Today’s Homeowner Radio Podcast | October 8, 2022

This week, hear how to insulate around recessed lighting, plus the best options for vinyl floor underlayment. (3 Echoes Content Studio/psahota, Getty Images)


Hour 1

Hear underlayment options for vinyl plank flooring, a tip for insulating around recessed lights, and more.


Underlayment for Vinyl Plank Flooring

vinyl plank flooring with a cork underlayment
The proper underlayment for vinyl plank flooring will block out moisture and serve as insulation. (psahota, Getty Images)

Paul in Illinois wants to replace the carpet on the lower level of his tri-level home with vinyl plank flooring. This level is on a concrete slab, and the floor gets very cold in the wintertime.

He wants to know if he can put a quarter-inch or half-inch high-density foam board under the flooring to act as insulation between the concrete floor and the flooring.

“Will that cause problems with trapping moisture under that?” he asks.

Having existing carpet there will be a pretty good test of moisture accumulation. If you pull the carpet up and don’t see signs of moisture damage, he should be fine.

In terms of putting anything dense over the slab, any layer will certainly help insulate it a little bit. A quarter-inch underlayment, glued and screwed down properly, will work well, and some would even say it’s overkill.

Check with the vinyl floor manufacturer first. Some are very specific about what types of underlayment to use. Some will allow a very thin underlayment, no more than an eighth of an inch, and others don’t recommend one.

Vinyl plank flooring doesn’t have

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Best Ways to Beautifully Illuminate Your Outdoor Space

With just the right set of lights, you can effectively make your outdoor space feel more functional and welcoming, whether you want to extend summer with warmer temperatures or just intend to host an extravagant, awesome dinner party. While it may prove difficult to know exactly where to begin, there are numerous lighting options available that can make choosing easy for you.

The right outdoor lighting design will allow you to quickly trigger interest in a patio space by creating warmth and ambiance in a shadowy outdoor corner. Additionally, you can draw attention to your garden pergola while highlighting other desirable features, such as your favorite plant collection.

However, to avoid the complexities and dangers of handling electrical wiring yourself, it’s best to hire a licensed electrician like Grand Wall Electric to ensure the work is done safely and efficiently. Below are some of the best outdoor lighting ideas to help you navigate the options available in elevating your outdoor space when the sun sets:

1. Go for Modern Wall Front Door Lights

You can agree that all your front gardens will eventually need illumination when the sun goes down and the night finally sets. This is especially true for your front door. However, you shouldn’t go for one light when you have the option of two, as symmetry is always more appealing.

If you intend to make a stylish statement, consider integrating modern black wall lights that lie against your white-cladded walls. Additionally, these exposed bulbs will create that

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