Concrete is tough and enduring, making it a good floor material for many types of properties. Given its repute, it may shock you to hear that concrete is still porous. Given sufficient time, water from underneath walkways or slabs makes its way through the concrete to its surface, where the water then evaporates. During its travel, 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 substance is named efflorescence.
If you see cracks or joints in your floor that never completely dry, this indicates a significant cache of moisture underneath your slab. Many people try to hide the issue with ceramic tile or cheap epoxy. Without a high-quality sealant, however, the water finds a way through, resulting in loose tiles or coatings that bubble and peel away. The problem is now worse and more costly to fix.
What to Do About Ground Water
Depending on severity, you might need to fix the water issue before proceeding (sealing the floor may not prevent problems in the walls or other spots). If the situation is localized to the concrete, some cleanup and epoxy sealing should stop moisture from accumulating. West Coast Epoxy adds a moisture barrier to our epoxy sealer that halts peeling from water vapor. After the process is complete, the concrete foundation is indeed waterproof on top so that you can safely overlay it with tile, wood, carpet, or laminates. The epoxy sealant makes certain your floor surface won’t be vulnerable to moisture again.
The moisture remediation process benefits a concrete floor of any age and is fast enough to prevent costly delays for planned remodels. If you have any questions about moisture remediation during your building or remodel project in Stockton, please give West Coast Epoxy a call or schedule a free consultation online.