Advice on Engineered Hardwood in a Basement
blivingstone
| Posted in General Discussion on
Hello,
I am installing engineered hardwood in my basement. The concrete is dry, minimal chance of water infiltration. The room is 940 square feet. I am wondering if I should float the floor or glue to the slab. I am wondering if I glue, how would the wood expand ?
Also, I have been told people generally don’t use subfloors. Should I consider this ?
I live in Nova Scotia, Canada. Similar climate to Maine, or New England.
Thank you.
Brian
Replies
Have you checked the floor by laying out and sealing a large piece of plastic over the floor? That will show you and vapor penetration after a couple of days.
I think FHB did a nice article about floating a floor a couple years back, do an archive search to see.
Check out "Allure" from home depot.
Not enuf info
is there a secure VB under the slab?
Does testing ( 2'sq plastic taped onto crete) show any signs of moisture migration?
What brand of engineered flooring and what do their specs and install directions say?
For myself, u;less I can be 100% sure that moisture is not and never will be a problem, I want the floor suspended, say over dricore or other method
Engineered hardwood below grade
Remember concrete is a sponge and always has some moisture in it. How much is the question! Using a concrete moisture meter if you take at least 10 readings and average them and the moisture content is under 4.5% moisture content you should be all right. If higher use bostik MVP = Moisture Vapor Protection. They also have a product that is a MVP and glue suggest you use that. I'm was raised in New England and most basements are damp. Also humidity levels should not exceed 55% and not less than 35% if this happens you may have some concerns BUT engineered hardwood is very forgiven. Best advice is read and follow the mfg installation instructions and you should have no problems.