Concrete is tough and strong, making it a terrific foundation material for most types of installations. Given its repute, it may shock you to hear that concrete is in fact porous. Given sufficient time, water from underneath slabs or walkways makes its way through the concrete to its surface, where the water then evaporates. During its travels, the water carries salts dissolved from the concrete. These salts become a white powder when the water dries on the surface of the concrete. This unwanted substance is named efflorescence.
If you notice joints or cracks in your floor that don’t dry completely, this indicates a significant cache of moisture beneath your concrete. Some people try to mask the issue with tiles or inexpensive 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 becomes worse and more costly to repair.
What to Do About Groundwater
Depending on severity, you may need to repair the water problem ahead of proceeding (sealing the concrete may not prevent problems in the walls or other areas). If the situation is localized to the concrete, some cleanup and epoxy sealing should stop water from accumulating. West Coast Epoxy adds a liquid barrier to their epoxy sealer that stops delamination from water vapor. After the procedure is complete, the concrete foundation is waterproof on top and you can safely overlay it with tile, wood, carpet, or laminates.
The moisture remediation procedure benefits a concrete floor of any age and is fast enough to prevent unwanted delays for planned remodels. If you have any questions about moisture remediation during your remodel or building project, please give West Coast Epoxy a call or schedule a free consultation online for assistance in Union City.
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