How to Insulate Laminate Flooring Over Concrete

Improper installation of laminate flooring insulation over concrete ruins flooring down the road. Laminate expands when it comes in contact with water or water vapor. When the flooring expands, it has to go somewhere; usually this ruins floors. You want to prevent all direct contact between the laminate and the concrete. The insulation underlay provides both a slight cushion and a moisture barrier. If you plan to lay your own laminate flooring over concrete, follow guidelines to protect your investment.

Foam underlay with built-in damp-proof membrane (DPM)
Vapor barrier tape

Instructions

- 1
  Tape large, 2-foot-by-3-foot, plastic sheets in random places on the floor to test for concrete moisture. Let them sit for two days and check them for any evidence of moisture, like water droplets. If you find no evidence of moisture, you can proceed with the project.
- 2
  Place foam underlay with built-in damp-proof membrane sheets on the concrete. Butt the edges of the sheets next to each other and eliminate all gaps. You want to visually see only the foam underlay, and no concrete.
- 3
  Tape up each and every underlay seam with vapor barrier tape. Even if you can't see the concrete, water vapor goes where the eye cannot. The vapor barrier tape prevents any water vapor from escaping to the laminate.

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