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Commonly, concrete floors are vulnerable to moisture and suffer from different detrimental influence of moisture such as lifting tile off the floor, rotting hardwood, damping carpet, coating delamination and many more.
These problems are not only disrupting functions of the building due to maintenance operations but also costly. Therefore, it is recommended to implement necessary measures to stop moisture in concrete floors.
Several techniques are available which can be applied based on the condition under consideration. By and large, every problem can be tackled provided that the source of the problem is identified. On this base, suitable prevention method or combination of methods are specified to cut the anticipated source of moisture in given concrete floor.
Free water in concrete and rising moisture from below concrete are the source of moisture. Factors that lead to moisture accumulation in concrete and subsequent related problems include fast track construction schedule which does not allow free water to evaporate naturally, inadequate moisture protection, and wet construction site.
Moisture prevention techniques are available for slabs that is already constructed and experienced moisture and newly constructed slabs.
Contents:
Sources of Moisture in Concrete Floors
- Free water in concrete
- Moisture rising from below the slab
Causes of Moisture in Concrete Floors
- Wet Building Sites
- Fast-Track Construction Schedules
- Inaccurate, Insufficient or Misinterpreted Moisture Tests
- Inadequate Sub-Slab Moisture Protection
- Changing materials
Methods Used to Stop Moisture in Concrete Floors
There are different techniques used for stopping moisture in concrete floors. These techniques are classified into two groups include those which are used before slabs construction and methods used for existing slabs:
Before Slab Construction
1. Low-permeance Vapor Barrier or Retarder
A Low-permeance vapor Barrier or retarder can effectively keep below-slab moisture from reaching the flooring system. In this technique, a layer of sand with certain thickness is placed, after that, a strong and highly durable plastic such as polyethylene is laid, then another layer of sand is installed above the plastic sheet. After that, the construction of concrete floor can be carried out.
Any material used below slab to prevent the movement of moisture from ground into slab fall in this category of moisture prevention method.
2. Allow Natural Drying of Concrete Slab
Sometimes, providing adequate time for natural drying of concrete slab would solve the problem. In this case the concrete slab shall be tested prior to the installation of tiles, coatings, or paints.
3. Keep Excavation Free of Water
Keep below grade excavations free of water to prevent potential reservoirs of moisture that can migrate upward through slabs. Excessive moisture below concrete slabs can cause structural degradation of soil bearing strengths, and swelling and shrinkage of soil. These can adversely affect a concrete slab on grade.
After Slab Construction
Apply Damping Agent for Existing Concrete Floor
In this method, damping agent (such as liquid epoxy damp proof membrane) is applied for an existing concrete floor system. It is used for slabs that suffered moisture problems due to lack of moisture prevention means or failure of moisture prevention system.
The damping agent creates an impermeable layer and hence keep moisture in concrete slab. Not only does it provide visually good surface finish to the floor but also it can be applied without any concern regarding drying the concrete slab.
Application procedure involves clean concrete surface from dirt and then apply the damping agent using roller and brush. It may be required to apply multiple layer, but each layer shall be allowed to be set before applying the next layer. The number of layers is based on the amount of moisture in concrete.
