He said the moisture was high but if I bought 6 mil plastic and taped its seams it would do fine. A: Well, laminates are good products but not when there will be water due to the swelling that can occur with the core board. Also, it is important to take time and prepare well before you start assembling. If the standing water comes from the floor then you know the water cut through the entire piece of wood. The other advantage to vinyl floor products is that they are available in a wide range of looks and styles to compliment any décor. Managing moisture issues under floating floors: Flooring Forensics - May 2017 By Lew Migliore As long as there are concrete slab subfloors, there are going to be moisture issues and challenges. For installation of vinyl flooring you need a smooth, even surface for the underside of the flooring to achieve the best contact for adhesion. You do not want any wet furniture to be left in the house for an extended period of time as it become breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Have you had anyone else look at it? It can be purchased with a number of designs, colors and patterns for an easily customized look suited to either home or industrial use. You have found the leak, stopped it, and repaired it. You don’t want the heat too high, as you could compromise the integrity of the flooring. Fortunately, a variety of flooring materials are water-resistant enough to function well over a concrete slab. A concrete slab on grade is a flat area of concrete, poured directly on the earth or water membrane. Utilizing box fans, ceiling fans and open windows (given that it is not hot and/or humid outdoors) are all good ideas. There are a number of vinyl plank flooring options. Your email address will not be published. In general though, most floor coverings can be installed on concrete if the internal relative of the concrete is no more than 75%. If you have more water than that in your basement, you shouldn't be finishing it in the first place. You should check your plumbing for any visible signs of leakage. Plank flooring, however, is literally a ‘snap’ to install and there’s nearly zero clean-up so you can install it in the basement in one day. We will see! Basements that are wet, or commonly take on water when it rains are most prone to developing mold under flooring. The PH level of concrete sub-floors should register between 6 and 9. But the cost of moisture-related problems can be just as high even with these seemingly “moisture proof” floors. How Much Money Is Wasted Due to Flooring Problems Every Year? Sometimes a leaking toilet can damage floor coverings and underflooring without creating any obvious signs. I was told I needed to determine the source of the “leak or water issue”. Discolored vinyl flooring near or under a toilet is unsightly, but it can also indicate a problem, such as a leaking toilet. Standing water is dangerous because of all of the electrical components that exist within the walls of your home. Unlike Laminate & Linoleum Vinyl is waterproof. Vinyl and rubber floor products have a myriad of advantages including excellent water resistance, easy maintenance, and a natural scratch resistance. I have a vynil installation that after 6 months starts to appear circualar bubbles and looks like an orange skin. Thank you so much for your response and the resouces provided. If lingering for too long, your flooring will be ruined regardless of it being wood, carpet or tile. Be sure to keep the radiant flooring heat under 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Thanks! He currently works with Wagner Meters as our Rapid RH® product sales manager. Be sure to especially check the kitchen as there are many water sources and water pipes in that room. I realize this is a vague answer, but I don’t have much to go on. Even through 4 hurricanes there has not been any penetrating water. The real problem for vinyl and rubber flooring is often in the subfloor, or in giving moisture access to the subfloor. I removed all of the old composite tile flooring in the room, but now I'm stuck with what to do next. So it does happen. If enough water is present, there is a chance for electrocution and it can short out your electrical systems. The washing machine is approx 1.5 mts from the carpet. I called the big box store to complain. My builder is telling me the water didn’t get under the vinyl just running down the seems. The flooring was removed beneath the hot water heater. Vinyl flooring is resistant to moisture, however, if there is standing water around the edges or cracks in the flooring, moisture can easily seep in there. In a bucket, combine about 1 ⁄ 3 cup (79 mL) of a neutral-pH laundry detergent with 16 cups (3,800 mL) of warm water. The standing water can cause the flooring and sheetrock below to be compromised and it could collapse altogether. As close to current state as I have.... so the water seems to be right under this area of cabinets. If there are no signs of leaks in the ceiling or in any other the water sources throughout your home, the conclusion is assumed to be a leak under the floor. The leak in the ceiling could be anywhere. When you step in certain areas it bubbles up between planks and if you wipe it up it smells mildewy. Mop the floor with clean water and let it air dry when you're done. by Also the between the installaton and buckling we had little rain, in fact there was a deficit of rain. … Does the floor have any antimicrobial backing on it? Water seepage under vinyl floor. They did a surface moisture test and said the moisture was far too high at around 5-6% when instructions say it should be < 1.5%. 2. How important is it for the plastic to be taped? Be sure to keep the radiant flooring heat under 80 degrees Fahrenheit. © Copyright 2020 Accutech Restoration. Yesterday, a concrete guy measured areas in the house floor that are bare concrete and the highest humidity reading was .67 of one percent. When you pair resilient flooring types with additional protective measures such as waterproofing membranes or barriers, you can set your flooring up for success. You don’t want the heat too high, as you could compromise the integrity of the flooring. Jason’s article caught my attention and I wonder if I can get some advice about my situation. If you don't have all the tools or you want to be 100% sure you don't waste any material, invite a friend over to help you. Note that regular vacuums are not equipped to hand water removal and using one for such can be very dangerous. They have a rubber wood like flooring and it’s been quite humid lately. It doesn’t make sense to completely seal a wet slab that wont be able to breathe with a vinyl floor. Many times odors on new floors may last for an extended duration and then go away, but there is nothing wrong with voicing your concern. Water or water vapor rising out of a concrete slab on grade can cause flooring to lose adhesion, to warp, and to peel. These may help you to answer the question of whether you should pull part of the floor up to verify any potential mold growth and taping of the seams. The installation instructions do say not to install Cortec over a wooden subfloor glued to the concrete. I went home midday the next day and the guy was putting down plastic but did not appear to be taping it, just unrolling big irregular pieces cut all jagged and overlapping them like a badly made jigsaw puzzle. Begin by inspecting the floor as well as you can. Vinyl flooring needs to have a sturdy, stable sub-floor with very little cushioning regardless of the installation type: glue-down, click-lock, or loose lay. Thanks, the floor is concrete. If the vinyl is covering the floor, is there a way I could check whether there is black mould growing underneath. moisture movement in a drying concrete slab, https://pdmsview.shawinc.com/viewer/doc/5748#:~:text=COREtec%20Wood%20Flooring%20can%20be%20installed%20over%20most,not%20exceed%20more%20than%20one%20layer%20in%20thickness, How Subfloors Affect Hardwood Floor Installation, Bamboo Flooring Problems & Types of Bamboo Flooring, Wood Flooring Moisture Content Affected from the Ground Up, Types of Bamboo Flooring and the Challenges of Installing. You ask many, on various subjects, so I hope to answer as many as possible. I agree with you when you said that the advantage of vinyl flooring is that it has a wide variety of styles that can complement any decor. Plain concrete is typically a dull grey and useful as a floor material thanks to its hardness and durability rather than its appearance. For that reason they are an excellent choice for laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and other areas where moisture is around. I like how you discuss it’s detailed and how testing is important in the installation. summary. Recently I noticed water spots on my floor and realized the trap where condensate drips was not properly installed and when the blower for the ac came on it was blowing water up and out behind the furnace. If the air holds more moisture than the slab, as evidenced by its RH, that moisture will move to the concrete. For any flooring installation, adequate moisture testing is imperative. Before you can repair the leak, you must stop the leak, and before you can stop the leak, you must find it. While the industry doesn’t have all the answers, it can be said that moisture issues in concrete floors tend to arise from one of two sources: 1. About the only way I would know how to determine the extent of the damage would be to pull up an area of the floor and examine underneath. If the water is seeping up through the floor, it could be a result of insufficiently-sealed foundations or there could be cracks in the foundation floor. In reality that is what the parquet wood floor was. The underfloor heating has been on for two weeks now. You can start with an organization like this https://www.nicfi.org/ Good luck. If lingering for too long, your flooring will be ruined regardless of it being wood, carpet or tile. The edge areas of the laminate are more of a problem since edges are cut and exposed. I’ve also asked what the moisture reading was before they began; the evasive response tells me they didn’t check. Also, having your foundation and the exterior of your home inspected can be a good routine to check for cracks. As far as the smell, again, I would contact the big box store and the manufacturer and have someone come out and inspect if it is really something that concerns you. Thanks for the question. Mop the floor with clean water and let it air dry when you're done. Luxury vinyl planks (or tiles) are, in themselves, completely water-proof and cannot be damaged by exposure to moisture. Water seepage under vinyl floor. When I got home from work after the contractor left on the first day, at the edge where I could peek, I noticed no plastic had been put under for as far as I could see for about one third of the total flooring job. It is adjoining a much older slab (which also has a DPM) in the adjoining room (which we have just knocked through). Good luck. Wash away stains with soap and water. But when the unit was replaced, it was put directly on the concrete pad. If the vinyl is covering the floor, is there a way I could check whether there is black mould growing underneath. Thanks for the question. And any existing slab can still be subject to moisture intrusion if it is in contact with leaking plumbing or irrigation systems, ground moisture or excess humidity in the environment. Always check wood sub-floors to ensure that the moisture content is less than 12% using an accurate wood moisture meter. 0. Hi there would you please tell me how much moisture is it gonna be okay with cement slab all Wonder bored- slab and vinyl in the top thank you. When it come to design integrity, the vinyl vs. concrete comparison is where the two flooring solutions begin to separate themselves.Concrete has become a popular material and design look for flooring and wall spaces throughout the retail and hospitality industries—often used in an attempt to add a more industrious look to a space. In an effort to prevent future leaks, you can have your pipes inspected by plumbers to be sure they are all remaining strong and are functioning correctly. In case I’ll have to change my flooring to vinyl, I’ll definitely look for contractors who install them with moisture resistant techniques. Frequently it affects individual unit… However, it can also be prone to moisture that might occur in the subfloor area. Good luck. The items that can be dried and saved should be put in direct sunlight. Water is necessary to complete the chemical process; without water, it wouldn’t be concrete. Some vinyl floor products include limestone or fiber additives or backings that increase their durability and chip resistance or offer more cushioning underfoot. I don’t care how waterproof this flooring is. I can only guess that the one you reference from the manufacturer is moisture content, but I can’t be sure. They didn't lay the floor and said it might take 6 months to dry. Vinyl flooring has increased well beyond the … Changes in the surrounding environment can have a major impact on moisture levels within the concrete slab. The installation company has a different opinion. Where the water seems to be under the floor .... To the left you can see the closet under the stairs where I could get access to the edge of the flooring without pulling everything up. Because both vinyl and rubber floorings are naturally impervious to water, it would seem that moisture testing for rubber or vinyl flooring applications might be unnecessary. Generally speaking, vinyl flooring won't be damaged by normal amounts of water on its surface, and it shouldn't be damaged by occasional dampness on the concrete slab below. The combination of polyurethane top layer and fiber backing give it better flexibility for both installations and for comfort. They are typically durable and long lasting and come in a variety of applications to suit almost any location. A concrete floor seems like the perfect base for a vinyl floor installation. With this you simply turn all of your water sources off so that the home is not using a single ounce of water. If you prove the standing water is a result of a leak within the home, then you will need to quickly shut off the water source to the home. You will want to remove any objects affected by the water leak. My home was built in 1986 with parquet flooring installed in the living room and diningroom. Good luck. It was installed over the parquet in the LR & DR and on the concrete subfloor in the other carpeted rooms. Your email address will not be published. Thanks . You can start by looking around your toilets, under your sinks, and in the bath/shower. If you have more water than that in your basement, you shouldn't be finishing it in the first place. Now there are a couple more planks buckling in another areas of the LR. First, you don’t mention any real cosmetic or performance issues with the floor at this point. It could be moisture, it could be adhesive, it could be vinyl, it could be an installation issue, or a combination of any of these three. The next thing you can do is use the “check your water meter” method as suggested by EPA.gov. Tile floors are not for the faint of heart or casual DIY fan. Accutech Restoration For this reason, a professional should scope out the situation before you enter freely if you do in fact live in a multi-level establishment. Because where the rubber meets the road, moisture can still jeopardize your installation. Remember that mold and mildew can bloom within 24-36 hours so this step is crucial. The flooring company came today to lay Quickstep Pulse click vinyl wood-effect (plank shape) flooring with basic underlay. The ASTM F2170 recommends in situ probes for RH testing. How would it damage the floor? In a new slab, if the concrete has not dried internally to the levels acceptable for the particular flooring and/or adhesive used, moisture will continue to work its way to the surface under the applied flooring. Mold often grows in hidden places. If your house has flooded, there will likely be mud and silt trapped in the crevices and corners of your floor. A concrete floor may need a moisture barrier before vinyl flooring can be installed. Thanks . The company pulled them up and told me there was moisture trapped under the parquet. Four months later I’m getting whiffs of mildewed vinyl smell. To seal concrete floors that have been exposed to moisture, begin by inspecting the floor to determine how damp it is. As far as the concrete moisture scales you mention, none of them are concrete RH%. The other advantage to vinyl floor products is that they are available in a wide range of looks and styles to compliment any décor. Thanks all for the replies. If you have wood floors the water can damage them so badly by creating a black in color finish if the water seeps in deep enough. I lived in the home since 2004 with no sign of any moisture related issues. This allows it to grow unchecked for quite a while, until eventually it is discovered, and by then there is often a very large amount of mold, making it difficult and costly to eradicate. Additionally, depending on how long the water has been on the floor, it can cause severe water damage, mold and mildew growth, destroy your drywall, and cause wood to warp. They are typically durable and long lasting and come in a variety of applications to suit almost any location. Then you check your water meter. Time to investigate! Additionally, depending on how long the water has been on the floor, it can cause severe water damage, mold and mildew growth, destroy your drywall, and cause wood to warp. What are our options if it is still just as damp several months down the line? The soapy water will remove most stains, but may not be effective on tough gr Cant mold grow under any floating floor with a moist slab? If I can’t afford to buy the appropriate meter, who would have one ( a flooring company?) However, the salesman and company are working with me to find the cause and solution. It is crucial to act fast to salvage as much as you can of your flooring and your home altogether. In a loose-lay or floating installation, those seams provide spaces for moisture to seep down through the seams and either enter the subfloor or sit between the subfloor and the flooring affecting both the product, the subfloor and the adhesive used to connect the two. Thanks for the questions. Generally speaking, vinyl flooring won't be damaged by normal amounts of water on its surface, and it shouldn't be damaged by occasional dampness on the concrete slab below. Thanks, the floor is concrete. Stopping the flow of water will at least prevent more water from escaping from the source. The majority of commercial and industrial buildings are constructed with a concrete substrate laid over prepared soil, called slab-on-grade. Concrete sub-floors must register "dry" using a reliable concrete moisture meter. Common causes are leaks in the ceiling or a crack in the exterior of the home which both permit water to enter. So first, look for any signs on the ceiling for water damage. The parquet was absorbing the moisture and buckling since the Cortec was vinyl and trapping it. It’s often been said that water is the homeowner’s worst nightmare. Water damage through the ceiling is somewhat common in Florida so your Sarasota home very well may have a leak somewhere in it. They spoke with the contractor and he insisted he had put down plastic. This is where flooring – wood, carpet, tile, – is laid in residential construction. Textures like round stud or diamond grip increase the traction level of foot traffic while still having an industrial-standard resistance to wear and damage. The concrete mix itself, in the event the slab is insufficiently cured or is otherwise holding moisture. The steps in this guide on how to install vinyl plank flooring on concrete are quite easy to follow. In a bucket, combine about 1 ⁄ 3 cup (79 mL) of a neutral-pH laundry detergent with 16 cups (3,800 mL) of warm water. Wait 2-3 hours and check the meter again. If at any point you notice a bulge in the flooring of your home, it is safe to say you have found the source of where the water is coming from as this is an indicator. In my opinion, with the moist, humid environment created by the WPC, the likelihood of mold increases. The subfloor itself – Because rubber and vinyl products are so well suited to damp or humid conditions, they are often applied directly (or indirectly) over concrete or other sub floors. I’ve had a large fan and dehumidifier running but how do I know if water got under the plank and mold is forming or has formed? Flooring in this class is usually waterproof and made entirely from vinyl, although some boards are billed as water-resistant as well. We had also had a brand new furnace installed prior to that in the same room. In a fiber-backed product, it is easy to see how this can also cause warping, buckling, swelling or even lead to mildew. https://pdmsview.shawinc.com/viewer/doc/5748#:~:text=COREtec%20Wood%20Flooring%20can%20be%20installed%20over%20most,not%20exceed%20more%20than%20one%20layer%20in%20thickness. But if that subfloor is not dry to acceptable levels, the reality is that product and/or adhesive is at risk of a flooring failure. The soapy water will remove most stains, but may not be effective on tough gr Good luck. Vinyl flooring is made to be waterproof, not just water … Rubber flooring provides a slip-resistant surface that holds up very well under heavy foot traffic. Leaking pipes often project a strange hollow, hissing sound. In August, 2019 I installed CorTec flooring throughout the house. When installing a rubber or vinyl floor, moisture testing is just as, or even more, important than it is with any other flooring product. Is this a wood or concrete subfloor? So the slab itself appears dry, at least in the areas not covered by the vinyl. The vinyl plank does not extend all the way under the furnace. Vinyl and rubber floor products have a myriad of advantages including excellent water resistance, easy maintenance, and a natural scratch resistance. I called the store again to complain and they spoke with him and they said he claimed to have taped it. The room is in the basement and there is a drain that the water would have tried to flow to. Vinyl flooring has increased well beyond the standard sheeting in the range of floor products available. Thanks for the email. Finding the source of the standing water can prove to be a nuisance. It can even damage the concrete itself and corrode steel reinforcements within the concrete. We may share your information with our social media, advertising, and analytics partners. Because both vinyl and rubber floorings are naturally impervious to water, it would seem that moisture testing for rubber or vinyl flooring applications might be unnecessary. The first step in drying out your home is to make sure the humidity in the room is not too high, the temperature is low, and the air is circulating. Hello, Learn how your comment data is processed. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This is one of the questions that people discuss with the increased interest and usage of WPC flooring. What's more, installing them is something you can easily do on your own. The plug is temporary and intended to act as a band aide for the time being. My concrete guy said his meter only reads concrete and wood. However, when LV is installed over concrete, there is a possibility that moisture under the floor – whether it seeps down from above or is emitted from the … I think the first thing I would do is review the installation guidelines and see how this installation aligns with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Thanks for the question. If you find the leak to be in a specific pipe then shut the water off to that pipe. Again, many people think that standing water is due to it coming through the floor and while it might have, you must also check the ceiling. The water can even cause the glue on the tiles to be destroyed. We use cookies to personalize your shopping data and ads. Scrub woodwork with a brush and detergent before floors are dry. I just discovered this yesterday. This potentially could have been happening for two summers. Not all leaking toilets merely leave puddles on the floor. Best Answer We had vinyl flooring over a concrete slab, a slab which cracked all the time because it wasn't poured as thick as code required; so moisture came up through the cracks in the slab and caused the vinyl flooring to mildew. What should I do? Unfortunately, you really need to check with the manufacturer of the products you are utilizing in order to get the maximum moisture thresholds. Rubber flooring is available in either tiles or sheets and can be applied with glue, for a movement-free flooring, or as “loose lay,” attached with double-sided tape for quick removal if required. Powered by Virtual Vision Computing, LLC, All-in-One Website. If lingering for too long, your flooring will be ruined regardless of it being wood, carpet or tile. If not caught very quickly, there will be no chance of repairing the hardwood floor. You’ll also find two variants of luxury vinyl flooring with SPC and WPC planks, which are unique in their own right Depending on the depth of the standing water you may want to utilize a wet vacuum to suck up the bulk of the water. This is true whether it’s a new or existing structure, on or below grade. Get free shipping on qualified Concrete Water Resistant Under $1.00 Vinyl Plank Flooring or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Flooring department. Do you think it’s worth my time and effort to do what I probably should have done at the onset- tear up some floor in the one room the worker insisted he did to find out did he actually put plastic? Beneath continuous flooring, moisture can also cause ripped or separate seams, air bubble efflorescence deposits, and other deterioration. Spread the soapy water over the concrete floor and scrub it with a stiff-bristled brush. can I ask the big box store to send out the first guy if I don’t know for certain that I have a problem? How to Seal a Concrete Floor Before Applying Vinyl Tile. As close to current state as I have.... so the water seems to be right under this area of cabinets. This could be in the form of a wet spot, a stain, or perhaps even the leak itself. The water can even cause the glue on the tiles to be destroyed. It may be the adhesive that was used to adhere the vinyl to the concrete, or it could be the result of moisture rising up through the concrete. Mop up standing water quickly, as water can migrate into laminate's seams. Thanks for the question. If the meter did not prove the water leaking was from a pipe or other indoor source, turning off the water to the home will not affect it or stop it. Damp from the ground can make its way into your concrete floor. Copyright © 2020 Wagner Meters|Warranty|Return Policy|Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy, Why You Should Use Relative Humidity (RH) Testing, Become a Wagner Meters Authorized Distributor, Flooring, Millwork, Furniture and Cabinet Manufacturers, Musical Instrument Manufacturer and Luthiers, Building Restoration and Inspection Professionals. Sorry I can’t be of any more help. Is the water seeping through the floor? Ridding your home of mildew and mold can prove to be quite a task and often times means replacement of the floors. Hi. What happens if we lay this floating vinyl floor, with underlay, on a damp surface? In August 2018, I bought luxury vinyl plank flooring from One of the big box stores who subcontracted to install it. How many bubbles have appeared over how many square feet? I’m thinking if I could measure the humidity of the flooring to see if it exceeds the manufacturer’s recommendations (Less than 5 percent), then I’d have a case with the big box store. The other scale from your concrete guy is one that I can’t even make a guess on. If the water has reached edge areas or open seams, thoroughly extract the water with a wet-dry vacuum. Moisture can impact the flooring in two locations: Moisture, particularly in a concrete slab, can come from a number of sources. I would say some type of portable dehumidifier in the environment would probably help. That is, water the concrete doesn’t need to cure. Standing water throughout any part of your house can be both dangerous and costly to repair. However, while the look of concrete is much sought after, the choices in style it provides may be li… Thanks for the questions. Whether you can salvage them or not you need to remove them right away. After working the flooring MFR and your great feedback I have heavily recommended to our client to have the water issue mitigated and that installing a vapor barrier under the flooring material is in consequential and may exasperate the build up of moisture under the sub-floor. We had a new concrete slab laid over a damp-proof membrane a month ago, with piped underfloor heating laid within the slab. If there was moisture coming from the slab we certainly would have seen the discloration or deterioration of the wood. The home is on a slab foundation and there is no exterior sign of any issues? Next, I would probably look for a certified inspector to evaluate the situation. This will help remove the water vapor and will in turn fuel the process of drying the home. A man came out to measure and take moisture readings. Once the water is at a minimum you can use a mop to soak up much of the remainder. Vinyl plank flooring is a great option for on top of radiant heating, especially if you need a flooring that is waterproof! Check your entire ceiling, not just the surrounding area of the biggest water pool. Jason has 20+ years’ experience in sales and sales management in a spectrum of industries and has successfully launched a variety of products to the market, including the original Rapid RH® concrete moisture tests. Where the water seems to be under the floor .... To the left you can see the closet under the stairs where I could get access to the edge of the flooring without pulling everything up. With that in mind, we asked our own Jim Kups, Novalis Innovative Flooring Technical Manager for North America, to answer some homeowner questions we’ve heard about when NovaFloor luxury vinyl flooring (or any LVT, for that matter) and water come in contact with each other over an extended period to time … Additionally, depending on how long the water has been on the floor, it can cause severe water damage, mold and mildew growth, destroy your drywall, and cause wood to warp. If the meter displays that you have used water at this point, then you know there is a leak in the home somewhere. I had to get back to work so I didn’t see if he actually taped it after. This will be contingent on just how much water has accumulated. Many of these questions should be directed back to the manufacturer of the flooring product or big box store. Home » Moisture Meters » Wood Division Knowledge Base » Rubber & Vinyl Floor Moisture Testing. Wash away stains with soap and water. phill99 Forumite. Most vinyl plank flooring produced today falls into the luxury vinyl plank category. How do I determine the cause and remedy? The water can even cause the glue on the tiles to be destroyed. This will speed the drying. Then you’d have to solve a moisture problem before laying your new floor. If so, what were the results? But the cost of moisture-related problems can be just as high even with these seemingly “moisture proof” floors. The soil under a slab-on-grade, in the event of an improperly functioning vapor barrier Seams (if there are any) – Tiles and planking in either vinyl or rubber styles will naturally contain more seams in a finished floor. If you continue using our site you consent to our cookies. Vinyl flooring can either be glued to the subfloor or it can float on top of it, and either way, moisture underneath it causes problems. This can also allow some of the excess water to drain off. Spread the soapy water over the concrete floor and scrub it with a stiff-bristled brush. Were moisture test done on the substrate? The new slab is 4-6 inches thick. Damp in Concrete Floors. So it does happen. You may also be able to have an air quality company come out and take samples. I would suggest a floating LVT product for this area with a good bath mat, but make sure it has a PVC backing and not rubber. In these cases you will want to plug the problem right away if possible and then repair it immediately. Milton, For a concrete subfloor, relative humidity (RH) testing is the best way to get a true picture of the moisture conditions within the slab to prevent any negative moisture impact to the finished floor. (Explanation of the process of moisture movement in a drying concrete slab). Posted A concrete floor with a too high moisture content can wreak havoc on a vinyl floor. Stir or shake the sealer thoroughly, then apply it over the floor with a paint roller the way you would … Required fields are marked *. All rights reserved. Therefore it is necessary to have a licensed and trained electrician assure you that the electricity has been cut off from the home. Another reason water seeping through the floors is such a serious issue is if you have a two story home or live in a multi-level apartment complex. If you've noticed moisture appearing on the concrete in your basement or have some bare concrete in your home you'd like to cover easily and cheaply, vinyl plank flooring could be the thing you are looking for. This may be best performed by a flooring professional in order to do as little damage as possible if only a repair is needed. If the slab does not have an adequate moisture barrier underneath, moisture can wick up from ground sources in a continuous cycle. What kind of meter can I use to get the moisture reading for under the vinyl plank flooring? Please help!! If the stain is yellow, it’s probably an adhesive stain. Contrarily if the water meter has not moved then you know the water leak is coming from an outside source. Hello, Or is it actually dripping rapidly from the ceiling? 1600 Barber Road,  Sarasota,  FL  34240 US, Mold Remediation Licence #MRSR14Lead Removal License #NAT-36892-1Class-A General Contractor License #CGC045130, Proudly Serving Sarasota, Manatee, & Port Charlotte Counties. If it were black, gray, blue or pink, it would indicate mold growth. I hope this all helps. 0. The flooring was removed down to the concrete pad underneath and the hot water heater was replaced. Rubber tiles are also available in interlocking styles for adhesive-free applications over a variety of surfaces. So I did that. Morning my name is Milton, and I have a cleaning company and one of my contracts is a kidney dialysis. Test methods like the Rapid RH® L6 provide fast and accurate test results within the subfloor so that any issues can be remediated before putting the flooring at risk. The moisture levels seemed to be high across both slabs, even the old one (we don't know how old – possibly 30 years?). Before the floors totally dry, take a non-abrasive but stiff brush, plenty of water, and a non-sudsing detergent, and thoroughly clean your floors. The concrete slab foundation of my 1950’s ranch house had glued down vinyl composite tile flooring. Congratulations! The store assured me there’s a one year warranty on workmanship so if I encounter any problems to let them know. A good example is flex flooring, a product made to go over existing vinyl flooring. at 9:00 AM. Would you recommend painting on a sealant? The washing machine is approx 1.5 mts from the carpet. We had vinyl flooring over a concrete slab, a slab which cracked all the time because it wasn't poured as thick as code required; so moisture came up through the cracks in the slab and caused the vinyl flooring to mildew. What could be the source of this problem? 7 March 2012 at 11:06PM. How do you seal concrete floors that have been exposed to moisture? Because concrete is a porous material, water can easily penetrate through flooring, especially in basements, garages, and outdoor spaces. Vinyl tile, in both commercial and standard grades, and vinyl planking are options with either locking or standard glue-down installation. I have talked to contractor professionals, no increase in water bill, water meter does not run with all water turned off, no sprinkler contribution, and no exterior signs of moisture. In January I noticed a two planks buckling in the LR. Due to concrete’s porous nature, it can then travel through it, causing issues in the flooring above. Other harmful effects include damage to flat electrical cable systems, buckling of carpet or carpet tiles, odors, and fungi growth. Water or water vapor rising out of a concrete slab on grade can cause flooring to lose adhesion, to warp, and to peel. How do I stop this or stop it from being humid. Rain, snow, groundwater, leaks, increasing water content, and sprinkler systems are all potential sources of free water. Questions like, is the warrant still intact if the plastic isn’t taped? We had vinyl plank installed in our laundry room over an old cement floor. The last thing a homeowner wishes for is to walk into their home only to realize they are standing in a puddle of water. Listen carefully for this noise because if you detect it, it can lead you right to the source of the leak. Vinyl plank flooring is a great option for on top of radiant heating, especially if you need a flooring that is waterproof!