Concrete is solid and durable, making it a great floor material for most kinds of structures. Given its reputation, it might surprise you to know that concrete is still porous. Given sufficient time, water from under walkways or slabs makes its way through the concrete to the surface, and the water then evaporates. During its travels, the water transports salts dissolved from the concrete. These salts become a white powder when the water evaporates on the surface of the concrete. This unwanted product is called efflorescence.
If you see cracks or joints in your concrete that don’t completely dry, this indicates a significant cache of moisture beneath your slab. Many people try to cover the problem with tile or DIY epoxy. Without a quality sealant, however, the water finds a way through, resulting in loose tiles or coatings that bubble and peel away. The original problem is now worse and more costly to fix.
What to Do About Ground Water
Depending on severity, you might need to resolve the water problem ahead of proceeding (sealing the foundation may not prevent challenges in the walls or other spaces). If the situation is localized to the concrete, a cleanup and epoxy sealing should prevent water from accumulating. West Coast Epoxy adds a water barrier to our epoxy sealer that prevents peeling from water vapor. After the process is complete, the concrete floor is waterproof and can be confidently overlaid with tile, wood, carpet, or laminates.
With epoxy sealers, the age of the concrete typically does not matter if the concrete is considered stable. Epoxy coatings dry quickly, reducing delays, but it cannot be applied to brand new concrete until the material is fully set. To discover more about water remediation for concrete floors in Manteca, reach out to West Coast Epoxy.
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