Posted by Ken Frango on October 27, 19100 at 13:13:03:
In Reply to: Re: Vinyl over cement - Is it a good idea? posted by Ray Darrah on October 21, 19100 at 11:32:18:
Susan,
Seek the help of a professional with a trained eye. Besides moisture and alkalinity testing, here are some of the things you should be expecting to hear come from the professional you hire to inspect you floor:
1. Do not install the new flooring with out removing all existing adhesive. Incompatibility of adhesives can cause flooring contamination. If the adhesive can not be fully and easily removed mechanically from the substrate, shot blasting or scarifying may be necessary. This type of preparation will remove some surface concrete and make certain the leveling compound has a superior chemical and mechanical bond. Some chemical adhesive removers claim not to leave a residue that may compromise new adhesive, but few will warranty the new flooring from failure.
2. Some other substrate work may need to be done such as; cracks may need to be "Chased" (Removal of concrete in and along a crack to prevent friction and possible upheaval. High spots may need to be ground down.
3. Most importantly, your area professional should know what type of soil your home is built on. I.E. if you are on expansive soils such as clay you are taking a risk that no one will assume but you. You may never get slab movement, then again it could rain really hard tomorrow and your kitchen could look like the Grand Canyon.
Ask your neighbors about their floors. Look at them. See if there is evidence of slab movement. Consider this when determining the amount of money to invest in slab preparation and product choice.