Although hard, concrete is in reality porous. Water can be wicked up by concrete and flow through it. Along the way, the water picks up salts in the concrete and transports them to the surface. Once this water reaches the surface and dries, the salts are left behind. This creates the ugly white substance that often forms on concrete called efflorescence. To prevent efflorescence, you require concrete moisture remediation.
Water comes up through the concrete for many reasons that do not involve leaking pipes. The type of soil and amount of rainfall may influence the amount of groundwater. The presence of springs or near-surface aquifers can create water reservoirs underneath your location. And a nearby stream, river or lake might affect the moisture content in the ground, especially if your foundation is below the level of the high water mark.
What to Do About Groundwater
Depending on the severity, you might need to repair the water issue before proceeding (sealing the slab may not prevent challenges in the walls or other locations). If the situation is localized to the concrete, some cleanup and epoxy sealing should prevent moisture from accumulating. West Coast Epoxy adds a water barrier to our epoxy sealer that prevents bubbling from water vapor. After the process is complete, the concrete foundation is indeed waterproof on top. Thus, you can confidently overlay it with ceramic tile, wood, carpet, or laminates. The epoxy sealant makes sure your floor surface won’t be vulnerable to moisture again.
The water remediation process benefits a concrete floor of any age and is fast enough to avoid unwanted delays for planned remodels. If you have any concerns about moisture remediation during your building or remodel project, please give West Coast Epoxy a call or schedule a free consultation online for assistance in Lafayette.
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