Case Studies

The Failure of a Brand New Floor

Chain Drug Store, Central California

Setting: A popular drug store in a well-maintained shopping center in Fresno, California. The building is 100 feet above sea level.

Problem: Shortly after the original flooring installation, the new tile (vinyl composition tile, installed with a water-based adhesive) began peaking and cupping. Additionally, glue began leaking through the tile joints. In trying to solve the problem, the client tried replacing the tile, but the symptoms persisted.

Testing & Findings: IFTI performed a series of moisture and alkalinity tests throughout the interior sales floor. Based on the results, IFTI found a relatively high visual distress level of the existing flooring; a high to extremely high static moisture condition; an extremely high dynamic moisture condition; and an extremely high alkalinity condition.

IFTI found that the concrete moisture vapor emission, coupled with the excessive alkalinity, had prevented the adhesive from curing properly and that the lack of bond strength caused the tile to release from the substrate.

Solution: IFTI recommended a plumbing survey to determine if there is a breach in the plumbing system. A breach was indeed discovered and repaired.

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