Moisture barrier under laminate flooring?

[67twinkie]

Looking for advice on installing wood laminate flooring in my '67 Overlander. I will be using a laminate flooring that has the foam underlayment already attached - do I need to use a moisture barrier under the laminate? Thanks in advance.

[Splitrock]

I guess I'd contact the manufacturer of the flooring and do as they suggest for my application.

[Dave Park]

A moisture barrier is needed for hydroscopic materials that are in contact with possibly wet soil - namely concrete and aggregate surfaces. Another time a vapor barrier is needed is when the flooring will be on a surface which, due to condensation from temperature differentials, may wet the laminate.

Your wood floor is not going to bring moisture or condensate to the laminate, therefore a vapor barrier isn't necessary. Condensate can form or collect at the base of the walls, where they meet the floor.

I know that isn't a yes or no answer, but it'll help you decide an answer to your question based on your own needs, usage and local weather.

[Roadrunner]

Good question. I'm getting ready to lay Allure laminate and was wondering the same question. I stopped by HD today and spoke with one of their flooring people. He stated that there was no need to use anything underneath the laminate as it was vinyl coated. Anyone else have any thoughts?

[Dave Park]

It is vinyl coated, but the machined edges are exposed board and are the usual point of failure on the topside if they become wet for any sustained period.

Whenever I have laid flooring I have always allowed a glue to dry (if a glue was appropriate for the brand and application) then applied a sealer to the joins. I did this on my tradewind and no problems.

[67twinkie]

Thanks for the help.