Drying out new concrete floors

[fatbloke72]

Can anyone advise on a realistic time for the drying of a new concrete floor before laying laminate boards. I have searched on the web and the general opinion seems to be 1 inch per month, or 1mm per day.

However, I have also seen conflicting advice which suggests that this is a an old rule of thumb and that a shorter period of time say 1 month for a 5 inch thick floor would be fine. What do you think?

If the 1 inch per month rule should be followed, can I shorten this by using moisture resistant underlay?

Thank you.

 

[mointainwalker]

a shorter period of time say 1 month for a 5 inch thick floor would be fine. What do you think?

I think i'd like to know where you saw that ?

If the 1 inch per month rule should be followed, can I shorten this by using moisture resistant underlay

Actually trying to trap the moisture in the floor would not seem a smart thing to do,

 

[fatbloke72]

Can't remember where I saw it, but agree, sealing the moisture in might not be such a good idea.

 

[AronSearle]

1mm per day is correct.

You should also take a relative humidity reading of the floor before laying, it should be <75%, if you can't or don't want to do this (you really should) increase the drying time by 50% to be safe.

 

[jeds]

Agree with AS above. You should really dry it until it reaches the correct MC for the product - solid timber would be different to engineered. 1mm per day is a good guide for tiles or laminates. A lot less is fine for carpet. Also make sure you fully acclimatise the product before laying.