One of the main problems with any type of flooring that needs an adhesive is caused by moisture. If the flooring or the material under it gets too wet, the adhesive will fail and the flooring will pull up. Once this happens, you are going to have to tear up the flooring — or at least the affected area of the floor — scrape off the old adhesive, and then put down new adhesive and flooring. It is always best to tear out a larger area than what is affected just to be sure the adjoining flooring wasn't affected as well. When it comes time to replace an area of the floor or the whole floor, there are a few things you need to take into consideration if you do not want to have to go through this again.
Type of Flooring
When you buy the flooring, check the moisture-resistance level. Some types are naturally more resistant to moisture while others will have a special product applied to them to help with water-resistance.
Relative Humidity of the Subflooring
Different subfloorings are more prone to retaining moisture than others. This is referred to as the relative humidity of the material. If you lay flooring over a concrete slab, you may find that it becomes loose and lifts more readily than if there is a wood subfloor. While you could put plywood over a concrete slab to help with moisture, it may be a better idea to use a water-resistant flooring adhesive. The wood placed over the concrete may start to rot or swell due to the moisture in the concrete. Eventually, your flooring will be affected, as well.
Water-Resistant Flooring Adhesive
Over the years, adhesive manufacturers have worked on producing a safe, water-resistant product. Luckily, they have been able to produce some. To be as safe as possible, look for a product that has little to no volatile organic compounds so you do not risk someone getting sick from the fumes of the adhesive. Even after it is dried, as people walk on the floor, undetected fumes can be present.
Most flooring products come with recommendations for the type of adhesive to use. If you feel your subfloor is more prone to moisture, talk with the flooring company about how to best mitigate a problem. They may send a technician out to test the humidity of the subfloor and your home to be able to provide you with the best solution.
To learn more, contact a company that offers a water-resistant flooring adhesive.
