Can You Use Roofing Felt Under Vinyl Plank Flooring?

You’ve chosen vinyl plank flooring for its durability, style, and ease of maintenance, but now you’re wondering if a layer of roofing felt underneath will provide an extra layer of protection or soundproofing. Is this a good idea?

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The short answer is: no, you should not use roofing felt under vinyl plank flooring. While it might seem like a clever solution to protect your subfloor or add a bit of sound dampening, there are several reasons why this isn’t a practical or advisable approach.

Understanding the Purpose of Roofing Felt

Before diving into the drawbacks, let’s understand what roofing felt actually is. Roofing felt, often called tar paper, is a heavy-duty, asphalt-impregnated material designed for use directly under shingles on a roof. Its primary function is to provide moisture protection and act as a barrier against water seepage. It’s also relatively cheap and readily available, making it a popular choice for DIY roofing projects.

Why Roofing Felt Is Not Suitable for Flooring

While it’s tempting to think of roofing felt as a versatile material, its application is limited, and using it under vinyl plank flooring is a recipe for trouble. Here’s why:

1. Moisture and Mold Concerns

One of the biggest concerns with using roofing felt under flooring is its vulnerability to moisture. Roofing felt is not designed to be exposed to moisture from below. If even a small amount of water seeps in, it can get trapped beneath the felt, leading to mold growth and potential structural damage to your subfloor. As vinyl plank flooring doesn’t allow for much air circulation, trapped moisture is even more likely to be a problem.

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2. Uneven Surface and Flooring Instability

Another major drawback is the uneven surface roofing felt creates. Unlike a smooth subfloor, roofing felt’s rough texture can make it difficult to install the vinyl planks evenly and securely. You may experience gaps, unevenness, or even instability in your flooring, particularly with click-lock installation types. Ultimately, the felt can compromise the longevity and aesthetics of your flooring.

3. Potential for Odor and Off-Gassing

Roofing felt, due to its composition, can emit a distinct asphalt-like odor, especially in enclosed spaces. This smell can permeate your home and linger for a long time, potentially causing discomfort. Additionally, even after installation, there’s a possibility of off-gassing, releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can pose potential health risks, especially for sensitive individuals.

4. Ineffective Sound Dampening

While roofing felt is sometimes mistakenly used for soundproofing, it’s not a suitable material for this purpose. Its coarse texture and lack of specialized sound-absorbing properties can actually lead to a “hollow” sound when you walk on the flooring. For effective sound dampening, you’ll need specialized underlayment designed specifically for flooring applications. These underlayments are designed to absorb sound and vibration, offering a much more effective solution than roofing felt.

Best Alternatives to Roofing Felt

If you’re looking to improve the performance of your vinyl plank floors, there are several alternatives that are significantly better suited than roofing felt:

1. Underlayment

• Foam Underlayment: Offers excellent sound-dampening qualities while adding cushioning and comfort. Choose from various thicknesses and densities to suit your needs
• Cork Underlayment: A sustainable option that provides good sound insulation and moisture resistance. It can also help to enhance warmth and give a softer feel underfoot.
• Fiberboard Underlayment: Provides a more rigid base for your flooring and can also help to reduce sound transmission. It’s a good option for areas with potential subfloor irregularities.

2. Moisture Barrier

• Polyethylene Sheeting: A cost-effective option that provides a barrier against moisture. It’s often used in conjunction with underlayment for extra protection.
• Vapor Barrier: This specialized material helps to prevent moisture vapor from rising from the subfloor. It’s essential in areas with high humidity or where there’s a risk of condensation.

Choosing the Right Underlayment for Your Needs

The ideal choice for your underlayment will depend on your specific flooring, subfloor, and the overall environment of your home. Consider these factors:

• Thickness and Density: The thickness will affect both the sound-dampening properties and the overall height of your flooring. Density determines how well the underlayment absorbs impact and vibration.
• Moisture Resistance: Choose an appropriate underlayment if your subfloor is prone to moisture or if you live in a humid climate.
• Sound Reduction: If noise reduction is a priority, look for underlayments with high sound transmission class (STC) ratings.
• Ease of Installation: Some underlayments are easier to install than others. Consider the type of flooring you’re using and your level of DIY expertise.

Can I Use Roofing Felt Under Vinyl Plank Flooring

Conclusion

While roofing felt may seem like an easy and inexpensive solution at first, it’s not suitable for use under vinyl plank flooring. Its moisture vulnerability, uneven surface, potential odor, and overall lack of effectiveness for sound dampening make it a risky choice that could ultimately lead to problems with your flooring. Instead, invest in a suitable underlayment designed specifically for flooring applications to achieve the desired results – a beautiful, durable, and comfortable flooring experience that will last for years to come.