MOISTURE MANAGE The experts at F. Ball and Co. Ltd. talk us through the optimum solutions
Unmanaged subfloor moisture, whether residual construction moisture or rising damp, is still the leading cause of floor failure, leading to costly recalls and remedial work. For this reason, it’s imperative a moisture test is one of the first procedures in any flooring installation. The optimum solution for dealing with damp where excess subfloor moisture is detected depends on the situation.
Before proceeding with any flooring installation, contractors should take the time to thoroughly assess the composition and condition of the subfloor to ensure a suitably sound, smooth and dry base for the receipt of new floorcoverings. This often means removing any old adhesive residues in the case of a refurbishment project or grinding off laitance when working over a newly installed screed.
30 | SUBFLOOR PREPARATION
In all situations, contractors should take the time to assess levels of subfloor moisture. If not properly managed, excess subfloor moisture levels can lead to costly remedial work. It is one of the leading causes of floor failure, causing adhesives to de-bond, carpet underlays to rot, wooden floors to warp, and resilient floorcoverings to blister. It may also promote the growth of mould, which may stain and risk further damage to the floorcovering. If subfloor relative humidity (RH) levels are 75% or above (65% if wood floorcoverings are to be installed), a moisture management solution will be required to impede the passage of rising damp or residual construction moisture.
TESTING TESTING Following initial preparation of the subfloor, a moisture measurement test should be carried out to determine whether
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