Lifeproof floating vinyl plank flooring need underlayment?

[ajfanthony]

Installing lifeproof rigid core vinyl plank flooring in the bathroom , would you recommend putting underlayment down? says its not needed with this since its waterproof but I dont trust it.

 

[C.J.]

Is there an attached pad on the back of the planks? If so then I would not use an additional layer of underlayment. The attached pad is enough.

 

[Commercial Floor Rep]

If you're referencing a plastic sheet under the flooring then yes, it would be a good idea to use a 6mil polyethylene (Visqueen) under the flooring. You should overlap the edges of the sheeting 6" and tape the seams with a 2" clear packing tape. This will provide a bit of protection to the subfloor if topical water gets through the locks. Be aware though that unless you somehow "flash" the plastic up the wall a bit and behind the base board, water could still get under the plastic and to the subfloor via the expansion space around the perimeter of the flooring. Using a good grade of 100% silicone caulk in that expansion space can help to prevent access from water as well.

As CJ mentioned, it's not advisable to put any additional underlayment (padding) under the product if it has an attached cushion on the back of it. This can cause stress on the locking system and cause the locks to fail by allowing too much movement when the floor is walked on.

 

[ajfanthony]

By putting

If you're referencing a plastic sheet under the flooring then yes, it would be a good idea to use a 6mil polyethylene (Visqueen) under the flooring. You should overlap the edges of the sheeting 6" and tape the seams with a 2" clear packing tape. This will provide a bit of protection to the subfloor if topical water gets through the locks. Be aware though that unless you somehow "flash" the plastic up the wall a bit and behind the base board, water could still get under the plastic and to the subfloor via the expansion space around the perimeter of the flooring. Using a good grade of 100% silicone caulk in that expansion space can help to prevent access from water as well.

As CJ mentioned, it's not advisable to put any additional underlayment (padding) under the product if it has an attached cushion on the back of it. This can cause stress on the locking system and cause the locks to fail by allowing too much movement when the floor is walked on.

Would caulk in expansion space defeat the purpose of the expansion space? is the 6mil polyethane a type of underlayment?

 

[ajfanthony]

If you're referencing a plastic sheet under the flooring then yes, it would be a good idea to use a 6mil polyethylene (Visqueen) under the flooring. You should overlap the edges of the sheeting 6" and tape the seams with a 2" clear packing tape. This will provide a bit of protection to the subfloor if topical water gets through the locks. Be aware though that unless you somehow "flash" the plastic up the wall a bit and behind the base board, water could still get under the plastic and to the subfloor via the expansion space around the perimeter of the flooring. Using a good grade of 100% silicone caulk in that expansion space can help to prevent access from water as well.

As CJ mentioned, it's not advisable to put any additional underlayment (padding) under the product if it has an attached cushion on the back of it. This can cause stress on the locking system and cause the locks to fail by allowing too much movement when the floor is walked on.

https://www.amazon.com/Muf-Sheeting...uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
would this work?

 

[C.J.]

That’s more like painters plastic. You want a 6 mil product. Something like this:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-20-ft-x-100-ft-Clear-6-mil-Plastic-Sheeting-CFHD0620C/204711640

 

[ajfanthony]

That’s more like painters plastic. You want a 6 mil product. Something like this:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-20-ft-x-100-ft-Clear-6-mil-Plastic-Sheeting-CFHD0620C/204711640

would this home depot plastic sheeting possibly make a crinkle noise walking on it when the floor is on top of it? if there is a dip anywhere i feel that it would.

Also if its sitting on wood subfloor, could moisture cause mold growth under the plastic eventually?

Would caulking the expansion defeat the purpose of it being an expansion space?

 

[JPfloor]

Sure if the room gets flooded on a regular basis water might find it’s way under the plastic. The theory behind the plastic and caulking is to keep moisture away from the subfloor. If you want more protection consider ceramic tile.

Silicone caulking is flexible and will allow the floor to move.

 

[C.J.]

Vapor barrier is only for concrete substrates. No need if you’re installing over a wood subfloor.