Although hard, concrete is in reality porous. Water can be wicked up by concrete and move through it. Along the way, the water dissolves salts in the concrete and moves them to the surface. Once the water reaches the surface and evaporates, the salts are left behind. This makes the ugly white substance that often forms on concrete called efflorescence. To prevent efflorescence, you need concrete moisture remediation.
If you notice cracks or joints in your floor that don’t dry completely, this points to a significant cache of moisture under your slab. Many people try to hide the issue with ceramic tiles or low-quality epoxy. Without a proper sealant, however, the water finds its way through, resulting in loose tiles or coatings that bubble and peel away. Then the problem becomes worse and more costly to fix.
What to Do About Ground Water
Depending on severity, you may need to resolve the water problem ahead of proceeding (sealing the concrete may not prevent challenges in the walls or other parts). If the situation is localized to the concrete, a cleanup and epoxy sealing should halt water from accumulating. Nevada Custom Coatings adds a moisture barrier to our epoxy sealer that stops bubbling from water vapor. After this process is complete, the concrete foundation is indeed waterproof on top. Following this, you can confidently overlay the foundation with ceramic tiles, wood, carpet, or laminates. The epoxy sealant ensures your floor surface won’t be vulnerable to moisture again.
The moisture remediation process benefits a concrete floor of any age, and is fast enough to prevent costly delays for planned remodels. If you have any questions about moisture remediation during your building or remodel project, please give Nevada Custom Coatings a call or schedule a free consultation online for help in Carson City.