Measuring moisture level on concrete slab

sapper

Hi all - Im getting my kitchen renovated, new windows, floors and kitchen. The window opes have been open to the elements now for a few weeks but will be installed next week. Have gotten in a floor installer in to install the semi solid wood floor next. He measured the dampness of the floor with a moisture meter and says I need a damp proof membrane and is quoting me a price for it.
Previous floor was solid wood and laid directly on the screed with no membrane. I know other houses in the estate dont have DPMs under the floorboards (I used to live in one).
Im dubious its needed, with the moisture on the surface explained by the room not being weathertight for weeks. Shouldnt a proper test involve actually drilling into the slab rather that putting a meter on the surface?

mike_2009

You could get the house sealed once the windows go in and buy/hire a dehumidifier and repeat that moisture tests after a week or two? I'd be more concerned about the moisture level at the top of the floor as this is what the new floor will adhere to and cause the floor to swell after being laid possibly? I don't know that drilling into the slab will prove anything but someone else here might enlighten us?

BryanF

Buy a moisture meter (one of the cheap timber ones will do) and check over the next few weeks

tradesman

mike_2009 wrote: »

You could get the house sealed once the windows go in and buy/hire a dehumidifier and repeat that moisture tests after a week or two? I'd be more concerned about the moisture level at the top of the floor as this is what the new floor will adhere to and cause the floor to swell after being laid possibly? I don't know that drilling into the slab will prove anything but someone else here might enlighten us?

If you drill into the slab you will see if the dust that comes out of the floor is dry or damp

mickdw

I'd be very wary of installer who is doing a moisture check with the building open to the elements.