Do I need "moisture barrier tape" for my new dishwasher?

Question

I m installing a new Whirlpool dishwasher. It recommends optional "moisture barrier tape" for wood countertops.

Mine is laminate on particleboard, with "bullnose" edges -- the kind where the front curves 180 degrees all the way around to the bottom, making a semicircle of the edge. It s about 15 years old.

I m removing a 15yo Kenmore dishwasher which has venting on the front door in the same place as the new Whirlpool. I see that there was no moisture barrier tape installed, and I also see that there is absolutely no water damage at all to the countertop s particle board above the dishwasher.

Do I need that moisture barrier tape? Or does the bullnose design protect it?

y · Answer

You already have the unit pulled, putting moisture barrier tape is not expensive nor difficult, but it may just save that counter.

Anonymous · Answer

I doubt it - the worktop almost certainly has a balancing veneer on the underside to stop it warping and this acts as a moisture barrier. It is not down to the bullnose design, it is the fact that the timber core of the board is sealed. If that is not the case you should use a barrier, particularly if the manufacturer is recommending it.

It is much more of an issue for hardwood counters which are often unfinished underneath and then expand at a different rate from their tops.

boy boy · Answer

it worked for 15 years ..if its not broke ..dont fix it

Edwena · Answer

Yes, use the tape.  There is no reason to think that the new dishwasher will not steam your particle board just because the old one didn't.

Spock (rhp) · Answer

you don't need it

Tavy · Answer

No, I have never heard of this in the U.K., my worktops are fine.

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Do I need "moisture barrier tape" for my new dishwasher?

6 Answers