Do I really have to use a Vapor Barrier under hard word flooring?
Question:I just ripped up the carpet in a room of my single story house. I have a 3 foot crawl space under the entire house. The sub floor looks to be some sort of plywood, which is in good shape. So, must I really add some sort of vapor barrier? What are to he consequences if I don't? My house was built in 1941 and it still has the original hardwood floors, with no vapor barrier. What gives? Is this stuff a scam...?
By the way I'll be putting down 3/4 inch walnut...
Answers:
It MIGHT be okay without it. The vapor barrier is there do to exactly what you would think, keep moisture out and prevent warping. Your call, I'd put it in, though.
The wood floor will be subject to differential humidity as the bottom will be more humid and the flooring will curl upward.
Go under your house, is there a vapor barrier under the house next to the actual floor. If so no need for more. If not consider putting one under the house. Putting down a "vapor barrier" under the new wood may not do any good. If you are nailing down the hard wood the nail holes will stop the barrier from working.
You will be taking a big chance by not installing it. You will have no warranty is the biggest reason. If you find later that you needed one, you will be tearing up all the floors. I don't think it is worth the chance.
You absolutely should but in the vapor barrier to prevent the wood from warping. It also helps absorb some of the sound when you walk on the wood floor (I had no idea about this until we installed new hardwoods in our office a few weeks ago).
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