Luxury vinyl planks are highly moisture-resistant, but the subfloor beneath them is not. Excess moisture in concrete or wooden subfloors can migrate upward, damaging the bond of adhesive-backed products or creating an environment for mold and mildew. Always perform a moisture test using a calibrated meter or calcium chloride test as recommended by the manufacturer. If moisture readings exceed the threshold, a vapor barrier or moisture mitigation system must be installed before the luxury vinyl flooring is placed to ensure long-term performance.
Ask an ExpertLuxury Vinyl
How do substrate moisture levels impact the installation of luxury vinyl planks?
Substrate moisture levels are critical; high moisture can lead to mold growth, adhesive failure, or plank curling. Before installing luxury vinyl planks, a moisture test is essential to ensure the subfloor meets the manufacturer’s specified dryness requirements.