Damp concrete floor

[Balsaboy]

Hi
I've recently move into a ground floor 2-bed maisonette which was built around 1935. We have recently ripped out all the old carpets revelaing what seems to be a concrete floor covered in black tiles, which i think are slate. There seems to be some evidence of dampness in the gaps between the tiles. It's not really wet to the touch but looks like damp. There is nothing obvious on the walls. It is evident in all of the rooms. I'm concerned that when I have new carpets fitted they will start to soak up moisture and begin to smell etc.. Therefore I've thought about some form of superficial damp course/proofing such as a plastic membrane (B&Q sell it). However, I'm not sure whether this is a good idea in case the water builds up underneath as it is not allowed to evaporate at all. Not sure what to do!!!! Anyone got any advice

HELP!?!?

Much appreciated

Dan

 

[chappers]

You are right to be wary ofg just covering it in plastic but it is hard to advise without seeing it.
Was the carpet you took up damp in any way, or has the place been empty a while and just not ventilated or heated.
If you are still concerned you may want to get a damp expert in but be very wary of calling a company as they will invariably find a problem better to speak with an independant surveyor who specialises in damp.
You will find that a high percentage of supposed damp problems are nothing of the sort and usually caused by poor ventilation,whether it be above or below the floor.

 

[Balsaboy]

Hi Chappers

Cheers for the reply. Yeah, basically we moved into the place after it had been epty for perhaps six months. When we took the carpets up they didn't feel wet or damp really and the same was true for the sponge underlay. This is encouraging I suppose. But what was strange was that the slate tiles appeared to be damp (not wet) in between the tiles where the grout was and these damp bit appeared darker due to the damp. I know it's hard to imagine without seeing them. I suppose it could be poor ventilation or something but we don't really get condensation on windows. Dunno!! My worry is that that if we put this membrane down we'll just end up forcing the damp to the edges of the room.

Cheers

 

[IanDB]

Slate was used to provide a damp course many years ago so it's not going to let any damp through however the grout would. Having said that if there was no damp smell when you took up the old carpets then you probably don't have a problem.

As chappers said, to give you peace of mind get an independant view of it.

 

[Balsaboy]

OKey Dokey cheers fo the advice. Bit cautious of the "damp experts", like Chappers said, they'll probably find something wrong. Like bl**dy dentists!

Cheers again

Dan