Concrete is tough and enduring, making it a terrific foundation material for the majority of types of structures. Given its repute, it may shock you to hear that concrete is in truth porous. Given sufficient time, water from under walkways or slabs makes its way through the concrete to its surface, and the water then evaporates. During its travels, the water carries salts taken from the concrete. These salts become a white powder when the water dries on the surface of the concrete. This unwanted material is called efflorescence.
If you see joints or cracks in your concrete that never completely dry, this indicates a significant cache of moisture beneath your slab. Some people attempt to mask the issue with tile or DIY epoxy. Without a good sealant however, the water finds its way through, resulting in loose tiles or coatings that bubble and peel away. Then the problem is worse and more costly to resolve.
What To Do About Efflorescence
Depending on severity, you may need to resolve the water issue ahead of proceeding (sealing the foundation may not prevent issues in the walls or other areas). If the situation is localized to the concrete, a cleanup and epoxy sealing should halt moisture from accumulating. West Coast Epoxy adds a water barrier to our epoxy sealer that prevents peeling from water vapor. After this process is complete, the concrete foundation is waterproof on top and can be safely overlaid with ceramic tiles, wood, carpet, or laminate.
The moisture remediation process benefits a concrete floor of any age and is fast enough to avoid costly delays for planned remodels. If you have any worries about moisture remediation during your renovation or building project, please give West Coast Epoxy a call or schedule a free consultation online for assistance in Fremont.
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