Excess moisture in concrete is a silent threat to the success of any coating project, from epoxies to urethanes and beyond. Understanding how moisture reacts with coatings and implementing proper testing procedures are crucial for long-lasting results.
The Trapped Villain:
Concrete acts as a porous material, naturally containing some level of moisture. When a coating is applied prematurely, this moisture becomes trapped. As the water vapor tries to escape, it creates a vapor pressure beneath the coating, causing:
Delamination: The coating separates from the concrete substrate, resembling peeling sunburn.
Blistering: Bubbles form within the coating as the vapor pressure builds.
Adhesion Failure: The coating loses its bond to the concrete, compromising its effectiveness.
Even if the coating is marketed as breathable, it will still reduce the escape of moisture.
Flooding’s Lingering Impact:
Flooding events are a prime culprit for introducing excessive moisture. Even if the flood occurred months ago, the concrete may still harbor hidden water, jeopardizing the performance of any coating system.
Testing is Key:
Before embarking on any coating project, a thorough moisture evaluation is essential. This involves using a reliable moisture meter to determine the concrete’s moisture content (MC). Industry standards typically recommend an MC below 5% for optimal coating adhesion.
Addressing the Issue:
If the MC exceeds the recommended level, several strategies can be employed to dry the concrete:
Moisture Vapor Transmission (MVT) Testing: This test assesses the rate at which moisture escapes from the concrete slab.
Desiccant Dehumidification: This method utilizes specialized equipment to remove moisture from the concrete.
Chemical Treatments: Certain chemicals can promote faster drying and moisture evaporation.
The Takeaway:
Moisture is a silent saboteur of successful concrete coatings. By employing moisture testing and appropriate drying techniques, professionals can ensure a strong foundation for any coating system, maximizing its lifespan and performance.
Moisture Mayhem: The Enemy of Concrete Coatings
Moisture Mayhem: The Enemy of Concrete Coatings
Frederick M Hueston StoneForensics.com
Excess moisture in concrete is a silent threat to the success of any coating project, from epoxies to urethanes and beyond. Understanding how moisture reacts with coatings and implementing proper testing procedures are crucial for long-lasting results.
The Trapped Villain:
Concrete acts as a porous material, naturally containing some level of moisture. When a coating is applied prematurely, this moisture becomes trapped. As the water vapor tries to escape, it creates a vapor pressure beneath the coating, causing:
Delamination: The coating separates from the concrete substrate, resembling peeling sunburn.
Blistering: Bubbles form within the coating as the vapor pressure builds.
Adhesion Failure: The coating loses its bond to the concrete, compromising its effectiveness.
Even if the coating is marketed as breathable, it will still reduce the escape of moisture.
Flooding’s Lingering Impact:
Flooding events are a prime culprit for introducing excessive moisture. Even if the flood occurred months ago, the concrete may still harbor hidden water, jeopardizing the performance of any coating system.
Testing is Key:
Before embarking on any coating project, a thorough moisture evaluation is essential. This involves using a reliable moisture meter to determine the concrete’s moisture content (MC). Industry standards typically recommend an MC below 5% for optimal coating adhesion.
Addressing the Issue:
If the MC exceeds the recommended level, several strategies can be employed to dry the concrete:
Moisture Vapor Transmission (MVT) Testing: This test assesses the rate at which moisture escapes from the concrete slab.
Desiccant Dehumidification: This method utilizes specialized equipment to remove moisture from the concrete.
Chemical Treatments: Certain chemicals can promote faster drying and moisture evaporation.
The Takeaway:
Moisture is a silent saboteur of successful concrete coatings. By employing moisture testing and appropriate drying techniques, professionals can ensure a strong foundation for any coating system, maximizing its lifespan and performance.
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