Slab question

[greggeo]

I have a tri level house. Located in a hilly area. I noticed on the lower level after the carpet was removed there's what appears to be some kind of blackish colored material that's layered on the top of the cement and has a sticky tarish kind of feel. Anyone have information on what its for? Possibly some sort of moisture or gas barrier? thanks Greg

:?:

[Rich]

It could very well be just that. I can't recall every seeing anything like it or anything used in that application.. but possibly a paranoid previous owner could have done something like that.
Welcome to the forum.. and OMG :shock: I can't believe you would write that in your signature on this forum - LMAO just kidding of course.

[mjpliv]

Is this material covering the entire floor or just part of it?

[colonial carpentry]

Sounds like carpet glue to me!

[Tom R]

I'm thinking the same thing, and it's a mess to remove.

[greggeo]

Is this material covering the entire floor or just part of it?



This material is only in the living room area of the lower level. It also has 2 bedrooms and a bathroom at the same level, I have never seen any moisture in that level. It did have a flooding problem because of slop runoff to the lower level. But I added cement drainage control and has never flooded in the 10 years I have lived here. it has nothing to do with the carpet I'm certain.

[mjpliv]

I wonder if somebody used a liquid floor leveler in that room?

[Firerep]

If the house is old enough, it could be old "cutback" adhesive from a previous VAT tile installation. If so, it may have a small amount of asbestos in it.

[Nicky]

sounds like old mastic from previous floor.