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Advice on Engineered Hardwood in a Basement

blivingstone's picture

Advice on Engineered Hardwood in a Basement (post #205401)

blivingstone on Sun, 11/27/2011 - 16:16
in

Hello, 

I am installing engineered hardwood in my basement.  The concrete is dry, minimal chance of water infiltration.  The room is 940 square feet.   I am wondering if I should float the floor or glue to the slab.  I am wondering if I glue, how would the wood expand ?

Also, I have been told people generally don't use subfloors.  Should I consider this ?

I live in Nova Scotia, Canada.  Similar climate to Maine, or New England. 

Thank you.

Brian

-A +A

Have you checked the floor by (post #205401, reply #1 of 4)

by xxPaulCPxx in reply to blivingstone [original] on Wed, 11/30/2011 - 11:33

Have you checked the floor by laying out and sealing a large piece of plastic over the floor?  That will show you and vapor penetration after a couple of days.

 

I think FHB did a nice article about floating a floor a couple years back, do an archive search to see.

YAY!  I love WYSISYG editing!  And Spellcheck!

____________________________________________________

Allure (post #205401, reply #2 of 4)

by Marv in reply to blivingstone [original] on Tue, 12/13/2011 - 13:58

Check out "Allure" from home depot.

You get out of life what you put into it......minus taxes.

Marv

Not enuf info (post #205401, reply #3 of 4)

by Piffin in reply to blivingstone [original] on Tue, 12/13/2011 - 16:58

is there a secure VB under the slab?

Does testing ( 2'sq plastic taped onto crete) show any signs of moisture migration?


What brand of engineered flooring and what do their specs and install directions say?

 

For myself, u;less I can be 100% sure that moisture is not and never will be a problem, I want the floor suspended, say over dricore or other method

 

 


or try this site for the whole gang

http://forums.delphiforums.com/breaktimeclass/start

Engineered hardwood below grade (post #205401, reply #4 of 4)

by Jim_NWFA in reply to blivingstone [original] on Thu, 01/12/2012 - 13:08

Remember concrete is a sponge and always has some moisture in it. How much is the question! Using a concrete moisture meter if you take at least 10 readings and average them and the moisture content is under 4.5% moisture content you should be all right. If higher use bostik MVP = Moisture Vapor Protection. They also have a product that is a MVP and glue suggest you use that. I'm was raised in New England and most basements are damp. Also humidity levels should not exceed 55% and not less than 35% if this happens you may have some concerns BUT engineered hardwood is very forgiven. Best advice is read and follow the mfg installation instructions and you should have no problems.