How To Prep Concrete For A Floating Floor

The steps in this guide on how to install vinyl plank flooring on concrete are quite easy to follow.

How to prep concrete for a floating floor.

Inspect the moisture level check the moisture level of the subflooring using a moisture meter. If you are installing a locking or floating floor not attached to the subfloor just make sure that the subfloor is clean. Doing the prep work before you repaint a concrete floor avoids a peeling paint job later. A concrete subfloor typically requires very little preparation for vinyl flooring.

However laying vinyl flooring over concrete requires a bit more preparation. Inspect the floor and repair cracks pits holes or other uneven patches. How to repaint concrete floors. Also it is important to take time and prepare well before you start assembling.

Vinyl plank flooring with a robust backing has some insulation value but not much so if you want the cold concrete to feel comfortable you may. Prepare the subfloor repair cracks and holes. Use a long level and tape measure to check that the floor is level. Learn how to use a grinder.

Seal all edges with tape. For floating floors it helps eliminate separation and deflection. An easy way to tell whether the floor is dry enough is to place a small piece of kitchen plastic wrap about 12 square to the surface of the concrete floor. Tape a 3 foot square piece of scrap vinyl to the concrete with duct tape sealing the edges tight.

Use concrete filler or a similar floor patching compound to repair the damage. Concrete paint can be purchased in either latex or oil based epoxy enamel. For glue down wood floors good prep makes the actual installation easier creating efficiencies in production. If your concrete subfloor was just poured you ll need to allow it to properly cure for a minimum of 60 days before your luxury vinyl flooring installation begins.

Test the floor for moisture. If you don t have all the tools or you want to be 100 sure you don t waste any material invite a friend over to help you. It has to be level and even though vinyl is waterproof a floating floor always benefits from a moisture barrier. A floating floor laminate or locking hardwood shouldn t be installed over a wood subfloor that s adhered to a concrete slab.

Leave the vinyl in place for 72 hours.