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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about DMX 1-STEP 2.0
Product Overview
What is DMX 1-Step 2.0™?
DMX 1-Step 2.0™ is an advanced vapor barrier underlayment that separates your finished flooring from cold, damp concrete, protecting it from moisture-related damage.
How does the dimple design work?
The unique dimple pattern creates an air gap between your subfloor and finished flooring. This allows moisture to evaporate naturally while providing thermal insulation. The design prevents mold growth and keeps your floors warmer.
What flooring types can I use with DMX 1-Step 2.0™?
DMX 1-Step 2.0™ is compatible with vinyl plank flooring (≥5mm), laminate flooring, and engineered hardwood.
How is it different from traditional underlayments?
Unlike cork or foam pads that trap moisture, DMX 1-Step 2.0™ features a patented dimple design that allows vapor to evaporate naturally, helping prevent mold and mildew buildup.
Is it waterproof or water-resistant?
It is 100% waterproof and acts as a durable vapor barrier between the concrete slab and your flooring.
Can it be used in basements or below-grade areas?
Yes — it’s specifically engineered for below-grade or moisture-prone environments such as basements
Does it emit odors or VOCs?
No. DMX 1-Step 2.0™ is VOC-free, ensuring no off-gassing or chemical odors for healthier indoor air quality
Does it have any certifications or testing standards?
Yes. DMX 1-Step 2.0™ has been independently tested in multiple categories and meets or exceeds all relevant industry standards.
How thick is DMX 1-Step 2.0™?
It is 4 mm thick.
What is the material composition?
Made from 100% virgin resin and closed-cell foam, providing long-term strength, durability, and moisture resistance.
Surface Preparation & Installation
Do I need plywood or OSB with DMX 1-Step 2.0™?
No! That’s one of the major advantages of DMX 1-STEP 2.0™. Unlike traditional methods, you don’t need plywood or OSB underlayment. This saves time, labor, and material costs.
Do I need a subfloor under DMX 1-Step 2.0™?
No. It installs directly over clean, level concrete (within ⅛ inch over 10 ft), no subfloor
required.
What tools do I need?
A utility knife or scissors is all you need. Each roll includes a roll DMX Joining Tape and 10 DMX Easy Shims for convenience.
Should I leave an expansion gap at the perimeter?
Yes. Leave a ¼-inch gap between the membrane and the wall, following your flooring manufacturer’s expansion-gap requirements.
How do I join two pieces together? Should they overlap?
Butt the edges side by side, do not overlap. Seam the joints together using the supplied DMX Joining Tape.
What if I run out of DMX Joining Tape?
If you run out, use a vapor-barrier tape available at most hardware stores.
Which side faces up?
Install dimple-side down, or remember the quick rule: “Blue side faces the sky.”
Can it go over concrete with cracks?
Yes, for cracks up to 1⁄16 inch (1.5 mm). Fill larger cracks with a suitable concrete repair compound before installation.
How do I cut and fit around posts or corners?
Use a utility knife to trim and fit the membrane neatly around obstacles.
Is it compatible with radiant floor heating?
Consult your radiant-heat system manufacturer to confirm compatibility.
How soon can flooring be installed after laying DMX 1-Step 2.0™?
Immediately, it’s a loose-lay membrane requiring no curing or drying time.
What are the DMX Easy Shims™?
Each roll includes 10 FREE self-leveling shims that help correct minor dips and imperfections in your subfloor. They ensure a perfectly flat surface for your finished flooring.
Should I build the walls first, or install DMX 1-Step 2.0™ first?
For non-load-bearing walls, either order is acceptable and left to the installer’s preference.
If you choose to install DMX 1-Step 2.0 first and build the walls on top of it:
● When fastening the bottom plate through the membrane into concrete (basement or
slab-on-grade), use Tapcon screws dipped in polyurethane sealant. This prevents
moisture from wicking up through the concrete and into the bottom plate.
● If the installation is in an area where moisture is not a threat (main floor, upper floor,
or high-rise concrete), follow the same fastening steps without the polyurethane
sealant.
How do I fasten OSB to the floor if it sits on top of DMX 1-Step 2.0™?
When installing OSB over 1-Step 2.0 and anchoring it to a concrete subfloor:
● Use the appropriate-length Tapcon screws, and
● Coat each screw with polyurethane sealant before fastening to prevent moisture
transfer.
Fastener pattern: follow the “5” on a dice — one screw in each corner and one centered in
the sheet.
For installations over a wood subfloor or high-rise concrete where moisture is not a concern,
use the same fastener pattern but skip the sealant.
Performance & Benefits
How much warmer will my floors be?
Independent testing shows that DMX 1-STEP 2.0™ can increase floor temperature by up to 12°F. The thermal insulation (R-Value of 3.5 per inch) keeps floors comfortable year-round.
Will it prevent mold growth?
The dimple design allows moisture to evaporate naturally rather than becoming trapped. This significantly reduces the potential for mold growth beneath your flooring.
How does it compare to competitors?
DMX 1-STEP 2.0™ offers superior moisture protection, thermal insulation, and doesn’t require additional plywood. It includes free shims and tape, and comes with a 25-year comprehensive warranty – benefits that competitors typically don’t offer.
What’s the R-Value?
DMX 1-STEP 2.0™ has an R-Value of 3.5 per inch of thickness, providing excellent thermal insulation properties that keep your floors warmer and more comfortable.
What is the maximum PSI rating?
DMX 1-STEP 2.0™ is rated for 69 PSI.
Warranty & Support
What does the 25-year warranty cover?
DMX 1-Step 2.0 includes a 25-year comprehensive warranty. If a flooring failure occurs due to a verified defect in the underlayment, DMX will replace both the underlayment and the affected flooring area.
Is DMX 1-STEP 2.0™ NALFA certified?
Yes! DMX 1-STEP 2.0™ is certified by the North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA), meeting all industry standards for quality and performance.
Where can I buy DMX 1-STEP 2.0™?
DMX 1-Step 2.0™ is available across Canada (in-store and online), and in the US (online only). Visit this page to know more.
How do I contact customer support?
You can reach our support team through our website’s contact form, or call our toll-free line at 1-855-501-7837 or email customerservice@dmxmembranes.com.