Hello, am having issues with an old floor. It was recently tiled (before my ownership) but with the change in the weather some damp is noticeable in two patches on the floor and in particular at the grouting. I’m not sure what the condition of the subfloor and whether there is in fact a DPC underneath or is linked to an external French drain problem but I’m guessing neither are a quick fix. Any views much appreciated how to go about investigating and fixing the problem properly?
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Cubist
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You need first to differentiate between whether the tiles are just damp or are in fact wet. It can be a subtle difference I know but a little damp may indicate normal function of a breathing floor while wet would indicate water penetration of some kind.
Thoroughly dry the area concerned and place a few paper kitchen towels over it. Monitor the towels to see if the towels become sodden within an hour or so or merely become damp to the touch.
Thoroughly dry the area concerned and place a few paper kitchen towels over it. Monitor the towels to see if the towels become sodden within an hour or so or merely become damp to the touch.
Thanks Cubist, I’ll do that. It has rained very heavy here the last week and the patches haven’t got any worse. One armchair guru did say to me that maybe laying a tile on an old floor wasn’t the best idea as it would prevent it breathing. Another said to me that the entire floor would need to be taken up and a new subfloor installed. But thanks for your pointer.
Cubist
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Most tiles have very limited permeability and water or damp will follow the line of least resistance. Watch for patterns crudely following the grout lines of the tiles.
This is exactly what’s happening. Two patches about 6 feet apart with moisture shapes around the grout lines. Assuming it’s damp is there a fix - as in keep it heated and ventilated? I’d prefer to avoid lifting the floor as the rest of the place has been redecorated.
I have found out that before the previous owner filed it, there was a wood floor down for a number of years.
I have found out that before the previous owner filed it, there was a wood floor down for a number of years.
Cubist
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Heat the room as you would do normally and keep it well ventilated. Monitor to see if there's any improvement but check to see if there are any leaks around the room and that drainage outdoors next to the walls is effective - N.B. make sure that external ground level is below the level of the indoor floor.
malcolm
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It's worth posting pictures. There's a bunch of reasons you might get damp.