This might be a silly question, because I think I know the answer. We’re redo-ing a family room that is located on a slab. I’m not sure what kind of barrier was placed below it, but I’m assuming nothing (house built in 1971, NJ). I haven’t noticed any moisture, but I can’t say for sure that it hasn’t/won’t happen.
Heat pipes run through the concrete then come up as baseboard.
Anyway, we ripped up the the vinyl tile and plan on carpeting. I want to put down a wood subfloor to cushion my son’s inevitable falls.
Question 1: should I use a 6mil vapor barrier before the Ply goes down?
Question 2: I thinking that I would glue down the ply and shoot nails into the concrete…sound right? Problem with the heat pipes?
Question 3: What type of ply should I use?
I know that vapor barriers are a common subject here, but answers would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Nap
Replies
Plywood attached directly to concrete is not going to have an really cushion affect.
The carpet and pad should do all you need.
Bill,
Thanks for the advice. If there is no actual benefit from laying plywood, than I'm not going to waste my time and money.
That being said, should I be using a vapor barrier to avoid moisture from working it's way through to the carpet?
Thanks again
Nap
make it a #8 pad or better and the kid cand use the floor as a trampoline..
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Thanks for the info.
If I'm understanding correctly, I shouldn't worry about moisture coming from the concrete floor, correct?
Nap
yup...
you colud seal it 1st if that will help you sleep better..
head dowmn to Sherwin Wiliams and get fixed right up...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
An easy way to check to see if you have moisture problems is to tape a piece of poly to the floor with duct tape. Leave it for a day, and check it. If there is moisture on the sealed-in side, then you probably have moisture problems.
Several yeas ago (15+) I enclosed a porch to make and year around room. Floor was a slab bout 15'xx9'. I remember sealing the floor with a clear alkyd seal of some type. Applied 2 coats. Wife bought slighly plush carpet with some type of pad that was made (or recommended) for use over cement floor....15 years+ later ...no problems....pad/rug gave a nice feel underfoot.
I wouldn't use a plywood floor unless you have to smooth something out. Lotta work.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.