Hardwood Floor On Concrete Slab Problems

Wood planks to the plywood.

Hardwood floor on concrete slab problems.

On commercial jobs raw slabs are frequently treated with sealers which may cause adhesion problems. Moisture if you want to install wood flooring in damper areas like basements moisture will be your main problem. Because this vinyl type comes in planks or tiles there is potential for tiny gaps that may allow moisture to seep into the concrete substrate. The easiest way to install hardwood is a floating floor.

Before you look at any flooring options for basements or wetter areas all moisture has to be controlled. Concrete slabs on grade and basement slabs are weak and vulnerable to the detrimental effect of moisture which may lead to various problems. Plywood to the concrete. But it s considerably more difficult to install a 3 4 in.

If they bead up on top of the slab it is probably contaminated. Luxury vinyl tile or planks. To test for an incompatible product on the slab an easy method is to put a few drops of water on the slab. Solid hardwood floors are suitable for installing both at ground level and above ground level assuming the concrete is dry and that the right subfloor and vapor retarders are used.

Basement wood flooring options. Experienced professionals pay close attention to managing moisture and minimizing wood floor expansion and contraction when preparing to install hardwood floors on concrete slabs. Because concrete likes water the drops should absorb into the slab. For instance lifting tile off the floor rotting hardwood damping carpet and coatings delamination.

If your concrete slab is prone to moisture consider this vinyl type. When the subfloor is concrete a moisture problem may begin long before the flooring is installed. However below ground level spaces can have problems with moisture. If the slab has not been properly dried moisture problems are almost guaranteed with wood flooring applications.

Installing floors is a difficult diy job. Wood floor over concrete than over a wood subfloor. Even if your home was built on a concrete slab you can still enjoy the beauty and charm of hardwood floors. Accurate moisture testing is critical for any concrete slab.

Lay a plastic moisture barrier and then screw 3 4 in. If you love solid wood floors and your home rests on a concrete slab you re not out of luck. Luxury vinyl emulates the look of hardwood or tile with increased moisture resistance. For these spaces it can be better to use engineered wood floors instead.