Underneath hardwood floors lie concrete slabs, which tend to absorb moisture from the ground. This moisture can be dangerous to the longevity of your hardwood floors and can cause mold and warping. Moisture barriers, also called vapor barriers, help prevent moisture from seeping into the floors. Old Reliable Floor of Cincinnati, OH has been staining and restoring hardwood floors since 1949 and can provide the best moisture barriers for your hardwood flooring. Below, they discuss several moisture prevention options. 

3 Best Moisture Barriers for Your Hardwood Floor

Floating Floor Barrier

If you’re looking install a floating floor (not glued or nailed down), such as wood laminate or tile, a floating floor barrier should be laid down first. These plastic sheets are laid down and the flooring is installed on top, relying on the weight of the floor to keep everything in place. 

Nailed-Down Barrier

Many older homes used nails to fasten floors down. Before restoring hardwood floors that have been nailed down, plastic sheeting must be placed on top of the dirt underneath the subfloor to deter the accumulation of moisture. A special felt paper can then be placed between the subfloor and the new hardwood to ensure that moisture doesn’t reach the upper layer of flooring.

Glued-Down Barrier

Concrete subfloors tend to absorb more moisture than other materials, particularly in climates where humidity or heavy rain is frequent. Epoxy or resin is often used for a glued-down barrier to ensure that the subfloor doesn’t sweat from humidity or absorb too much water during rain.

Moisture barriers are necessary so that your floors and subfloors don’t accumulate too much water. Without the proper safety precautions, you could have to replace hardwood flooring due to moisture damage. With nearly 70 years of experience restoring hardwood floors, Old Reliable Floor will make sure yours are protected from any moisture that might endanger them. For more information about how Old Reliable Floor can help you, call (513) 922-5598 or visit their website.