Why Visqueen or Floor Sealers Are Important for Pasco and Pinellas County Homes
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring has fast become a favorite choice for homeowners due to its durability, versatility, and beauty. Florida's best attribute, warm tropical weather, can also be a detriment to luxury vinyl plank. Pinellas County is considered the first/northernmost tropical county in Florida which leads to Pasco being called the gateway way to tropical Florida. This humid climate, mixed with lots of lakes and shallow water tables (we have a town named Land O Lakes) leads to extra precautions being imperative to ensure the long-term performance and durability of your LVP. Using a visqueen or floor sealers before laying down the planks is important in preventing hydrostatic pressure from coming up through a slab compromising your lvp. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of visqueen and floor sealers as well as how they specifically, safeguard your flooring investment in your Central Florida home or business.
What is Visqueen?
Visqueen is a brand name that has become synonymous with polyethylene plastic sheeting used in various construction, agricultural, and DIY projects. Originally, Visqueen was trademarked by British Polythene Industries PLC, but it has since become a generic term for similar products produced by different manufacturers.
Polyethylene plastic is a versatile material that is commonly used in a wide range of applications due to its durability, flexibility, and resistance to moisture and chemicals. Visqueen plastic sheeting typically comes in rolls of various widths and thicknesses, making it suitable for different tasks.
In construction, Visqueen is often used as a vapor barrier or moisture barrier to prevent moisture from penetrating buildings. When building a new structure or renovating an existing one, it's crucial to control moisture to prevent issues such as mold growth, wood rot, and corrosion. By installing Visqueen plastic sheeting behind walls, under concrete slabs, or in crawl spaces, builders can effectively block moisture from entering the building envelope. Additionally, Visqueen is used as a temporary protective covering during construction projects. It can be draped over surfaces or wrapped around materials to shield them from dust, debris, and inclement weather. This helps maintain the quality of construction materials and finishes until the project is complete.
Why Visqueen?
Central Florida's high humidity levels and shallow water tables pose a significant threat to flooring materials, including LVP. Visqueen acts as a moisture barrier, preventing water vapor from seeping through the subfloor and compromising the integrity of floor covering (LVP).
Subfloor Preparation: Properly sealing the subfloor with Visqueen stabilizes the surface for the LVP installation. This step helps to lower the risk of long-term buckling, or warping.
Mold and Mildew Prevention: The warm and humid conditions in the greater Tampa Bay Area create an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth. By sealing the subfloor, you can help prevent the development of these harmful fungi.
Enhanced Durability: One should look at Visqueen as an investment in extending the lifespan of your luxury vinyl plank flooring, protecting it from moisture-related damageyou'll enjoy a beautiful and resilient floor for years to come.
Warranty: Most LVP distributors require specific installation procedures be followed in order to keep warranty coverage. Using Visqueen or floor sealers as recommended ensures compliance with these requirements.
Peace of mind: Knowing that your flooring installation is protected against moisture issues provides invaluable peace of mind, especially in a wet climate like Western Florida.
Long-Term Cost Savings: While the initial investment in Visqueen or floor sealers may seem minor compared to the overall cost of flooring installation, it can save you significant expenses down the line by preventing damage and the need for premature replacement.
Improved Indoor Air Quality: By preventing fungal growth, sealed subfloors contribute to better indoor air quality, which is particularly crucial for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues.
What is floor sealer?
Floor sealer is a liquid-applied elastomeric membrane designed to create a waterproof barrier and prevent cracks and leaks in flooring systems. It is typically applied before the installation of tile and luxury vinyl plank to protect substrates such as concrete, plywood, or cement backer board.
One of the key advantages of floor sealer is its versatility. It can be used in various indoor and outdoor applications, including bathrooms, kitchens, showers, balconies, and patios. Its ability to withstand moisture makes it an ideal choice for areas prone to water exposure, such as showers and wet rooms.
In addition to its waterproofing properties, floor sealer also serves as a crack-isolation membrane. It helps prevent cracks in the substrate from transferring to the finished floor covering, such as tile or stone. This feature is particularly important in areas where the substrate is prone to movement or settling, helping to maintain the integrity of the flooring system over time.
Another benefit of floor sealer is its fast-drying formula. Depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, the product typically dries within a few hours, allowing for quicker installation of subsequent flooring materials. This can help reduce overall project timelines and minimize downtime.
Furthermore, floor sealer contributes to the overall durability and longevity of flooring systems. By providing a protective barrier against moisture and cracks, it helps prevent damage to both the substrate and the finished floor covering. This can result in cost savings over time by reducing the need for repairs and replacements.
In terms of safety and environmental considerations, floor sealers can be formulated to meet standards for low-volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
How to Apply Visqueen or Floor Sealers:
First clean and dry your subfloor, start by thoroughly cleaning the subfloor to remove any debris, dust, or moisture.
Apply Primer: Use a suitable primer to prepare the subfloor surface for sealing, ensuring proper adhesion and effectiveness.
Seal Joints and Cracks: Pay special attention to sealing joints, seams, and cracks in the subfloor
Apply Sealer as instructed by the manufacturer across the whole floor
Allow to Cure: Follow manufacturer instructions for drying and curing times before proceeding with the LVP installation.
If using a Visqueen Lay Visqueen: Roll out the Visqueen over the entire subfloor, after step one overlap seams and edges to create a continuous barrier.
In Coastal and Central Florida, where humidity levels can wreak havoc on flooring materials, in addition to slabs with hydrostatic pressure taking proactive measures like using visqueen or floor sealers before installing luxury vinyl plank flooring are paramount. These precautions not only protect against moisture-related issues but also extend durability, promote better indoor environments, and ensure warranties are not voided. By investing in subfloor preparation, homeowners and business owners alike can enjoy beautiful, long-lasting flooring that withstands the unique challenges of Western Central Florida’s climate.