I just got a new house and want to put in a laminate floor. I'm a bit confused about a few things, though:
- Can I install it over my existing floor?
- If yes, what kind of underlayment do I need?
- Also, do I need a moisture barrier under the underlayment, considering that my floor is already insulated from the crawl space? I'm worried it might trap moisture.
Here's the current situation with my flooring from top to bottom:
- Damaged laminated parquet floor (but it's still flat)
- Green softboard subfloor plates (compressed)
- Wooden subfloor with planks on top
- Reflective insulation foil (from the crawl space)
- Air gap (crawl space)
- Reflective insulation foil (from the crawl space)
- Ground.
2 Answers
Most new laminate flooring comes with underlayment already attached, so you usually don't need to buy extra. As for moisture barriers, you don’t need one because laminate is quite water-resistant. It can handle some moisture without damage, unlike some other flooring types. You're good to go just as long as you're not putting it in a wet area!
In my experience, it's best to remove any damaged material before putting in a new floor. If the laminate is really worn down, take it out and check the condition of the underlayment underneath. That'll give you a clearer idea of what you're working with!
Sorry for the confusion earlier! I meant to say my green boards are actually softboard subfloor plates, and they're pretty much flattened now.
Just a note: don't confuse laminate with vinyl or LVT! Laminate can be sensitive to water and can warp if it's too damp!