Finish TradesQuestion 410 of 700
Before installing solid hardwood strip flooring over a concrete slab on grade, which precaution is MOST critical?
a.Verifying the slab moisture level is within the flooring manufacturer's limits and installing a vapor retarder
b.Wetting the slab thoroughly the day before
c.Installing the boards with no expansion gap at the walls
d.Nailing directly into the concrete without a subfloor
Explanation
Excess slab moisture is the leading cause of hardwood cupping and failure, so verifying moisture within the manufacturer's limits and providing a vapor retarder is critical. Wetting the slab, omitting the perimeter expansion gap, and nailing into bare concrete all invite moisture damage or movement problems.
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