Do I still need to put a foam layer down OVER vinyl flooring-no bubbles, rips, etc.-before laying a laminate?

Question

Trying to put in the snap wood floors w/ as much ease as possible.

Is foam still necessary? Nothing is wrong w/ the vinyl. It's not bubbling up, etc.

Answer 1

Yes you need to use the foam.  It reduces squeaks between the two floors.  Trust me you don't want to do all that hard work and then have floors that squeak.

Answer 2

A most definite yes.. Although it s not a moisture barrier ( you vinyl down now will do that) it provides the "movement" you need to allow the  flooring to expand and concract..It ll help keep the two floors quieter  and more of a "softer" feel.. Roll only 1 section out at a time and lay flooring and next roll as needed, this will help stop you from always tripping and ripping the foam. GL

Answer 3

It is also a moisture barrier. For the 20 cents a foot it costs, take the advice of the guys at the store and put it in.  

Answer 4

the flooring people would tell you yes. I guess that's why they include the foam rolls in the instructions, but my question would be are you laying 1 foot squares or strips of flooring? if you are laying the squares it probably wouldn't hurt. if youre laying the strips it may be easier to leave the foam off. something about the way it goes together, the foam makes it harder to keep tight across a larger area. your floors will be harder without the foam though. less shock absorption.

Answer 5

No I dont think so you can do without the foam layer: best wishes