Calculator
DryBarrier® Calculator
256
sq.ft.
78
tiles
10
packages
- Total Price: $569.90 CAD (before tax)
Preparation
- Correct any bumps, ridges or dips in concrete surface to ensure proper seating of tiles
- Sweep or vacuum the space to remove any dirt or debris
- Acclimatize DryBarrier® tiles at room temperature in the area of installation for a minimum of 24 hours
Tools Required
Work Gloves
Safety Glasses
Marker
Carpenter Square
Tape Measure
Utility Knife or Shears
Sheathing Tape
Installation Steps
Skill Level: Beginner
Time: 3-5 hours for 600-900 sq. ft.
Start in the Room Corner
1
Start in a left corner; place the first tile down with the female spacer snaps against the two walls and the male snaps facing outwards.
Simply Snap Together
2
Place the next tile down flat, then simply slide and snap together ensuring all snaps are properly engaged.
Easily Cut to Size
3
Install tiles in a stacked pattern. Cut the last tile in each row to size using either a utility knife, shears, or table-saw maintaining a minimum 1/4" space from the perimeter walls for airflow.
Create Vapor Barrier Seal
4
Place sheathing tape across all DryBarrier® tile seams to provide a complete vapor barrier seal under your choice of floor cover.
Finished Flooring Installation
DryBarrier® is a flexible floating subfloor system which will follow the contour of the concrete floor. If the concrete floor has dips greater than 3/16” over a 10’ span, we recommend applying a levelling compound prior to installing the subfloor. The durable flat top surface of DryBarrier® is suitable to place finished flooring directly on top, providing protection and comfort; however it is important to follow the installation requirements as outlined by the flooring manufacture which may include specific underlayments and perimeter expansion space requirements. Always maintain a minimum of 1/4” around the room perimeter for airflow circulation, expansion, and contraction. For concrete slabs that release excess moisture cut an opening 3” x 10” every 8’ to 10’ along the room perimeter to promote optimal airflow. The cut-outs can then be finished with the floor grills.
The durable flat top surface of DryBarrier® will support any Laminate thickness including 7 mm with no concerns. Before installing the Laminate ensure the DryBarrier® subfloor does not exhibit any bounce throughout caused by large dips on the surface of the concrete.
Install tack strips on top of DryBarrier® around the room perimeter. To prevent the DryBarrier® tiles from lifting up when stretching out the carpet, simply drive a 1 ¼” concrete nail or screw through the tack strip, through the DryBarrier® Subfloor and into the concrete. Use a minimum of two nails or screws per tile around the room perimeter. Carpet under-padding is recommended to be taped together or it can also be stapled down to the DryBarrier® subfloor.
Depending on humidity levels hardwood may not be the appropriate flooring choice for your basement. Review the flooring manufacturer's guidelines for humidity level requirements. Ideally a Floating Engineered Hardwood system should be used on top of DryBarrier® without a plywood underlayment minimizing height and cost. The plank pieces are clicked together if the flooring has a click lock system or glued to each other but not to the DryBarrier® subfloor.
The durable top surface of DryBarrier® provides adequate support for vinyl flooring however vinyl has an ability to telegraph the substrate irregularities and ridgelines through the vinyl over time. There are vinyl plank and tile flooring products known as luxury vinyl that provide a rigid core (Typically 4-8 mm thick) which prevents telegraphing and can accommodate minor irregularities.
Important: Any vinyl flooring used on DryBarrier® must be at a minimum of 4 mm (0.157”) in thickness.