Installing Moisture Sensitive Materials Over Fresh SLC

Like the title says, is it Ok to install moisture sensitive floor covering over fresh SLC? How about a laminate with a moisture retarder UL over it?

Well first lets ask this question...is all SLC the same? I'd have to say it is not.. First of all I am not sure they all have the same technology that bonds the water into the mix.

Of course following the instructions...if they say wait 24 hours with in an ambient zone Rh and temp are correct then I would say yes absolutely do it.

Especially so with a laminate or floating floor that is moisture sensitive. But...all UL for those are not the same either. I doubt your generic Big Box store UL could handle the emissions if placed to early. So in that case I would say to use 6 mil plastic with the UL you bought.

Just check with your Ul manufacture as most state to do a moisture test first before placing the flooring as many of these can only handle 5 lbs in 24 hrs over 1000sf.

I've placed floating cork flooring, laminate flooring over regular ole damp floor patch (eight hours dry time) with 6 mil and have had no problems. Again all patch is not the same either. Some cement based patches also have this new technology that bonds the water in the mix. Also glued engineered hardwood to Ardex SLC after the recommended hour period even though it still felt damp.

Does some of the water need to flash or is it all bonded into the mix? I'd have to say no it isn't, least not until the required time frame. I placed plastic over the top of hours old SLC for a few minutes and got condensation on the inside of the plastic.

Should we test the SLC for moisture using a dome test even if we are using a 6 mil plastic?

My answer....don't be silly and don't use a cheap SLC if your wanting to continue on with your flooring project within the alloted time frame set forth by the manufacture. Ha ha

My name is ernesto and I have no book.