why does it seem damp between the allure planking

Question

when repairing the allure grip strip I seen black from the bottom of the planking and dampness  in the sub floor which is plywood.  Is this normal or is there something wrong.

If so how can I resolve this issue.

Account Closed · Answer

I'm not familiar with Allure flooring, but if it's practically water proof as noted by @Edward Mccracken, then, as he indicated, the moisture is likely collecting from below the sub-flooring (be it a crawl space, basement or sleepers on a slab) and building up underneath the Allure (e.g., waterproof = impermeable).

There doesn't need to be visible standing water for this to happen either.  Environmental moisture vapor, within the air or being released from the ground, can easily collect on the underside of flooring.  I've seen many different types of flooring and decking buckle and bubble from this very thing.

Did the moisture lead to the Allure flooring needing to be repaired?  What was the floor covering before the Allure?

Edward Mccracken · Answer

I'm sure water can not escape through the glue stips, that flooring is practically water proof.  You would have to check the area around it to see where the dampness is coming from.  Is it on top of a crawlspace?  Maybe thats flooded?

Wade Cremeans · Answer

when I took up the allure the plywood underneath was damp in the hallway

Edward Mccracken · Answer

I'm confused... Say that a different way or post some pictures...