I live in a condo unit on the ground floor. The foundation is a concrete slab.
I have never had actual pooled water in my unit, but the carpet smells musty
and I have had some rust spots where a metal "foot" on a table was resting, so
I know there is moisture in the carpeting.
I do run a dehumidifier to help keep my unit drier, as when I shower, run
the washing machine or dishwasher, my mirrors fog up in the living room, even
if I run the bathroom fan.
I peeled back the carpet to see if mold was growing underneath (no colored
mold seen) and found a large crack in the cement. We did have an earthquake
several years ago and I wonder if this happened then. In that same area, I
sometimes notice an earthy smell, like a garden and I wonder if the crack
extends down through the slab to the dirt below.
I want to replace the carpet and have the crack(s) fixed, but don't know who
to start with- a concrete contractor, or a flooring specialist. I would
also like to have some sort of vapor barrier placed, but don't know if that is
possible.
If the slab is truly damaged (and the crack is not just superficial), I
also believe that it may the the responsibility of the Home Owners association,
as the slab is the foundation and I think would be considered in the same
category as the roof- a common holding.
Does anyone have any advice for me?
thanks,
Cheryl