Is it necessary for me to seal the concrete and or install a vapor barrier before laying the carpet and pad? Or can I install the carpet and pad directly on the unfinished concrete slab?
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I am finishing off my basement. We are painting the floor in the unfinished utility area, installing vinyl tiles in the bathroom and carpet everywhere else. The house is a little over a year old and the basement has a poured concrete slab. It is a walk out basement, so part is at ground level while part is below grade. The basement is dry.
Hi Gene and Sue,
You should be able to keep this simple and lay the carpet over the concrete.Though some may disagree,you'll be thankful there is no pad under the rug if you ever do get water as the padding harbors more moisture as well as the odors that go with it.
You should be able to keep this simple and lay the carpet over the concrete.Though some may disagree,you'll be thankful there is no pad under the rug if you ever do get water as the padding harbors more moisture as well as the odors that go with it.
Like matches said you'll get several opinions.
Install pad under the carpet if you dont the carpet will wear faster, use the recycled foam (blue) pad. DO NOT use Jute or foam (like a matress). The blue pad will act as a vapor barrier.
Install pad under the carpet if you dont the carpet will wear faster, use the recycled foam (blue) pad. DO NOT use Jute or foam (like a matress). The blue pad will act as a vapor barrier.
Thanks, I appreciate the information. I am trying to create a comfortable area downstairs, so I will be using a pad under the carpeting. I am still somewhat unsure whether or not to seal the concrete before laying the pad and carpet.
Thanks
Gene and Sue
Thanks
Gene and Sue
Hi again,
I try to avoid the sealing argument only because it seems as though the pros and cons balance each other out.If this is of any help,where I work we have 20,000 sq.ft. of carpet which has been on unsealed cement (below grade) 13 years without any problems.Of course,we probably wouldn't have had any problems if it had been sealed either.
I try to avoid the sealing argument only because it seems as though the pros and cons balance each other out.If this is of any help,where I work we have 20,000 sq.ft. of carpet which has been on unsealed cement (below grade) 13 years without any problems.Of course,we probably wouldn't have had any problems if it had been sealed either.
[This message has been edited by Matches (edited October 07, 2001).]
