Five options to vapor emission problem

Option 1: don’t install the floor

If the slab vapor emission distribution exceeds the maximum tolerance for a flooring material then the first option is to simply not install a floor surface. The flooring industry at large specifies a maximum vapor transmission of 3.0 pounds over 1,000 spuare feet in 24 hours for resilient products, and a 5.0 pound maximum transmission for breathable carpeting systems.

Emission levels higher than the specified maximum tolerance will result in eventual failure.

Option ii: Remove and replace the concrete

If the slab vapor emission distribution demonstrates high volume under normal environmental conditions, it is due to the porosity of the concrete. The slab has a permanent condition, and unless treated to correct the problem, then the only way to eliminate it is to replace the slab. This assumes that any questionable outside sources of water invading the slab have been corrected.

Option III: Install a raised assess floor system   If the slab vapor emission distribution is too high for flooring, then a raised floor system can be installed that doesn’t allow the direct contact of flooring to substrate. However, a raised floor system does not deter the vapor emission from occurring, and can result in water condensing under the floor. This environment creates a theater for biological growth. Option IV: Let the flooring fail   Unfortunately, this is the number one practice. The reasons why people would ignore the data that demonstrates a potential for failure, are many.

A crewman uses a razor scraper to demolish a failed, welded sheet vinyl floor from a clean room facility at a very well known aerospace plant.

Sometimes it’s the disbelief that a problem exists. Sometimes it’s the fact that there is no money in the budget to address unexpected problems. Many more times it’s because there was no testing or if tests were performed, the importance of the result was written off as “no big deal”.

The “sign off” is the worst of these. This occurs then the flooring contractor has told the owner that their concrete substrate is not in condition for installation. This is not the fault of the flooring contractor who is being conscientious enough to warn the owner of a potential problem.

If the owner refuses to correct the condition, the flooring contractor is left with two choices:

Refuse to install the material and fight a branch of contract suit, or request the owner of the project “sign off: the liability for future failure. Either way, it’s a tragic issue.

Option V: Correct the Problem

If the slab vapor emission distribution is too high for adhered flooring, the substrate in place can be brought into compliance for installation of any type of flooring product or coating. This can be done successfully for a fraction of the cost of replacing the slab or otherwise experiencing an inevitable floor system failure. Compliance procedures ensure a long lasting alternative to other options.

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