Hardwood Floors February/March 2024

By Nick Mizzone

Among the latest innovations in the industry to serve this purpose are one component, semi permeable, roll-on moisture retarders that offer some moisture protection while simultaneously providing the foundation for the rest of the installation. These solutions can help to fortify the subfloor and aid with adhesion promotion, allowing for a direct application of adhesive and making for the best option to combat moisture prior to a glue-down or glue assist installation.

The latest such solutions also feature rapid setting technology that helps to meet the expectations of time sensitive and demanding projects. Some options incorporate high flow, high strength engineering along with cure times of just 90 minutes. These cementitious underlayments establish a self-smoothing substrate that is ideal for residential and commercial floor finishes alike. When used in combination with the roll-on moisture retarders, a secure system can be ready within just a few hours. When contending with installation over

unconditioned spaces, over wood subfloors, installers are faced with a wider range of products than ever before. These systems allow installers to address potential moisture concerns rapidly, establish an optimal surface profile, and utilize a compatible adhesive. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SIKA CORPORATION

Many options on the market even contribute to sustainable building efforts by featuring solvent-free and low VOC formulas, while still boasting Class II perm ratings that meet the criteria set forth by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). Another layer of value is that the NWFA suggests this type of product as an appropriate option when installing over unconditioned crawlspaces or basements. As an additional measure of proper subfloor preparation, installers may sometimes find the need for a self-leveling underlayment. A durable self-leveler specifically designed for wood subfloor systems can further guarantee that the surface is flat, level, and smooth.

Nick Mizzone is the marketing coordinator for Sika Corporation in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. He can be reached at mizzone.nick@us.sika.com. To learn more, please visit dritac.com.

For additional information about

mitigating moisture, check out the NWFA's Installation Guidelines at NWFA.ORG/TECHNICAL- GUIDELINES/.

WOOD FLOORING INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

Revised © 2019

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the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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