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