House smells a little like humidity / musty (tile, price)

[ElRo]

Hello. I bought a house recently that has bare cement floors thru the entire house except for the bathrooms which are tiles.

Do you think the fact that the entire house for the most part is bare cement floors, this can contribute to the house smelling musty / like humidity?

I’m having tiles laid in the near future so I’m hoping that helps.

The house is currently vacant.

Thanks!

[kyle19125]

Bare cement is porous so no doubt that's it. Make sure they do a vapor barrier sealant on the cement before installing the tile.

[Thundarr457]

We had the same problem and they needed to do moisture remediation. The best products are made by Mapei. They are pricey but work great. They mix 2 different products like an epoxy and put it on with rollers. It cost like $250 per 5 gallon pail which covers around 400 sq ft depending on how porous your floors are. Hire a moisture remediation company. Our house is 1000% better now.

[Lillie767]

A/C is running with humidistat right?

[cfenn006]

Was the home sitting vacant for a while before you bought???
If you notice the smell intensifying when you turn the AC on, you need to have the system and vents cleaned.



Is the concrete floor dusty, or have a polished look?
If its dusty, that musty smell is coming from there no doubt. If its polished, its probably been sealed and maintained and probably not the source.

[ElRo]

I agree with you. It’s likely because the house has been vacant and the bare concrete floors are a little dusty. I’m having porcelain tiles laid down starting next week. Think I still need a vapor barrier sealant? Should I clean the floors now prior to porcelain tile installation? If yes, what should I clean the bare cement floors with?

[Chas863]

Originally Posted by ElRo

I agree with you. It’s likely because the house has been vacant and the bare concrete floors are a little dusty. I’m having porcelain tiles laid down starting next week. Think I still need a vapor barrier sealant? Should I clean the floors now prior to porcelain tile installation? If yes, what should I clean the bare cement floors with?

I'm not so sure that tile can even be installed over a plastic type vapor barrier. The leveling grout needs to adhere to the concrete floor to keep everything stable and keep it from shifting. Don't think that grout will adhere to plastic. I'm no expert on this. Just my opinion.

[Arcenal813]

Also worth investing in a good dehumidifier or two. They work wonders.

[Mr Andy]

Hi Did you try to reach any mold removal companies?

[cfenn006]

Originally Posted by ElRo

I agree with you. It’s likely because the house has been vacant and the bare concrete floors are a little dusty. I’m having porcelain tiles laid down starting next week. Think I still need a vapor barrier sealant? Should I clean the floors now prior to porcelain tile installation? If yes, what should I clean the bare cement floors with?

Absolutely not.

Leave it alone. The tilers if competent will verify how level it is, if SLC needs to be put down they will have to strip whatever sealant is put down. Sounds like the floor had carpeting and it was pulled out to make the sale.