I have just poured a concrete slab foundation with no basement, for a new home. Gravel, then an 8 mil vapor barrier was installed prior to the 4 inch slab being poured. I plan to use a manufacturer’s approved mastic to fasten the engineered 5/8 inch hardwood flooring directly to the concrete slab. This engineered hardwood flooring is not pre-finished, so afterward I will sand, stain and apply 3 coats of poly-urethane. My question is this: Is the 8 mil vapor barrier enough to keep any potential moisture from causing any adhesion problems with the hardwood flooring down the line? Or is there a liquid waterproofer or ‘liquid vapor barrier’ that should be applied before any mastic and hardwood flooring installation? By the way, I do not want to install any plywood first, since this will add too much height to the flooring, so that it will not match up to the tile that is being installed in the rest of the house. I also plan on using a moisture meter to test the moisture content of the concrete prior to beginning the work. The slab would have cured for about 6 months before the hardwood flooring installation begins. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
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I don't have an answer for you. I am impressed that you are asking weil in advance of it becoming a "WTH do I do now?" good luck on your project!
Mmmmm...........No answers to this yet? How did you make out? I will be in a similar situation soon and wondered how long the slab needs to cure before you go laying wood (even engineered) floors over it? My slab will be insulated underneath using XPS as well so the ONLY way for the water in the slab to go will be up.................................
Mmmmm...........No answers to this yet? How did you make out? I will be in a similar situation soon and wondered how long the slab needs to cure before you go laying wood (even engineered) floors over it? My slab will be insulated underneath using XPS as well so the ONLY way for the water in the slab to go will be up.................................