Flooring Advice For Concrete Slabs

Hi Guys,

Need help. My home is built on a concrete slab..Wanted to install bamboo flooring. I know my builder did not seal my slab. I found this out when I installed a porcelain tile floor in the entrance and kitchen/laundry areas..The installer used some sort of blue looking paint like latex product and let it cure 24hrs. So far so good.

Now I want to install a bamboo floor in the hearth/living rooms on the same level. Currently have w/w carpet...The 2 manufacturers I'm considering are Cali or Smith & Fong's Plyboo..Plyboo told me to get the moisture readings in writing. They don't recommend installers..So if there is any cupping or product failure I'll bet my bottom dollar the mfg will blame the installation...Plyboo recommends Bostik Adhesive One Step..

Cali bamboo claims they use a 2 in 1 (begin w/and F and its commercial) product that seals and glue's all in one. They recommend installers..They did not recommend a test.

Who should I get to do the moisture test? Do I trust the installers or can I get an independent 3rd party review and where?

What should the moisture reading be for Eastern Long Island? I just installed dry wells 2 months ago on my property to channel the rainwater away from the house..My property is quite level..Exposure is South in one room and North in the other..

Should I give up on the wood flooring(both are rated below grade) and go with a porcelain wood look a like? Porcelanosa Tile does have a nice product line for this..For resale purposes I think the hardwoods are better...

Thanks-D

manufacturers generally have a method they like to see used for moisture testing,
I used a product recomended for below grade use and have had no issues.
the concrete was sealed before installation. It is a floating product.
stick to what the manufacturer recomends IMO.
Installers will say I've done it a thousand times, then your out thousands of dollars

Ironpony,

Appreciate the quick response.. I've dealt with so many contractors as of late and really don't trust any of them .Even the "good ones" have issues..Guess maybe it's me since I'm particular..Just want the job done right the first time.

Glad to hear you used below grade products with no negative results..I have "critters" so the product must be able to withstand an active high traffic area.

Thank you, stay well and warm........

My place is the same, I have laminate floors. slab is not seals, just under the laminate is a foam vapor barrier.
If I did it again I would do something more waterproof. Shoes come off at the door but there have been some spills here and there, and the dog has messed. Couple places it has bubbled up from it. Also really hard to keep clean. Even walking on it barefoot leaves footprints... it says "clean" for maybe an hour or two after I clean it.
http://www.krauscarpet.com/LegacyCollection.htm

My wood moisture meter has a setting for concrete. Perhaps you could get your own idea regarding moisture this spring during wet season. Then do the research on line for your circumstance.

Thank you guys..Laminate would never survive in my house..I've seen beautiful stuff but not suitable for me..Appreciate the honesty..

How does one test moisture in a slab? Any drilling into it involved? I imagine test "wells" on the perimeter- only guessing at this point..DH has passed and he was the brains of the outfit..I have no problem admitting that one fellas...lol

After reading the Nation Wood Floor Assoc guidelines for new install/troubleshooting- almost afraid to buy the bamboo..Marazzi Tile has got a porcelain wood tile plank 3 1/4 x72 got to see this stuff in person..At least when my Winterwarm is crankin I don't have to worry about reloading the box if the wood spits back at me..Oh boy...
The reply about being more waterproof has really got me thinking..Porcelain is tough on the joints but its not a perfect world.

Certainly hope your wives or significant other knows how lucky they are and appreciate you....I've meet some really nice people on this website. Thank you for the courtesy you've shown here today and everyday for that matter..

Regards-D

You can check for moisture coming through the slab by taping down a sheet of clear poly sheet and then looking for condensation under the plastic.
You'll need to leave it down for a few days.

If a laminate floor "bamboo" won't work I really doubt anything else will other than maybe tile or leaving the slab bear.

Nate,

I hear you, I've looked at an engineered hardwood but think the below grade bamboo is tougher..Cali claims their adhesive will be guaranteed for 10 yrs..Only problem is they are discontinuing my selection..They have enough to complete my first leg of the product for level one. I would like to do the master bedroom but can't afford to do both right now.
Don't want to mix different bamboo in the house..they do have quality control issues that's why can't use a discontinued product... replacing rejects may be a problem..

I wasn't even going to create this thread and bother anybody..but I know our community has sharp people who don't mind helping..Especially the ones who are inexperienced like me! What I really mean is mentally challenged...lol...

Actually the wood like tile is probably the smartest if it doesn't look too phony and the spacing is tight..If DH were around he'd say get a new rug..but i'm tired of vacuum/shampoo issues ALL the time with 5 cats(very large house)..I'd rather sweep! its cleaner...

He'd argue you're going to get an area rug anyway..but I say roll it up and send it out! He's gone about a year and I still hear his voice in my head when trying to do something.
Thank you all my fellow wood burners...

I've toyed with the idea of staining the concrete and using area rugs.

Thanks Velvet,

I thought of it but not sure of the texture..I know with today's products it won't be a painted garage floor look...just don't know about resale purposes..Going to stay in place for about 4-5yrs...then get out..House too big just for me...a lot of memories here right now..

Glad you chimed in and welcome to my thread...

One last question if anyone can help..My heating ducts are buried under the slab..The slab looks to be about 4 inches thick I think..I do have central a/c using the duct system. Will this fact impact the adhesives's or possibly a rubber underlayment?..Sales rep's from flooring companies have not given me an answer yet..That tells me something! However they are sales reps.....I don't see anything regarding this situation in installation or warranty info...just that the product is below grade approved...

Because of this I am leaning towards the wood tile look a like..but I do love the look, feel and warmth that hardwoods provide..Thanking you in advance...

Regards-D

I was going to respond, but then realized I am a contractor. I can't be trusted. Boy am I glad I moved out of NY.

Too bad you moved..I have a lot of business to throw someone's way...just want to do things right that's all. Didn't say All can't be trusted..just the ones I've meet..

Good nite everyone..

Is this a "Novack" house??? Builder locally in the 70's/80's.

Hey Dix,

Nope..worse..its a Parkridge house..there is a community right in ridge..They were big in the 80's and 90's..Design is beautiful but built like your typical track house..I've tried to investigate on line for my situation..There is tons of stuff on slab housing, but not with the HVAC ductwork buried in the slab.

I've been doing a complete remodel this last year in stages..Looked at bbb ratings, Angie's list, on line complaints..No black marks against any of the contractors but it seems ya have to stay on top of things, ok i get that..Redo's are a PITA..I mean the men were nice but I expect a certain level of quality..They are not giving their services away..Being I am union myself I do not dispute they are entitled to a certain pay treatment..Just want things to be done correctly..and when it isn't, tough getting them back on site..

Hell I even order take out for them or cook myself..I welcome them into my home..I generally do not use men with DBA..Looking for licensed, insured and usually run a business report..Making sure they are up to date on their insurance..screened employees..Prefer to use contractors that have trade certifications..For instance a flooring specialist better be NWFA certified..because they adhere to industry standards..

I perform due diligence as required but it seems quality in america is downhill..Look I'm sure they are very good people in the business. On the other hand it is a buyer beware situation..I'm not talking chump change here Dix, there are thousands of dollars involved...Guess I'll kill this thread but hope my experiences helps the next poor bast...

ttys-d

Can't speak to the bamboo but even with staining if you are going to seal it the concrete will need to be free of moisture. How old is the slab? I would guess that if it is from the 80's and has heat ducts running through it then it's probably OK. If any moisture gets trapped under the sealer it will turn it white. Tapeing the plastic to the floor is the best method to test. A meter will only tell you if it's moist on the surface which normally it will not be. The plastic will tell you if moisture is coming out over a period of time.

dear rwhite,

Thank you sir for your post..I'd just about given up! Figure if one poster took my remarks the wrong way another would..I'm really gentle in nature but have had some bad experiences....Just a girl for christ's sake..in the dark about this stuff.

The house is 22 yrs old...I lifted the w/w carpets in one area pulled the padding(which was taped on) there is no rot on the back of the padding..yeah baby..I appreciate your words of advice Now I'm going to do what you and another kind poster said about the "plastic test"..But this is winter and probably should leave the darn thing on until spring! I imagine if it were a problem rot would have been present!

This is fate cause the floor installer I have contacted just emailed me today..ughhh...You sir are a knight in shinning armor! Ditto for all who chimed in!

The only thing that confuses me now is the foam and carpets are breathable..so the plastic test will be my measuring stick..Bless the members of hearth.com