September 1, 2022
What’s Up With the Blue Floor In Our Brownstone Renovation?
WHY IS THE SUBFLOOR BLUE?
The subfloor has been treated with a moisture barrier product—Wakol PU-280 Moisture Barrier—to prevent moisture from making its way into the hardwood. We’re installing it early on in the project because we wanted a continuous layer of protection from moisture before we begin our framing. It’s a preventative measure we’re taking to protect the hardwood floor—and it just happens to be blue. It’s easy to apply—it only took about two hours and a couple of rollers to cover the entire subfloor. And after framing is done, we’ll apply a second coat.
IT'S NOT OVERKILL—IT’S PREVENTION
One of the biggest things we see in new home projects is that hardwood comes in at a particular moisture content and then the subfloor may be a different moisture content level. Problems can arise when there’s an imbalance between the two surfaces—typically you’ll see cupping or crowning of the hardwood floor. It’s crucial to be within the target balance of both surfaces so the hardwood doesn’t actually absorb moisture from the subfloor and then create problems.
So, it’s not overkill of putting the vapor barrier on top of the soil under our subfloor and then adding a moisture barrier product on top of the subfloor—it’s all about taking preventative measures to ensure this home will be free of moisture issues.
It’s time to discover what NS Builders can intentionally design and build for you! Contact us today to get started on your custom dream home. Together, we can make it happen.
—Nick Schiffer