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Do I Need to Seal a Concrete Floor Before I Lay Down the Padding?

Installing carpeting over a concrete floor creates a cushioned and more comfortable surface for the floor. A carpet pad adds to the warmth of an otherwise cold surface and prolongs the life of the carpet. When installing padding and carpeting over concrete, the floor must be free of moisture to avoid the possibility of mold or mildew growth. Check the moisture level of your room and take proper steps before installing your padding and carpet to ensure a successful installation.

  1. Concrete Floors

    • Concrete is a porous substance that allows moisture to be transmitted through to the surface. Moisture becomes of particular concern when the home has a basement, since the flooring as well as the walls of the basement are influenced by groundwater, drainage issues, leaking pipes and flooding. If your home is free of moisture, you do not need to use special products or techniques when you install your carpet. But, to prevent the formation of mold and mildew, you need to address moisture issues.

    Basement Floors

    • Concrete floors that are below grade in a basement are susceptible to moisture that can cause mold and mildew to become trapped in your carpet. Sealing the concrete slab with an epoxy-based floor sealer prevents the migration of this moisture to your carpet padding and into your carpet. The installation of a plywood subfloor or a raised floor system over the sealed concrete provides additional protection for your carpet. An antimicrobial carpet pad reduces mold and mildew growth in damp locations. Natural or synthetic fiber carpet pads are an antimicrobial padding that is suitable for basement installations.

    Ground Level FLoors

    • For concrete floors on or above grade -- the first or second floor -- sealing the concrete slab is not essential, but it does provide additional moisture protection for your padding and carpet. If you are using a glue-down installation on your floor, choose a sealer that is compatible with your adhesive. You also have the option of installing the carpet using tackless strips. In this case, secure the strips using masonry nails.

    Moisture Testing

    • Before installing padding or carpet on a concrete slab, test the moisture content. A calcium chloride moisture test kit calculates the moisture emission rate. A rate of 3 pounds or less is an acceptable rate for the installation of most carpeting. If the emission rate is between 3 and 5 pounds, carpet with a porous backing is acceptable. If the emission rate is above 5 pounds, the moisture issue must be addressed before installing padding or carpet.

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Floors & Ceilings
  1. Do You Have to Seal a Concrete Floor Before Installing Carpet?
  2. Can I Put a Carpet Down on Concrete Flooring?
  3. What Are the Dangers of Laying Carpet on Concrete With Moisture?
  4. How to Seal Concrete Floors Before a Carpet
  5. If I Seal My Concrete Floor, Do I Need a Vapor Barrier?
  6. If I Seal My Garage Floor, Do I Need a Vapor Barrier?
  7. Do You Need to Put a Moisture Barrier on a Concrete Floor?
  8. How to Lay a Carpet on a Concrete Basement Floor
  9. Easy Way to Loosen Carpet on a Concrete Floor Before Pulling
  10. How to Lay Carpet on a Concrete Floor
  11. What Can I Put on a Concrete Floor in the Basement Before Carpet to Make It Warmer?
  12. Do I Have to Seal Control Cuts in a Concrete Slab Before I Lay the Tiles?

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