The silent enemy of concrete floors

By Dani Sheehan. 

Keep water out with these specialized epoxy coatings by APF Polymer Surfaces. They isolate moisture-sensitive flooring from concrete moisture to ensure long-term durability and performance. 

In flooring installations, excessive moisture in concrete slabs is the number one invasive and costly problem for building owners. This issue often leads to flooring failures, causing significant financial losses in repairs.  

Concrete is a porous material. During the initial curing period, plenty of water is used and needed for developing strength and durability as it sets. Once the curing is completed, the concrete then expels the water to become suitable for flooring installations and is popular for its low permeability. 

How moisture can damage concrete floors 

When low permeability flooring is placed over a concrete slab with high moisture content, the trapped moisture migrates upward. This dissolves alkalis within the concrete, transporting them to the concrete-flooring surface. The result is a moist environment that can cause several types of flooring failures: 

• Disbonding: The flooring material may detach from the concrete 
• Adhesive breakdown: The adhesives that secure the flooring may degrade 
• Osmotic blisters: Blisters can form on the surface due to moisture pressure 
• Staining: Marks and stains may appear on the flooring 
• Microbial growth: High moisture levels can promote mold and mildew growth, reducing indoor air quality 

A sub-slab vapor retarder is critical for preventing ground moisture from seeping into the slab. However, these are often improperly placed or omitted entirely from the construction process.  

The solution: VaporSolve Moisture Remediation Systems 

APF Polymer Surfaces offers a robust solution to combat moisture-related flooring failures with their VaporSolve Moisture Remediation Systems. These specialized epoxy coatings isolate moisture-sensitive flooring from concrete moisture, ensuring long-term durability and performance. 

By addressing concrete moisture issues effectively with VaporSolve solutions, these systems prevent costly flooring failures, reduce liability and enhance customer satisfaction. Whether used as a preventive measure or a solution to a known moisture problem, VaporSolve offers a proven track record of success across millions of square feet in various applications. 

Explore APF Polymer Surfaces’ VaporSolve Basic or VaporSolve Ultra System to ensure the longevity and integrity of your flooring installations.