Although solid, concrete is still porous. Water can be wicked up by concrete and travel through it. Along the way, the water absorbs salts in the concrete and carries them to the surface. Once the water reaches the surface and evaporates, the salts are left behind. This makes the unwanted 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 never completely dry, this points to a significant cache of moisture beneath your concrete. Many people attempt to cover up the problem with ceramic tiles or do-it-yourself epoxy. Without a good sealant, however, the water finds a way through, resulting in loose tiles or coatings that bubble and peel away. Then the problem is worse and more costly to repair.
What To Do About Efflorescence
Depending on severity, you may need to fix the water problem before proceeding (sealing the slab may not prevent problems in the walls or other areas). If the situation is localized to the concrete, some cleanup and epoxy sealing should prevent moisture from accumulating. West Coast Epoxy adds a moisture barrier to their epoxy sealer that prevents bubbling from water vapor. After this procedure is complete, the concrete foundation is waterproof on top and can be overlaid with ceramic tiles, wood, carpet, or laminates.
The water remediation process benefits a concrete floor of any age and is fast enough to avoid significant delays for planned renovations. 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 San Leandro.
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