Because of an increasing number of moisture-related floor-covering failures in the past several years, some designers now recommend eliminating the granular blotter layer that's often used between the concrete and the vapor retarder or vapor barrier. Though a blotter layer offers several advantages, it can hold water from many possible sources and cause problems if the floor will receive moisture-sensitive coverings such as sheet vinyl, rubber, wood or similar materials.

Many designers, however, are reluctant to place concrete directly on a vapor retarder because they fear the floor slab will curl or crack excessively. These defects also can cause floor-covering failures that, in some cases, require remedial work after the building is in service. However, with the correct positioning and amount of reinforcing steel, both curling and cracking can be controlled.