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Question about moisture barriers under engineered hardwood in basements
Can I skip the vapor barrier if the subfloor is already sealed?
4 comments
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faithflores7mo ago
After sealing my concrete subfloor with Drylok last spring, I decided to skip the vapor barrier entirely. The installer was skeptical but two years later, not a single warp or buckle in the flooring. My basement stays surprisingly dry for being in a humid climate, so that extra layer felt redundant. I remember reading that engineered hardwood is more stable than solid, which gave me confidence. Honestly, if your sealant is high quality and properly applied, you might save yourself the hassle and cost.
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spencer_park267mo ago
But what about long-term moisture migration through the slab? Drylok seals the surface well, but concrete constantly wicks ground moisture vapor upwards. Skipping a barrier means that vapor can still reach your flooring over time, compromising adhesives or causing mold. Engineered hardwood is more stable, but it isn't immune to slow moisture damage lol. I've seen cases where omission led to cupping and musty odors after five or six years, not just two. Your dry basement might be an exception, but that vapor barrier is usually cheap insurance against a much costlier fix.
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sarah_fisher497mo ago
Faithflores, no warps after two years... but what about spencer_park26's five-year moisture concern?
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