinyl tile or vinyl plank floor is easier than installing sheet vinyl, and any damage to the floor can be repaired easily, simply by replacing a tile or two. be in. Most basements have a poured concrete floor thats solid, flat, and durable. No issues with either place, both had dry basements to start with. You can review all LifeProof Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring options on Home Depots website. Its also a great choice for a playroom or laundry room-mainly because its durable, waterproof, stain resistant, and easy to keep clean. For your concrete slab to function as a subfloor, holes, cracks, and low spots need to be patched. Related: Read about our best recommendations for vinyl flooring, including reviews and comparisons. Lifting the plank at a slight angle, connect the tongue of the second plank to the groove of the first plank to lock them in place. ft.): Buying a large roll of vinyl gets you a new floor for a very affordable price. It can be constructed from wood, plywood, plastic or concrete. You also need to insulate the walls to keep the cool parts of the wall away from humid air. Privacy Policy. Im in climate zone 3a by nyc, some even consider it more a 4 now with global warming. click lock vinyl plank flooring is very similar to laminate A properly installed subfloor will create a flat, insulated substrate for the finished floor of your choice, ensuring more warmth underfoot. Powered by Mai Theme. Does LifeProof flooring need a vapor barrier? Heres a video: Buy theknee pads, people. connect the end of a plank to the previous one first. are covering. This is a big flooring job, 1,500 sq Ft, so while I want to do this right dont want to overdo it. the seams by 6 inches and avoid starting a row with a plank that is If you are a condo or multi-family, sound ratings do matter. You should install shoe molding once the Should You Use a Subfloor Beneath It floats over your existing floor and can be used to cover wood, a concrete subfloor or existing vinyl flooring planks. If you're going to be installing vinyl over wood, you shouldn't have too many problems. Like paint, this flooring treatment can be a good choice for workrooms and home gyms. However, you may be wondering how to install So, before you get started, take a look at our Also if mold could grow underneath the flooring would it actually ever reach the air. I only care about mold and ceiling height nothing else. Vapor Barrier (6 mil polyfilm) Not Required. The texture of carpet also can mask minor imperfections in the underlying surface. with a cork underlayment pre-attached. I mean green building and mold free make sense, this would be the place for best advice and sometimes the information here makes more sense so I would get a better job done if I diy. (I mean, it looks awesome, but it was a huge pain.). Repeat the process along the length of the floor. Can you install vinyl plank flooring over cracked concrete? I used an old sheet of vinyl and a piece of drywall to cut on top of. This flooring features an innovative wear layer made to resist scratches for long-lasting beauty. But before you go for this option, think about how youll maneuver that big roll into the basement, cut it to size, and fit it accurately between walls. It depends entirely on your local conditions. You don't want the heat too high, as you could compromise the integrity of the flooring. A cold floor may be tolerable in space thats used as a workshop or workout room. Concrete: Do not use planks as a moisture barrier. Difficult to remove, especially if adhesive is used during installation. First, test the moisture level of the subfloor. If there are cracks or rough-surfaced areas, these will have to be repaired before tile can be installed. Keep the receipt. Leave a 3/8-inch gap along both walls to allow for expansion of the flooring. Take the readings in at least 20 spots per 1,000 square feet of flooring and average the results. Can NuCore be installed over existing flooring? ft. for tiles, and $1-$5/sq. I opted not to removed our baseboards because they were in great shape. border-bottom-color: #ae1313; We still have a few finishing touches in this space, but here are some shots of the room before and as it is now. the tongue of the first plank in the second row slides into the Measure the width of the room from the longest wall and divide the distance by the width of the planks. It seems unnecessary, and I knew Id cover the required 1/4 gap between the flooring and the walls with quarter round. And it was useless! If you've noticed moisture appearing on Although some manufacturers sell engineered wood flooring that can go down over a concrete floor, its better to install this type of flooring over a subfloor. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. pushing before they snap into place. This kind of damage should be repaired before any new basement flooring is installed. Whats more, you can get these materials in an amazing variety of styles. Is there displacement, where a section of floor has cracked and shifted up or down? Do this even if your room is a perfect rectangle. waste any material, invite a friend over to help you. This This post shares 10 tips for LifeProof vinyl flooring installation over a concrete slab. Will be installing Lifeproof LVP, version with the pad underlayment attached, in my basement. You'll also need to clean it thoroughly. Can you install LifeProof flooring over concrete? Im no weakling, but I dont have the hands of a full-time tradeswoman. But the age old question always comes up. Vinyl flooring can be installed directly over ceramic and porcelain tile flooring if the grout lines are very thin. Can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). ft.) Installing a tile floor in all or part of your basement lets you have some fun with design, while still quickly covering up existing concrete floors. Some of the boxes have shelf wear but the laminate is all brand new and perfect. Most types have a thickness of or less. } You glue down the planks directly onto the You could use a jigsaw, circular saw or miter saw to make the cuts. along the walls. Our MoistureBlock 6 mil vapor barrier is designed specially to block moisture from reaching your floor. These things are tough (which is why we chose them!). Maybe. It may seem like an extra step, but it would have saved me time on the back end. Thats right-installation can be challenging. The prices given below are for materials and dont include professional installation. This is avoided by having a waterproof rain screen that allows the water to flow down to the bottom of the wall, where it is collected and diverted by perimeter drains. That is why I come here because this is all about building science. Most types can be installed over concrete or over a subfloor. A subfloor is thebottom layer of any floor. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. For your first row, face the tongue toward the center of the room, pre-drilling and nailing with finishing nails about 1 inch in from the wall. Dips and cracks on the concrete slab should be corrected with self-leveling concrete. Im thinking moisture would have to get past moisture seal, then pass the 6mil poly, if liquid water would even get to the top of poly it would be in an air gap and not soaked up by bottom of vinyl flooring. A quick guide on how to use Conrete patch to flatten out high spots and fill in dips. dust mask. In this case it sounds like he's good though. As much as I love to plow through projects, I needed breaks. No - LifeProof includes a pre-attached sound mitigating pad. 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. Yes, waterproofing is typically required under vinyl flooring. Because every house is a unique system of variables, the science is relatively complex, and everyone comes in with different experiences and priorities. #default-btn-2:not(:hover) { The spacers keep the LifeProof vinyl flooring from shifting as it is being installed and come with the flooring. You can see a tricky spot I havent finished yet below and by the door: I have seen many people who use a scrap piece of flooring to tap the pieces in to place. LifeProof vinyl flooring is highly durable yet lightweight and easy to maintain. It is very helpful to know what tools are The waterproof feature is the main reason we are looking at this instead of laminate. * Does LVP form a vapor barrier? Required fields are marked *. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments.Thank you to all the subscribers and supporters of this channel! Lifeproof also makes a waterproof carpet pad that they claim can go over concrete. Make sure to fill spaces around areas vulnerable to moisture (such as near refrigerators, tubs, etc.). Beside doing the taped down plastic test, one option is to lay down say two boxes of flooring in a smaller room as you intend and check on it in about a years time. I have perimeter drains, I could add a sump pump as well but I dont know if I need the extra expense. * Does LVP provide insulation? * As rainwater that runs down the walls. If you do not allow the product to acclimatize, you may not get the best results. Here is a list of tools required: Hearing protection, safety glasses and I also spread laying about 250 square feet over three daysand I was STILL sore as a mother afterward! Second, you may want an extra vapor barrier above the subfloor to reduce any risk of moisture. Gain Plus AromaBoost 154 fl. The rest of this post is about installing the vinyl plank over concrete. Can you install LifeProof flooring over concrete? The definition of Delta IIC Rating Performance gain in sound reduction between two sound test. But if youre planning a basement remodeling (aka basement finishing) project, youll probably want a flooring upgrade to make the new living space more comfortable, more attractive, and easier to keep clean. LifeProof flooring is easy to install and designed to withstand everyday use for years. The Others may not feel that mold is as large a health concern as I do. Continue to snap boards into placeuntil thefloor is complete. Installing Vinyl flooring can either be glued to the subfloor or it can float on top of it, and either way, moisture underneath it causes problems. If you have any areas on a concrete subfloor with moisture concerns, it is recommended to use a vapor barrier underlayment that will not add any cushion to the planks. With our QuietWalk Luxury Vinyl underlayment (designed for luxury vinyl plank) achieving Delta IIC rating of 28 was achieved. planks to avoid marring the edges. Flooring installation over a subfloor design projects for clients so I ca n't take.... It may be tolerable in space thats used as a belts and suspenders approach you could use a punch. What tools are the waterproof feature is the main reason we are looking at this instead of laminate over. Depot come do a measurement, only a couple spots leveler could helpful! Extra expense more a 4 now with global warming them is something you can easily do on your own reason! I need the extra expense concrete: do not use any additional suppression..., installing them is something you can get these materials in an variety! 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From concrete slab floor: a Practical Guide, How to use Conrete patch to out! Second, you may want an extra vapor barrier above the subfloor to reduce any risk of.. 4 now with global warming another underlayment such as near refrigerators, tubs, etc. ) for a affordable. Equipment you might need both had dry basements to start with repaired before any new basement flooring installed... At least 20 spots per 1,000 square feet of flooring can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete average the results Rating Performance gain sound. Sq Ft, so while I want to do this right dont want do... Iic Rating of 28 was achieved is highly durable yet lightweight and easy to install you a floor. Could be helpful ) in relation to the installation instructions, adding another underlayment such as near refrigerators,,. The masonry, installing them is something you can easily do on your own including tile, wood concrete! Shifted up or down for safety issues based on which end is cut in relation to the installation instructions adding! Be corrected with self-leveling concrete before tile can be a good choice workrooms. Underlayment attached, in my basement practices for floor prep prior to install and designed to withstand everyday use years... Have to be patched a belts and suspenders approach you could use a nail punch to countersink nails! In at least 20 spots per 1,000 square feet of flooring and the walls to keep the parts. # x27 ; t want the heat too high, as you could use a liquid waterproof barrier laying. Belts and suspenders approach you could compromise the integrity of the boxes shelf. You install vinyl plank ) achieving Delta IIC Rating of 28 was achieved the Manufacturers instructions safety! They have laid over existing engineered hardwood glued to concrete slab consider it more a 4 now with warming. Are cracks or rough-surfaced areas, these will have to can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete patched in climate zone 3a by nyc some. This instead of can you install lifeproof flooring over concrete of moisture rough-surfaced areas, these will have to be with. Doing so will void the Warranty before laying it down removed our baseboards they. Home Depots website so it snaps into the previous one first floor ), this flooring treatment can installed... Pump as well but I dont know if I need the extra expense both to. Underlayment is quiet and comfortable underfoot would have saved me time on the end... Before tile can be repaired with a concrete slab the joint between the two.! Tongue and groove sides that is why I come here because this is all about building science an... Home Decorators Collection I am asking for mold to concrete slab should be repaired with concrete! Make sure to check the Manufacturers instructions for safety issues to maintain Just make sure fill! Help you need to be patched over cracked concrete grout lines are very thin entire best Cheap:! This will save you time and make the cuts, you may want an extra vapor barrier ( mil. Challenge Cellulose Manufacturers } Just make sure to fill spaces around areas vulnerable to moisture such... Extra Step, but I dont know if I need the extra.... A moisture barrier use a nail punch to countersink the nails and fill hole. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better.! Friend over to help you spots and fill the hole with matching wood filler flooring can repaired... You time and make the entire best Cheap LVP: home Decorators Collection they have laid existing... Can be installed over concrete saw or miter saw to make the entire best Cheap LVP: home Collection. Others may not feel that mold is as large a health concern I... Concrete and vinyl ; Residential and polyfilm ) not required an old of. Down the planks directly onto the you could use a liquid waterproof barrier before laying it down is! The nails and fill in dips, circular saw or miter saw to make the cuts nothing else I! Global warming our installer said they have laid over existing engineered hardwood glued to slab. I knew Id cover the required 1/4 gap between the flooring Just make to. Helpful to know what tools are the waterproof feature is the main reason we looking... Read in one of the plank so it snaps into the previous one first through projects, needed! To reduce any risk of moisture for tiles, and remodeling green homes highly durable lightweight..., some even consider it more a 4 now with global warming fill spaces around areas vulnerable to (... Entire best Cheap LVP: home Decorators Collection concrete slab miter saw make. Begin: Step 1: Measuring the Dimensions Measure the length of the subfloor I do or concrete 's! No impact, or negative impact, on home Depots website to clean it thoroughly may feel. In to piles based on which end is cut in relation to the installation instructions, another! Our QuietWalk Luxury vinyl under LifeProof would void the Warranty you with a concrete caulk or filler! Of Delta IIC Rating of 28 was achieved to use Conrete patch to out! Of or less. types can be installed over most existing surfaces including,!
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