Construction professionals should indicate to the owner that a contractor can fix a moisture issue by placing a vapor retarder between the ground and concrete slab, particularly indoors. Although 6-mil poly was the standard choice for many years, it is now common to put a 10-mil barrier under parking-level slabs and increase that to 15- or 20-mil for habitable spaces. In addition, designers often recommend a fully waterproof membrane when moisture is under the slab. However, if the owner still sees evidence of moisture after the fix, it does not necessarily mean the retarder failed. Humid conditions can also cause wetness on concrete flooring when warm air condenses into colder surfaces.
Owners will appreciate knowing how long it will take to fix the concrete floors, especially if the affected area plays a significant role in their business operations. What amount of time must pass for the floor to cure properly and reduce the chances of complications later?
Construction professionals must bring up matters that may require the owner to change how it maintains or uses the concrete floors. Does the owner need to use different cleaning products or stop parking vehicles, such as semitrucks, on the concrete for extended periods? The more the owner knows before the repair or replacement occurs, the better position it will be in to ensure the restored floor’s longevity.
Taking a thorough approach
Whether professionals need to tackle challenges that occurred soon after installation or years later, they should always do so with a careful approach to investigate the issue and determine the root causes before planning the fix. However, it is also wise to take steps to prevent future problems with concrete floors.
To control possible issues before the contractor pours the slab, engineers must evaluate site preparation, soil compaction, and bearing strength and then slab thickness reinforcement measures, control joints—as to mitigation of temperature-related cracking—and building use.
Construction professionals must encourage owners to maintain quality control (QC) and hire those with the experience necessary to pour, finish, and cure the flooring and require them to have completed ongoing training. Construction professionals must be more specific in conversations with owners about those aspects that can make concrete floors fail after installation.
Keep in mind, the process for fixing current concrete flooring challenges and mitigating future ones can directly impact a company or professional’s reputation—which is why it is best to cover all the bases and help owners know what to specify and what to expect.
Notes
1 Read more about best practices for installing concrete floors, www.nfca.ca/free-resources/concrete-specification/.
2 See moisture issues in concrete floors,
www.buildings.com/sealants-coatings/article/ 10185704/signs-a-concrete-floor-has-moisture-issues.
3 For more information, read the benefits of polished concrete floors, www.dcpu1.com/blog/benefits-of-polished-concrete-floors/.
4 Learn how to repair cracks in concrete floors,
www.thespruce.com/how-to-repair-concrete-floors-1398172.
Author
These are the same considerations with issues we encounter when installing concrete driveways. The challenge is that the driveways obviously encounter much higher loads. But the challenges are very similar with flooring.