Laminate Floor Installation - Dealing With Moisture

Concrete floors always emit moisture. Each flooring manufacturer allows a specific level; follow their guidelines.

The test at right gives you a rough idea of the moisture emitted from your slab. Generally, if the plastic is dry, moisture is within acceptable levels. Always lay clown a vapor barrier-it's required over concrete. Then lay underlayment and install laminate. If, however, the plastic is wet or the floor is damp, moisture levels may be in the unacceptable range. Call a professional for more specific tests and solutions.

Do a thorough outdoor site evaluation to make sure that moisture is not leaking in. Check for crooked gutters and poorly positioned downspouts.

Taping down the test plastic Cut a few 2-foot-square pieces of polyethylene. Duct-tape them to various areas of the subfloor. Wait about 72 hours.	Reading the results Lift up a corner of each test square. Beads of condensation on the underside of any of them, or a dark, moist subfloor indicate a moisture problem. Hire a professional for further testing and solutions.

CRAWL SPACES
Moisture can be a particular problem on floors above crawl spaces. Each laminate floor manufacturer specifies a certain ratio of ventilation per square foot of crawl space. Check that your area meets or exceeds it. If there is a moisture problem and no obvious way to remedy it, have a professional come in to help.

Some manufacturers also require a vapor barrier to be laid on the ground of the crawl space. Even if it's not required, it's a good idea. Install one before moving on.