Real wood floor over bitumen/asphalt floor?

Question

I bought some real wood (oak) to lay over the ground floor of my ex-Council house which was built in the 50's. Like a lot of houses of that age, the ground floor is bitumen/asphalt over a concrete screed. The bitumen is about 15-25 mm thick and, I believe, serves as moisture barrier as well as an 'appearance' finish. The bitumen floor is level but there are some small bumps here and there. My question is:

What is the best way to lay the real wood floor?

Can I lay the real wood floor on the top of he bitumen/asphalt?

Do I need a subfloor?

Shall I remove the bitumen/asphalt floor and replace it with concrete?

Do I need insulation?

So many questions, I know, but I would be very glad if you could help me.

Regards,

Luci

Answer 1

when you lay your new wood floor you will also need to cement it (glue it) ,if the bumps, lumps in the bitumen are only small like a hollow where something once stud you'll get away with it,you start to lay the floor from the centre of the room so mark it out, then once you've done that add to it,you might find that choosing a selection of floor for the pattern then cutting away the un wanted  ends.start to lay the glue screed , don't forget to butt your joints,a wooden floor draws the feet so get some slippers you don't need any thing else

Answer 2

dude the easiest way for you to lay your new floor is to lay half inch marine ply over the screed floor, i would personally fix the ply with an impact adhesive (no nails) so as you dont break the moisture barrier. ( you could s***w and plug if you want but then you will be drilling through the moisture barrier) the ply will give you a solid level base that will allow you to fix the oak with ease, you won't need insulation, but you could get some of that floorboard underlay if you want to and just lay that on top of the ply before you lay the oak. hope that helps.

Answer 3

First clean floor paint with PVA to create a bond, mix and pour ARDIT Z8 self levelling compound over whole area.The floor can then be laid on top of a underlay as used with laminated flooring there is no need to nail .Leave half inch round to skirting to allow for flexing cover gap with a suitable moulding.100% guarantee from builder with over40 years in trade exFMB

Answer 4

you need a professional to asses the situation as the bitumen layer covers over a damp proof membrane which if damaged by nails screws or anything else then you may have problems with damp

Answer 5

Is it a floating floor or a solid floor? If it is floating you can buy special underlay.