I am installing pergo flooring on concrete.

What I have done is checked that the room is perfectly square and the floor is level... so I am ready to install this floor.

I am wondering why you install underlayment before a floor (what is the purpose) . I would think if somebody dropped something you wouldn't want it to be preserved like water under the floor on the underlayment.

They say vapor barrior but what does that mean.

 

vapor barrior

= layer of plastic sheeting.

 

Yeah , but why do you need it.
What purpose does it have.

 

Google can be very informative - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vapor_barrier

 

Yes , I understand the vapor barrier wiki.

But in my case I am on concerte which I don't want to keep water that I accidentally spill on the floor in the floor by the subfloor barrier...

So I am asking is their any purpose in my case to put it down. (i.e any other purpose)
I understand why they do it for a floor that are on wood or anything else that can be a problem when water is on it.

But for a floor on concrete ???

 

I have seen a couple of installation,not impressed with results,
warping very slighhtly enough to note poor quailty.Looks good when
first installed. Will not stand the test of time as a home.Toeed in
hard wood with nails,only a good do-it your selfer could afford
this project.This quick looks stuff good until your guest see it.
Not Impressed with the new ,new. You need to watch the yankee
woodshop,where wood is wood.Don't forget the dogs shots and
care.

 

The main question is what do I need this vapor barrier for if I am laying it on concrete above ground?

I would think it would have negative affects since if I spill any thing on it... the vapor barrier will hold it in to the wood.

Also if I need the vapor barrier , do you tape the vapor barrier down or what before you start laying the floor (i.e what do you use to secure the vapor barrier to the concrete floor )

 

THe barrier is for moisture,bout if the long term out come will
have rolled edges and not a stable level surface. I don,t know
the answer of a good installation with cheap stuff in quailty,
there may be different grades for better results. Also I am judgeing
great workmen ship.

 

I have found in this area,people are too busy to pat attention.They buy a
new house,then insure it to the max.After they live the good life,If any thing
go wrong they call there Insurance co. It can be done over until they are
happy. Fla have a reopen law,they are having to refund state pool on reopen
account by private adjustor. So If you have the money for the good Insurance
you are ok.The brand name Insuror have companies with names you would not know
so the public cannot see the big policy coverage.If you do-it your self you cannot be a part
of the big money,you need the constractor receits to collect.

 

You will have a lot more moisture coming up from the concrete ,its continuous, than you will from spills. The vapor barrier is to protect the bottom of the flooring.

Take a piece of Saran Wrap, the cling plastic used to cover food, and lay it smooth on your concrete over night. There will be a wet spot under the Saran Wrap.

 

ok, so before laying this floor what do you secure the water barrier (vapor barrier to )

do you use tape since the tack boards are removed when I removed the old rug...

 

Look at this site http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Lay_subfloor_over_moist_concrete_under_Pergo-Floor_and_Tile-1-F2938.html

I Googled; installing pergo flooring over concrete. To answer your original question, the vapor barrier, if you use plastic sheet, is stapled to the wall at floor level. The trim/mop board, will hide it. Don't forget to leave the recommended expansion gap around the edges of the floor. You really should do the moisture test first.

 

so do you staple it on the wall behind the mop board or to the concrete...

because if it is stapled to the concrete I have no idea to do this and what staples to use what tool ,..etc????

And should you stagger the pergo floor because I don't see really the point? It looks already pre-staggered, maybe it would be benificial for strength and support though if nothing else....

 

Staple behind the baseboard and be sure to stagger your joints. During expansion and contraction, the staggered joints offer greater strength against warping and possible separation.