Trusted manufacturer offers standout moisture barrier solutions
By Joseph Rizzo, Director of Sales for Concrete & Substrate Preparation at LATICRETE
Hardwood has an interesting relationship with water. It is an essential element in a tree’s growth, of course. But once on the floor, wood and moisture do not mix, particularly if the moisture is coming from the substrate. LATICRETE® has engineered a suite of moisture barrier products designed to provide superior protection and longevity for interior hardwood flooring applications. Each one delivers value to contractors, installers, and building owners who seek to incorporate the classic, timeless look of hardwood floors into their projects.
Next-Level Protection
Moisture management between a substrate and a hardwood floor is an essential element of any installation. Water coming from the substrate can spell disaster via warping of the wood, mold growth, and adhesive failure. Additionally, imperfections in the substrate can make for a difficult installation and can affect the overall performance of the installed wood floor.
LATICRETE offers solutions for providing flat, level, and dry substrates. Its extensive range of cement-based underlayments are top tools for applicators who want to achieve a flat substrate with an easy installation and beautiful final results. Its moisture barriers ensure that no damaging moisture ever gets to the hardwood. The brand’s NXT underlayment line includes standard and lightweight products that reduce weight load on the substrate. To that end, NXT® Level Plus Lite is especially valuable for renovations and installations in older buildings or projects where weight is of concern.
Installers will notice superior flow properties in these underlayment products, resulting in a flat and level, dry surface every time, which is essential for a hardwood floor with flawless looks. With curing in as little as 12 hours, the rapid application process delivers significant time and cost savings. Installers and building owners will also notice how the underlayments deliver superior flatness that reduces the need for additional smoothing and sanding.
Vapor Ban: It’s in the Name
Vapor Ban products from LATICRETE perform exactly how they are named: They ban moisture. VAPOR BAN™ E, VAPOR BAN ER, and VAPOR BAN Primer ER are easily applied coatings specifically designed to ensure proper protection against moisture intrusion.
VAPOR BAN E allows installers to place final flooring at 12 hours after the application. Once dry, it leaves behind an impermeable barrier that prevents any substrate moisture from reaching the hardwood floor itself.
VAPOR BAN ER limits downtime with a more rapid installation. Installers can place fina flooring three hours after application, improving the timeline and opening the space sooner. This is especially important in applications such as healthcare facilities.
VAPOR BAN Primer ER, reduces the curing rate to as little as three hours and goes a step further by eliminating the need for a separate primer altogether. Within a single shift, many contractors find they can perform moisture mitigation and apply self-leveling underlayments, streamlining the installation process. This eliminates additional material to be staged and other unforeseen issues that may arise.
The Best Installation Experience
LATICRETE understands the value of proper substrate preparation and its impact on the final product. The brand also prides itself in offering a superior process for the installer. VAPOR BAN E, VAPOR BAN ER, and VAPOR BAN Primer ER are epoxy based with 100 percent solids with limited VOCs.
NXT Level Plus Lite is formulated without respirable silica, which significantly reduces the risk of health issues associated with silica dust exposure.
Both can be applied with standard tools, offering a straightforward installation experience with rapid curing times to keep the job moving forward.
Technical Expertise & Industry Education
A moisture mitigation system from LATICRETE is backed by the brand’s technical prowess and rigorous testing processes, echoing their reputation for proper substrate preparation that results in aesthetics that endure.
LATICRETE also offers educational initiatives that elevate the training and experience of industry professionals. The brand leads webinars, trade show demonstrations, and hands-on training events to ensure installers are well-versed in the best practices for LATICRETE products. The goal, and end result, is a successful installation that installers and end customers alike can appreciate and rely on for years to come, delivering value and peace of mind.
For more information about LATICRETE’s concrete and substrate preparation products, click here.