Was asked to inspect a floor fitted with cushionflor. The vinyl was badly bubbled. The house is and older bungalow prob 1950's, the kitchen was originally done in red 4" terrazzo tiles. The kitchen floor would be approximately 18" above ground level and is about 4.30 mts x 4 mts. I suspected damp and when I pulled the vinyl back I was proven correct as the floor was WET and the vinyl was showing signs of mould. I checked all four corners of the room with the same result.. It was soaking wet. The customer admitted they did have a slight leak at the sink and although wasn't sure how long it had been leaking said that it was only the very occasional drip. The original fitter has jumped on the leak as the cause of the moisture but I'm not so sure, he claims that terrazzo tiles are water proof and no damp can come up through them ! The base of the hand finished and hand painted units show signs of slight swelling. I have suggested a proper moisture test after the floor has been allowed to air dry and if need be a dpm applied. The original fitter is disputing this and the shop is unsure what way to go. The custom is really a very nice person and I wouldn't like the idea of them getting a new vinyl and the same thing happening. Any thoughts or suggestions welcome.
Hobbit, Rip it all up, leave it to breath for a week with good ventilation then test it. Your test will probably come back at around 92%RH ( that's my neck out on the line)
I suspect your right. So a dpm and latex. If I was to dpm and latex wouldn't the kitchen need to come out ? If I just dpm the visible floor wouldn't that push the damp to come up where the units are or into the walls ?
A dpm only slows the moisture down to a rate that it doesn't affect the covering material. The moisture coming out under units will dissipate as normal unless trapped in, so always best to leave a plinth off on one side or where cooker/fridge is. You can install a vent into the plinth somewhere also.
