Water-Resistant Polyethylene Subfloor Systems

Polyethylene flooring systems that are specially designed for use over concrete floors can alleviate moisture problems associated with placing wood sub-flooring in direct contact with concrete slabs. The systems are made of a molded polyethylene base. The base prevents the migration of moisture, while its undulating, raised pattern (one pattern resembles plastic cleats while another is zig-zag) creates an airspace between subfloor and concrete.

	Polyethylene and wood sub-floor systems, by preventing moisture transmission through the basement flooring, resist moisture.

Initial Cost  

More than conventional plywood or OSB subflooring. Material cost for polyethylene tongue-and-groove subfloor is about $1.25 to $1.50 per square foot.

Operational Cost  

Not Applicable

Because the sub-floor system does not support loads or span between joists, the building code does not address these systems.

Not Applicable

The tongue-and-groove product is installed without nails, screws, or glue.

Manufacturers of the two products currently available provide a 25-or 30-year limited warranty against product defects. Installation must be performed according to manufacturer instructions. One distributor offers a lifetime limited warranty.

By eliminating direct contact with concrete, basement sub-floor systems reduce the likelihood of degradation of the flooring due to moisture. The added airspace between flooring material and concrete contributes to increased comfort of the finished space.