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About Carol Blaha
Expertise
Flooring questions: Specification, Warranties, Inspections, Product Knowledge, Enviromental Issues

Experience
I have been in the field 25 years, first as a specifier, then retailer and currently manufacturer representative on contract with 8 manufacturers, independent inspector and conduct moisture testing. Founding board member of the CO Chapter, US Green Building Council

Organizations
WFCA (World Floor Covering Association), NTCA (National Tile Council America) SCRT (Society of Cleaning & Restoration Technician), ASTM F60, (Environment) and F06 (Resilient Floor)

Publications
Colorado Real Estate Journal, Smart Buildings

Education/Credentials
MBA, CTC (Certified Tile Consultant), RRT (Carpet Repair & Reinstallation), CCT (Carpet Cleaning Technician, ISSI (Substrate Inspection) and completed coursework for Independent Ceramic Tile Inspector, Hardwood/Laminate Inspector and Senior Carpet Inspector. Scheduled to complete Independent Resilient Inspector in April.

Awards and Honors
Multiple Awards for Salesperson of Year and President's Club

Past/Present Clients
Clients include Fortune Co's to mom and pop

You are here: Experts > Style > Interior Decorating > Flooring and Carpeting > how to remove glue residue/dust?

Flooring and Carpeting - how to remove glue residue/dust?

Expert: Carol Blaha - 11/2/2009

Question
QUESTION: We have a mess at our home..we recently had bamboo floors put down on our concrete slab, a wood glue was put down before the bamboo...no moisture barrier, just the glue...2 weeks later, the bamboo started buckling, and we could see mold on top of the glue under the wood...so we just had all the bamboo ripped up, b/c it was all warped and ruined from moisture..they came back the next day and scraped up all the glue (we had to live w/ the horrible smell of the glue for a night, which was awful)...but now, I have a layer of glue residue/dust all over everything in my house....i've tried glass cleaner and lysol 4 in 1, and i still have somewhat of a sticky feeling on everything...anyone have any ideas of how to get this off??

ANSWER: First, if the installer didn't check for moisture prior to installation on your slab--he should be buying all this-- and replacing your floor. Vapor retarder is not necessary on most bamboo-- it's like hardwood, vs laminate.

What kind of wood glue-- they aren't universal. Glues I've had experience with recommend goof off. I know some who like vinegar.

But we should find the glue manufacturer and call their tech service-- tell them the issue and go by their guidelines.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for the reply...nope, they didn't do a moisture test first....the flooring store said the glue was a moisture barrier, according to the glue's reps...but my husband called the glue manufacturer, and their customer service said that it is NOT a moisture barrier. that company needs to get their facts straight w/ their employees...the flooring company is replacing it all, but won't put bamboo (or any other wood either) down again w/ out making us sign a waiver first b/c they think it'll happen again...they're only recommending luxury vinyl or tile.....but they keep trying to find "a source of moisture" within our house, like a leak around the chimney or leak from the water going to the fridge...they won't admit it's from no moisture barrier under the glue...

ANSWER: First, vinyl will react just as hardwood to moisture. It will -- as we call in the field -- blow off the floor. VCT and ceramic are less reactive.

2nd, there is no such think as a moisture barrier, they are only retarders.

Its not the fault of the glue manufacturer but the dealer. Many glue manufacturers will guarantee glue will hold to X# lbs vapor-- but you still have to test for moisture to make sure you are not over that tolerance. Your dealer should know what they are selling. They should read the information in writing-- not go by what someone might have said.

I had a dealer the other day tell me the same thing. He was not going to test for moisture just use a glue designed for higher readings. Where are you located?

A waiver may not be worth the paper its printed on. I was working with a contractor who just lost a large suit. The contractor thought he was "all that" by getting a waiver. The judge asked "did you install the floor knowing it could fail"-- He answered "yes" and bam-- found for the home owner.

You should not need moisture retarder under the glue. Your home, when they poured the slab should have a retarder under the concrete. Does the home have a crawl space? Is this a space formally a garage and converted to living space?

The only time we really need retarders under the floor are laminates. But again, if there is excessive moisture-- even with a retarder the floor will fail.

If you can find an exterior source- -great. If not, its coming from below. And yes, it will happen again unless you find the problem.

There are products that can be used as underlayments that will fix your problem. Koester is a leveling compound that will not only guarantee solving the moisture issue, but if it fails, will guarantee the replacement of product if it does. Aardex adn Maipe make simiilar products.

Do not install again until you either research one of those products or find the moisture source, have the slab tested for moisture and have a good reading.

All flooring manufacturers require testing of concrete EVERY time a floor covering is replaced.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: the vinyl he's recommending has a a rubber like underside, and if it gets moist, the floor can be easily removed and dried out, per the flooring store..we're located in Newport News VA. So should that flooring company have just told the client "no we won't install that product b/c it may fail", rather than just have made them sign a waiver? my husband says there is a vapor barrier under the concrete. But yes, we do need to have a moisture test done, the dang flooring company should've had that done in the first place! we're now waiting on the insurance company to come out, in case it is coming from a source other than the concrete...in the meantime we're living on a concrete floor for the 2nd time in 2 months...w/ a 4 month old baby. Ridiculous.

Answer
yes, they will walk from the job. Or, some will tell them they'll supply product but not install it. They will tell the end user to find another installer. The rule in the field is once you touch the install, you own the problem. That is why its on the shoulder of the installer to make sure the product is installed according to manufacturer spec. No manufacturer will say glue is a moisture retarder. They will all say test for moisture before hand.

I think I know the product, its by Kardeen (though marketed under another name.). Verify with their tech dept that its ok for this use. I have read their specs and its confusing. The literature says it's for this type application, but the installation specs still caution water coming from the slab. Also while you can pick up and air out the floor-- till you discover the moisture you can have mold. Not good for good indoor air quality - especially babies.

Don't get anything this dealer tells you go to chance. Ask them to verify with tech service or you do it yourself. If they are telling you they want a waiver-- tell them you want in writing this product is OK for your application, moisture and all.

Koester and products like it will add about $1 SF cost. But will let you put anything no the floor.

I was just in Newport News on a very large ceramic tile claim. It was a whirlwind trip, in and out in one day- but it was an area I'd like to have spent some time in.

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