How Much Moisture is Too Much (for Vinyl/Composite Floor Tile)

[kbuhagiar]

Hello, Garageniks,

I am having a heck of a time deciding on a covering for my garage floor .

At first I was interested in a professionally installed epoxy floor coating, but I scratched that idea because of the possibility of moisture in my concrete slab.

My next option was a RaceDeck/Motofloor-style floor covering, and that is still in the running, but I am not yet totally sold on the idea...

So now I am looking into the possibility (impossibility?) of putting down a vinyl or composite-type tile floor in a black-and-white checkerboard pattern (I know, not very original, but I love the look ). I know that slab moisture is still a consideration; but how much moisture is too much? My slab is not constantly damp, but does occasionally 'weep' once every 2 or 3 years after an unusually long and heavy rainfall. And yes, I am in the process of performing the moisture test right now (plastic taped down to slab for 48 hours).

I sort of know what the answer to this question is (no moisture at all), but I thought I'd put it out there anyway, to get some opinions. Is there any give-and-take in this equation?

Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

 

[davejs]

If you are worried about moisture, have a pro come out and access your site. One company I knew of shot blasted the surface for adhesion and texture. Their product was great and warranted against lifting staining ect. I only wish i could find their card now.

 

[wythors]

Any moisture is too much moisture for a glue down floor. You'll be regluing tile on a regular basis and it will never look right after the first time. A loose-laying floor like the others you mention is far and away your best bet.

 

[kbuhagiar]

...So now I am looking into the possibility (impossibility?) of putting down a vinyl or composite-type tile floor in a black-and-white checkerboard pattern (I know, not very original, but I love the look ). I know that slab moisture is still a consideration; but how much moisture is too much? My slab is not constantly damp, but does occasionally 'weep' once every 2 or 3 years after an unusually long and heavy rainfall. And yes, I am in the process of performing the moisture test right now (plastic taped down to slab for 48 hours).

Latest developement: After having the plastic taped down to my garage slab for 3 days, there is no sign of moisture on the plastic or discoloration of the slab. ...So, I am going to do the test once again, but this time I will place plastic at several different locations in the garage.

Is it possible that the moisture I had perceived as coming up from beneath the slab could actually be humidity, condensing onto the surface of the floor? The plot thickens...

 

[OldCarGuy]

moisture problems

It is probable that the moisture that is collecting on the cement floor is from the humidity in the air rather than through the floor. Run a humidifier, noting the humidity levels before and after. Then see if the moisture problem subsides.

If it is determined that the moisture is coming through the floor. You might want to talk to Sherwin Williams about one of their water base epoxies. Water base epoxies will allow the moisture to pass through them rather than lifting the coating off. The down side is that they are not near as durable. Plus water, gasoline, oil and etc will penetrate the coating and should be cleaned up ASAP.