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High Moisture in Concrete: A Hidden Cause of Structural Failure
Concrete flooring is one of the top choices for both commercial and industrial settings. Its excessive strength and durability encourage marketers to rely on this material when constructing or upgrading their workspaces. However, despite its robustness, many buildings fail to maintain structural integrity for a long time. This happens due to the presence of high moisture levels in the concrete.
Are you noticing cracks or signs of structural damage in your floors? If so, excess moisture could be the underlying cause. Instead of overlooking it, it’s time to understand the hidden cause and fix it immediately to avoid costly mistakes.
How moisture affects concrete
Concrete is a porous flooring material that can naturally absorb moisture from the environment. While its resilience and toughness make it a popular choice for business settings, excess moisture can seep into the concrete, leading to several surface issues.
- Structural weakening: High moisture levels can compromise the strength of concrete by affecting the bond between the cement and aggregates. This reduces the load-bearing capacity of the surface leading to cracks, dents, and structural failure over time.
- Surface Delamination and Spalling: Have you ever found your surface flaking off? This happens when water pressure builds up beneath the surface, forcing layers of concrete to separate and create uneven texture.
- Mold and Mildew Growth: Molds and bacteria often thrive in damp environments. A concrete surface with excessive moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for these harmful organisms. This not only affects the appearance of concrete but also poses health risks to occupants, especially in enclosed spaces.
- Flooring Failures: Have you noticed loose tiles or uneven flooring? A moisture-trapped surface causes adhesives to break down over time. This causes flooring materials to lift, curl, or warp, leading to costly repairs and replacements.
- Corrosion of Reinforcement: Concrete flooring often requires steel reinforcements for additional strength. For example, steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC). When moisture penetrates, it leads to rusting and corrosion of the steel bars.
Causes of High Moisture Levels in Concrete
What causes high moisture levels in concrete is yet to be uncovered!
One of the prime reasons to have excess moisture in concrete is improper curing. The curing time allows concrete to harden and develop its full strength to withstand temperature, moisture, and wear and tear. Skipping or shortening the curing process can lead to weak, brittle concrete prone to cracks and moisture infiltration.
Some other factors that contribute to this are – groundwater seepage, lack of vapor barriers, and of course, environmental conditions. Probably, that’s the reason why experts initially measure such conditions before resinous flooring installation.
How to Prevent and Mitigate High Moisture Levels
Preventing moisture buildup in a concrete surface is essential to ensure long-lasting performance, maintain surface stability, and avoid issues like mold growth and adhesive failure. Now the question is – how?
Here are some best practices following which you can mitigate elevated moisture levels.
- Installing a high-quality vapor barrier beneath concrete slabs.
- Ensure concrete is cured correctly by following recommended curing times and techniques.
- Conduct regular moisture testing on concrete surfaces to identify the humidity levels.
- Apply a moisture-resistant sealant or coating like epoxy or polyurethane to prevent surface damage.
- Improve site drainage to direct water away from concrete surfaces.
Conclusion
A successful construction project is one that ensures maintaining its integrity and longevity. In the case of concrete flooring, it’s essential to understand the hidden threat of moisture and embrace the above-mentioned techniques to prevent the surface. Of course, proactive planning and expert support are essential for a safe and effective concrete flooring installation.
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