I am installing laminate flooring – Lowe’s Allen + Roth over a slab. Directions say use a vapor barrier. How important is this with the following considerations:
1. Location is in Arizona. Very dry case you haven’t heard 
2. Slab is 33 years old and in excellent condition. No cracks within the 320 sf work area
3. This flooring looks very nice, was cheap and will prolly be replaced within 7 years. (Wife is always wanting a new remodel LOL)
4. I know some answers will be “just go to the extra expense and effort and do it perfect.” Got it.
5. Looking for the reasonable pro answer considering this is NOT a new house in Oregon.
I know laminate flooring has it’s detractors. Go that, too.
We’ve had lam installed in other parts of the house and it looks fine. Can’t remember if the installers used a vapor barrier or not.
Any other good tips installing this product? Believe it or not I am reading the directions and can follow pretty well. The vapor barrier issue and any other great tips would be appreciated. Thanks!
Replies
Seems to me that the small cost of the vapor barrier would be a small price to pay even if the chance of the floors failure is only 5%
You could alternatively use some sort of sealant on the concrete. But you'd want it to be cured for a week or so before putting down the flooring, so vapors from the sealant don't attack the plastic.
After pulling up carpet, I found a stained concrete slab. Sealed too.
So after discussion with the Home Depot flooring guy, I'm not going to put down any plastic. We talked hydrostatic pressure, Arizona conditions and the fact that the slab was already sealed.
So I probably spent more time jawing about it than I would have putting down a barrier. But at least I saved a few bucks. LOL
Thanks to those who replied.