What Is A Floating Concrete Floor
The term floating floor refers to the installation method but is often used synonymously with laminate flooring it is applied now to other coverings such as floating tile systems and vinyl flooring in a domestic context.
What is a floating concrete floor. There can be issues with different types of floating floor products when laid over concrete. Floating slab as the name tells it resembles a plate that is simply laid over water with no kind of connection between them. Many basement flooring materials like paint epoxy tile and rubber flooring for example can go down directly over the basement s original poured concrete floor as long as the concrete is in good condition. Learn how to use a grinder.
Though it appears solid concrete is a permeable substance that can absorb and release moisture. In most cases though a floating floor shouldn t have a problem sustaining normal amounts of weight. Selecting a flooring to place over concrete slabs begins with addressing some of the most common challenges concrete floors present. A sprung floor is a special type of floating floor designed to enhance sports or dance.
Floating slabs are concrete slabs that are laying over the ground without any kind of anchoring as if it simply sits on it and floats. If you are installing a locking or floating floor not attached to the subfloor just make sure that the subfloor is clean. Typically the floor must be level and uniform within 3 16 inch every 10 feet. A floating floor is a floor that does not need to be nailed or glued to the subfloor.
The combination of the underlayment and flooring raises the height of the floor 1 1 2 in so be sure the extra height doesn t create problems around cabinets in doorways or at transitions to other types of flooring. Floating floors can be laid on concrete but the technique is important. But this direct installation will result in a floor that s cold underfoot. Many floating floors don t respond well to moisture so they may require a moisture barrier to be laid first.
Concrete is a porous substance so moisture can pass through it. Another key advantage of choosing a floating floor over a non floating type is how it reacts to changes in humidity. Use a long level and tape measure to check that the floor is level. Also be absolutely sure that the concrete doesn t get damp because of exterior water problems.
Floating floors can be pieced together like a puzzle leading to a more cost effective and environmentally friendly approach by eliminating smelly and messy type adhesives and shortening the time spent on installation.