Tile Moisture Barrier

If moisture reaches your vapor barrier behind the tile substrate it should have the opportunity to evaporate this process is hindered when a second vapor barrier is applied or installed to the outside of the tile substrate.

Tile moisture barrier.

Whether you re laying tile hardwood flooring or laminate flooring underlayment is an essential moisture barrier that also provides insulation and sound absorption. Floating floor installations when installing laminate or other floating floors over cement vct ceramic tiles or kitchen vinyl use 6 mil poly sheeting plastic as the moisture barrier. Nance carpet and rug versapad 180 sq. Some underlayments have a built in moisture barrier.

Omit plastic when covering bare wood subfloors thereby allowing the subfloor to breathe. In this case there is less breathability to encourage evaporation which ultimately could cause mold growth. These are typically used for floating floor applications. There are a variety of underlayment types including foam and cork underlayment plywood hardboard and cement board.

I still recommend installing a vapor barrier behind the substrate and if you plan on installing a steam generator you will definitely need a vapor barrier. Need help deciding on underlayment type.