FLOORING 101 - Subfloor Preparation and Moisture Protection

Before installing any flooring over a concrete subfloor, proper preparation is key to long-term performance. In this section, you'll learn how to prevent common flooring failures, deal with uneven slabs, protect against moisture and mold, and why some underlayments may not provide enough protection on their own.

FLOORING QUESTIONS and ANSWERS

Can I install flooring directly on concrete?

Sure, you can Install flooring directly on a concrete subfloor, but you shouldn’t. Learn the risks and reasons why and how to prevent moisture, mold, and long-term damage to your...

Can I install flooring directly on concrete?

Sure, you can Install flooring directly on a concrete subfloor, but you shouldn’t. Learn the risks and reasons why and how to prevent moisture, mold, and long-term damage to your...

Can foam underlay be used on concrete?

A foam underlay alone typically doesn't provide enough protection when installed on a concrete subfloor. Learn how to protect against trapped moisture, mold, and flooring failure. 

Can foam underlay be used on concrete?

A foam underlay alone typically doesn't provide enough protection when installed on a concrete subfloor. Learn how to protect against trapped moisture, mold, and flooring failure. 

What kind of underlayment is best for concrete?

Installing flooring over concrete? Discover which underlayments offer the best protection from moisture, cold, and long-term flooring damage.

What kind of underlayment is best for concrete?

Installing flooring over concrete? Discover which underlayments offer the best protection from moisture, cold, and long-term flooring damage.

Why do I need a vapor barrier under laminate or...

Even dry concrete can release moisture. Learn why vapor barriers are essential under laminate or carpet to prevent mold, warping, and complete flooring failure.

Why do I need a vapor barrier under laminate or...

Even dry concrete can release moisture. Learn why vapor barriers are essential under laminate or carpet to prevent mold, warping, and complete flooring failure.

What Happens If I Skip Moisture Protection on a...

Think your slab is dry enough? Skipping moisture protection can lead to warped floors, mold and mildew, and ruined flooring. Here's what really happens, and how to protect against damage.

What Happens If I Skip Moisture Protection on a...

Think your slab is dry enough? Skipping moisture protection can lead to warped floors, mold and mildew, and ruined flooring. Here's what really happens, and how to protect against damage.

How to Test a Concrete Subfloor for Moisture

Is your concrete is ready for flooring? Learn how to test for moisture using DIY and pro methods so your floors don’t suffer hidden and costly water damage.

How to Test a Concrete Subfloor for Moisture

Is your concrete is ready for flooring? Learn how to test for moisture using DIY and pro methods so your floors don’t suffer hidden and costly water damage.

How do I level an uneven concrete subfloor?

Low spots or bumps in your concrete slab can create soft spots, gaps, and damage your floor. Learn how to level your subfloor before installing laminate, carpet, or wood.

How do I level an uneven concrete subfloor?

Low spots or bumps in your concrete slab can create soft spots, gaps, and damage your floor. Learn how to level your subfloor before installing laminate, carpet, or wood.

SUPERSEAL All-In-One Subfloor

All-One-Subfloor is the ultimate protection for your Laminate or Carpet flooring. It's Double Dimple design is the only moisture control and subfloor membrane on the market today that lets your flooring breathe above and below the permanent vapor barrier core. It's the perfect solution to all of your concrete subfloor moisture concerns.

Back to the All-In-One Subfloor page.