Not all coatings for industrial concrete floors in Houstonoffer the protection that you need to fight moisture vapor related damage. Often times concrete floor moisture problems turn out to be issues of concrete slab moisture vapor transmission(MVT). This is a problem where water vapor penetrates through the slab resulting to the production of high-pH liquid that causes failure on the floor coating bonds. Having a moisture vapor system can be the solution to create a barrier for concrete slabs in order to keep your floors safe and dry.
Effects of Moisture Vapor Transmission:
As water vapor penetrates through the concrete slab, acidic liquid is formed that leads to coating bond failures. This will eventually cause peeling, bubbling, or discharging of an oily liquid from your concrete floors in Houston.
Measuring Moisture Vapor Transmission:
There are several tests which can help you figure out the moisture content and moisture vapor transmission of your flooring system. Some of these tests include the Calcium Chloride Test, the Plastic Sheet Test, and Relative Humidity (RH) testing. The Calcium Chloride Test is one of the most well-known tests that measures moisture in a concrete slab, and it is the standard test specified by the majority of flooring contractors in the United States.
Today’s industry requirements have determined that a 75% relative humidity result or less is an acceptable range for flooring products. However, if you need to have your floor tested for moisture levels, it is better to have the moisture levels over estimated, because when a non-breathable flooring system is installed, you will run the risk of the RH increasing. The end results can increase potential dampness or condensation to happen underneath your flooring system. An increase in moisture will then cause the concrete’s natural alkaline levels to reach the surface.
Controlling Moisture Vapor Transmission:
Moisture Vapor Transmission failures are common, and these can wreak floors to the extent that it will require removing the concrete slab and reinstalling a new one. This can also be very costly. However, the good news is that newer floor coating products and proper installation techniques will reduce or eliminate water vapor transmission problems.
Tips to Moisture Vapor Transmission Failures:
If you think that your flooring system is experiencing MVT failures:
- Have your floors tested immediately
- Use a topical moisture or acid pH suppression system
- Install vapor barriers or retarded beneath the slab
- Proper preparation of concrete
- Weigh the pros and cons of flooring and floor coverings
- Give your local flooring company a call
Concrete failures can happen any time due to high moisture levels, especially in areas like Texas where weather change is common. Unfortunately, not everyone is experienced or has the proper equipment to properly moisture-proof their commercial or industrial concrete and epoxy floors in Houston. In order to get the job done and take the proper precautions, our team of experts at Prepco Flooring, LLC. is more than happy to help. For more information, you can call us up at 281-360-0012. You can also send as a message any time and our team will be prompt to answer all your queries.