Does your facility have a moisture problem? Maybe you come in the morning to find a wet or damp concrete floor. Or worse, perhaps you just had your floors done in the last few months and have discovered your new floor coating is already peeling or blistering.
If you’ve already checked for leaks and controlled for weather-related humidity but are still having issues, you may be dealing with moisture coming through the concrete floor itself. This is a common (and often costly) problem in commercial facilities, and moisture vapor control flooring may be the right solution to stop it effectively.
Causes of Concrete Slab Moisture Problems
Because concrete is a porous substance, water vapor can rise through it and into your building. In some cases, the moisture is coming from the ground beneath. If a proper moisture barrier wasn’t installed before the concrete was poured, water from the soil can easily transfer through the concrete—a particularly troublesome problem in regions where the ground stays damp throughout the year.
The water vapor could also be coming from the concrete itself. Water is a major component of the concrete mixing process, and it can take several months to a year for the concrete to properly cure (i.e., dry).
Risks of Excessive Moisture in Concrete
Unchecked water vapor in a facility can lead to dangerous slippery floors, promote the growth of mold and even allow for microbial growth within the porous concrete. In extreme cases, just putting a simple floor coating or sealant on the floors can actually make the problem worse. Simply blocking the vapor’s exit point may cause moisture levels in the slab to build up.
Moisture can even saturate the concrete to a level that it dissolves minerals within the concrete. And that spells trouble. For example, if lye (sodium hydroxide) has been added to the concrete as a cement mixer, the high moisture levels will cause the lye to dissolve and raise its pH level to as high as 13 or 14—creating a destructive base that can eat through flooring adhesives and create blisters in the floor surface.
How Moisture Vapor Control Coatings Help
The best solution, of course, is prevention—putting down the right moisture barriers before the concrete is poured, or allowing the concrete to cure properly over the course of several months or years. But if you’re the owner of an existing facility, this typically isn’t a practical option.
When you can’t address the large-scale issues causing excessive moisture buildup, the next-best solution is a moisture vapor control floor coating. Sometimes with multiple layers, moisture vapor control coating systems are strong enough to block all moisture vapor coming through the concrete, and, unlike most other coatings, can withstand the corrosive pH levels that destroy the bond with weaker coatings.
A moisture vapor control coating may be the only flooring your facility needs. It can also be laid down as a base for other coatings or for hardwood, tile, and other flooring types.
FAQs
How do I test moisture in concrete?
Concrete moisture is typically tested with relative humidity (RH) probes or calcium chloride tests. These tests measure the amount of moisture within the slab and help determine whether the floor is suitable for coatings or requires moisture mitigation.
What are the signs of moisture in concrete flooring?
Common signs include damp or wet floors, peeling or blistering coatings, mold or mildew growth, and white residue (efflorescence) on the surface. These issues often indicate moisture is moving through the concrete slab.
What causes moisture in concrete flooring?
Moisture can come from the ground beneath the slab, if a vapor barrier is missing or damaged, or from water used during the concrete curing process. Environmental conditions and high humidity can also contribute to moisture-related problems.
What is an acceptable moisture level in concrete?
Most coatings require concrete to fall within specific moisture thresholds before installation, but acceptable moisture levels depend on the flooring system being installed. Professional testing is necessary to determine if your floor meets these requirements.
Can moisture vapor control coatings stop moisture from coming through concrete floors?
Yes, moisture vapor control coatings are designed to block moisture transmission through concrete slabs and prevent damage to floor coatings. These systems are often used when moisture issues cannot be resolved at the source.
Is a moisture vapor control flooring right for my facility?
Every facility has its own set of unique characteristics, and there may be several factors contributing to your excessive floor moisture. You’ll need to get a professional concrete moisture test done first so you can know exactly which challenges you’re up against.
Once the problem is precisely defined, you’ll want to find a flooring expert who can recommend the moisture control coating that’s formulated to solve the particular issues for your floor. You’ll also want to hire a professional installation crew that can apply it correctly the first time. If you’re in the Southeastern U.S. and would like a personalized consultation, call CPC at (864) 855-0600 and we’d be happy to answer any questions you might have.
