Moisture Problems in Concrete Flooring: How to Prevent It

Residents and business owners choose concrete for their flooring projects due to its durability. Installing concrete is also cost-effective, even when adding commercial coatings. In addition, you can also choose from numerous color schemes, designs, and patterns.

However, despite concrete’s many advantages, issues like damage from UV rays and moisture can occur. While these issues are natural, dealing with them can quickly become tedious and expensive.

This guide explores how to prevent excess moisture from impacting your concrete flooring projects.

What Problems Can Excessive Moisture Cause?

Before exploring effective solutions for preventing or combating moisture, it’s important to know what kinds of problems excessive moisture can cause, such as:

  • Your concrete surfaces can start cracking or bubbling, diminishing your floor’s aesthetics.
  • Crumbling can also occur, leading to ridges and holes. These imperfections are not only unattractive but create safety hazards.
  • Moisture may trigger uneven surfaces increasing the risks of people slipping and falling.
  • Excessive moisture can create the perfect environment for mold growth, leading to structural damage alongside potential health risks.

These issues are significant concerns for homeowners and become more serious when running a business. Having unattractive concrete surfaces can cause customers or clients to take their business elsewhere. However, proper commercial coatings and other solutions can prevent these potential problems.

Why Does Concrete “Sweat”?

Concrete sweating occurs when warm air from the outside mixes with a concrete slab’s interior. This process causes moisture to grow on the concrete’s surface. This problem typically occurs when there’s a lot of humidity outside.

Sealants and coatings can help prevent excessive moisture, avoiding further issues like mold spores. However, business owners may still experience sweating concrete, and fixing the problem may require joint sealants or similar solutions.

Simple Ways to Keep Your Floors Dry on Rainy Days

The best way to protect your concrete surfaces is through implementing coating solutions from an expert commercial coatings company in Charlotte, NC.

However, you can use a few simple solutions to protect your concrete when it’s raining:

  • Use a dehumidifier to dry your floors.
  • Use entry mats and other floor mats to reduce moisture levels.
  • Adjust an area’s temperature levels to prevent your concrete surfaces from sweating. You’ll want to make your interior areas the same temperatures as outside.
  • Dry your concrete surfaces using floor fans.

Steps to Take for Applying a Concrete Coating System

You should take certain steps to apply a commercial coating system for your business:

Take Your Time

As a business owner, you want any repair or floor installation project to disrupt your normal activities minimally. Unfortunately, this desire may lead some business owners to cut corners by reducing time or resources.

However, reducing your floor’s natural drying and curing time can cause vapors to collect underneath your surfaces. As such, it’s better to keep your flooring project’s drying and curing time flexible when possible.

Sometimes, you can use heaters or dehumidifiers to expedite the process, but it’s still best to consult professionals before deciding to do so.

Run Comprehensive Moisture Tests

After completing the curing and drying process, it’s good practice to conduct tests to see if your concrete flooring has any lingering moisture. Two main concrete moisture tests exist:

  • Calcium chloride test:  An older testing method, experts also call this test the moisture vapor emission rate (MVER) test. This test involves placing calcium chloride salt over 72 hours and measuring the concrete slab’s weight difference.
  • Relative humidity (RH) probes:  Most professionals prefer using an RH probe to measure relative humidity inside concrete floors. The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association recommends an RH level of 75 to 80% before installing commercial coatings.

Use the Best Materials Possible

Whether installing brand-new concrete floors or exploring commercial coatings, you always want to use the best materials possible. The correct installation can protect your concrete surfaces from moisture, chemical spills, fire, everyday wear and tear, and more.

The right materials are especially vital for businesses. For example, commercial properties constantly deal with heavy foot traffic and potential water damage from regular cleaning.

At Southeast Floor Maintenance , our team provides year-round epoxy bases and polyaspartic topcoats and polyurea bases with polyaspartic topcoats during winter.

Call Us Today for the Best Commercial Coatings Company in Charlotte

Excessive moisture can quickly damage your concrete surfaces, diminishing your commercial property’s value. While some DIY solutions exist, the best option is to call a professional crew.

For top-notch commercial coatings to protect your business from moisture and similar issues, call our experts at Southeast Floor Maintenance at (704) 932-1122!

Breathe New Life into Your Garage: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Garage Floor Coating in Charlotte, NC

By CMC Team • 17 Apr, 2024
Is your Charlotte garage floor tired, cracked, and stained? Maybe it's simply become an eyesore you dread pulling into. Whatever the reason, a garage floor coating can be a transformative upgrade, adding functionality, beauty, and value to your home. But with so many options available, choosing the right coating can feel overwhelming. Here at Southeast Floor Maintenance, we understand. We're Charlotte's trusted resource for garage floor coatings , and we're here to guide you through the entire process, from educating you on your options to flawlessly applying the perfect coating for your needs. Understanding Your Garage Floor Coating Options The first step is knowing your choices. Here's a breakdown of the most common garage floor coating types: Epoxy : A popular and affordable option, epoxy offers good durability and chemical resistance. It comes in various colors and can include decorative chips for a unique look. However, epoxy can be susceptible to hot tire pick-up and may yellow over time. Polyurea : This high-performance coating offers superior durability, chemical resistance, and faster cure times than epoxy. Polyurea is ideal for high-traffic garages or those exposed to extreme temperatures. Polyaspartic : Similar to polyurea, polyaspartic boasts exceptional strength, chemical resistance, and a very fast cure time. It's a great choice for busy garages or when a quick turnaround is desired. Choosing the Right Coating for Your Garage At Southeast Floor Maintenance, we don't offer a one-size-fits-all solution. We take the time to understand your specific needs and preferences to recommend the ideal coating. Here are some key factors to consider: Durability : How much wear and tear will your garage floor experience? Polyurea and polyaspartic offer the highest durability, while epoxy is a good choice for moderate traffic areas. Budget : Epoxy is generally the most affordable option, followed by polyurea and polyaspartic. Aesthetics : Do you have a desired color or finish? All these coatings offer a variety of options, with epoxy offering the most decorative possibilities with colored chips. Desired Functionalities : Do you need a slip-resistant surface? Polyurea and polyaspartic naturally offer more slip resistance than epoxy, which can be enhanced with additives. Cure Time : How quickly do you need your garage floor back in service? Polyaspartic cures the fastest, followed by polyurea and then epoxy. Benefits of Garage Floor Coatings Beyond aesthetics, garage floor coatings offer a multitude of benefits: Increased Durability : Coatings protect your concrete floor from cracks, chips, and stains, extending its lifespan and reducing maintenance needs. Easier Cleaning : The smooth, sealed surface of a coated floor makes cleaning spills and dirt a breeze. Improved Aesthetics : A beautiful garage floor elevates your entire home's curb appeal and value. Enhanced Safety : Certain coatings offer slip resistance, which can be crucial in a potentially wet or oily environment. Potential Increased Home Value : A professionally installed garage floor coating can be a selling point for potential buyers. How Southeast Floor Maintenance Stands Out Choosing Southeast Floor Maintenance for your garage floor coating needs comes with several advantages: Expert Advice : We don't just sell products; we offer expert consultations to guide you towards the perfect coating for your unique situation. Quality Products : We use only the highest-quality garage floor coating materials from trusted brands. Meticulous Preparation : Proper surface preparation is key to a long-lasting coating. Our experienced team ensures your floor is thoroughly cleaned, repaired (if necessary), and prepped for optimal adhesion. Skilled Installation : Our certified professionals meticulously apply your chosen coating, ensuring a flawless and durable finish. Peace of Mind : We back our work with comprehensive warranties, giving you peace of mind for years to come. Free Consultation and Quote Ready to breathe new life into your Charlotte garage? Contact Southeast Floor Maintenance today for a free consultation and quote . We'll answer all your questions, assess your specific needs, and recommend the perfect coating solution for your dream garage floor. We can even provide you with a free downloadable checklist summarizing the key points to consider when choosing a garage floor coating.  Don't let your garage floor remain an eyesore any longer. With Southeast Floor Maintenance, you're just a step away from a beautiful, functional, and long-lasting garage floor that adds value and enjoyment to your Charlotte home.

Do you want to improve your spaces? These are the benefits of concrete coatings

By Southeast Floor Maintenance • 12 Dec, 2023
With our team's expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to customer satisfaction, you can trust us as the ideal partner for your garage floor project. Choose Southeast Floor Maintenance, and you'll enjoy the benefits of a beautiful, long-lasting, and functional garage floor that enhances the overall appeal of your home.
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