Like most materials, concrete interacts with everything around it. Factors like temperature and humidity have an impact on the internal moisture levels of concrete flooring, even if it has been sealed.
External moisture can cause major problems for the concrete inside and outside of your home. There are many sources of external moisture, so let’s take a look at a few of them.
Plumbing, appliances, and sprinklers can all cause excess moisture in a concrete slab. Any undetected leaks can cause serious moisture-related damage and can mix with temperature changes. If the water mixes with the temperature changes, it can cause the concrete to freeze or thaw. If the concrete were to freeze or thaw, it could eventually end up cracking or breaking. Always be on the lookout for undetected leaks as they can spring up anywhere, anytime.
When it rains heavily or when a lot of water piles up in a certain area, the liquid must be able to drain properly. If the drainage system you use isn’t working correctly, it can cause the water to pool or overflow and hurt the concrete. If you notice pools of water in your front yard, water in your garage, or puddles in your basement, reach out to your concrete floor coatings contractor immediately. They will be able to check to see if your concrete has been damaged. Remember that even if the floor has been coated, something could still happen. A floor coating is only as good as its adhesion to concrete (measured by PSI). The PSI measure at which concrete fractures is 400. Coatings at or above this level are considered to have optimal substrate adhesion.
If the temperature of your concrete and the surrounding air is significantly different, moisture can collect on the concrete and slowly absorb into the material. The moisture can lead to cracks and scaling in the slab surface, so do your best to make sure the temperatures are relatively the same. Keep an eye out for this issue especially in your home’s garage during the end of the warmer season.
Do you have concrete in your home? Make sure you’re keeping an eye out for unnecessary moisture as it can ruin the flooring. Regularly check for condensation, poor drainage, and leaking water sources.