we live in a new building (6 years old) with slab floor that was not originally planned as living space without a moisture barrier under slab. Can we use this to seal the slab to put wool carpet on slab, or do you recommend another product?We used 6 mil plastic and some of our rooms have musty odor and after pulling 90 dollar a yard wool carpeting up we noticed a white residue under plastic and super strong musty odor. we read that mildew can form between concrete slab and plastic underlayment. SAMPLE - Green Building Supply, Penetrating Concrete Sealer Concrete & Masonry Sealers

Question

we live in a new building (6 years old) with slab floor that was not originally planned as living space without a moisture barrier under slab. Can we use this to seal the slab to put wool carpet on slab, or do you recommend another product?We used 6 mil plastic and some of our rooms have musty odor and after pulling 90 dollar a yard wool carpeting up we noticed a white residue under plastic and super strong musty odor. we read that mildew can form between concrete slab and plastic underlayment. SAMPLE - Green Building Supply, Penetrating Concrete Sealer Concrete & Masonry Sealers

Status: Open Oct 19, 2019 - 11:03 AM

1answer

Answer

Oct 21, 2019 - 07:56 AM

Our GBS Penetrating Concrete Sealer was designed to penetrate deep into concrete. Your concrete floor must be porous, not power troweled or previous sealed, clean, dry and neutral pH. It if meets those requirements, this product will prevent moisture intrusion and subsequently prevent mold and mildew. Normally it is not recommended to use plastic under carpet for the exact reason you experienced. Plastic does not breathe; it traps moisture. Our sealer will prevent the moisture from coming up from the bottom in the first place and potentially prevent mold and mildew from forming. Bear in mind that sealing concrete will not stop condensation. If the environment is warm and humid and the slab is cold, even if well sealed, condensation can still occur. You may need to dehumidify to prevent condensation from occurring. You can also apply two coats of our Caliwel zero VOC mold inhibiting paint on the concrete as extra protection if you wish. This product natural resists mold for up to 6 years or more due to its pH of 12.4.We recommend our 100% wool underlayment beneath the wool carpet because it will allow the floor to breathe and any condensation to dry out.