Concrete Flooring:
Transmission of vapour that takes place in concrete slabs is the major cause of failure in flooring material. This vapour that is the major cause of floor covering failure doubles as a ounce of moisture that promotes growth of microbes. A difference in the vapour pressure causes transmission of vapour from the ground to the building via the slab which then envelopes the building.
Vapour barriers that have been installed poorly, slabs that have been poured improperly and settled stress cracks as well as geological movement may be contributors of transmission of excessive vapour. Some of the potential indicators of a concrete slab that has vapour transmission include:
- Easy peeling of carpet that was glued directly to slab
- Dampness under chair pads and boxes
- Vinyl composition tiles have curling and dark lines
- Vinyl sheet flooring has bubbles or discoloration
- Poor condition of underground pipes based on tests and inspection
- There is no vapour barrier on the slab.
- The slab under the flooring is dark gray
Other water damage visual indications that you may find in your home include:
- Stains on the carpet
- Condensation on skylights and windows
- Cracked caulking
- Cracked grout that is between tiles
- Crumbling tiles
- Crumbling and deteriorating mortar on interior walls masonry
- Bulges and discoloration on plaster and drywall
- Vinyl tiles curling and discoloration
- ceiling tiles buckling and discoloration
- buckling of hardwood floors and discolouring of the finish
- plaster that is crumbly and loose
- doors and windows that are malfunctioning
- carpets that have obvious wetness
- Peeling wallpaper
- bulging, loosening, layer delaminating of solid wood paneling
- Dysfunctional door threshold seals
These visual signs are the most prevalent and are caused by water damage, however, you need to use moisture detection equipment to reveal hidden water damage under walls, behind walls and in ceilings. The equipment include borescopes, moisture meters, and infrared technology.
