RaceDeck Install

[KPS18]

I'll be pulling the trigger but not sure when. Question is: has anyone used the thin foam underpayment associated with floating floors, I know people are using landscape fabric as I will be doing the same but wanted to add the foam under the fabric in addition. There are a few thoughts that come to my mind on using it but wanted some thoughts/opinions here as well. Looking for racedeck to chime in as well, thanks.

 

[albaran]

I have Racedeck and didn't use anything under it. The theory is that there is a "clacking" sound without it. I never experienced anything like that and think it is unnecessary. I would think that foam and fabric would give you a weird spongy feel.

 

[66HertzClone]

I did not use anything under mine, my thinking at the time was because I used the FreeFlow tiles where the daily drivers park, I might end up with leaves or other stuff that does end up in there, stuck in the fabric. A leaf blower does an excellent job for me when it comes time to clean it up.

I'm not sure the foam would be a good choice, does it hold water? If so, you might have an issue with mold developing as air circulation might not be optimum.

 

[zeeway]

I used landscape fabric under mine and it works well. The foam would have an issue with moisture from rain runoff, I would think.

 

[driverinmyhead]

I used the foam. My flooring is not race deck, but one of those generic companies. (Big Decking, Big Dog, something?)

Have had ZERO problems. Love the flooring and it was DIRT cheap 2-3 years ago. Enough to do a 2 car garage was under a grand.

Attached is a pic of the foam I used (For laminate floors). Worked fine. I need to pull up the floor soon (installing it in the "Showroom" area of my new shop). I will let everyone know if there are any problems (mold, etc).

 

[Shea]

Do not use foam if this is going in a garage. It will hold moisture, mildew, and can end up smelling after a while.

 

[James-W]

I didn't use anything under my mine. I do have a slight "clicking" sound when I walk on the floor, but it isn't very loud and I do not find it to be objectionable. Besides that, if you are playing the radio you most likely won't hear the "clicking" sound anyway.

 

[driverinmyhead]

I used "Big Floors". 400 SqFt + edges and transitions was $853.80. Of course that was 2-3 years ago...

Foam has not been a problem. Again, will look when I pull it up soon.

 

[PsRumors]

Not sure how it would work for Racedeck but when we finished the garage for bedrooms the wife wanted laminate flooring. The underlayment was expensive so I used 1/8" blue insulated board. The really thin stuff. Taped the seems and made sure it was flat. 15 years later we have turned the garage back into a garage. The stuff held up very well. We never had any word smells.

Just a thought.

 

[KPS18]

Ok, all great feedback and thank you very much. Like I said there were a few thought come to mind but wanted to get feedback here first. I too am concerned about the water and growth issue, if it stays wet and never dries then I agree that there would be some growth. It's not a sealed fit and I know water will go between the cracks since I used the sample pieces to demonstrate that. As mentioned by another reply I too was concerned about how it would feel as far as being spongy along with the RD cutting into the foam. I think I will just put 2 layers of fabric down for deadoning purpose. Just a thought, I'm not sure it will completely dry either way since concrete typically retains moisture especially in a garage. Either way I'm looking forward to the install. Shipping out today, installing next Saturday. Thanks again

 

[KPS18]

I used "Big Floors". 400 SqFt + edges and transitions was $853.80. Of course that was 2-3 years ago...

Foam has not been a problem. Again, will look when I pull it up soon.

Great, please let me/us know.

 

[driverinmyhead]

Pulled up my flooring (some of it). No problems with the foam under lay. Some dirt and stuff, but no moisture or mold.

Plan to pull up the rest (currently putting up rigid foam, 2x4 framing, then batting in new shop), will see if there is any moisture or damage, so far no problems.

 

[Garage Flooring]

I'll be pulling the trigger but not sure when. Question is: has anyone used the thin foam underpayment associated with floating floors, I know people are using landscape fabric as I will be doing the same but wanted to add the foam under the fabric in addition. There are a few thoughts that come to my mind on using it but wanted some thoughts/opinions here as well. Looking for racedeck to chime in as well, thanks.

DO NOT use a generic thin foam. Landscape fabric works great. RD may have additional products now. Foam is asking for trouble.

 

[KPS18]

DO NOT use a generic thin foam. Landscape fabric works great. RD may have additional products now. Foam is asking for trouble.

Yeah, thanks. I put mine down last week and decided against any foam. I used 3 layers of landscape fabric and I'm very pleased with the results

 

[Garage Flooring]

Yeah, thanks. I put mine down last week and decided against any foam. I used 3 layers of landscape fabric and I'm very pleased with the results

Sorry saw the date and the other thread after the fact. Nice floor!

 

[KPS18]

Just a little update on how the floor is holding up. I finally had a chance to get the car up in the air. To play it safe I decided to use some extra tiles under the jack and stands and I’m glad I did. Two of the jack wheels severely dented one of the tiles and at least one of the jack stands is slightly crushing another. Also it’s amazing how much this floor expands and contracts so I’m glad I followed the instructions on the wall gap. All in all I love the floor, many compliments and even a few possible installs in the future.

 

[idriveahonda]

I'd be a little concerned during the lifting process having the jackstands on a spare piece of tile. They are very prone to slipping (walk and step on a piece and it will slide out from under you), so I would hate to see the car fall while jacking...or worse fall while you are working on it.

Get a 3/4" piece of play and put it down instead, heavier and doesn't slide.

 

[Shea]

These type of stands work great on interlocking tiles. This is a 3800 lb car sitting on a set of Esco stands.

 

[KPS18]

I'd be a little concerned during the lifting process having the jackstands on a spare piece of tile. They are very prone to slipping (walk and step on a piece and it will slide out from under you), so I would hate to see the car fall while jacking...or worse fall while you are working on it.

Get a 3/4" piece of play and put it down instead, heavier and doesn't slide.

Yes sir, I agree 100% and plan to use plywood/OSB. The purpose of my update was to show the effects of the stands and jack on the RaceDeck floor which is why I used pieces rather than taking a chance of damaging my floor, I have no intentions of using the RaceDeck pieces in the future.

 

[KPS18]

These type of stands work great on interlocking tiles. This is a 3800 lb car sitting on a set of Esco stands.

Those are exactly what I would rather use, was hoping to find then local and not have to order them.

 

[Shea]

Yes, they work great. That car has been on the stands for days at time and you couldn't even tell they were there when removed.