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Remodeling Flooring Design Dilemma

Moisture barrier for carpet and/or padding?

Angie Schottmuller

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

We're planning carpeting and padding for our home renovation. We're on a lake with a dog, so a moisture barrier is wise. The Shaw LifeGuard waterproof-backing carpet looks great. Carpet padding with moisture-proof barrier, possibly breathable, is also on the radar. When, where, and if we should combine the moisture barrier options is my concern. QUESTIONS:

With LifeGuard carpet is a moisture-barrier padding necessary? If no, what padding is recommended?
For lower-level bedrooms where carpet is installed over cement, is a breathable moisture barrier recommended to avoid mold? If yes, will the LifeGuard waterproof-backing carpet prevent the floor from adequately breathing?

ROOMS:

Main Level Master Bedroom and Living Room (high traffic)
Stairs (moderate to high traffic)
Lower-Level Bedrooms (low traffic)

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Comments (3)

User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
The moisture barrier for the HOME should be below the foundation, whether or not that is concrete or conventional foundation. Carpet with a moisture proof padding, or that is moisture proof, is meant to resist moisture from above. Not below. Like doggie pee, or your spilled Coke.

If you don't prevent moisture from entering your home from below the foundation, water vapor from below will pass through the home and condense against a moisture barrier at the floor level, and grow mold there. Moisture management is the single most important construction subject that you will encounter for your home. And that goes for window and door flashing, shower water proofing, or water vapor infiltration from below.
worthy
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
where carpet is installed over [concrete], is a breathable moisture barrier recommended to avoid mold?

Absolutely essential. The most economical system is usually a bubble membrane such as Delta FL, followed by ply or OSB and then the finish floor. Tile and stone can be direct laid, though a crack isolation membrane is cheap insurance against cracking.
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PRO
Shaw Floors
6 years ago
Great questions, Angie. We can certainly understand your concerns with being on a lake and having pets. We would recommend a LifeTouch padding with the LifeGuard carpet for your home. Part of our St. Jude Collection, LifeTouch doesn’t feature a moisture-proof barrier nor does it need to given LifeGuard’s waterproof backing. LifeTouch was designed specifically for LifeGuard carpet and will add comfort to the carpet, extend the LifeGuard warranty by 5 years and donate $0.18 per square yard to St. Jude.

In regard to your lower-level bedrooms, we would recommend an Air Plush breathable moisture barrier cushion. (Also part of our St. Jude collection!) This kind of cushion is plush and very comfortable under foot in comparison with other carpet pads and cushions. It provides 24-hour spill protection and also allows naturally-occurring moisture in the subfloor to evaporate. Please let us know if you have any additional questions!

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