Building and Construction - to vapor barrier or not to vapor barrier

Author

to vapor barrier or not to vapor barrier

Artemis

2005-12-15, 11:21 pm

I am installing a floating floor on the second floor over a plywood
subfloor. The mfg specifies that an underlayment with a vapor barrier
should be used. I don't think it's is a good idea to put a vapor barrier
there and am considering slicing the underlayment every foot or so to
allow moisture to pass through it. I have not been able to find
(locally) an underlayment without a vapor barrier.

Any thoughts on the pros and cons?

--
Artemis

Dennis

2005-12-16, 12:21 am

>I am installing a floating floor on the second floor over a plywood
>subfloor. The mfg specifies that an underlayment with a vapor barrier
>should be used. I don't think it's is a good idea to put a vapor barrier
>there and am considering slicing the underlayment every foot or so to allow
>moisture to pass through it. I have not been able to find (locally) an
>underlayment without a vapor barrier.
>
> Any thoughts on the pros and cons?

Using a vapor retarder here or not will not make any difference. (There's
this rather large hole between the floors called a stairway that tends to
equailze moisture levels.)
My guess is the instructions was assuming a floor on grade. And it's
possible they are looking for this to prevent squeaks. In any case, it will
not act as a vapor retarder so you could use it w/o any problems.

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