NEED HELP!! damp patches coming through concrete floor Damp can be a major issue in the home. Find answers to questions or post your own here.

[imz]

hi i've noticed patches of damp on my living room floor.

i dont think a damp proof membrane sheet has been laid under the concrete floor.

i was wondering if i can use LIQUID damp proof membrane from wickes and paint that on the (screed) floor, will this cure my damp problems? as i dont really want to dig the old conrete out as its all level and its a lot of work.

or will i have to dig the old conrete out and put a water proof membrane sheet and re-conrete it.

THANKS ALL

[stoneyboy]

imz,
If this is a new occurence and it has not been evident before, you need to find out where the damp is coming from - if its a cracked water pipe buried in the floor this will need correcting.
end

[NewtonM]

Hi, A liquid damp proof membrane may be the answer here but it would need to be a high quality one and you will need to adequately prepare the screed prior to laying it. A lot of cheaper liquid membranes will not go down in damp conditions so check the manufacturers instructions. There are specialist supply companies in the waterproofing industry that will have epoxy liquid membranes (usually applied in 2 coats with a primer first) which may be more suitable. There are also newer technologies like cold applied polyurethane based materials that can go down when damp and could be trafficked within hours. Or like you said to isolate the defective slab it would be an option to take it out and start again. All depends on budget and timelines. One thing is for sure with these type of jobs do it cheap do it twice!

Hope that helps