AllExperts > Flooring and Carpeting 
Search      
Flooring and Carpeting
Volunteer
Answers to thousands of questions
 Home · More Flooring and Carpeting Questions · Answer Library  · Encyclopedia ·
More Flooring and Carpeting Answers
Question Library

Ask a question about Flooring and Carpeting
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login

Awards

About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer

 
 
 
 
About Chris
Expertise
20+ years flooring installation ...carpet,wood,tile and vinyl. Residential and commercial. I do not sell the products , just install what ever the shop / customer has purchased. I actually love seeing the finished project completed and it gives me great satisfaction to help others acheive that goal. If I don't know the answer I will say so, and then I will recommend another expert for you. I may even research the subject and answer to the best of my ability ...including links to my sources. I wish you all success Chris

Experience
20 years as an independant contractor

Education/Credentials
H.S. diploma A.S. agriculture Mt San Antonio JR. College

Past/Present Clients
Gene Bonas and Kevin Churnock Inc. Sheward&Son&Sons Century 21 Forte Const. Famous Footwear BOSE Corporation Homebodies General Contractor Perry Floors, Tri Cord Flooring T.J.'S Supplies

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Style > Interior Decorating > Flooring and Carpeting > flooring on slab

Flooring and Carpeting - flooring on slab


Expert: Chris - 6/26/2009

Question
My 9 year-old hardwood flooring on a slab is bubbling/buckling up.  Everyone says I must have water damage.  I'm looking into where water may be coming from.  Maybe it's just wicking in from the soil.  I don't know.  Anyway, I think maybe I should just install tile floors and forget the wood flooring option.  If there is a moisture problem, will I have problems with tile too. Do you think a product like DITRA is advisable/essential? Thanks so much.  From:  Very Frustruated in Georgia

Answer
Tom,

Sorry for your frustration ... yes moisture wicking /transpiring from the slab can be very detrimental to wood floors. Which floor ...grade level ...below grade / basement?

If you have extreme issues or seasonal issues it will need to be tested with calcium chloride tests and then measured by either you , or a facility near you ...a 30 dollar digital scale is all you need along with the test kits.

We use these:
http://www.taylortools.com/tftmk.html

Simple and effective..see my google search of the products and info...

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=2h&oq=calcium&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T...

Once a test is measured you can go forward with vapor reduction techniques or just tile over an approved measurement of transmission ..

I know this just adds to the frustration ... ditra is a bit over kill if you don't need it ..it will add approximately 2.00 per sq ft to the install.

This product might be all you need.....

Laticrete hydro ban:
http://www.laticrete.com/Portals/0/datasheets/lds6630.pdf

There are many roll on moisture vapor retarders... see Durabond (Bostick) and C-cure and Mapei... feel free to google and get the 800#'s call any of the technical services , they are very helpful.

I like the laticrete and mapei... about 150.00 for 5 gallons
Ardex also makes one. I have not used it to date.

Let me know if I can help further.

Chris  

Add to this Answer   Ask a Question


 
User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy | Help
Copyright  © 2008 About, Inc. AllExperts, AllExperts.com, and About.com are registered trademarks of About, Inc. All rights reserved.