I’ll be installing hardwood floors throughout in my new home – 3/4″ Solid Hickory. I’d like to use an underlayment that’s doesn’t offgas VOC’s. What options out there have people had success with? Has anyone used cork? If so, what was the thickness? I read somewhere that cork should be adhered to the floor sheathing before laying the floor down… is that necessary with the regular nailing pattern used for hardwood? Again, I’m trying to stay away from offgassing products… if adhesive is needed, what products have people used with cork [with success] that has no/or minimal offgasing?
Thanks from Kalamazoo!
Lee
Replies
Have you confirmed that standard rosin paper offgasses? I'm not sure...
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
Justin,
I should have specified that I was referring to 15# roofing felt as offgassing underlayment. I spoke to two hardwood flooring installers and this is what they said they use. I won't be using roofing felt and wanted to find a healthier material. What is 'standard rosin paper'? I'm laying this flooring on my 1st and 2nd floors... there's a walkout basement that will be conditioned space. Do I need to worry about a vapor barrier?
Thanks, Lee
If the space under the 1st floor hardwood will be insulated/conditioned then there's no need for a vapor barrier. Rosin paper is the light reddish-pink paper you have probably seen in the flooring aisle at the store. It's a fairly standard underlayment that the flooring guys should be well aware of.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
Thanks. I'll research that product.