At CSC Screeding, we pride ourselves on identifying and solving flooring issues before they lead to costly failures. When we were called to assess a long-standing problem at McDonald's Barton Mills, we quickly discovered that excessive moisture was compromising the flooring system.

The Problem: High Moisture & Tile Failure

The restaurant had been experiencing tiles "popping" off the floor, leading to cracks and failure. Despite being installed 10 years ago, the floor showed unusually high relative humidity (RH%) levels. A hygrometer test had flagged the issue, prompting a deeper investigation.

Upon arrival, we used a Tramex digital hygrometer to measure the RH% at a designated test point. The reading? A staggering 89.6% RH—far too high for a stable floor. This explained why the tile adhesive had failed to bond properly to the screed, as seen in the removed tiles, which showed little to no grout residue.

Further inspection revealed cracks in both the corridor and main restaurant area, indicating that the floor structure required more than just moisture mitigation.

The Solution: Moisture Control & Floor Preparation

To restore the integrity of the floor, we executed a three-step solution:

1. Crack Repair: We used anti-fracture membrane to reinforce cracks before proceeding with surface treatments.

2. Moisture Barrier Application: We applied a two-coat Flowcrete Hydraseal system with a sand scatter to create a high-performance moisture barrier.

3. Levelling & Preparation: Finally, we installed Isocrete 1500 levelling compound, ensuring a smooth and durable surface ready for the new tiling application.

The Result: A Resilient, Long-Lasting Floor

By addressing both the moisture issue and structural integrity, we ensured that McDonald's Barton Mills now has a stable, moisture-resistant subfloor—one that will stand the test of time.

If you’re experiencing tile failure, damp screeds, or flooring defects, don’t wait until it becomes a major problem. At CSC Screeding, we don’t just install floors—we diagnose, repair, and future-proof them.