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This homeowner in Tacoma insisted I skip the underlayment on her new vinyl plank
She said her last installer told her it was just a way to charge extra and that the floor would feel 'more solid' without it. I explained that on her concrete slab, a 6 mil moisture barrier was non-negotiable to prevent future issues, but she was adamant. I walked away from that job. Has anyone else had a client fight you on a basic install standard?
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angela_dixon2mo ago
My uncle in Phoenix skipped the barrier on his slab to save money. Three years later his planks were buckling from moisture wicking up. The repair cost him triple what the underlayment would have. I never argue with clients on that now.
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the_hugo2mo ago
Used to think a vapor barrier was overkill in dry climates. Reading @angela_dixon's story about her uncle's buckling floors changed my mind. That long-term moisture wicking is no joke. Now I see it as cheap insurance.
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patricia90522d ago
Angela's story really stuck with me too... it's one of those things you don't think about until it's way too late. @the_hugo I'm glad you shared your take on it, because I've seen the same kind of damage in houses that seemed bone dry. That moisture wicking up from the ground is sneaky, it just creeps in over years. Paying a little extra upfront feels like a no brainer once you realize what can happen without it.
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