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Concrete
moisture and alkalinity problems are the biggest obstacles
facing what would otherwise be successful flooring
installations on concrete slabs.
It is estimated that moisture and alkalinity related floor
covering failures amount to over a
billion dollars in the US each year in repair and replacement costs,
damages, and downtime.
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Photo
courtesy of PCA |
Some
of the problems and costs associated with installing
moisture-sensitive floor coverings and/or coatings over
a concrete subfloor with high moisture & alkalinity (pH) content
include:
•
Adhesive breakdown & re-emulsifications, debonding, oozing/bleeding
•
Flooring & underlayment expansion, peaking, curling, bubbling, gapping/seam
separation
•
Alkali attack, efflorescence, staining
•
Microbial growth, mold, mildew, fungi
•
Damage to fixtures, walls, ceilings
•
Indoor air quality (IAQ) and "sick building syndrome"
issues
•
Lost time and productivity of building staff
•
Downtime for repair and/or replacement of floor covering,
concrete subfloor and/or underlayment, and fixtures
•
Voiding of flooring and adhesive warranty
Some
of the reasons that the industry is seeing more flooring problems
today are related to: •
Fast-track construction, not allowing proper drying time before
flooring installation, other contractor and subcontractor
time issues •
Not properly testing for concrete moisture and alkali •
Building site is on less than optimal terrain; water table
levels •
Landscaping and drainage issues causing water intrusion •
Flooring type is not compatible with application •
Cost cutting in construction process, value engineering,
selecting lower performing adhesives •
Many adhesives are more sensitive to
moisture and pH due to changes in formulas that result in lower
VOC emissions. These indoor air
quality (IAQ) requirements come from the EPA, ASHRAE,
USGBC/LEED®, clients,
and other parties.
•
Lack of understanding of issues relating to the floor covering
or coating and installation of such by various parties involved
We
hope that this website will give you a greater understanding of
the factors relating to moisture and alkalinity issues with concrete
slabs along with the proper methods to test for them. This added
knowledge may help minimize moisture and alkalinity related flooring failures over concrete
surfaces when the appropriate preventive steps have been
implemented because you have the needed pre-installation information.
In this
section:
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