How should I moisture barrier concrete for a vinyl floor?
Question:I have a newly placed concrete floor that is reading to high on the moisture reader for an installation of vinyl. Does anyone know a cheap and effective moisture barrier sold in Australia?
Answers:
Firstly, do not take any notice of the answer below that says not to worry about moisture. Moisture in concrete is the no.1 reason for so many failures to floor coverings, whether they be Timber or Vinyl. If you cover a floor with moisture content, there is no escape for the evaporating moisture, leaving no alternative except for the moisture to stay under the covering, breaking down any glue's etc or transferring into the timber and making it warp. Moisture Barriers are essential for any floor covering with a high moisture content. Australian standard for moisture in concrete is 5.5%. In the past i have used epoxy moisture barriers. I have found these to be messy, expensive and labor intensive. These products generally take 2 coats (2-3 days in total) and then they have to be topped with a self leveling compound. This becomes very expensive. There is now a new product on the market that is very easy to use, can be layed over the next day and absolutly no mess. This product is called Moisture Fix and is poured straight from the bucket and broomed over the concrete. It will penetrate within 1 hr and then can be worked over straight away without compromise to the moisture barrier. It is very cheap compared to the above mentioned and is available all around Australia. I purchase this product in QLD from the web site below, but if you drop them an e-mail they will put you in touch with local distributors in your state. Hope this is of help.
Home Depot should know
You shouldn't need a moisture barrier. The concrete over the years will have air escape it which is natural. The vinyl flooring will be directly glued to the floor and may get a bubble or two from the concrete belching. If this is the case then just place a big book on it with some weight on it and the bubble will disburse.
Moisture barrier is place beneath the concrete slab. If your slab is new (1 to 2 months old) let is rest until the moisture goes down. This is a process of the concrete curing. There is nothing practical that can be placed on top of a slab to permanently reduce moistue.
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