Had to choose between a full glue-down or floating install on a big concrete slab job

Honestly, the client in Tempe wanted vinyl plank over their 1200 square foot basement slab, which had some minor cracks. I was leaning towards a full trowel-on adhesive for stability, but the moisture test came back just a bit high. I went with a premium 6mm underlayment and a floating install instead to be safe. It's been a year now and no issues with peaking or moisture, so I think it was the right call. Has anyone else had to make that choice on a borderline slab?

3 comments

3 Comments

susanwood10d ago

Patricia's over there guarding that slab like it's the last cookie in the jar. A year with no problems sounds like a win to me.

jason_stone5910d ago

Yeah, I used to always push for glue-down too, but a borderline slab like that changed my mind. The right underlayment can do more than we give it credit for.

patricia3210d ago

Wait, you only used a 6mm underlayment on a high-moisture slab? That seems way too thin for a real vapor barrier. I'd be worried about long-term moisture wicking up, even if it looks okay now.