Carpet laid over parquet - problems

Frailpigeon

We had new polypropylene carpet and underlay laid in our lounge in December on top of parquet which is laid on a concrete floor. Previously there was wool carpet and underlay already there on top of parquet with no problems. Fitters said there was no reason not to lay over parquet, they removed all broken wood blocks and screeded where necessary before fitting carpet.

About 4 weeks ago we noticed carpet bulging in one area, called the fitters in, they said that the parquet is blowing, possibly due to damp. The boss came round last week with damp meter, lifted carpet and found the parquet was damp, said it was not their fault (they didn't test for damp before laying carpet and said they never do that) and that we should contact insurance co. Insurance are sending someone to inspect but said if it's due to faulty damp course we aren't covered. We don't think there are any pipes in the area but as it's a concrete floor we don't know for sure. We have now noticed other areas of the carpet are starting to bulge.

Advice would be much appreciated.

butterflymum

Could it be that a different type of underlay and carpet has caused 'condensation', as it is less 'breathable' than previous?


see:
http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=197052

Frailpigeon

We have thought that might be a possible cause. If so, is that the fault of the carpet supplier - shouldn't they have advised that this type of carpet wasn't suitable.

Doozergirl

Carpet fitters fit carpet. I really don't think it's their responsibilty to check for dampness. In many cases they'd simply have no idea. They're in the house for a matter of hours and as qualified as you are to know if the house has a dampness problem. Or less as the homeowner has the benefit of time.

It shouldn't be a problem to lay carpet over dry parquet.

No carpet would be suitable for a damp floor. If one behaves better than another, I'd say it was luck, not judgement.

brightontraveller

You can get suitable for wet/damp area’s but there often beyond most high street suppliers, buyers knowledge and budget … Its buyers responsibility to ensure its suitable e.g. you go to a store choose underlay carpet etc that’s down to you if you appoint a company to measure check location, suitability etc then that’s down to them but as this service comes at a price most don’t bother...
Fitters are employed simply to install what they given suitability is not part of there remit…

pendragon_arther

Wood over concrete will cause dampness if the wood isn't allowed to 'breathe'. The floor could breathe previously but once covered couldn't so will buckle. It isn't something the carpet fitters would know, but it's something I learned from an experienced Kenyan carpenter when I lived there.