Photo Credit: Wikimedia
Flooring Stability
Checking flooring stability is an important part of any home inspection. It is crucial that all flooring within the home be substantial and healthy enough to bear the weight burdens of furniture and residents. When it comes to concrete flooring, there are several key factors to consider.
Proper Concrete Application
Depending on how concrete flooring and underlayment has been applied, there are several issues that could put the brakes on the sale of your home - or that should, for the prospective home buyer. Unfortunately, these issues are often imperceptible to the untrained eye.
What Lies Beneath
There are many positive attributes that have led to concrete rising to become the standard among interior and exterior flooring materials alike. What’s beneath that gorgeous, newly installed wood plank, slate tile or carpeted flooring? Often, the base of your floor is made of concrete. But did you know that improperly cured concrete functioning as your underlayment can be as much as 50% weaker, posing clear safety, performance and longevity issues?
Problems with Concrete Flooring
The photo above depicts a condition common to concrete exposed to harsh elements and chemicals. In secondary efflorescence, also referred to as “concrete osteoporosis”, minerals responsible for the strength and resilience of cement leach out of the concrete, greatly weakening the material. This problem could often have been prevented by the use of a quality concrete mix, and an effective top sealant. In addition to premature erosion and general material failure, concrete flooring that is uneven, inadequately sealed or lacking sealant can lead to nuisance and safety issues, as well as damping.
What’s the Solution?
Your best defense is always prevention. In this case, that means early detection; before you’ve made a buying commitment that leads to costly future surprises. Don’t put your new home buying budget or that lucrative contract offer at risk. Having an expert you can count on makes all the difference.
Contact From the Ground Up Inspections
For all your Middle Tennessee home inspection needs, From the Ground Up Inspections offers professional experience you can count on. To learn more about our services, prices or to schedule an appointment, contact From the Ground Up Inspections at (615) 351-1922. We look forward to helping you!
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