Hi Anita,

Thank you for getting in touch! You can use water radiant under floor heating under most laminate and vinyl planks but you will need to check the specific warranty of the floor just in case.

The best underlayment for laminate on top of concrete is the one I have linked below. It not only protects the laminate from the concrete but it will slowly absorb and release any moisture that may occur in a way that does not harm your floor.

https://www.builddirect.com/p/SoundChoice-Underlayment–10074922

I usually suggest going with vinyl in a basement if you have had water because it is water resistant. Although you may have only had water in the basement once in 28 years, if it does happen again the laminate would be completely ruined whereas the vinyl should be fine. Please let us know if you have any other questions!

Also is there some sort of heating you can put on the cement then the laminate on top?

Vinyl vs laminate for the floor in by basement? It is underground. I have had water once in 28 yrs.
Any help is appreciated.

Hi Shannon. Thanks for reaching out to us! Just to confirm, your material has an underpad attached, correct? If it does, then it will depend on what type of subfloor you have. If you have a concrete subfloor, then you would need a MoistureBlock: https://www.builddirect.com/Underlay/MoistureBlock-Vapor-Barrier—100-sq-ft-Roll/ProductDisplay_10575_p1_10076337.aspx , but if it’s a wood subfloor, then you wouldn’t require anything further. Please let us know if you have any other questions!

Hi Mark,

Thank you for getting in touch! The installation of the underlay will depend on the type you choose. With most, you just lay down and tape. Others have a sticky edge included to adhere down to the subfloor. The option I recommend for high moisture is listed below:

https://www.builddirect.com/Underlay/SoundChoice-Underlayment-With-Moisture-Barrier—100-sq-ft-Roll/ProductDisplay_10575_p1_10074922.aspx?bdpdp=new

Please let us know if you have any other questions!

I’m about to do a lamanite flooring in my trailer. Not too sure on how to do the underlay? Which kind would be best for a high moisture area? Also, how do i tack it down? Should I drop of a few nails in it or just lay it there.

Thanks for your time

Hello Ron,

If you’re flooring has an underpad attached then you do not want to add a second underpad beneath. Only a vapor barrier would be needed in that scenario and as long as the flooring you purchased is rated for underfloor heating then that should be fine.

Hello Raj,

You don’t need another moisture barrier beneath the sound pad and the flooring. I would suggest checking if the sounds pad already has a moisture barrier incorporated into it as that is very common. It would save you from using double the moisture barrier. Please let us know if there is anything else we can help out with!