For commercial building owners, moisture mitigation is a concern that must be addressed. Due to upcoming regulations, all builders will be required to complete moisture mitigation testing on all concrete flooring before floor covering installation is permitted. When your business chooses to work with Zenith Painting and Coatings, we will complete all required testing and help you resolve moisture issues at the core. Additionally, we can provide you with long lasting coating solutions that will save you from future moisture problems.
Why is Moisture Mitigation Important?
Most people understand that you can’t build a long-lasting structure on a weak foundation. If moisture is present, it can compromise the integrity of your building structure, walls, and flooring. Moisture vapor transmission is particularly an issue in flooring. The presence of moisture can cause:
- Bubbled, delaminated coatings or toppings
- Soft or re-emulsified adhesives
- Curled or cracked tile floors
- Carpets that mold and mildew, discolor and release odor
- Wood floors that buckle or warp
Knowing the risks and moisture vapor transmission facts can help you save money down the line. This is why moisture mitigation testing for concrete surfaces is important before committing to a flooring application, like carpet or tile. Moisture mitigation testing also ensures proper protection is applied to new flooring before moisture has the chance to potentially ruin other foundational elements of your building.
How does the Testing Process Work?
At Zenith we use In-Situ Probes for concrete moisture testing that complies with ASTM F2170 – 17. It is important that all of your testing is completed by a certified ICRI (International Concrete Repair Institute) expert to ensure the testing is conducted properly under regulation guidelines.
ASTM F2170 – 17– This is officially known as the standard testing method for determining relative humidity in concrete floor slabs using In-Situ Probes.
In-Situ Probes– Are the actual devices for measuring moisture within the concrete. This method provides relative humidity (RH) measurements at 40% of the slab’s depth, a position proven to more accurately portray the final RH levels of the slab if it were to be sealed at that point in time.
Zenith Solutions
When working with Zenith Painting and Coatings, commercial flooring projects don’t have to slow your construction down! We have two proven systems that work for moisture mitigation and we can get your project up and running again in no time.
ARDEX MC RAPID– This moisture vapor retarder is formulated for use over concrete and can mitigate moisture conditions up to 100% RH and a pH of up to 14. Once installed, moisture and pH testing is no longer required, and slab conditions will not negatively affect coatings or floor finishes!
ARDEX VR 95– This is a primed, one-component, water-based, two-coat system produced to suppress residual moisture in new concrete with RH readings up to 95%. ARDEX underlayment may be installed over the second coat in under 2 hours without priming.
Epoxy Floor Coating– Epoxy flooring is durable and will protect your concrete for many years without the need to worry about moisture damage. Epoxy is ideal for high traffic areas and will leave a finished gloss that will make your concrete more functional and aesthetically pleasing.
If you are in need of moisture mitigation testing and solutions, please call us! Our professional team is here to answer any questions you may have and we guarantee great customer service. Call us today for more information or to schedule a free consultation.
