Vapor is another word for moisture. A vapor barrier is a sheet of plastic covering the entire surface under the floor to prevent moisture from causing the floor to warp or absorb stains. You would typically use a vapor barrier in basements with concrete floors.
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.
Friction will stop it.
Nope, not good fro the wood and really not good for the finish. Wood LOVES moisture but moisture damages wood, so you should really be cleaning your wood floor with very minor amounts of an oily based cleaner, NOT with anything with water or steam.
If a wood floor has been properly varnished, it will be waterproof, and you can wash it as you would any other floor. If it is just a matter of removing dust, you could use a Swiffer.
No
A floor vapor barrier is used to prevent moisture from seeping through the floor into the building structure. It helps maintain the integrity of the building by reducing the risk of mold growth, wood rot, and other damage caused by excess moisture.
Installing a vapor barrier between concrete and wood is important because it helps prevent moisture from seeping into the wood, which can lead to rot, mold, and structural damage. The barrier acts as a protective layer, helping to maintain the integrity and longevity of the wood.
The type of underlay you need will depend on the type of sub floor or floor you are putting the laminate on is made of. If the sub floor is made of concrete, you would want vapor barrier underlay. If the sub floor is made of wood a standard or premium underlay would used.
Yes, if it is a floating hardwood floor. You can find them as click together or where the seams are glued. The downside is that often these floors are hard to repair unlike a solid wood floor. But if you want real wood and have concrete you do have options. Don't forget the foam padding required for all these floors.
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.
To prevent water damage under a wood floor, ensure proper installation with a moisture barrier, maintain consistent indoor humidity levels, promptly address any leaks or spills, and use waterproof sealants or coatings on the wood. Regularly inspect for signs of water damage and address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
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.
You can. You start by applying moisture barrier to the concrete--flooring stores have it--then gluing the hardwood to the concrete.
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.
Under the passenger floor board, under the peice of ply wood
Usually because of moisture under the finish.
The floor is creaking under the carpet due to the wood underneath shifting or rubbing against each other, causing friction and noise.