Ask the Expert 
Engineered Flooring
QUESTION: We have taken up carpeting from a large area, however the foam backing is glued to the floor. Can we lay engineered flooring over this if we use the proper underlay for engineered flooring first, or is it necessary to scrape off all the foam backing first? It is a smooth surface and will be very labour intensive to remove this foam. Thank you.
-- Carolyn Mundle from Truro, NS
ANSWER:
Yes, if the foam padding is firm, level and securely adhered to the substrate, an engineered floating floor can be installed over it. Don’t forget to use 6mm-8mm heavy plastic ply-sheeting as the moisture barrier when installing over cement slabs. Overlap the seams 4-6” and tape the entire length with an aggressive plastic or duct tape. Omit this plastic moisture barrier when covering plywood, allowing the plywood to breathe.
Expert's Bio
Robert D. Middleton Jr. has enjoyed over 30 years in the residential and commercial flooring trades. He is proficient and familiar with hardwood installations, both exotic and domestic, border and medallion work, board replacements and repairs, ceramic tiles (mortar and epoxy grout mixes), laminates, carpets, VCT (vinyl composition tiles) and 6’ commercial vinyl floors. Robert is the Technical & Installation Manager at LUMBER LIQUIDATORS, assisting customers, corporate and outside store staff with installation recommendations, specifications and product warranty details via phones and internet. Look for Robert as the In-House Installer at LUMBER LIQUIDATOR’S Flooring 101 site.
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