DEAR MI-LING: My house was built in 1965. What is now the concrete floor of the patio room was originally the concrete slab of the uncovered patio. The previous owner walled in the patio and made a room 10 by 20 feet, with eight windows.It could be an attractive, enjoyable room, except the floor needs attention.

I am limited in what type of floor covering I can put in that room because of a moisture problem: When there is precipitation, some water comes in on the floor (apparently from underneath one of the walls. I have had caulking applied several times, but it does not stop the leaking.

I need to know what type of expert to contact about fixing the moisture problem and to tell me what type of floor covering I can safely have installed in that room.

I have been told that laminate will not work because of the moisture factor; vinyl will not work because there is no way to attach quarter round at the edges. Is ceramic or porcelain tile the answer?

Susan C.

DEAR SUSAN C.: I would contact a concrete professional or someone who works on sealing concrete or foundation repair.

My immediate concern would be to test the wall for mold since water has been coming in under the drywall for some time.

You might be able to have the floor raised with a leveling product and then install tile or have the floor stamped and stained or just stained.

However before you spend a dime on the floor, check with a professional and fix the water problem first.

Like my daddy used to say, “Do it right the first time or don’t do it at all.”

What are your thoughts?