If you are installing your laminate floor on top of a cement subfloor, you will need to use a vapor barrier. This type of subfloor does not have any additional padding, so it is important to make sure that the amount of moisture present does not exceed what the bottom layer can withstand. A moisture barrier, also known as a vapor barrier, is usually a sheet of plastic that prevents moisture from passing through walls or subfloors. It is important to differentiate between each type of barrier and choose the one that best suits your floor. When installing floors or walls in areas prone to moisture or excess moisture, such as basements, ceilings, or tight spaces, a vapor diffusion retarder should be used.
This slows the movement of moisture and prevents damage to the soil. You can also install an LVP with a lower layer attached to the support plate without a vapor barrier. However, when this additional padding is combined with the padding pre-installed on laminate flooring, it can represent a risk and should be avoided. It is important to talk to a sales representative or flooring professional, or review the manufacturer's guidelines for the floor before installing the moisture barrier. If you are worried that vapors from asbestos tiles could pass through them or that the tiles could crack due to the strength of the floor, it is best to consult an expert.
