I'm planning to install vinyl plank flooring in my basement soon, but I'm getting mixed messages from various sources about whether I need a vapor barrier. I live in Canada and the product I bought is a rigid core SPC vinyl flooring from Costco. Should I put a vapor barrier down before installing it on my basement floor?
3 Answers
That’s a good question! If the guide says you need at least a 6 mil poly film, it likely means it should have been installed under the concrete slab. But you might still need it between your flooring and the concrete to prevent any moisture issues going forward.
I didn't use a vapor barrier when I installed my floor about 25 years ago, and it’s held up fine! I put it directly on the concrete without any issues, but we did wait around six years after building the house. If I were to do it now, I’d probably add a foam backing over a PVC barrier, just to be safe—it’s not too pricey in the grand scheme of things.
You should definitely check the installation requirements from the manufacturer. They’ll tell you what’s needed based on the type of subfloor. How old is your concrete? If there’s no plastic sheeting underneath, you might have to do some tests to check for moisture. Just to inform you, if the installation guide specifies a minimum of 6 mil poly film, that usually means you'll need it between the concrete and your flooring.