Installing Laminate Flooring - Damp Proof Membrance

TheGame21

Hi,

Wondering whether someone can help. Going to install some laminate on a concrete floor and have ordered underlay with a vapour barrier. However I have read in some places that I still need a damp proof membrane. Is this true?

Thanks

vansboy

You probably bought an acceptable underlay and wont need a separate barrier.

Have a look at the various types in

http://www.vitrex.co.uk/products.php?subcat=39&name=Underlay

See if one of these is yours. Personally I prefer their Premier Board and a sheet of polythene membrane, as the board is easy to put down and has a good thickness, to help if you have uneven surface. Plus it has some sound/insulation benefits, better than lots of others.

If you check Screwfix
https://www.screwfix.com/c/building-joinery/underlay/cat850024#category=cat850024&page_size=20&page_start=20,

they have several, too.

VB

TheGame21

vansboy wrote: »

You probably bought an acceptable underlay and wont need a separate barrier.

Have a look at the various types in

http://www.vitrex.co.uk/products.php?subcat=39&name=Underlay

See if one of these is yours. Personally I prefer their Premier Board and a sheet of polythene membrane, as the board is easy to put down and has a good thickness, to help if you have uneven surface. Plus it has some sound/insulation benefits, better than lots of others.

If you check Screwfix
https://www.screwfix.com/c/building-joinery/underlay/cat850024#category=cat850024&page_size=20&page_start=20,

they have several, too.

VB

Thanks, the one we ordered is this one:

https://www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk/accessories/cushion-heat-flow-underlay

However on another site I read that even though an underlay has a vapour barrier, you still need the membrane. This is all news to be as in the last house, I didn't consider a damp proof membrance.

JEN22

I had the same and had to have a DPM installed first

cranford

I have installed DPM and they are not too expensive but you also need to get moisture proof joining tape if joints are needed.