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I’d like to install a new hardwood floor right on top of my existing hardwood floor. Basement below has some dampness, there’s no insulation or suvflooring or vapor barrier present. I would prefer new flooring to go in same direction. Is that O.K.? Should I put lauann down first? Building paper? Insulation? Help!-Thanks!
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Tom,
My first question is "why?" If you have hardwood floors, why not just refinish them?
Ed. Williams
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Big gaps between strips, and deep gouges thruout.
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Tom:
I'd have to suggest adding 1/2" plywood(minimum) over the existing floor if you want it to run in the same direction. This way the new floor will have better strength to withstand any movement from the old. It wouldn't hurt to overkill here by using 30# roofing felt over the old floor as a moisture retarder.
That's about all I can provide as I don't deal with basements(let alone houses older than 40 years) and rarely see them here on the SW Florida coast. Hopefully others here can help further that live in a climate similar to yours and have dealt with your conditions before. Where are ya callin' from?
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I'm from New Jersey, house is about 90 years old. I want to go overtop the old to avoid tearout (it's football season), but I may have to as 1/2" plywood plus 3/4" hardwood would raise floor level too high (or should I say make doors too low). I appreciate the input, Ken, but doesn't it seem like the 1/8" gaps took 90 years to find a comfortable spot, and they'd have found it by now, or is my mind working overtime to my own advantage again. The only reason I was thinking of putting 1/4" lauann down was for a nice flat surface, although you're point is well taken.
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Tom:
The Nat'l Wood Flooring Assoc(NWFA) has a special number you can call to get in touch with some tech people. The cost is 50 cents per minute at 1-500-443-WOOD. I'm quite sure they won't approve of your idea and mine may be questionable as they may recommend a thicker plywood. Also ask about the dampness in the basement. Do yourself a favor and spend a good ten minutes with them. Sure beats having the same problem over again.
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Will do, Ken. I really appreciate your time and advice.
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I'd like to install a new hardwood floor right on top of my existing hardwood floor. Basement below has some dampness, there's no insulation or suvflooring or vapor barrier present. I would prefer new flooring to go in same direction. Is that O.K.? Should I put lauann down first? Building paper? Insulation? Help!-Thanks!